Most designers will agree that the kitchen is the most important room in the house. It is the centre of functions and the place where most families spend the majority of their time. Hence redesigning a kitchen is a vital consideration full of a great deal of factors. However before chugging off down to the supplier it is important to undertake a logical planning process to ensure that worktops, cupboards and flooring all match and the appliances are placed in a way so that the kitchen can be used efficiently and effectively.



The market is currently inundated with different worktops, cupboards and flooring options that come in a range of styles, designs and materials. Additionally the supplier and fitters you choose are a considerable concern. Making sure they will be able to fit your new kitchen in good time and to a high standard is the ultimate objective. The fitting of a new kitchen is a long and arduous process, effective planning in the early stages will ensure it is as least stressful as possible.

Designers often bandy around the term 'golden triangle'. While this may confuse homeowners it is quite simple. The term refers to the placement of appliances in a layout that is broken up with worktops and open space. The desirable of effect of following the triangle rule is to create a kitchen that is highly efficient and easy to use. It is hoped that through effective placement of key appliances it will be possible for users to enjoy a hassle free cooking experience.

This triangle theory however is not generic; in most cases different homeowners will have different needs for their kitchen. The appliances at the corners of the triangle will differ in accordance with how homeowners use their kitchen. For instance some people would require the fridge, oven and sink as the three points of their triangle while those who do less cooking may wish to place the microwave and dishwasher at the points for easy, stress free cooking. It all depends on how much you use a certain appliance and how highly it ranks in the usability of your kitchen.

As well as this triangular element to design aesthetics are always major concerns when designing a new kitchen. Involved in the decision making process should be the styles and materials used for the worktops, cupboards and flooring. Seemingly these choices are almost limitless and depend upon the needs of the homeowner and how they wish their new kitchen to look. Worktops are available in materials ranging from solid woods such as oak and teak to glass and steel. This is a vital choice though; the materials used can truly make a great deal of difference to the aesthetics of a kitchen, while wood will make a homely kitchen, steel and glass are popular in contemporary design circles.

The kitchen always has to store a variety of foodstuffs as well as cook books and cleaning equipment. As such the layout and design of cupboards is essential. It is important to have enough storage space although it should be remembered that it is possible to have too much space meaning that cupboards always look empty and sparse. On the other hand having too little space can make a kitchen look cramped and ill fitting to the purpose of housing a family's food.

Hopefully this information has given those who are redesigning their kitchens good advice on the best ways to create a space that is enjoyable to spend time in for all of the family. With a dedicated and conscientious attitude in the planning stage, it is possible to create a culinary haven.