The Hidden Heroes of a Great Kitchen

The Most Overlooked Details in Kitchen Design

When it comes to kitchen design, we often focus on the big-ticket items: cabinetry, worktops, layout and appliances. But it’s the details, the subtle, thoughtful elements, that take a kitchen from good to great. And more often than not, these are the things that get overlooked in the early planning stages.

Here are some of the most commonly missed (yet hugely impactful) details in kitchen design and how to get them right.

1. Plug Socket Placement

You’d be amazed how often sockets are treated as an afterthought. Poorly placed outlets can disrupt the flow of a beautiful splashback or make using your appliances a daily frustration.

How to get it right? Plan your plug sockets around how you use the space. Think about where you’ll charge devices, plug in small appliances, or use the kettle. Consider integrated pop-up sockets in islands or USB outlets in drawers for a sleek, functional finish.

Bonus Tip - Don’t forget to include sockets inside cabinets! There are more than a few appliances that are not as aesthetically pleasing (hello air fryer). So, make sure you add some sockets inside cabinets, so you can hide them away from view but still use them when you need.

2. Layered Lighting (Not Just Pretty Pendants)

Pendants look beautiful over an island, but they won’t cut it when you're chopping veg in the evening light. Many kitchens suffer from shadows in the wrong places and poor lighting can literally be painful in kitchen design.

How to get it right? Layer your lighting. Combine overhead pendants with under cabinet lighting to illuminate prep zones. Warm LEDs under shelves or inside cabinetry can add depth and ambience, too. Also consider dimmer spotlights. You might want to have it as bright as possible during cooking, but then want a cosier and warmer feel whilst you are eating.

Bonus Tip – Don’t overlook a lamp. I know this is not traditionally associated with the kitchen, but a well placed lamp can add texture and personality to your space.

3. Handles, Hinges & Hardware

Handles can feel like a small decision, but they drastically influence the look and feel of your kitchen. The same goes for hinges and drawer runners, especially in high-use areas. If you are adding 20+ of anything into a room, it is going to make an impact, so make sure that your handles make the impact that you want!

How to get it right? Choose hardware that complements your cabinetry and feels good to the touch. Soft-close drawers, integrated pulls, or solid brass handles can elevate even the simplest design. If you’re going handleless, test how it feels day-to-day before committing.

Bonus Tip - Often simply changing up your handles can reinvigorate your kitchen and make it look less dates at a fraction of the cost of a complete redesign.

4. Bin Storage

We get it, bins aren’t sexy. But nothing ruins a sleek kitchen faster than a freestanding bin stuck at the end of an island.

How to get it right? Integrate your bin into a pull-out cupboard near the prep or sink area. Better still, opt for a system with compartments for recycling and composting. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

Bonus Tip – if your kitchen is on the smaller side and this doesn’t sound achievable, switch things around! There are lots of things that can be put out on display (once housed in a gorgeous container) that can free up important cupboard space for uglier items like the bin.

5. Internal Cabinet Organisation

It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of your cabinet doors, but what’s inside matters just as much. Poorly planned storage leads to cluttered worktops and chaos behind closed doors.

How to get it right? Add internal pull-outs, dividers, spice racks, and tray slots at the design stage. Deep drawers for pots, slim pull-outs for oils, and tall larders with lighting can make your kitchen work harder without taking up extra space.

6. Kickboard Style & Colour

Kickboards (the space under your cabinets) are often left until last, but they impact the whole aesthetic. A mismatched or cheap-looking kickboard can undermine beautiful cabinetry.

How to get it right? Opt for a recessed kickboard in the same finish as your cabinetry for a clean, seamless look or go bold with a contrast colour or brushed metal for something more architectural.

Bonus Tip – Updating your kickboards in an older kitchen can be a great way to bring a more contemporary feel to the space. Adding textured/reeded kickboards or even a metal finish can make the whole space feel completely different at a fraction of the cost.

7. Ventilation and Extraction

A beautiful hob deserves an equally beautiful (and effective) extraction. But clunky extractors or inadequate ventilation can spoil both form and function.

How to get it right? Choose a discreet, built-in extractor or a statement hood that complements your style. In open-plan kitchens, downdraft or ceiling-integrated options keep sightlines clean while managing cooking smells effectively.

In great kitchen design, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. At Maché Interiors, we believe the devils in the detail—and we love sweating the small stuff so you don’t have to.