How to Design a Kitchen That Works for You: Expert Tips From Designer Marilyn LaVergne

Before diving into materials or backsplash samples, Marilyn encourages clients to zoom out and focus on how the kitchen is actually used. Every kitchen should begin with thoughtful planning—how you move in the space, who’s using it, and what kind of experience you want to create.

Start with the layout. Whether you're working with a galley kitchen, U-shape, or open floor plan, each decision should support how the space functions—cooking, cleaning, gathering, and storage. If you're collaborating with a kitchen designer, they can help you make the most of what you have while refining your vision.

Budget matters, too. Kitchen remodel cost can range widely depending on materials, square footage, and whether you're doing a full gut renovation or just updating finishes. Kitchen remodeling cost can be quite an investment, so understanding your needs help you prioritize what matters most.

Kitchen renovation costs may include cabinetry, flooring, appliances, lighting, and labor—so it’s helpful to allocate a buffer for unexpected changes along the way. Planning for your kitchen remodel and cost upfront keeps you grounded when decisions start piling up. If you're wondering how much a kitchen remodel costs, it's best to plan for a range, then fine-tune based on your goals.

No matter the footprint, Marilyn says that every kitchen should deliver on four core values: ease of use, ample storage, durability, and style. These principles apply to every layout—from open-concept kitchen designs to tight urban condos. If you're looking for small kitchen design ideas, start with function, then layer in style.

“First, I consider who will be using the kitchen and how,” Marilyn says. “So, if you’re making a modest breakfast for two or a huge holiday feast, you must have at least 12 to 18 inches of workable space.” In larger layouts, keep the key stations—sink, stove, fridge—within 4 feet of each other to prevent unnecessary back-and-forth.

“Next, I urge clients to invest in quality cabinetry,” Marilyn advises. Solid plywood or engineered synthetics with soft-close drawers and adjustable shelves offer both function and polish. “Base or floor cabinets should have a combination of deep shelving and full extension drawers with soft close dampers. Add rollout trays for easy access,” she adds.

In small kitchen designs, wall-mounted pegboards, tall pantries, and open shelving are smart space savers. Go as tall as your ceiling allows—it gives you more room and a more custom look. For a modest size kitchen, on the other hand, Marilyn suggests hanging kitchen tools and cookpots vertically on a wall-mounted peg board.

High-traffic areas like the kitchen need materials that hold up. “The kitchen is the hardest working space in your home, so insist on durability with every decision,” suggests Marilyn. Her go-to picks include stone, ceramic, porcelain, or luxury vinyl tile for floors, and granite, quartz, or concrete for countertops. “These surfaces endure heavy traffic, so be sure they’re made of sturdy materials.”

Smart appliances are no longer a splurge—they’re part of modern kitchen design. “Oven ranges now come with Google-powered control panels that make cooking remarkably convenient. Inside new refrigerators, large or small, you can digitally program the temperature of up to six separate areas to maintain freshness of produce, meats, cheese, beverages, and frozen foods. It’s easier to keep the kitchen clean with a dishwasher on duty,” says Marilyn. 

For large kitchens, she recommends dual dishwashers if you entertain often. For smaller kitchens, an 18-inch compact dishwasher saves space without sacrificing function.

Marilyn believes that your kitchen should be treated as you would other spaces in your home—not just an afterthought. “Start by maintaining the architectural integrity of the home,” she says. In a historic home, try raised-panel cabinetry and warm, traditional hues. In a modern build, lean into slab doors and cool neutrals for a more minimal look.

Color is one of her favorite tools for adding personality. Bring in your signature shade through backsplash tile, wallpaper, window treatments, or painted walls, and don’t be afraid to display objects that mean something to you. One project that stands out? A client’s daughter had made dozens of ceramics in high school—vases, bowls, plates—but they’d been packed away in the basement for years. “One afternoon, with the kitchen under construction, we unpacked these forgotten treasures and selected pieces that complemented the new kitchen’s blue and white palette,” she shares. “Positioned on floating white shelves around the banquette, these beautiful pieces now bring a museum-like feeling to the dining area.”

Looking for more personal ways to approach your space? Kitchen renovation ideas that include heirlooms, handmade art, or bold tile work can set your space apart.

When it comes to making a kitchen feel one-of-a-kind, Marilyn loves playing with material and texture. She encourages home decorators to step away from the basics and find unique pieces that stand out in both function and form. A painter’s drop cloth can become a table runner. Indigo fabric from West Africa? That’s your new placemat.

“Include handmade ceramic serving bowls, platters, or vases for dining decor that expresses your personality and inspires conversation,” she shares. “Fabrics and ceramics bring rich color, bold graphic design, and intriguing texture to the dining experience for you and your guests.” Some of her favorite accents come from Zimbabwean ceramic collections and Ethiopian cotton napkins—pieces available at 54kibo that combine heritage with high design.

If you’re working with limited space, small kitchen ideas like wall-mounted shelving and multifunctional pieces can make a big impact. And for larger kitchens, explore kitchen island ideas that allow you to gather, prep, and serve in one centralized zone.

Good kitchen design is a reflection of how you live. For Marilyn, every kitchen remodeling project begins with smart planning and ends with personal touches that can’t be duplicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much kitchen renovation costs, but the investment is always worth it when the result supports your daily rhythm and brings you joy.

Whether you’re just collecting kitchen remodeling ideas or preparing for a full kitchen remodel, trust your instincts. Collect materials that inspire you. Prioritize the pieces that matter. And lean into kitchen ideas that reflect not just trends—but your personality, your culture, and your way of life.