How to Design Your Dream Kitchen: An Honest and Practical Guide

Home Solutions
May 22
3 min read

Planning a new kitchen can seem like a huge task — and sometimes it is. But it can also be a light, enlightening, and even exciting process when done right.

I'm married, 26 years old, have a degree in civil engineering and am passionate about well-designed spaces that combine aesthetics, functionality and... reality. I believe that you don't need to spend a lot to have quality, and that alignment between expectations and budget is everything .

I am writing this article based on my professional and personal experience. I want to share with you what I have learned — in a simple and honest way — because I know that there is a lot that can be achieved with good planning and informed decisions.

1. 🎯 Think about your lifestyle, not just your kitchen style

Before saving beautiful photos to Pinterest, think:

How many people use the kitchen on a daily basis?
Do you like cooking or do you prefer something more practical and quick?
Do you often receive friends/family?

The answers to these questions help define the format, materials, furniture layout and even appliances . Aesthetics come later, like the cherry on top.

2. ✨ Choose finishes that match your routine

The most expensive material is not always the most durable. For example: 👉 Lacquered finishes are beautiful, but they can be difficult to maintain and repair. When a scratch appears (and they will...), the problem arises. Simpler options, such as melamine coating (very common) or good quality thermolaminate, are more resistant to daily use and much easier to care for.

The important thing is that the material works for you , and not just to impress in the photo.

3. 📐 Height and ergonomics matter – a lot!

I've seen beautiful but uncomfortable kitchens. The height of the countertops, the depth of the cabinets and even the distance between work areas must be planned for the person using the space.

Personal tip: if you are taller than 1.70 m, it is worth adjusting the height of the countertops. A custom-made kitchen should be made to your specifications .

4. 💡 Plan the installations from the beginning

The technical part isn't always the most exciting — but it's the most critical.

Have you ever stopped to think about how many household appliances you use on a daily basis?

Coffee machine
Toaster, Sandwich grill and/or Air fryer
LED strip under cabinets
Sockets for chargers, among others...

All of these points need to be considered from the beginning, so that they are integrated into the project and do not cause problems later on.

When you plan with us at Home Solutions , we ensure that everything is thought of in an integrated manner: electricity, plumbing, lighting and furniture, all with the same team. This is the advantage of a turnkey solution, tailored to your needs.

5. 🌐 Use the internet to your advantage – and with a filter

There is a lot of information and inspiration online these days — which is great. But be careful with “quick” solutions or ready-made kits that don’t take your real needs into account. Mass-produced kitchens, without technical support, can end up costing you dearly in the long run: lack of durability, poor ergonomics, non-existent after-sales service... Another essential thing to consider is aligning expectations, especially in relation to your budget. It’s easy to fall in love with kitchens in magazines or videos of miraculous renovations online. But what you see on the screen doesn’t always correspond to the real costs of materials, installations and labor. Sometimes, spending more doesn’t guarantee more quality — and spending wisely is always the best strategy.

The secret? Be honest about what you need, what you can afford and what you’re willing to compromise on. A good kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive. It has to be realistic, functional and tailored to you.

Look for real references, read reviews, and trust professionals who are willing to listen to who you are and what you need .

In short and in conclusion: The kitchen is not just a beautiful space. It is where we cook, share meals, talk and LIVE. It sustains the family routine — at least, that is how it is in my house.

So, when you decide to renovate your kitchen, do it calmly, with guidance and clarity. A good kitchen is not the most expensive — it is the one that makes sense for those who use it.

At Home Solutions , we work on this principle: listen, adapt, plan and deliver quality. No complications. No false promises. Just results that work and last.

📣 Ready to plan your new kitchen?

➡️ Request your free quote now or schedule a technical visit with our team. Together, let's create a kitchen made for you.