When it comes to designing the kitchen, the appliances should never be an afterthought. They need to work within the planned layout and space available, as they are an integral part of any design. It’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics, but practicality and placement of the appliances are key. Appliances are investment items, so it’s worth taking the time to plan carefully. The right appliances can blend a stylish, functional kitchen with your family and lifestyle.
With so many styles, features, quality and technology options available, choosing kitchen appliances for your new kitchen remodel can be overwhelming; however, they all work within each kitchen design. Whether you are opting for a more traditional home or a modern industrial feel, each finish will work within the style.
Here at The Handmade Kitchen Company, we source from award-winning companies such as Sub-Zero & Wolf, with many of our clients opting for these in their handmade kitchens.
How to Choose Kitchen Appliances as Part of the Design
The key is to plan appliances at the design stage, not after. In practice that means five decisions: the layout and the working ‘kitchen triangle’ between sink, hob and fridge; whether to go freestanding or built-in; how the island earns its keep; whether a utility room can take the noisier machines; and the finish that ties everything together. We work through each one with you so the appliances feel built into the room rather than dropped into it.
Designing the Appliance Layout
Whether you are working with an existing kitchen layout or creating your dream kitchen as part of a new construction project, the layout of your kitchen will reveal a great deal about the appliances you’ll need to purchase. Consider how you will use your kitchen and the flow of traffic through the space to adjoining rooms.
The ‘kitchen triangle’ is an iconic kitchen layout which has remained a design favourite. It connects the three main work areas: the sink, the hob, and the fridge. The aim is to ensure that the three appliances are unblocked, have easy access, and are within good reach of one another. Each section will be at a point, so if you drew lines, it would make a triangular shape. U-shaped kitchens are the easiest to design a ‘kitchen triangle’ in, as they allow for each appliance to be placed on all sides of the kitchen. In contrast, galley kitchens and those with islands can be adapted to create a similar flow.
Repurposing the AGA from all gas to all-electric, this quintessential country feature is framed with bespoke cabinetry and an exposed brick wall, making the cooking area a focal point. Adjacent to this is the freestanding cabinetry of integrated cold storage appliances from Samsung and Liebherr.
Will You Choose Freestanding or Built-in?
If your space allows, freestanding range cookers are a timeless choice. They are functional appliances and provide a striking focal point. Many homeowners opt for built-in ovens, hobs, and microwaves, which integrate seamlessly into the cabinetry to bring a more streamlined appearance.
A built-in microwave can create more flexibility within the design, especially if you are limited on worktop space. Place it above or directly next to the oven to create a wonderful bank of appliances, truly optimising the space and usability.
Fridge-freezers are one of the biggest appliances to add to your kitchen, so you need to consider how much space you have available as well as how big it needs to be to suit your lifestyle. You will also need to allow space for ventilation at either side of the appliance to keep it working at its best.
The robust body of the impressive 1219mm Wolf Dual Fuel Range reflects the industrial elegance seen throughout the space of this beautiful Little Hadham home. A well-designed, arranged setup combines aesthetic harmony with culinary capability that chefs love, creating unforgettable meals and a stunning piece to admire.
Our client at the Chalfont St Giles project enjoys a culinary challenge and opted for a whole suite of professional-quality appliances. The main kitchen run features a striking focal point, the Wolf 1216mm Sealed Burner Range Top, perfectly framed by a symmetrical layout of Siemens appliance banks on either side.
Use Your Kitchen Island in Different Ways
The kitchen island is known for being a very multi-functional piece of furniture; it sits in the centre and is designed for seating, prepping or housing appliances.
Integrating appliances into your island makes the space more efficient and sociable. It could be anything from the sink and hob to wine coolers and dishwashers. Adding a built-in wine cooler is the ideal addition for entertaining guests and unwinding after a long day.
At The Handmade Kitchen Company, we even design custom integrated chopping boards and clever storage solutions to make every corner and inch of your island truly bespoke.
