Base your kitchen layout on the work triangle
Kitchen designers often talk about the work triangle. Basically, this means the distance between the cooking and food preparation area, sink and fridge. The idea is to keep this distance small so that you don't have to walk too far when you're cooking. It's a good principle to start with when you're planning your kitchen layout.
You are guided by your points and plumbing
Look at where your electrical and gas points and plumbing already are. Would you be prepared to change them to accommodate a new kitchen layout? If so, how much would it cost?
Make your kitchen layout suit your shape
To a certain extent, your kitchen layout will be determined by the size and shape of your room.
- Smaller kitchens: single-sided kitchens are where the whole kitchen is arranged along one wall are ideal for narrow spaces.
- Double-sided kitchens are great for smaller spaces where there are windows or doors along a wall.
- Larger kitchens: L-shaped kitchens are good for combining a kitchen and dining area, while U-shaped kitchens are perfect if you want lots of storage. If you've got a really big kitchen, a kitchen island gives you even more workspace.
Make sure your kitchen layout gives you room to work
Main food preparation workspaces should be at least 80cm wide, although they can go down to 60cm if space is very limited.
If you’re planning a kitchen/diner, or you’re having a dining area in your kitchen, allow for 120cm between the dining table and kitchen units so you can work while your guests sit at the table. You should also allow for a minimum of 80cm between the wall and kitchen table to ensure that your guests can sit comfortably.
If you've got a really big kitchen, you can have several workspaces rather than one big one, so that more than one person can prepare food at a time. The main workspace is usually between the cooker and the sink.
Plan kitchen storage to suit you
Place your storage units so that the things that you use most are easily to hand where you need them. Cupboards for heavy items should be at ground level.
Take the work out of cleaning
Why make clearing up hard work? Put the dishwasher next to the sink – on the left if you're right-handed and on the right if you're left-handed. Under the sink is the perfect place for bins.
Learn more about sinks and mixer taps
Think outside the box for small kitchens
Tiny kitchen? No problem – you just have to use your imagination. Make every bit of space work harder by fitting plinth drawers, fold-out fittings and lots of wall accessories.
Get ideas for small kitchens
Try out kitchen design software
Really want to know what your new kitchen is going to look like? Experiment with different kitchen layouts with the IKEA free Kitchen Planner
How to dispose of your old kitchen
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