Designing your Kitchen Part 1 -  Layout

One of the first things you should consider in your new kitchen design is layout.   Consideration should be given to traffic flow, the location of the kitchen in the overall house plan, the number of people in your home, is it open-plan or a closed plan? Will the kitchen be designed to eat in or do you have a seperate dining area?

The three points of the work triangle are the sink, stove and refrigerator. The path between these points should be straight.

Taking the above points into consideration, decide which of the following five floor plans your kitchen falls into.

L Shaped

A workable shape usually integrated into other living areas.  There should be a combination of bench length of approximately 3.5 metres - being made up of a minimum length of one leg of 900mm and a maximum of 3 metres.   Most suited to large, long or narrow rooms often allowing space for a meals area and two cooks. 

U Shaped

One of the most versatile, suiting large or small rooms. As there are no entrances through the room to disturb the flow of working, this shape gives the most flexible layout. Safe and efficient, offering maximum bench and storage space. Excellent for one cook.  Minimum clearance should be 1.5 metres to a maximum of 2 metres.

Galley

Preferred by professional chefs, it allows the most efficient use of space with cabinets down either side of the room. The minimum clearance should be 1.2 metres and maximum of 1.8 metres between bench tops.  Works best if one end is closed to prevent through traffic and requires good lighting to prevent dimness, Ideal where space is limited and often used in small apartments.

Single Lines

Usually needs a minimum of 1.8 meters with a maximum of three meters of wall to work efficiently. Best if bench space is maximised with storage kept overhead and under bench appliances utilised.  This design is best used in caravans, units and holiday homes.  Perfect for small rooms and where windows are above the bench.

Island

Combines any shape kitchen with a separate work bench. The island creates extra workspace to be utilised for preparation, cooking, dining or entertainment, whilst allowing a feeling of openness the island should not interrupt the work triangle and ensure the minimum clearances are allowed between benches.  These being 900mm minimum and 1.2m maximum.  Needs a rather large room and caters well for more than one cook.

Designing your Kitchen Part 2 - Choosing Colours