In my opinion, getting the layout right is the most important thing about designing a kitchen. It doesn't matter how amazing your kitchen looks, if it doesn't function well. There is a lot to consider when working out the best floorplan for your kitchen, so we have put together 5 tips to help you create the kitchen of your dreams:
1 | Create workstations
Create workstations based on the main tasks that need to be done in the kitchen, and keep everything that is necessary for that task together. For example, for 'cooking on the stove' you would ensure that the stove has benchspace and storage for pans, cooking utensils, spices and oils, etc. right near it. Similarly, for 'washing up', you would ensure the sink, dishwasher and bin are all together. Workstations can also including things like 'preparing coffee' or 'putting the shopping away' - anything that helps you think about what needs to be grouped in order to make the kitchen as practical as possible. It is also helpful to think about which workstations require powerpoints and how many.
2 | Connect the workstations through the Kitchen triangle
Once you have grouped things based on your workstations, you need to connect them together. The kitchen triangle refers to forming a triangle between your fridge, cooking space and cleaning space to create a practical layout that minimises the amount of steps you need to take. It is therefore helpful to start by placing those three areas in the kitchen triangle first, then seeing where the other workstations fit to create a functional layout. Often there could be a cross over between the workstations (eg. preparing coffee and washing up would both require a sink), therefore it would make sense to keep those workstations as close as possible.
3 | Ensure you have enough clearance space
It is important to ensure you have enough space in front of each workstation without blocking the walkway or bumping into people using other workstations. For example, think about the clearance you need in front of a dishwasher and a fridge - you wouldn't want to have them directly opposite each other as it would be frustrating to use at the same time.
4 | Consider where your dining space is
The last thing you want whilst you're cooking is everyone walking through the kitchen. That's why I always make the cutlery drawers, sink and fridge as easily accessible from the dining area as possible. That way anyone who needs a spoon, a drink or a snack can easily grab it without having to walk through the whole kitchen to get it.
5 | Pay attention to light and windows
Natural light makes a huge difference in a kitchen. If possible, we recommend to design the kitchen to allow as much natural light as possible to enter the space. This may mean removing walls, moving tall cupboards to ensure they don't block light from windows or not having overhead cupboards to allow for a larger window there instead.
I hope these tips have been helpful for you! If you are planning to build or renovate and want to get in contact with us, you can do so by filling out the client contact questionnaire below,
Have a wonderful week,
Nina xx