Kitchen Layout is Crucial in Designing a Great Kitchen

Well...this is how the space will work for you with maximum functionality and pleasure and the least fuss. Also the design will be long-lasting and will add value to your home. This is especially important if you are thinking of selling soon.

Yes you can, by following our advice on laying out a kitchen...but should you feel that it needs an expert, ask a designer to come and view your kitchen space and offer suggestions about all aspects of layout.

your budgetry constraints

the space available in terms of what you want to include

style

present position of drainage and plumbing (as moving it will be more expensive... ask 3 plumbers for quotes on any new work)

present position of power outlets and light switches

colors

ESD (environmentally sustainable design)

storage solutions

With all this in mind, you can go ahead to decide upon more specific kitchen layout ideas such as:

..this is the imaginary triangle between the sink, fridge and oven or cooktop which are the most utilised areas in this area.

These areas should form a triangle and be no more than 7m apart in total. This is to allow for traffic flow and ease of movement. If these elements are too far apart, you may spend too much time walking around your kitchen.

If too close together, it will be uncomfortable to work.

Position your dishwasher, sink and drainage first. The sink usually is set on an outside wall for easy access to drainage. The dishwasher must be easy to load..think of doors and other obstructions.

Consider where you spend lots of time and give yourself a good outlook; perhaps you need to keep an eye on children outside while you cook and prepare.

It is really important to see that movement in and through the preparation and cooking area is unimpeded and you can perform all functions easily.

Test opening of drawers and cupboards . Also think about your comfort.. do you want to use mainly overhead spaces or underbench?

You may want to add a kitchen island for more space or a more effective work triangle.. it can also double for an eating area and a preparation area if you put a sink or cooktop in the island.

If your kitchen is small, you may want to think about a mobile island that can be moved about where necessary.

A galley kitchen is useful for small spaces as it requires less room than a U-shaped kitchen layout.

But be careful that it isn't placed in the middle of a traffic corridor.

A U-shaped kitchen gives maximum use of the work triangle as it is easy to place elements in the correct design layout.

An L-shaped kitchen is even easier in which to work and can usually accommodate 2 people working at once. You can easily add an island to this layout.

..does your family use the kitchen as a work area for homework or do you use it for everyday office or study needs?

If so, you can incorporate the office into the kitchen by planning a 'computer nook' into your kitchen layout.

Make a beautiful nTuscan style kitchen with all its warmth and vibrancy

What about designing a galley style kitchen?

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