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104. 9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen episode artwork

Feb 18, 2026 15 min

104. 9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen

from The Before You Build Podcast Hosted by Caroline On Design

After living in my custom home for 12+ years, I've learned exactly what makes a kitchen truly functional versus just pretty. In this episode, I'm sharing 9 tips for designing a functional kitchen, including: Why you need at least 42" of walking space around your island The placement trick that makes everyday tasks so much easier Why a butler's pantry and coffee bar are at the TOP of my list for my next home Two things I'd change about my current kitchen after 12+ years The most beautiful kitchen won't make you happy if it doesn't work for how your family actually lives. This episode gives you real-life lessons so you can design a kitchen that makes your daily life easier—not more frustrating. FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/9-tips-for-designing-a-functional-kitchen Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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After living in my custom home for 12+ years, I've learned exactly what makes a kitchen truly functional versus just pretty. In this episode, I'm sharing 9 tips for designing a functional kitchen, including: Why you need at least 42" of walking space around your islandThe placement trick that makes everyday tasks so much easierWhy a butler's pantry and coffee bar are at the TOP of my list for my next homeTwo things I'd change about my current kitchen after 12+ yearsThe most beautiful kitchen ...

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104. 9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen

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