9 Essential Kitchen Design Rules (2025)

The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home. It is a place where meals are prepared and shared with loved ones. When designing your kitchen, planning ahead is crucial for creating a space you love that is both stylish and functional.

This article will cover important kitchen design rules to help you design a spectacular space. In addition, we will share some Florida homes with various kitchen design ideas.

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Table of Contents

Designing Your Kitchen in a Few Simple Steps

The kitchen is the most important part of building a dream home for most homebuyers. It’s no wonder since the kitchen is the space we nourish our body and heart.

To help make the kitchen interior design an easier process, we will cover popular options for either a large kitchen or a small kitchen. In addition, this guide will assist you in being your own professional designer so you can create a great place for you to share meals. If you follow these guidelines, your new kitchen will have plenty of space for storage, food preparation, and even seating.

1) Identify The Best Color Scheme

The first step in designing a kitchen you love is to choose a color palette. This part may be tricky since there are so many colors and shades to choose from. However, using colors within the same color scheme as the rest of your home can provide a cohesive look.

A good rule of thumb is to consider your decorating style. For example, if you are going for a modern kitchen, then white and neutral colors are best. In contrast, if you are going for a farmhouse look, then colors like green and yellow will work beautifully.

Some homebuyers want all-white kitchens, others like dark cabinets to provide contrast, while others like neutral tones.

2) Entryway

The entryway to the kitchen is very important since it can provide a great first impression. Different homes have different layouts, so not all houses will have the kitchen sectioned off. Most new or remodeled homes today have an open floor plan, so the kitchen is exposed to the rest of the house.

However, if the kitchen is sectioned off, you can add an entry door. This door can be a sliding door, a barn door, or double doors. If you do not want there to be a door, you can have an open entryway that is either arched or angular, depending on the style.

3) Cabinets

Cabinets are very important since they provide sufficient storage space for all kitchen essentials. When choosing cabinets, you should consider the style, color, and material.

There are many different cabinet styles, including a traditional, modern, farmhouse, and more. Your style will be based on the overall look you want for your kitchen.

The color of your cabinets can also play a role in the design of your kitchen. You can go with a classic white, a bold black, or any color in between.

Cabinets are usually made from wood. However, other options include laminate, metal, and more.

Nowadays, the most popular cabinet doors are gray or white. Another popular combination is dark cabinets and white countertops.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider adding lower cabinets for additional storage.

modern kitchen design with oven installed in the cabinet space

4) Countertops

Countertops are a very important part of the kitchen. Not only do they provide a place to prepare food, but they also add beauty and style to the room.

There are many different materials that can be used for countertops, including granite, marble, quartz, and more. When choosing your ideal countertop, consider if you will be using it as a work surface for cooking. You want to ensure you have enough room to prepare what you love to cook while leaving space for any appliances. You can even add a breakfast bar if the space permits!

Some countertops that are a popular choice are granite and quartz counters. Quartz tends to be more durable and easier to keep clean. However, granite is in a lower price range.

You can add a kitchen island in the center of your kitchen for additional counter space. Kitchen islands are a great way to add an additional seating area while cooking provides a better environment for social gatherings. In addition, they also provide a different prep area if others are also cooking.

Lastly, keep textures and lines in mind when selecting countertops.

Modern Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen with kitchen island and open concept with dining room

Kitchen Island with cabinet details and decor

modern kitchen design with large kitchen island that has dark blue wood and white marble countertops

5) Backsplash

A backsplash can be a beautiful focal point in the kitchen. Not only does it protect the walls from grease and food splatters, but it also adds beauty and style to the room.

Many different materials can be used for backsplashes, including tile, stone, metal, and more. When choosing your ideal backsplash, consider the overall look you want for your kitchen.

Stone or tile backsplashes are a great choice for a more traditional kitchen. However, for a modern kitchen, metal or glass backsplashes are a popular choice.

Using patterned or textured tiles, you can also get creative with your backsplash. This is a great way to add some personality to your kitchen.

