When it comes to kitchen design you have 3 options:
- get a professional to do it for you
- retain the existing layout
- plan a new layout yourself
If you've decided on doing it yourself then we recommend you download our FREE Kitchen Design guide by entering your details in the boxes below. Just click on the link in the confirmation email you'll be sent to download your copy.
This simple guide is aimed at DIY'rs who have never designed a kitchen before and explains the various steps involved and all the things you have to take into consideration. Once you've downloaded the guide you'll also receive a free 7-partinstallation guide by email which will help you complete your kitchen project with the least amount of fuss. Further details of what's included can be found here: www.simplekitchendesign.co.uk
However, if you're in a real hurry and just need a few pointers, then read on...
- unless there's a good reason to change it, keeping the existing layout is often the best thing to do (especially if it's a fairly modern property - i.e. an architect will probably have already come up with the best use of space)
- if you need to change it, start by measuring your kitchen accurately in cm or mm and draw a sketch of the floorplan (this is easiest on graph paper)
- think of 100mm (10cm) as the 'building block' for your new plan. Most kitchen units are in standard sizes in multiples of this e.g. 500mm, 600mm, 1000mm etc.
- round-down whatever your room measurements are to the nearest 100mm e.g. your room is 3310mm x 2430mm - round this down to 3300mm x 2400mm
- doing this will make it very easy to see which units will fit in the space you have
- if you're going to be left with a gap at the end of a run of units, buy a spare 'worktop support panel' or a length of 'plinth' to cut spacer panels from
- don't change the location of the sink and cooker unless you really have to - doing so will add additional time and expense for plumbing and wiring alterations
- if you plan to install integrated appliances remember that they fit hard back against the wall - there is no room for any pipework or electrical sockets. Most integrated appliances like washing machines and dishwashers don't require a unit to be housed in - they normally sit directly on the floor - but you will need to buy an 'integrated appliance door' and a length of plinth (see Accessories sections on each kitchen's ordering page)
- get up to speed on kitchen jargon and learn the difference between pelmet and plinth, built-under and built-in and much more with our jargon buster.