Blog

How to plan your kitchen

Information on how to get started

Getting Started

Start your kitchen plan by mapping the layout on graph paper. Remember to use metric measurements as this is what kitchen manufacturers use. It is important to also mark on your plan the location of electric sockets and any wiring or plumbing that you are aware of.
Next put all windows, doors and any other restrictions on your plan as this will dictate the position and/or height of some of your new units. Indicate which of the walls are external and which are internal. Finally, if you have a boiler in your kitchen mark its position and which type of boiler it is.

Kitchen Electrics

Think about how many sockets you are going to need. A complete kitchen makeover can be a good time to add additional sockets when there will already be considerable disruption to this area of your home! Most people have a kettle, a toaster and a microwave so make sure you have thought about the best position for these, but don’t forget any other gadgets you use regularly.

Storage

Now is the time to think about how much storage you require. Does everything need to be hidden? What needs to be easily accessible for frequent use and what can be stored further away? Consider different types of storage such as corner units, floor to ceiling cupboards, open shelving or maybe a dresser. Look through the pictures on this website to get some ideas of modern storage solutions.

Appliances

Appliances can take a hefty chunk out of your budget. Start with a wishlist of your family requirements and then balance this with the essentials until you reach a healthy financial compromise!

Worktops

Worktops come in many different materials not all of which may be suitable to your lifestyle. A heat- resistant material such as granite may be most suitable for those that enjoy cooking whereas glass, which can mark easily, is perhaps unsuitable for a home with children. A beautiful timber worktop can look very impressive but requires regular maintenance to retain its good looks. Cost is also a very important part of any decision and a laminated worktop is the cheaper option and is available in almost unlimited variations.

Points to Remember

• The kitchen work triangle is the positioning of the three main work points in the kitchen so that the user can move easily between them covering the least distance possible. Try to keep this distance to 7 metres or less.
• Make sure there is at least 120cm clearance between runs of units so that there is enough room for two people to move around.
• There should be 40cm clearance between an open kitchen door and the nearest opposite unit.
• If you have a particularly narrow kitchen consider using 50cm units instead of standard 60cm units.
• Leave at least 40cm between the wall-mounted cupboards and the worktop.

Published on Friday, 14th February am 9:16am
category: