Top 10 Kitchen Design Tips

Thinking about your kitchen layout can seem quite daunting, especially if you have never done it before. After 14 years of designing kitchens we’ve put together a list of a few of the basic things to consider. Of course, not all will be relevant but if you’re not sure where to start maybe this will help…

1. The rule of 60
Think in 60cm increments. Nearly all built-in appliances are 60cm wide, ovens, dishwashers, fridge freezers etc. Plus, worktops are usually 60cm deep, again because most appliances are 60cm deep.

2. Less can be more
You probably need less storage than you think IF the storage you have is more effective. Think drawers instead of cupboards and take tall cabinets and wall cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. The hard-to-reach storage at the top of the cupboard is brilliant for things you need a place for but don’t need everyday. Plus, you won’t end up with a horrible dust trap on top of your cupboards.

3. The wet zone
Group you sink, dishwasher and bins in the same place. Think about plates coming back from the table after a meal. You want a spot where you can scrape the leftovers into the bin or compost bin and then put the plates in the dishwasher or the pans and serving bowls in the sink. This will be hard working zone, so give it some thought and make sure you make it easily accessible.

4. Use your worktops properly
If the storage is properly planned, then you often need less worktop than you imagine. Worktops are for preparing food NOT for storing clutter. When you are chopping, dicing and peeling you need a good clear prep zone not a tiny sliver of workspace squashed in between the toaster, the kettle and the kids cereal bowls. You need a good balance of worktop space and storage, and in our opinion, probably skewed slightly more towards storage if you have a smaller kitchen. You just need to keep that prep space clear. As the saying goes… a place for everything and everything in its place.

5. Put your ovens at waist height
If you can avoid having your ovens under the worktop then this will save you a lot of awkward bending and lifting. Put your oven in a tall housing unit, with storage above and below and your back will be forever grateful.

6. Think about lighting
When you are prepping food or doing the washing up you need to be able to see what you are doing. Make sure you either have lighting built into the ceiling or better still, build it into the cupboards above the worktop or have pendants if you are lucky enough to have an island.

7. Islands
You need about 100cm between the island and a wall or another run of units. If space is tight then 90cm can work but you need to think about things like the dishwaher door being open and how this will obstruct the space. If you have the room, 120cm is even better as it makes the space even more usable.

8. Hob or sink on the island?
Usually, the hob is best as it means you can cook and be social all at the same time! Plus, nowadays, with hobs with built in extractors you don’t have to worry about an unsightly overhead extractor.
Sinks on islands can be OK but tread carefully here. Your island will likely be the centre piece of your lovely new kitchen, remember the sink is usually the messiest part of the kitchen and if you put it on the island, then unless you like staring at the washing up, you are going to have to be very good at keeping it clean and tidy.

9. If you have kids
Children add a few special considerations when designing your kitchen. We’ve talked about the Wet Zone now lets talk about the Safe Zone. If possible, think about planning your layout so you keep your dangerous appliances (the hob and ovens) in a different area to the fridge and sink. That way kids can grab a drink or get a snack from the fridge without needing to walk past that bubbling pan on the hob or the open oven door.

10. Colours and trends
There’s no right or wrong colour scheme for your kitchen. It’s your kitchen and what matters is that you love it. And don’t worry too much about what’s in fashion, trends will always come and go and tastes will always change. Who remembers those avocado bathroom suites from the 70’s! You can play it safe and stick to timeless classics or be bold and go for this years must have colours. But always remember, you probably won’t do this too many times so just do something you love and don’t worry what other people ill think.