7 Questions to Ask Before Designing Your Dream Kitchen

Designing a new kitchen is an exciting opportunity to transform one of the most important rooms in your home. But before you start choosing colours, finishes or fittings, there are key questions worth asking to ensure the space works beautifully for your lifestyle.

At Urban Myth, we believe that great kitchen design starts with thoughtful planning. Peter Hill, Head of Sales, shares his expert advice on the most important things to consider before your first design consultation.

1. How Will You Use Your Kitchen?
Before diving into finishes and fittings, take time to think about how you want the space to function. Do you need a kitchen that works as a sociable hub for family dinners? Will you want a breakfast bar or dedicated dining area? Is a TV snug or homework zone on your wishlist?

Also, think practically, how many sinks will suit your routine? Do you need a waste disposal system? Where will items like outdoor shoes or the vacuum cleaner go? The answers to these questions shape the layout and ensure your kitchen is tailored to everyday life, not just aesthetic goals.

2. What’s Your Style?
Whether your taste leans towards sleek modern minimalism or classic elegance, it’s important to have a clear vision of the look you want to achieve. Start by gathering inspiration, online mood boards are a great way to clarify your preferences.

“When clients share a strong visual brief, it helps us create a space that reflects their personality and blends seamlessly with the rest of the home,” says Peter.

Understanding your preferred style also helps ensure the kitchen complements your home’s architecture and other interiors.

3. Which Surface Materials Are Right for You?
Flooring and worktops have a huge impact on both the functionality and visual appeal of your kitchen. These aren’t afterthoughts they’re central to the overall design.

Consider whether you want continuous flooring across an open-plan ground floor or a surface that defines the kitchen as a separate space. When it comes to worktops, think about durability, maintenance, and appearance. Whether it’s luxurious marble, practical quartz, or timeless solid wood, each material brings its own benefits.

Choosing surfaces early on allows your kitchen designer to integrate them seamlessly into the layout and colour scheme.

4. What Appliances Do You Need?
Modern kitchens offer a wide range of appliance choices, from eye-level ovens and range cookers to wine fridges, steam ovens, and integrated coffee machines. At this stage, think about your cooking habits and lifestyle.

Would you prefer an American-style fridge freezer or hidden integrated appliances for a streamlined look? Do you need a hob on the island for sociable cooking, or would you rather keep the worktop clear for serving and conversation?

Your choices here can influence everything from cabinetry to lighting and layout, so it’s helpful to define your appliance needs early.

5. Are You Planning Any Other Work?
Your kitchen isn’t just about cabinets and countertops, it’s a complete space that may need updates to plumbing, electrics, lighting and more. In fact, these behind-the-scenes elements often represent a significant portion of the overall investment.

“It’s essential to plan for the full scope of the project, including potential structural changes like moving doors or knocking through walls,” explains Peter. “It’s amazing how much better a kitchen can function with just a small layout change.”

Factoring in the full picture from the start avoids surprises later and helps you plan your timeline and budget more accurately.

6. What’s Your Budget?
Being upfront about your budget helps your designer create a solution that’s both inspiring and achievable. It’s not about limiting creativity, it’s about finding the smartest way to allocate your investment.

“Knowing the budget early on allows us to suggest where to prioritise spend and where to save,” says Peter. “It’s always a collaborative process, and we work closely with each client to deliver maximum value at every level.”

A realistic budget discussion also prevents delays and ensures you’re comparing accurate quotes when making decisions.

7. What Will Make It Uniquely Yours?
Ultimately, the most successful kitchen designs are those that reflect the people who use them. What would make the space feel truly yours? Is it a place for entertaining? A peaceful morning coffee spot? A family zone where everything happens?

At Urban Myth, we see every kitchen as a unique project. By asking the right questions and listening to your ideas, we help bring your vision to life—creating a space that’s not only beautiful but also deeply personal.

Planning a kitchen that works for your lifestyle starts with the right guidance. Contact Urban Myth today to book your free design consultation.