If you find yourself admiring kitchen projects by interior designers and wondering how to create that same look in your own space, you're not alone. There's always something that sets them apart from the average kitchen – but what's the secret?
Aside from the fact that they've been designed by an expert, there are subtle details that have a big impact – and they're the things we can all introduce to our own kitchen ideas, according to designer Shea McGee.
In a recent Studio McGee blog post, she shared her five top tips to make a kitchen feel designer. And while they are all super helpful and great advice, there were three that really stood out as the most valuable tips.
1. Get clever with the layout
Your kitchen layout is the foundation of any design. It ensures optimum flow and function and creates a visually pleasing scheme, and Shea has highlighted this in her tips.
Her example focuses on open-plan kitchens, designing a space that looks sleek and cohesive from the living space using a pocket door leading to the pantry. But this tip extends further and can be incorporated into any style and layout.
Another thing to consider is integrated appliances for a seamless finish and also where you install an island, cooker, and sink for a tidy, smooth aesthetic. It's about balancing functional aspects with more style-focused requirements.
2. Create dedicated space for decor
There's been a real surge in people wanting to introduce more decorative pieces to their kitchens for a more characterful, lived-in feel. And in Shea's tips, she talks about creating dedicated spaces for decor through open shelving and glass-fronted kitchen cabinetry.
Making space for these more personalized features not only adds character to your space, but takes your kitchen from purely functional to somewhere to spend time, host, and enjoy quality time.
In small kitchens, there might not be the space for shelves or cabinets dedicated to decor, so instead, why not fill your empty walls with beautiful artwork, or transform an unused corner into a stylish kitchen vignette? It's all about being creative and finding the balance between function and visual appeal.
A pitcher is the perfect piece to display on kitchen shelving. It adds height and interest without feeling out of place. This design is simple and elegant, perfect for plenty of design styles.
If you're focusing on kitchen wall decor, artwork is the perfect choice. A landscape like this design is utterly timeless and offers an effective and accessible way to bring the outdoors in.
A tray like this one is a versatile piece in a kitchen. It can be displayed on open shelving, used as the base of a curated vignette, or used as a table centerpiece when hosting.
3. Add unique details
If you're wondering how to make a kitchen more unique, Shea says it's all about the details. Making a kitchen look designer means going beyond the features you'd find in a standard kitchen and considering ways to add unexpected, one-of-a-kind details.
In her blog, she focuses on the oval window she added to one of her Studio McGee kitchen projects – something you can consider while in the planning stages. However, if bigger changes are out of the question, there are plenty of easier ways to bring in unique design features.
An unexpected kitchen island shape, tile mural, or even a custom range hood can set your design apart and give it a more bespoke look and feel. Archways continue to feel on-trend and can be a unique way to create zones in a multifunctional kitchen.
Making your kitchen look more designer is all about focusing on the details and extending the design to create a more bespoke, unique finish. From decor to layout and even one-of-a-kind features, Shea's advice is the perfect place to start.
