Designing a Good Kitchen Layout

Kitchens have to be perfect; they are so vital to the smooth running of the whole house. They can either make or break your desire to cook. So getting it right when you renovate or build from scratch is absolutely essential. Here are some things to think about.

Steps

1. Look at your current kitchen. Think about what works and what doesn't. Keep this in mind the entire time you are planning. You will want to avoid what has driven you crazy and you will want to replicate those essential things that you couldn't imagine being without.
2. Think functional. Sure, a pretty design is important but above all, a kitchen must work and work well. Always put quality of functionality first; if you buy well, you'll get both functionality and beauty in one.
3. Always leave space for preparing food next to the cooking area. And make sure that the sink is also near both the cooking and the preparation areas.
4. Plan your cupboard and drawer space down to the last detail. Even before you build, you should know the purpose of each cupboard and drawer. That way, you won't be burdened with the wrong choices or miss out on having enough space. Don't skimp on drawer space - drawers in kitchens are like shoe rack space in bedrooms - you can never have too many.
   
5. Make space for rubbish disposal, recycling bins and food scraps. These are better out of sight and close to hand for ease of use.
6. Get good lighting. A well-lit kitchen is a dream to work in. A poorly lit one will be avoided and the fast food mentality might creep in...
7. Make a space for condiments and herbs and spices that are used regularly in cooking. These are best near the cooking space, to inspire and for ease of access.
8. Borrow ideas from restaurants, friends' houses, magazines, travel etc. to import into your kitchen design.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.