At Megan Baker Interiors, we believe that kitchens are meant to be lived in—really lived in. The kind of space where you host your closest friends, feed your family, sip wine on a Tuesday night, and teach your toddler how to stir cookie batter. And yes, it should still feel beautiful, functional, and luxurious.
That’s the philosophy behind our Interior Finishes Guidebooks, which are on sale now for 40% off from June 18th to June 22nd. These downloadable guides give you the exact specs you need—tiles, counters, hardware, and plumbing picks—to achieve a timeless, layered look, whether you’re doing a full renovation or just updating the essentials.
👉 Shop the Kitchen Guidebooks here
But first, I’m sharing some of my favourite principles for designing a lived-in kitchen that only gets better with time.
Patina is the Point
One of the most beautiful things you can build into your kitchen design? Patina. In North America, we’re taught to fear wear. But in many European homes, the marks of time are welcomed.
We specify finishes that look better as they age, like natural stone countertops, un-lacquered brass hardware, or wood cabinetry that weathers with time. Every fingerprint, pasta making party, or cocktail spill tells a story. It’s the heartbeat of your kitchen.
📝 Design Tip: When selecting materials, ask yourself: Will I still love this when it’s not perfect? That’s a great place to begin.
Hide the Essentials, Highlight the Soul
No one wants to feel like they’re working in a sterile commercial kitchen. That’s why we design integrated appliances and clever storage into every project. Whether it’s a hidden smoothie bar behind a pocket door or a paneled fridge that disappears into cabinetry, the goal is the same: make your kitchen feel warm, seamless, and a joy to spend time in.
This kind of thoughtful planning makes any kitchen—large or small—feel more elevated and much easier to live with long term.
👉 Our kitchen guidebooks include layouts, finish selections, and planning tips for built-ins of all sizes.
Treat the Island Like Furniture
In lived-in kitchens, the island is a moment. It’s not just for food prep—it’s where people gather. That’s why we often design it to feel like a standalone piece of furniture.
Ways to make it special:
- Switch up the countertop (think marble or butcher block on the island, quartz on the surround)
- Use a different cabinet color or stain
- Add custom detailing like legs, a shaped counter edge, or a waterfall panel
- Include feature hardware for added dimension
Designing the island this way creates visual interest and invites people into the kitchen—not just to cook, but to stay awhile.
Mix Your Hardware
I will never stop saying this: matchy-matchy hardware is the fastest way to make your kitchen look builder-grade. A more collected, designed look comes from mixing at least two (ideally three!) types of hardware.
My go-to formula is a classic knob for cabinet doors, a simple pull for drawers, and a feature element like a locking latch or an oversized pull on pantry doors or appliances. Just keep everything in the same finish family and make sure the shapes and scale feel harmonious.
📝 Pro Tip: All three of our guidebooks include detailed hardware pairings we love.
Get the Guidebooks On Sale Now!
Our Kitchen Guidebooks are a designer shortcut, offering three unique design palettes with all materials thoughtfully specified by Megan. They’re perfect for homeowners working with a contractor, DIYers looking for guidance, or even designers who want a polished jumpstart. Each guide includes curated fixtures, counters, backsplashes, cabinetry colors, hardware pairings, and more to bring a cohesive, elevated kitchen to life.
🛍️ Available for a limited time at 40% off
📅 Offer valid from June 18 to June 22, 2025
🛒 Shop the Kitchen Guidebooks HERE
We’re retiring these versions soon to make way for a fresh new batch, so this is your last chance to purchase these exact looks.
Want Help With Your Kitchen?
From virtual consultations to full-service design, we’re here to make kitchens more beautiful and more livable.
👉 Learn About Our Services HERE
