ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Think inside the box with our top tips for getting your kitchen design just right

1 try to use the most efficient working triangle for the shape of your kitchen (see the Get Working box overleaf for details) so you don’t end up walking from one end of the room to the other just to get milk for your tea. 2 For cupboards that open opposite each other, it’s a good idea to have at least a metre between them when they’re open, to allow people to pass through unimpeded. 3 Any kitchen, big or small will benefit from being bright and open, so plan your lighting well and keep tall units away from the windows to allow in lots of natural light. 4 Zone your kitchen so it works as efficiently as possible, keeping pans in a drawer below your hob or china and glassware close to your table, for instance. 5 Plan to have as many deep storage drawers as you can, rather than simple cupboards. that way you won’t have to get down on your hands and knees to see what’s at the back! 6 Use light-reflecting materials and elements, such as palegloss cabinets and light-coloured worktops, to make the space in a small kitchen feel bigger. 7 Place your dishwasher close to your sink to create a dedicated washing-up area. it’ll help prevent water splashing onto the floor when transferring dirty dishes from one to the other. 8 Planning to buy a fridge with a drink dispenser? ensure that you place it out of the main working area of the kitchen so that children can help themselves without getting under your feet. 9 if you’re adding underfloor heating, make it as energy efficient as possible by not running it under cupboards and freestanding appliances, such as fridges and cookers. 10 if you want to install an island unit, check first whether your kitchen is large enough to take the unit by placing a simple paper template of it on the floor. test to see if you’ll have enough space to move around it easily.