When Good Design Makes Life Easier: Maximising Space and Time in Your Family Kitchen

Maximising space is often the first thing people think about when planning a kitchen - how to fit everything in, make it work for family life, and keep it from feeling crowded. Thoughtful design turns these worries into solutions: layouts that flow naturally, simple intuitive storage and bespoke details that make everyday life feel manageable.

We spoke with Matt, founder and head designer at bread. from the studio based in Gloucestershire, about how good design can save space, adapt to the needs of a growing family and support the little moments that make a home feel like home.

“A good layout is where everything begins,” Matt explains. “It’s not just about where things fit but how you move through the space - how you cook, clean, talk and live in it. In a small kitchen, every work surface should remain uncluttered and have a purpose, keeping essentials within easy reach and making the most of the space. In a larger kitchen, you can create zones for cooking, prepping and socialising. A central island may become the hub for chopping and chatting, while a breakfast nook can give the family a place to gather - all without feeling crowded.”

Clear worktops and well-organised shelving, rather than cabinets, help a small family kitchen feel more open and inviting.

Practical, bespoke storage is a key element.

“Families change, routines shift and your kitchen should be able to adapt. Internal pantry drawers, bespoke larders, or even a breakfast bar that keeps the toaster off the main work surface - these small thoughtful touches make the kitchen intuitive. Spaces that remain calm and functional help the kitchen keep up with day-to-day family life.”

Matt believes kitchen design should be of heirloom quality.

“The goal is to create spaces that - as well as being functional today - will continue to serve families for years to come. Your kitchen should support the way you live, making room for the little habits that matter most.”

Pots and pans find their place with ease. The kettle settles back on its perch. Surfaces wipe clean in seconds. It’s the small details that set the tone for how a kitchen functions and how you feel within it.