Planning your kitchen

Planning your own kitchen can be a daunting task, but with our advice you will find the process both easy and enjoyable.
The layout of the kitchen is dictated primarily by its function. Everyone's lifestyle and circumstances are different, a family kitchen that requires plenty of storage for food, and space for its preparation and consumption, as well as housing a washing machine and dryer for laundry use, will require more units and appliances than a single person who spends less time at home and eats out regularly.
You need to ask yourself the following questions: What purposes do I want my kitchen to serve? and how much space do I have to carry out the design?
Only when you compromise between aesthetics and practicality will you achieve a beautiful and functioning kitchen.

What shape is your kitchen?

The shape of your kitchen as well as existing electric/gas/water points will dictate the layout, you may find that appliances and features will only work in certain locations. Plan your kitchen with practicality in mind, so that not only will you achieve a kitchen that 'looks nice', it will also 'work'.

There are four shape categories for kitchens:

L-shape The L-shape is one of the most popular designs, especially in newly built home and extensions. The shape allows plenty of worktop space and room for storage and appliances. The pros, reduction in traveling distance between appliances, a corner unit due to the return of the worktop gives plenty of storage and an entire corner of the kitchen is free for seated dinning. There really are no cons when it comes to the L-shape kitchen.
Two-way Galley Running parallel down both sides of the kitchen, the two-way galley gives more below worktop storage, room for appliances and preparation space. The pros, this design is more efficient as there is less traveling distance between appliances, and cabinets can be accessed by simply turning around. The cons, due to the limited amount of floor space you must ensure the room between the galleys is adequate to avoid bumping into them when bending over.
U-shape This design is still popular and used a lot in 'working kitchens'. It utilizes three out of four walls in the room, providing the most space for storage and preparation. The pros, reduction in traveling space between appliances and two large corner base units due to the two worktop returns. The cons, no corner is free for seated dinning and entertaining.

The finishing touches

The most important factor in choosing the finish of your kitchen is ultimately your personal tastes. Ignore the hype about the latest shades advocated by style magazines and tv designers, instead pick a colour scheme that suites your personality and that you will be happy to live with day after day.
If you have a large kitchen, avoid using one type of material over and over again - it will look repetitive and boring if used throughout the room. This can easily be rectified by using a contrasting colour worktop or glass fronted cabinets to display crystal cut glasses or crockery.
The cabinets are the first item to make an impression when you enter a kitchen, so its important to select a finish that will appeal to you for years to come - try not to choose a style that has a 'now' feel to it, you can guarantee it will date quickly.
Finally pick a style of door that suites you and your lifestyle, after all you'll be the one maintaining it!

Wood/ timber
Solid wood is a natural material, that means that it will respond to atmospheric changes such as: light, heat and humidity. It comes in many colours and grains making each door unique and beautiful.

Laminate
Laminate doors are now very popular, there is more variety of colour, door shape and finishes. Unlike natural wood, laminate does not require a lot of maintenance, a simple wipe down with a cloth will keep it clean. Laminate door swill also last a long time, and will weather well in the most demanding of households.

Please read our fitting guide to learn more on how to create the kitchen of your dreams.