A well-designed kitchen supports the natural flow of your home—physically and emotionally. This post explores open vs. closed layouts, storage strategies, lighting plans, and personalized tips to create a kitchen that functions beautifully and reflects how you live, making it ideal for homeowners planning a remodel or new build in Duluth, MN, and beyond.
Looking for kitchen design ideas that improve how your home functions? This guide from our design team at Hemma Living covers layout, lighting, storage, and personal style to help you design a kitchen that genuinely supports your everyday life.
At Hemma Living, we know that a beautiful kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s the center of your daily rhythm. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning, helping with homework in the afternoon, or hosting friends in the evening, your kitchen plays a quiet yet powerful role in how you navigate your home.
In fact, your kitchen layout and design directly shape the flow of your entire space, affecting everything from traffic patterns to connections with nearby rooms. Thoughtful kitchen interior design can create a sense of ease, comfort, and togetherness that carries into every corner of your home.
Open vs. Closed Layouts: What Works for You?
One of the first design decisions that impacts flow is the kitchen layout. Some homeowners love the airy, open feeling of an open-concept kitchen, where there’s a seamless transition between the kitchen and adjacent spaces, such as the dining or living room. These layouts invite conversation, increase natural light, and make entertaining feel effortless.
Others prefer the structure of a closed-concept kitchen, where walls create separation, privacy, and more defined zones. This setup can help contain mess, reduce noise, and offer additional wall space for cabinets or decor.
There’s no right answer—only the right fit for your life. At Hemma Living, we help clients like you explore how each option supports their routines, space, and long-term needs.
Explore our Kitchen Design Services →
Designing for Flow: Beyond the Kitchen Triangle
If you’ve heard of the “kitchen triangle,” you know the concept: place the sink, stove, and fridge at three points of a triangle to reduce steps and maximize efficiency. It’s a solid starting point, but for most modern households, it’s not the whole picture.
Today’s kitchens often feature coffee bars, baking zones, island prep areas, or space for multiple cooks. That’s why we design around real ways people use their kitchens, whether that means incorporating multiple work zones or making room for kids to do homework at the island while dinner simmers on the stove.
We’re especially mindful of layout in small kitchen designs—where every square foot counts—and in larger kitchens, where the goal is to reduce unnecessary movement.
Lighting, Storage, and Style: The Unsung Heroes of Good Flow
Once your layout is dialed in, it’s time to think about the details that support daily life:
- Lighting: Layered lighting (task, ambient, and accent) ensures that prep areas are bright and comfortable while also setting the mood for evening gatherings. Consider automated window treatments that adjust with the sun’s movement to help protect finishes and furniture while supporting circadian rhythms and energy efficiency.
- Storage: Smart solutions, such as deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and hidden storage, help keep surfaces clear and traffic flowing.
- Visual Cohesion: When your kitchen shares colors, materials, or design elements with nearby rooms, the transition feels natural. You can still make the kitchen a statement—just with more intention.
Kitchen Design Tips for a Home That Flows
At Hemma Living, we believe your kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. Whether you’re remodeling a small kitchen or starting fresh with a modern kitchen design in Duluth, MN, and beyond, thoughtful choices in layout, lighting, and storage can transform the way your home feels.
Here are a few guiding principles to help your kitchen support a better flow throughout your space:
- Prioritize a Layout That Reflects You
Every kitchen tells a different story. If your mornings involve getting kids out the door or prepping meals with your partner, your layout should support that rhythm.- Open layouts help small kitchens feel spacious and welcoming.
- Closed or semi-enclosed kitchens can create a quieter, more structured zone that’s ideal for frequent cooks or entertainers who prefer separation.
- Whether you’re drawn to an island-centered design or an L-shaped layout with clearly defined work zones, our design process starts with your lifestyle—not just a floor plan.
- Keep Walkways Clear and Comfortable
One of the most significant factors in kitchen functionality is the space to move around.- Aim for at least 42–48 inches of clearance between surfaces.
- Keep large appliances out of natural traffic paths. A well-planned layout reduces bottlenecks and makes everyday tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and gathering, more enjoyable.
- Layer Natural and Artificial Light
In climates like Northern Minnesota & Wisconsin, lighting is especially important for both mood and function.- Maximize existing natural light from windows and doors.
- Then layer in task lighting (such as under-cabinet lighting), ambient lighting (like ceiling or recessed lights), and decorative fixtures (like pendants) to create balance and comfort.
- Consider automated window treatments that adjust with the sun’s movement to help protect your finishes and furniture while supporting your circadian rhythms and energy efficiency. A thoughtful lighting plan brings clarity to your daily tasks and warmth to your home, regardless of the season or time of day.
- Maximize Smart Storage Without Compromising Style
In compact kitchens, every inch counts, and we’ve seen (and used) some incredibly clever solutions that make the most of small spaces without feeling cluttered. Efficient storage is key to keeping your kitchen flowing.- Think vertical: ceiling-high cabinets, slim pull-outs, and built-in spice niches.
- In larger homes, consider islands with hidden drawers, custom inserts, or walk-in pantry nooks. At Hemma Living, we design storage that fits the way you actually use your kitchen so surfaces stay clear, tools are easy to find, and the space still feels like you.
- Create Room to Connect
Your kitchen is more than a workspace—it’s a gathering place.- A breakfast bar can double as a prep zone in a smaller layout.
- A built-in bench or seating nook encourages conversation while meals come together. Whatever the size of your home, the right design invites people in without getting in the way.
- Let Your Personality Shine
Your kitchen can echo the rest of your home or stand apart as its own visual moment.- Stick to a consistent color palette for cohesion, or introduce a contrasting tone for interest.
- Natural materials and timeless finishes add warmth and longevity while leaving room for personality.
At Hemma Living, we understand the principles behind what makes a kitchen work. But great design isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about balance, creativity, and intention. When it comes time to make choices that push the envelope, we’ll help you decide which guidelines to follow and which ones you can confidently bend to make the space feel truly yours.
Let’s Design a Kitchen That Moves With You
Whether you’re exploring a new kitchen design in Duluth, MN, or refreshing the heart of your home, our team at Hemma Living is here to help. We create kitchens that feel connected, efficient, and entirely your own.
Call us at (218) 729-2707 or contact us online to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between an open and closed kitchen layout?
It depends on how you live. Open layouts offer connection and flow, while closed kitchens provide more separation, storage, and privacy. At Hemma Living, we help clients weigh those options based on their space, habits, and preferences.
What’s the best lighting setup for a kitchen in a northern climate?
Layered lighting is essential—think task lighting for prep zones, ambient lighting for overall brightness, and decorative fixtures for warmth. Automated window treatments can also help regulate natural light and protect finishes.
Do you offer kitchen design services outside of Duluth, MN?
You bet! We work with clients across the region and occasionally offer remote design services to those who value our thoughtful and tailored approach. If you’re outside of Duluth, reach out, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit.
