Help & advice
Designing a kitchen layout that works for your home is key to creating a space that's both functional and enjoyable. A well-planned kitchen not only makes cooking and entertaining easier but also helps maximise your available space. Whether you're working with a compact area or a larger room, following the right steps will ensure you achieve the best layout for your kitchen.
Start with the layout
One of the first steps in kitchen planning is understanding the room’s physical features. Begin by considering the walls, doorways, and windows, and work inward:
Wall space and power points: Take note of available wall space and where your existing power sockets are located. If they don't suit your layout, consider moving or adding new ones to ensure appliances are where they need to be.
Architectural features: Evaluate the room for any features that could impact the design, such as alcoves, chimney breasts, or built-in storage. You might decide to incorporate these features or remove them, depending on how they fit with your kitchen plans.
Once you've identified these constraints, you can start thinking about how to arrange your cabinets, appliances, and storage.
Choose the right layout for your needs
Your kitchen's layout should reflect not only the space but also the people using it and their needs. Some key questions to ask are: How many people will use the kitchen? Will you need space for dining, food prep, or both? Depending on the answers, one of the standard kitchen layouts may work best for you:
Straight run: Ideal for narrow spaces, with all appliances and cabinets on a single wall.
L-shaped: Offers more flexibility for larger kitchens, with a corner space for storage and appliances.
Galley: Creates a highly functional kitchen triangle, with plenty of workspace on all sides.
U-shaped: Offers more flexibility for larger kitchens, with a corner space for storage and appliances.
L-shaped with an island or U-shaped with a peninsula or island: Ideal for larger spaces, adding a central island provides extra prep space and seating.
As you decide on your layout, place your main appliances - sink, cooker, dishwasher, and fridge - in a configuration that minimises unnecessary movement while you work.
Give yourself enough space
A well-designed kitchen needs enough room for people to move comfortably, especially if multiple people are likely to be cooking or using the room at the same time. Leave at least 90 cm between units and an island or table, providing enough room to walk around and open drawers or cabinets. If space allows, go for more than 90 cm for an even more comfortable flow.
Be mindful of the space needed for appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators. When these are open, you should still have enough clearance to move around easily.
Keep the doorways and walkways clear
To maintain good traffic flow, avoid placing large furniture or appliances in front of doorways or in walkways. Obstructing key areas, like the path to the fridge or stove, can make the kitchen feel cramped and less functional.
This is particularly important in open-plan kitchens where the kitchen connects with other living spaces. Keeping walkways unobstructed ensures easy movement between rooms.
Plan the position of radiators
While radiators may not be top of mind when planning your kitchen layout, their placement can impact both the room’s temperature and furniture arrangement. Ideally, radiators should be placed under windows to help circulate warm air more efficiently. This takes advantage of the way cold air from the window pushes against warm air rising from the radiator, creating better overall heating.
Avoid placing radiators where they could create warm and cold spots, which can make the kitchen feel uncomfortable.
Try multiple layouts before finalising
You might not get the perfect layout on your first try, so be open to experimenting. Use Reno's alternative floor plans to explore and compare different configurations. By testing multiple setups, you can identify the one that best suits your space, lifestyle, and needs.
Consider how you move around the kitchen during daily tasks and how often the room will be used for entertaining. This iterative approach allows you to fine-tune your layout and make informed decisions.
Balance storage and aesthetics
Kitchens need plenty of storage, but that doesn't mean sacrificing style. When deciding on cabinets, think about how much storage you really need. Do you require floor-to-ceiling cabinets for maximum storage? Or will fewer, well-placed cabinets offer the perfect balance of storage and style?
In smaller kitchens, every inch counts. Utilise vertical space by installing wall-mounted cabinets or open shelving. If your kitchen is large, consider storage solutions that enhance the design, such as glass-front cabinets or built-in pantries.
Sustainability matters
When planning your kitchen, don't forget to consider sustainable options. Choosing energy-efficient appliances and using materials that have a lower environmental impact can make your kitchen eco-friendly without compromising on functionality. Reno's in context sustainability hints and tips can provide further guidance as you plan your room, on how to incorporate sustainable features into your design, whether it's through energy-saving lighting, water-efficient taps, or using reclaimed materials for your countertops.
Optimise lighting for function and ambience
Lighting is an essential part of any kitchen. A well-lit space not only makes food prep easier but also enhances the room's atmosphere. Be sure to include task lighting under cabinets for countertop work, and consider ambient lighting to create a warm, inviting environment for dining or entertaining.
If possible, maximise natural light by keeping windows unobstructed. Large windows, skylights and sun tunnels can brighten the room and make it feel more open.
By following these steps, you can create a kitchen that is both beautiful and highly functional - a place where cooking, dining, and entertaining are all a pleasure.
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