Working with a large space, we had the opportunity to create an island packed full of features and practical solutions. We broke up the straight lines by incorporating a curved pedestal table that sits higher than the island, so the chef can become part of the conversation while cooking at the hob, and the wine can be selected from the integrated wine fridge.
Do You Have Space for a Utility Room?
A separate utility room can house your washing machine and tumble dryer in a side-by-side layout or stacked design. It frees up the space in your main kitchen and keeps noise and clutter out of sight. They are normally adjacent to the kitchen or hidden behind a secret door and passageway.
Even a small area or converted downstairs cloakroom can be transformed into a practical utility space, a discreet yet essential addition to a busy home.
Behind this row of cabinetry, a secret passageway leads to a functional utility room. With just a simple push of the cabinet doors, a harmonious extension of the kitchen is revealed with eye-level, side-by-side Fisher & Paykel appliances and an organised utility room. The idea of pull-out shelves under the appliances makes chores an easy task; there’s no more bending.
At The Handmade Kitchen Company, we believe every corner in your home deserves a touch of exquisite craftsmanship, and that’s why we design utility rooms that beautifully coexist with the kitchen.
Choosing the Appliance Finish
There are so many appliance finishes to choose from, and it can be a little overwhelming. A gloss black has proven to be popular in kitchens today, adding a chic touch to your space and looking great with nickel or brass hardware. Stainless steel has been the go-to choice for many years now and for good reason. From traditional to modern spaces, a stainless steel finish works with a variety of styles. It blends beautifully with wooden floors, light worktops and other stainless steel appliances.
Also, coloured appliances have a specific look and aren’t for everyone, but they certainly add personality. Choose bold tones like red or cobalt for a statement piece, or go retro with cream or mint green. To complete the look, coordinate smaller appliances, such as kettles, mixers and toasters, for a cohesive design.
Amongst the three colours in this bespoke handmade kitchen, a sage Everhot cast iron range cooker has been chosen for its traditional design and takes pride of place.
Choosing Kitchen Appliances FAQs
When should I choose my kitchen appliances?
At the design stage, before the cabinetry is finalised. Appliances dictate the layout, the ventilation, the worktop runs and the power and plumbing positions, so choosing them early means they sit within the design rather than being squeezed in afterwards.
What is the kitchen triangle?
The kitchen triangle is the classic layout principle that connects the three main work areas, the sink, the hob and the fridge, so they are unblocked and within easy reach of one another. U-shaped kitchens suit it most naturally, while galley kitchens and island layouts can be adapted to create a similar flow.
Should I choose freestanding or built-in appliances?
Both work; it depends on the look and the space. A freestanding range cooker makes a timeless focal point, while built-in ovens, hobs and microwaves integrate into the cabinetry for a streamlined finish. Many kitchens combine the two, with a statement range alongside built-in banks of ovens.
Which appliance finish is best?
Stainless steel is the most versatile and works across traditional and modern kitchens, gloss black looks striking with nickel or brass hardware, and coloured appliances add personality for those who want a statement. The right finish is the one that coordinates with your worktops, flooring and hardware.
Where does Handmade Kitchen Company design appliance-led kitchens?
We design and hand-build bespoke kitchens from our workshop in Hertfordshire, for clients across Essex, Hertfordshire and North London, sourcing appliances from brands such as Sub-Zero & Wolf, Wolf, Fisher & Paykel, Siemens and Everhot. Recent projects include Great Eversden, Nazeing, Little Hadham, Chalfont St Giles, Welwyn Garden City and Stebbing.
Related blogs:
Refresh Your Wolf Appliances With The New Brass Knobs: Small Details, Big Impact
Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party with Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliances
What Makes an Ideal Kitchen in Our Eyes
When you’re designing your luxury handmade kitchen, think of your appliances as part of the story, not just supporting characters. Making the right choices brings balance between functionality, beauty and everyday living. From statement cooking ranges to appliance banks, every detail should enhance how you live and entertain.
Contact us today for more information on how we can work closely with you to balance aesthetics, function and flow. We look forward to hearing your ideas and helping you bring your dream kitchen to life.
