---
title: How to Train Your Eye to Visualize a Kitchen Design
description: Having a tough time visualizing a new kitchen design? You're not alone. Even professional designers will admit it's not always so easy. But, we feel confident that after reading these explanations and examples, you'll have a better-trained eye and easier time envisioning future kitchen designs.
---

[Kitchen Design Blog ](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog)

# [How to Train Your Eye to Visualize a Kitchen Design](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/how-to-train-your-eye-to-visualize-a-kitchen-design)

 Written by [Kitchen Magic](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/author/kitchen-magic) | Apr 19, 2018

Having a difficult time visualizing a new kitchen design? You're not alone. Even professional designers humbly admit, "practice makes perfect."

What does this mean for you? **You, too, can have the ability to train your eye to visualize your kitchen in a whole new way.**

 

 

Yes, it takes practice and, yes, you may still struggle a bit. However, we feel confident that after reading the following explanations and examples - you'll have a better-trained eye and an easier time picturing future kitchen design ideas in more exact ways. And, that newfound ability will ease the way when you meet with your [kitchen design team](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/25-questions-to-ask-your-kitchen-contractor) to move forward.

 

## Step One: Familiarize Yourself with Design Basics

There are very specific tenets of design - or design basics - that all but the most [eccentric designers](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/5-eclectic-kitchen-concepts-to-spark-your-creativity) consider when looking at an existing kitchen, envisioning how it could be different.

While it's true that [function matters](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/functional-trumps-form-in-kitchen-design), it's also true we want to provide that function within a visual framework that adheres to certain design (artistic) principles.

These include things like:

1. **Unity or harmony - **elements should work together to create a united theme or energetic resonance.
2. **Balance - **objects should be balanced - this can be done symmetrically, asymmetrically and/or radially (more on that below).
3. **Rhythm - **there should be a semblance of order within design elements, and this is carried out rhythmically via repetition, alternation and progression.
4. **Emphasis or focal point - **there is a singular (maybe two in a very large space) emphasis or focal point that draws the eye, to/from which all other elements compliment or contrast.
5. **Contrast - **without contrast, rooms appear washed-out and lose any sense of boundaries/borders - a reason why monochromatic [designs will use texture](https://www.kitchenmagic.com/featured-remodel/january-2018) or variations in lines and shapes to make up for lacking contrast.
6. **Scale and proportion - **another way balance comes into the mix, for example, hanging a proportionately-sized chandelier in an eating area with a high ceiling – which serves to marry the high- and low-points.
7. **Details - **these are [the "little" things](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/5-ways-to-add-detail-to-your-kitchen) that make all the difference - pops of color, glass cabinet inserts displaying heirloom dishware, just-right suspended fixtures over the kitchen island, etc.
8.  

 

See? Just learning about these seven tenets of interior design already hones your eye in a more "expert" way.

 

## Step Two: Visual Composition & the Quest for Unity

Design Basic #1 above was "unity or harmony" and this is a very holistic concept. It actually encompasses all of the following six other elements. There are several ways you can go about this - but here are some simple steps to guide beginner designers as they re-envision their kitchens.

A really big-picture place to start would be your overall design style - are you going [traditional](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/the-new-traditional-kitchen-design-style)? [Transitional](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/what-is-a-transitional-kitchen)? [Modern? Post-Modern](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/mid-century-modern-vs-postmodern-contemporary)? [Mediterranean](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/style-spotlight-mediterranean-kitchen-design)? A single consult with a kitchen design professional works wonders for teasing out your preferences if you're currently unclear.

### What's the focal point?

When you and your guests walk or gaze into your kitchen - where does the eye land? Is there already an [interesting architectural feature](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/kitchen-layouts-by-architectural-style-craftsman-home) to highlight? Will it be a stunning backsplash design? Is it the spectacular kitchen island? The colorful kitchen chairs and accents? Perhaps you have some [unique appliances](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/how-to-add-modern-retro-appliances-to-any-kitchen-style)?

 

 

Start there and your design will come together in layers that support the main themes.

 

### Draw the eye

Once the focus is established, you'll use lines, lighting and color variations/contrasts to draw the eye towards the focus. This will further unify the design, and instantly generate cohesion.

### Create balance

You'll then work to create balance within the design via symmetry, color, contrast and texture.

- *Symmetry*: [This Article](http://learndesignprinciples.com/symmetry.html) has concise examples of symmetrical and asymmetrical design definitions. Radial symmetry is another type of symmetry that moves out in a circular pattern, like spokes on a wheel.
- *Color*: Color is used in a variety of ways, ranging from monochromatic, complimentary and contrasting - and with respect to the color wheel. Learn more in, [How to Design Your Kitchen From a Color Palette](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/how-to-design-your-kitchen-from-a-color-palette).
- *Contrast*: This is the yin/yang principle in tangible form - dark/light, smooth/rough/, lines/curves, tall/short, wide/narrow. [Contrast keeps things interesting](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/3-cases-for-a-contrasting-kitchen-design).
- *Texture*: A more 3-D version of contrast, [textural variance](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/5-tips-for-adding-texture-to-your-kitchen) keeps your kitchen from being too smooth, or too rough - yielding a multi-dimensional aspect.

 

## Step Three: Provide movement via rhythm

Finally, you'll want to add design elements that provide a sense of rhythm - which translates to visual movement. This is done in three ways:

**Repetition:** Repeating anything from [a pattern](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/creative-backsplash-patterns-for-standard-tile-shapes), line direction, color, shape, etc. - or a repeating series of elements - creates continuous movement. Alternating elements is another form of repetition.

**Progression:** Countertop flour/sugar/coffee containers offer progression via increasing sizes; colors progress from light-dark-light or between different shades of the same hue - all are examples of progression.

**Transition:** This is a subtle form of movement that slowly transitions the eye [from one area to the next](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/how-to-match-your-countertops-cabinets-floor), like an arched doorway or curved countertop surface.

 

 

Now it's time to test your trained eye and visualize your new kitchen design. Then contact [Kitchen Magic](https://www.kitchenmagic.com/appointment) to schedule a collaborative consultation.

 

 

[View full post](https://blog.kitchenmagic.com/blog/how-to-train-your-eye-to-visualize-a-kitchen-design)

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