From banana breads to elaborate date night dinners, it’s no secret that many of us have been spending more time in our kitchens during lockdown. We took an extra 80m trips to the supermarket in March, after all. But is your kitchen as Instagram-friendly as your food?  You could have been dreaming of a revamp for years or may have only just discovered its flaws. Either way, if you’re one of those with extra spare time on their hands, now is the ideal time to start thinking about what your ideal cooking space might look like. Here are five steps to designing your perfect kitchen. 

Start with the big picture 

First think about whether the space itself works or if it would benefit from being redesigned or extended. This could involve knocking down a wall to create an open plan kitchen and dining room, for example. The decisions you make at this stage are crucial as they’re likely to have the most influence on how long the process takes and what it all costs. 

Assess your needs and routines 

Next, consider the ways you use the space now and how you hope to in future. You could be an avid foodie dreaming of high-tech cookers and separate preparation areas. Or perhaps your key focus is on entertaining – in which case an island and wine chiller wouldn’t go amiss. Draw up a list of your priorities to start working out how everything might come together. 

Collect inspiration 

With a rough idea of your ideal layout and features, now it’s time to start thinking about aesthetics. There are plenty of ways to start collecting design inspiration, from creating mood boards on Pinterest, to mining through Instagram, and requesting brochures. Do you have any friends that might want to help too? Consider whether you want to achieve a modern or traditional look, for example, then build from there. 

Consult a designer 

It’s always worth speaking to a professional to get their ideas – especially if you’re considering investing in a fitted kitchen. They’ll help you make the most of your space and suggest features and flourishes you might not have thought of. They might even send you back to step one – but that’s no bad thing. With such a significant investment it’s important to get it right. Many companies are currently offering virtual design visits, too. 

Choose finishing touches 

If you stick with one supplier, it can be easy for a newly installed kitchen to look like something out of a show home. Consider if there are any personal touches that could help yours feel more lived-in - like chairs for the kids or eye-catching glassware - and start to look around. Shopping vintage is an effective way to ensure your kitchen looks and feels unique. 

Can you picture yourself cooking up a storm in your brand-new kitchen?