Creating Your Kitchen Wish List
Planning a new kitchen is such an exciting step, but a little preparation goes a long way.
Having a clear idea of your priorities helps us design a space that not only looks beautiful but also works perfectly for your lifestyle.
At Paragon Designs, we love working closely with our clients to bring their vision to life – whether that’s transforming an existing kitchen, planning an extension, or starting completely fresh.
Before you sit down with one of our designers, here are some handy tips for putting together your own kitchen wish list.
Start by assessing your current kitchen
Grab a notepad and walk around your kitchen. Write down what you like and, more importantly, what frustrates you. Consider storage, layout, worktop space, and appliance positioning.
Do you have to fight with corner cupboards?
Is there enough room for recycling bins?
Do you have decent prep space and lighting where you need it most?
It’s also worth looking at the “working triangle” – the distance between your hob or oven, fridge, and sink. Ideally, these points should be close enough to move between easily, without feeling cramped. And don’t forget everyday tasks like loading the dishwasher or emptying the bin – are they convenient where they are now?
Spot what already works well
Not everything will need changing. Make a note of what’s already working for you – whether that’s the amount of worktop space, the position of your oven, or a particular cupboard you find especially handy.
Think back to kitchens you’ve admired, maybe at a friend’s house or while on holiday. Was it the lighting, the layout, or maybe a clever storage idea that made them a joy to use? Pinpointing these positives will help guide what you want to carry forward into your new space.
Dream a little – appliances and features
This is the fun part. What would really make a difference to your day-to-day life? Perhaps a boiling water tap for instant cups of tea, a venting hob that takes care of extraction, or a built-in coffee machine for your morning ritual. If you love entertaining, a wine cooler or extra oven might be high on the list. Jot everything down – big or small – and we’ll help you work out what fits best.
Think about how you’ll use the space
A kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore – it’s the heart of the home. Will yours be a hub for family meals, a place for children to do homework, or somewhere you can host friends with ease?
If space allows, you might want a central island with bar stools, or perhaps a more traditional dining table. Some people love adding a cosy seating area to make the kitchen double as a living space. The more we know about how you’ll use it, the better we can tailor the design to your lifestyle.
Keep maintenance in mind
While sleek handleless doors and seamless worktops can look stunning, they also have practical benefits when it comes to cleaning. Likewise, your choice of flooring can make a big difference in terms of upkeep.
If durability and easy maintenance are top priorities, let us know. We can guide you through materials and finishes that balance style with practicality, so your kitchen stays looking its best with minimal fuss.
Future-proof your design
It’s worth thinking ahead too. If you’re planning on staying in your home long-term or have multi-generational living in mind, small design decisions now can make life easier later. Features like pull-down shelving, push-to-open cupboards, or ovens at waist height can make the space more accessible for everyone.
Bringing it all together
A kitchen wish list is a brilliant starting point. It helps you get clear on what matters most, and it gives us valuable insight to shape a design that feels personal to you.
Whatever your style, budget, or practical needs, the Paragon Designs team is here to make your dream kitchen a reality. Why not start jotting down your ideas today – and when you’re ready, we’d love to chat them through with you.
