Planning your kitchen
What to expect when you’re planning a kitchen
A new kitchen is one of the biggest changes you’ll make to your home, and a little thought before the design begins makes all the difference. Here is how we think about a kitchen, and what is worth considering before your first visit.
A practical guide to planning a kitchen that works.
Before we talk about units and colours, we talk about you, how you cook, who uses the kitchen and when it is busiest. The answers shape every decision that follows.
The kitchen work triangle
Good kitchen design starts with movement. The three things you use most are the sink for washing and prep, the hob for cooking, and the fridge for cold storage. Join them up and you have the work triangle, the path you trace dozens of times a day.
Think in zones
Beyond the triangle, it helps to plan around zones, areas for storing, prepping, cooking and cleaning, with the right things to hand in each. Group your equipment by the task it serves and the kitchen starts to feel effortless.
A layout that suits the room
Galley & single-wall
Efficient for narrow rooms, with everything within a step or two.
L-shaped & U-shaped
Flexible layouts that give generous worktop and natural zones.
Island & peninsula
Extra prep, seating and storage, where the room has space to carry it.
Light & windows
Plan around natural light and sightlines so the room feels open and bright.
Before your first visit
A little preparation makes the first appointment far more productive. It helps to bring:
- Rough measurements of the room
- Photos of the space as it is now
- Images of kitchens you love
- A sense of your budget
- How you use the kitchen day to day
- Any appliances you want to keep
Ready to plan your kitchen?
Bring your ideas to our Hipperholme showroom for a no-obligation chat.