Those who still love white kitchen cabinets are sprucing up their spaces with backsplashes with a pop of color or different patterns. This adds visual interest to the brightness of the cabinets.

modern kitchen design with gas stovetop and tile backsplash

modern kitchen design with gas stovetop and aqua blue tile backsplash and dark cabinets

6) Flooring

Flooring, especially in Florida, needs special consideration. Not only does it need to complete the look of your kitchen, but it also needs to be durable.

In Florida homes, you want to share options that are going to last with water intrusion and are durable. Those are key factors because of the amount of foot traffic and potential hurricane or storm damages that may happen.

Some type of tile is always a good option because you can get it in so many colors, shapes, and sizes. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and clean. If you have pets or kids, tile is a great option since it won’t show scratches or stains as easily as other flooring options.

Another great option for flooring is luxury vinyl plank (LVP). This is a newer option on the market, but it’s quickly becoming a popular choice for Florida homeowners. LVP is water-resistant and can be installed over many different types of existing flooring. It’s also durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for families.

modern kitchen design with large kitchen island, wood tile flooring, and rustic lighting fixtures

7) Kitchen Hardware

One of the finishing touches is the kitchen hardware, including a matching sink whenever possible! Many homebuyers appreciate the large farmhouse sink, especially if they do a lot of cooking at home. This allows for enough room to wash food and dishes.

Kitchen hardware is a very important part of the kitchen. It’s what gives your kitchen its personality and style. There are many different types of kitchen hardware to choose from, so it’s important to select the right ones for your kitchen.

One popular choice for kitchen hardware is knobs. Knobs are a great way to add some personality to your kitchen. There are many different types of knobs to choose from, so you can find the perfect ones for your kitchen.

Another popular choice for kitchen hardware is pulls. Pulls are a great way to add some style to your kitchen. There are many different types of pulls to choose from, so you can find the perfect ones for your kitchen.

When choosing kitchen hardware, it’s important to choose the right finish. The most popular choices for kitchen hardware finishes are brass, bronze, and nickel.

Brass is a classic choice for kitchen hardware and has a timeless look. Bronze is a great choice for kitchen hardware if you want a more rustic look. Nickel is a great choice for kitchen hardware if you want a more modern look.

modern kitchen design with white cabinets and countertops with black appliances including kitchen sink

8) Kitchen Appliances

Appliances are a key part of the kitchen and play a major role in how the kitchen functions.

When choosing appliances, selecting appliances that fit your needs is important. If you’re a busy family, you’ll want high-quality and durable appliances. If you love to cook, you’ll want appliances that help you create the perfect meal.

When selecting appliances, it’s also important to consider the style of your kitchen. You’ll want to choose sleek, stainless steel appliances if you have a modern kitchen. If you have a traditional kitchen, you might want to choose white or black appliances.

Some of the most popular kitchen appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and microwaves.

luxury kitchen with Thermador stovetop and Electrolux double wall oven

9) Kitchen Decor

The final step and this one is the most fun! To complete the design, we shop for kitchen decor that matches the decorating style.

For a modern kitchen, we might choose abstract art, metal sculptures, and simple glass vases.

For a traditional kitchen, we might choose wooden cutting boards, ceramic plates, and copper pots.

For a beachy kitchen, we might choose seascape paintings, shells, and starfish.

No matter what your style, there are endless possibilities when it comes to kitchen decor.

kitchen decor and baking supplies on kitchen counter in modern kitchen

three jars labeled cookies, coffee, and tea on a kitchen countertop next to a houseplant

Bottom Line

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home and should be designed with care. There are many different aspects to consider when designing a kitchen, such as flooring, cabinets, hardware, appliances, and decor. By following these essential kitchen design rules, you can create a beautiful and functional kitchen that will meet your family’s needs.

If you’re looking for kitchen design inspiration, follow us on Pinterest. It’s a perfect place to start to see what is liked the most visually and allows you to see things in small doses.For more inspiration, check out some of my Story Pins on Pinterest: Black and White Modern Farmhouse, Modern Industrial Design, How to Add Blue to Your Decor, and Minimalist Design.

9 Essential Kitchen Design Rules for Florida Homes