A Kitchen Designer's Guide on How to Plan Your Next Kitchen

The nature of kitchens means that there is generally little to no scope to make any alterations to them once they are in place. Usually, if you’re not happy with the space, you essentially have to take everything out and start again. This means that it’s vital to have a kitchen design that will work for you over the long term.

To help you get started, kitchen specialists Tara Neil, share their helpful tips for how you can plan your next kitchen.

Start by assessing your current kitchen

As the old saying goes, “measure twice, cut once”. Knowing your kitchen’s exact dimensions will help you to avoid expensive mistakes. On a more positive note, it will also help you to make the best use of the space.

In addition to checking your kitchen’s dimensions, check for gas and water pipes and for electrical sockets. Standard electrical sockets can generally be added (and removed) fairly easily. Moving gas and water pipes, however, is more of an undertaking.

Extending them a short distance usually isn’t too difficult, or expensive. Major repositioning work can, however, quickly gobble up your kitchen budget. As a rule, therefore, you should try to use your existing piping if you possibly can.

Create your new work triangle

Whatever plans you have for your kitchen, you’re going to need a cooker, sink and fridge. In a very small kitchen, you might push the definition of cooker somewhat. For example, you might opt for a plug-in hob and a microwave/oven combination. You are, however, definitely going to need some kind of work triangle so it makes sense to plan this first.

Plan your overall layout

The basics of your overall layout are appliances, storage space and counter space. You need to get them in the right ratio for you. You may also want to think about what future buyers may want.

When thinking about appliances, your first thought may be of your standard white goods. This would typically be your washing machine and maybe a dishwasher. If you’re tight on space, you might want to see if you could put your washing machine somewhere else in your home.

Remember, however, that small appliances like microwaves, kettles and coffee-makers can soon start to take up a lot of space. This means that you need to think mindfully about what you really need (and really want). Similarly, your instinct may be to fit in as much storage space as you possibly can. Remember, however, that you will also need counter space to work.

Designing your bespoke kitchen may, therefore, be a good opportunity for you to clear out your existing kitchen. Clear out anything you neither need nor want. Have a look and see if there are multifunctional appliances that could take the place of single-use ones. Also, check for organizational solutions to get the very best use out of your storage space.

Work out your lighting needs

In a kitchen, lighting needs to promote safety and functionality. It can still be decorative but safety always has to come first. Once you have solid ambient and task lighting in place, then you can think about adding further lighting purely for decoration.

Decide on your materials

You will need to choose materials for cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and flooring. Although cabinetry will probably account for most of your budget and space, countertops should generally be your priority. This is because it’s usually fairly easy to update cabinet doors after they’ve been installed. Updating countertops, by contrast, is often much harder.

Backsplashes and flooring are both fairly easy to update. In fact, you may even choose to install a basic backsplash and floor covering and then decorate them. For example, you could use budget-friendly subway tile for your backsplash but then add peel-and-stick decals to give it a more premium look.