Increasing the functionality and comfort of your kitchen.

With a room as well used as the kitchen, you need to make sure the layout works for you.

Let’s look at the key areas to focus on in order to increase the functionality and comfort of your kitchen.

Plan the kitchen triangle area

Your sink, stove and refrigerator make up the triangle zone of the kitchen. This is clearly an area that’s going to be highly active; therefore, it should be the starting point when reconfiguring your layout.

Begin with the sink and decide whether you want to position it where there’s a view from the window. Or you could opt for a sink inset into a kitchen island. Look at the current placement of pipes. If you don’t like the current location, a plumber will be able to advise on changing the arrangement.

Next, decide where to position the stove. Ideally, it should be on an exterior wall as this will make it much easier to install a good ventilation system. Once sink and stove are in place, you can slot your refrigerator into the triangle.

The idea is to have a fluid working space that allows you to navigate with ease between sink, stove and fridge.

Increase your work surfaces

A vast array of activities take place in the kitchen, and you want to be able to include plenty of work surfaces. Reconfiguring your kitchen gives you the opportunity to do something about a lack of countertops.

One way to bring in additional space is to introduce an island or a breakfast bar. Another method is to choose under-counter appliances rather than tall ones. A separate fridge and freezer will sit neatly under a worktop alongside a dishwasher and washing machine.

Maximise your storage space

Most of us have kitchens overflowing with appliances, crockery, glassware and storage jars. Finding a home for them all can be a problem.

A big advantage to reconfiguring the layout of your kitchen is that you can utilise underperforming space. Tall upper cabinets are great for making use of that vertical space while lower kitchen cabinets can be fitted with shelves or pull-out racks to give extra storage options.

Storage walls can be built-in. These are ideal for housing small appliances and baking accessories, or they can be used as a larder. Alternatively, open shelves and overhead racks or hooks for pots and pans can be fitted to walls to give you extra places to store crockery, glassware and kitchenware.

Walk through your design

Before you commit to your layout, try to walk through the design. You may need to put markers on the floor to indicate where each item will be located.

It’s important to make sure you have sufficient room to fully open any doors. You’ll also want to avoid placing any obstacles in front of your key appliances, including ovens, washing machines, fridges and dishwashers.

You need to allow sufficient space to be able to comfortably move between each worksurface and appliance. If you opt for a kitchen island, make sure it’s in easy reach of your triangular zone of stove, fridge and sink.

Would you like advice on reconfiguring the layout of your kitchen?

We can design the kitchen you want, one that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle and home.

Why not book a FREE kitchen design consultation and let us show you how we can transform your kitchen?

Call us on 01525 851830 or email: sales@kinteriorskitchens.co.uk