47 DECISIONS BEFORE THE FIRST CABINET IS BUILT

When most people think about a kitchen renovation, their minds immediately go to the exciting parts: cabinet styles, countertop materials, and maybe the dream of a built-in coffee station. But what often gets overlooked are the dozens of behind-the-scenes decisions that happen long before any cabinet is built or installed.

In fact, there are at least 47 decisions that need to be made before the first cabinet ever leaves the shop. Most of them you’ll never notice — but if even one of them is wrong, you’ll feel it every single day.

That’s why a well-planned kitchen isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. It’s a matter of strategy.

The Kitchen Design Process: Building the Framework

As someone who began my career as a lawyer, I approach kitchens the same way I once approached contracts — with structure, systems, and a clear framework in place before anything is signed off. A great kitchen doesn’t happen by accident. It’s carefully choreographed.

Some of the key areas that get decided before construction include:

• Workflow mapping: Where will you prep, cook, and clean? Are the zones arranged to reduce steps and make everyday life easier?

• Traffic flow and clearances: Will the refrigerator door hit the island? Can two people cook side by side without bumping into each other?

• Code compliance and safety: From electrical layouts to ventilation, these decisions create a safe, functional space that works as it should.

• Cabinet functionality: Drawer depths, hinge types, and storage solutions like toe-kick drawers or pull-outs — the details that determine how smoothly your kitchen operates.

• Appliance integration: Making sure your oven, fridge, and dishwasher are not only beautiful but positioned in the right place for efficiency.

This stage of kitchen planning is about ensuring that nothing is random. Every choice connects to the next, shaping a framework that supports the way you live in your home.

Softening the Edges with Design

Once the structure is in place, it’s time to layer in the details that make your kitchen feel effortless. This is where the artistry begins — choosing finishes, colors, textures, and lighting that bring warmth and character to the space.

Think of it as the difference between reading a contract and stepping into a finished home. The fine print matters, but what you actually experience is how everything works together. A well-designed kitchen should feel natural — almost like it’s always been there.

When the planning is done right, you’ll never stop to think about why your kitchen works so beautifully. You’ll just feel it.

Why Custom Kitchen Design Matters

There’s a reason why custom kitchens feel different from cookie-cutter renovations. They’re not only built to fit the measurements of your space — they’re designed around your lifestyle, your routines, and your future needs.

A custom kitchen design process ensures that:

• Every corner is maximized for storage and usability

• Hidden details (like outlets, lighting, or a built-in step stool) make daily life easier

• Your investment lasts for years because the foundation was carefully considered from the start

When you invest in design, you’re investing in the invisible details — the ones that make the difference between a kitchen that looks good and one that works beautifully.

From Planning to Peace of Mind

The truth is, kitchen design is about much more than cabinets and countertops. It’s about decisions, big and small, that build a foundation for how you live every day.

At ORIA Interiors, I take pride in guiding my clients through those 47 (and more!) decisions with clarity and care. My background in law means I approach every project with a disciplined, systemized process — and my continuous professional development through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) ensures every design aligns with industry standards and best practices.

It’s that combination — structured strategy, NKBA technical knowledge, and a genuine passion for design — that allows me to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also practical, sustainable, and tailored to each client’s life.

Because the goal isn’t just to make your kitchen beautiful.

It’s to make it work beautifully — without you ever needing to think about why.

Planning a kitchen renovation in Toronto? Let’s make sure every one of those 47 decisions works in your favor. Get in touch to start your design journey.