| Layout
One of the
first things you should consider in your new kitchen design is layout.
Consideration should be given to traffic flow, the location of the
kitchen in the overall
 house
plan, the number of people in your home, is it open-plan or a closed
plan? Will the kitchen be designed to eat in or do you have a separate
dining area?
The three
points of the work triangle are the sink, stove and refrigerator. The
path between these points should be straight.
Taking the
above points into consideration, decide which of the following five
floor plans your kitchen falls into.
 L
Shaped
A workable shape
usually integrated into other living areas. There should be a
combination of bench length of approximately 3.5 metres - being made up
of a minimum length of one leg of 900mm and a maximum of 3 metres.
Most suited to large, long or narrow rooms often allowing space for a
meals area and two cooks.
U Shaped
 One
of the most versatile, suiting large or small rooms. As there are no
entrances through the room to disturb the flow of working, this shape
gives the most flexible layout. Safe and efficient, offering maximum
bench and storage space. Excellent for one cook. Minimum clearance
should be 1.5 metres to a maximum of 2 metres.
Galley
Preferred by professional chefs, it allows the
 most
efficient use of space with cabinets down either side of the room. The
minimum clearance should be 1.2 metres and maximum of 1.8 metres between
bench tops. Works best if one end is closed to prevent through
traffic and requires good lighting to prevent dimness, Ideal where space
is limited and often used in small apartments.
Single
line
Usually
 needs
a minimum of 1.8 meters with a maximum of three meters of wall to work
efficiently. Best if bench space is maximised with storage kept overhead
and under bench appliances utilised. This design is best used in
caravans, units and holiday homes. Perfect for small rooms and
where windows are above the bench.
Island
Combines any shape kitchen
 with
a separate work bench. The island creates extra workspace to be utilised
for preparation, cooking, dining or entertainment, whilst allowing a
feeling of openness the island should not interrupt the work triangle
and ensure the minimum clearances are allowed between benches.
These being 900mm minimum and 1.2m maximum. Needs a rather large
room and caters well for more than one cook.
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