Kitchen Planning Guide

When planning your new kitchen, it is important to carefully consider your requirements. Think about your ideal kitchen design, taking the following elements into consideration.

Layout

Measure your space (including the length, width and height of the area) and think about the shape of kitchen that would best suit the available area. Potential layouts include:

• Straight or Galley – ideal when space is limited
• U-shaped – a flexible design for larger areas
• L-shaped – perfect for a corner and good for incorporating an island bench
• Open plan – enables your kitchen to form part of a larger room and include a breakfast bar
• U-shaped variation – a cross between a galley and a U shape. Provides plenty of storage options

Work zones and traffic flow

The best way to create natural work flow in the kitchen is to create a work ‘triangle’. The triangle comprises three work zones – for cooking (oven/cooktop), washing (sink/dishwasher) and storage (pantry/fridge). Ensure the distance between each zone is short and obstruction free. The cooktop should have at least 300mm on each side for saucepan handle clearance. Walkways should be a minimum of 800mm and a maximum of 1200mm wide.

Appliances

What appliances do you need? Do you want a freestanding cooker, a built-in cooker or a wall oven and cooktop? A stand-alone or built-in rangehood? Will you be installing a dishwasher? Do you have a double fridge or slim-line model? Ensure the kitchen design enables the fridge doors to open freely. Also consider whether you want an appliance cupboard to tuck away the microwave, toaster and other gadgets.

Position of existing services, windows and doors

Take note of the precise location of service points such as plumbing, gas fittings and electricity. Will your kitchen design choice require moving any of these service points? Measure the size and location of all windows and doors (to the outside of the architraves).

Storage needs and options

Do you need a considerable amount of storage? If so, you may think about taking the height of your cupboards to the ceiling rather than bulkheads or open space above the cupboards. Do you want a walk-in pantry and multiple cupboards for crockery and glassware? If space is limited, look at pantry options such as stainless steel pull-out racks, a slide and rotate device, or contoured shelving. There are also solutions for tricky corner cupboards. Install saucepan drawers on either side of the cooktop for easy access.

Materials and finishes

Think about what look you are trying to achieve with your kitchen design and the materials that most appeal to you. For more information on the broad range of materials and finishes available at Home of Kitchens, visit our materials page.

Once you have carefully considered these aspects, come and visit our experienced designers at our Dandenong showroom who will help you plan and design your custom kitchen. We will sit down with you and help you create a design on our 3D computerised design software.

Alternatively, use our design planning guide to help you create your own kitchen design. Click on the link to view or print: Design Planning Guide (PDF Format).