Planning The Perfect Kitchen

Aah, the cooking room. Your kitchen often dictates the layout of the cabinetry simply by its size and shape, so we have come up with some innovative ways to use it to your advantage.


How to plan and create the ideal kitchen space has its own arts.

So, whats the size of your kitchen, is it small, medium or a big one? Are you planning on make it a Galley kitchen, L-shaped kitchen, U-shaped kitchen or an Island shape styles?

Whatever the shape or size of your kitchen, you should start to design the solution to create a perfect working scheme.

Well, where to start?

One of the most common and simplest layouts is the U-shaped kitchen, comprising three walls of units. It's also very practical, as you can have the cooker and hob at the centre with the sink and fridge at either end - the perfect working triangle. In compact areas, ensure there's at least 2m of space in the centre; if the room is large, keep the working triangle at the ends of the U.

Fit tall units at the end of the U-shape
Jude Keenan, Kitchen Planner at John Lewis's fitted kitchens department in London says, ‘Try to fit tall units to the end of the U-shape, away from windows where they can obstruct daylight. Consider where the door is and what needs to be near it - the dishwasher and sink perhaps - and what is best kept out of the way, such as the cooker.'

Go for slim worksurfaces
If space is tight, think about reducing the thickness of the worksurfaces. By having a 50cm depth or less, you could create a better sense of space.

Install efficient lighting
Michael Linsky, Managing Director at Sensio Lighting says, ‘It's important to remember that each area has very different lighting needs. The cooking and preparation areas must be well lit without affecting the general ambience of the living space.'

Go for a neutral colour palette
Keep your kitchen colour scheme light and simple to create a feeling of space.

Get the look
Gave some plants pots or stunning pale paint shades and head to Alno for smooth doors and drawers that are durable and easy to clean.