Kitchen Layouts Uk

The perfect kitchen layout is determined by thinking about how you want your kitchen to be used (what are the main activities and requirements of this living space?) and then working out how to create a workspace to make this happen most efficiently, working around you and your lifestyle. Of course, the kitchen layout will naturally be determined to an extent by the shape of the living space – you may have more length than width or vice versa – but the fundamentals of workspace efficiency can be applied to any shape kitchen.  

The working triangle is the path that you will most frequently tread in your kitchen – often this is between your consumables zone (fridge, freezer, pantry), cleaning zone (tap, cleaning storage) and cooking zone (hob, oven, appliances). Ideally, the sum of the triangle’s 3 sides should not exceed 7m, and each leg should measure between 1m and 2.5m. Getting this relationship right will create the most efficient kitchen layout.

Ideal for: small-medium sized living spaces Pros: Maximises corner space and accessibility. This kitchen design can also work well with open or broken plan living if connected with an additional living space, such as a dining area. Cons: Limited space if there is more than one cook in the kitchen at one time Tip: If there will be multiple users at one time, consider adding a kitchen island to create additional workspace.  

Galley Kitchen Ideas: Smart Designs For Narrow Spaces

If zones are spread too far apart, you will be treading further to go between each. Keep the working triangle at the forefront of your mind when planning this kitchen layout so that the space is fully optimised.

Consider lighting carefully. U-shaped kitchens can trap light, so talking to your Studio Partner about lighting solutions early in the design process will keep this front of mind.  

A balance must be met; too wide and you will constantly walking back and forth. Too close and you won’t have enough space to open doors and drawers.

Small Kitchen Design Ideas

If the space is large enough, this kitchen design offers the most amount of storage and workspace, with space for socialising too.

This kitchen layout wraps around all four walls so you must ensure the working triangle is maintained efficiently so that there is enough space for movement but not too much space between zones.

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Get Inspired With These Quartz Small Kitchen Ideas

Transforming your kitchen is exciting, but it can be tricky to know where to start. We run through some kitchen design ideas to help you get some inspiration regardless of your budget or kitchen size. 

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Remarkably Clever Small Kitchen Design Ideas

Trying to work out the perfect plan for your kitchen? Head over to our kitchen planning guide to get all the details right

Think about how you're going to use your island in relation to the rest of your kitchen. What do you want it for? How will it affect the workings of the rest of your kitchen? Once you know that, you can be clearer on what size and type to get, as well as how to position it.

Islands can be as big as you want but, if you're tight on space there are also slimline versions. You can also get one on wheels so that it can be moved out of the way when needed (more on this below).

Kitchen Design For Self Builders

Another way to save space is to get a peninsula instead. This is essentially where units carry on from your current kitchen and jut out into the room. You can see an example in the gallery below.

Whatever you do, one key thing to keep in mind is how much space it will take up and what usable space you will have around it. Think about the 'kitchen triangle', helps you plot out the distance you need to leave between different parts in your kitchen. 

Our gallery includes a range of kitchen ideas, from kitchen islands with seating to statement islands, to help get you thinking about what you want.

Style And Layout Inspiration

A freestanding kitchen island is exactly what it sounds like: an island that isn't fixed into position (you can see a couple of examples in the gallery above). 

It will usually have legs, lifting it just off the floor or even creating more of a table, depending on what you opt for. They come in the range of sizes, from compact to as big as any other type of island. These types of islands don't usually house appliances or sinks, so take this into consideration.

These kitchen islands are brilliant for small kitchens as it will give you extra worktop space. Some models include storage underneath, and can also double up as a place to eat or a trolley to move food and drink between rooms when you’re entertaining.

Galley Kitchen Ideas And Layouts To Suit Any Space

If you're keen on this type, make sure you buy one that has locks on the wheels so that it will stay in place when needed. Also think about where you will move it to: is there actually space in your kitchen to take it out of its position?

 If you have a kitchen that’s more compact than you'd like, there's plenty you can do to transform it into a beautiful but practical space that works for you.

If you don’t mind losing a bit of worktop, consider a full height cupboard. Or look for taller wall units or bespoke cupboards fitted up the ceiling to take advantage of more of the vertical space in your room.

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Corners are often wasted when you install standard units, so instead choose corner cabinets with carousels that make better use of the space.

Storage is vital in any kitchen, but particularly when it's a small one, so think creatively about the space you have to play with.

You can buy a vast array of baskets, shelf-risers, racks, hooks and other items to make the most of the storage space inside cupboards and drawers.

The Best Kitchen Layout Ideas

Even the most overlooked areas can be useful. The top of the fridge or microwave can house small appliances you don’t use very often, such as blenders.

A breakfast bar or a fold-out table can be a good way to add much needed dining space into a small kitchen and it can also provide extra work surfaces for preparing meals. 

Another thing to consider are appliances. Integrated appliances that are built into your kitchen units can give a sleeker, tidier appearance and be great space savers.

Small Kitchen Ideas

Don't be limited in your kitchen plan by only looking at standard kitchen cupboards and shelves – there are lots of other options. 

These can open up your storage options from cupboards with simple shelves or drawers and can be used in a number of different ways – as a kitchen larder, to display china or glassware, as a wine rack, to hide away appliances that you don't want to have built in or to create another work surface. 

They can also be cheaper too, especially if you revamp an old piece of furniture. Scroll down for more cheap kitchen ideas.

Kitchen Design Hampton In Arden

A kitchen bench is the perfect way to create a social space. Using one at a table will enable you to fit more people around it, while a bench running along a wall will give guests or the family somewhere to sit while you cook.

A fitted bench seat is a good way to maximise space, especially if you use it as an eating space and it has storage built in too. 

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Kitchen Design Mistakes To Avoid

And that doesn't mean you have to stick to neutrals. If you use the same colour consistently, a deeper shade could give the wow factor. Just steer clear of very dark colours.

An alternative approach is to make a statement with splashes of bold colour, to draw people's eyes to the design rather than the dimensions. You could create a feature wall, brighten up kitchen doors or install a coloured splashback.

If you want to use patterns, horizontal stripes can make a room feel wider while vertical lines will give the appearance of a higher ceiling.

Budget Kitchen Ideas To Spruce Up Your Home

Tiles are a great way to give style and character to your kitchen. Coloured tiles can add personality to your kitchen, whereas patterned tiles are better to jazz up what could be a more traditional kitchen, without it becoming overwhelming.

The kitchen sink is a key part of the