Kitchen design layouts for keen cooks

If you're a keen cook, then getting your kitchen design layout right is crucial. Here are five must-haves for the keen cook's kitchen renovation:

1. Storage

If you like to cook, then you'll know that great storage is essential. So investigate the options, remembering that while old-fashioned kitchens relied on cupboards alone, these days everything from drawers to over-sized shelves and cabinets, and even pull-out larders, are available.

2. Preparation area

Otherwise known as bench space, you'll need plenty of it, so take this into account when you're planning your kitchen layout. The general consensus is that you need quality bench space next to each of the three corners of the 'work triangle': the cooktop, the sink and the fridge.

According to the experts, if you're going to splash out on one thing in the kitchen then the benchtop is a good thing to choose. Also remember that the standard bench height is 900mm, so if you're taller or shorter than the average person, take the opportunity to have the bench modified to suit your needs.

Also, make sure you have great, task-appropriate lighting - there's nothing worse than trying to cook up a storm in dim lighting.

3. A place to socialise

If you enjoy cooking, then you probably enjoy doing it for others. Because everyone seems to gather around the kitchen when you're entertaining, unless you want them standing over the stove with you, it pays to create some space for your family and friends.

Open-plan kitchen layouts are best for this task, as they create a seamless flow between cooking and entertaining areas. Also consider an island if your kitchen is big enough to take one. In some circumstances it can even act as a servery.

4. Great appliances

It's often said that the appliances are a kitchen's engine. So if you're a keen cook, this is one area where it doesn't pay to skimp.

As well as buying the best quality you can afford, also think carefully about which configurations would suit your design best. For example, would a double oven serve you better than a single? Likewise, would a wall-mounted oven work better for you than a conventional floor-mounted version? Apart from being easier to access, they're also safer - which may be important if it's a well-used appliance.

5. Fabulous kitchen design layout

A well-designed layout means getting the dynamics of your work triangle spot on. For efficiency, the entire triangle shouldn't be more than 8000mm, and each side should be larger than 1200mm but smaller than 2700mm - too small and you'll feel cramped, too large and you'll have to walk too far.

Also pay particular attention to the position of your sink - the average person spends 60 per cent of their 'kitchen time' around the sink area, so it's important to get its position right.

To get assistance with your kitchen renovation planning and design, contact a professional kitchen designer: