How to Plan a Kitchen Refurb | DIY Megastore

How to Plan a Kitchen Refurb

Stylish kitchen with large island and blue cabinets.

Designing a kitchen can be a daunting prospect. Ever-evolving to meet the needs of the modern lifestyle, the kitchen is a space where change and renovation is not uncommon, especially within busy family homes. Whilst originally designed for the sole purpose of cooking and food prep, more and more homeowners are now taking a more multi-functional approach, making use of this hospitable space to socialise, entertain, relax, dine and even work from home.

When refurbishing your kitchen, as with any kind of home-design venture, the trick is to break down the project and take things just a simple step at a time. The design process is one of many stages, all of which we’ve spaced out for you within this handy guide. We’ve got you covered with all the best advice, knowledge, tips and tricks to help you design and create a kitchen that you can truly be proud of.

What Do You Want from Your New Kitchen?
Setting a Budget
Measuring Up
Which Layout is Right for Your Kitchen?
How to Fill the Space
Final Thoughts
Taking on Your Own Kitchen Project?
What's Next?

What Do You Want from Your New Kitchen?

Tidy medium-sized kitchen with wood-effect counter tops and 4-seater table.

Whilst it’s exciting (or perhaps less exciting for some) to coordinate colour schemes, discover new décor and play around with different styles and aesthetics, the most practical place to start in your kitchen design journey is to simply ask yourself: what do I really want from my new kitchen?

Before any of the fine details or tricky technicalities come into the picture, start with the basic necessities of what you want from your kitchen and then work up to the fun luxuries and extras that make your kitchen feel, well... yours.

What Would You Change About Your Current Kitchen?

Picture an average day in your current kitchen. Walk through your routine from start to finish – including everything from the busy breakfast rush to the pre-dinner time clean-up complete with dirty dishes and fresh leftovers ready for tomorrow’s lunch.

Consider all the times that kitchen life could be made just that little bit more convenient. This could include anything from extra appliances and better technology to larger cooking spaces or surfaces that are quicker and easier to clean.

If you’re working from scratch on a new build, think back to kitchens from homes in the past. Make a list of everything that you’ve ever wanted to change and don’t hold back. This is your opportunity to fix previous mistakes and create a kitchen that you’ll be happy with for years into the future.

What Do You Love About Your Current Kitchen?

Of course, if there are certain aspects of your existing kitchen that you couldn’t bear to live without, note them down too. Like they say – don’t fix what isn’t broken! Perhaps you love the way a breakfast bar offers extra space to socialise and dine or your double-sink makes washing up a breeze. Maybe your trusty fridge freezer still has more to give, or your luxe marble tiles are just too gorgeous to let go.

There’s no point getting rid of something that you actually really like. Plus, you may even be able to save yourself a few extra pennies by keeping or renovating existing appliances, materials or fixings for your new kitchen.

Create a Wishlist or Moodboard

Now, it’s time to get a little inventive and really home in on what a ‘dream kitchen’ looks like in your mind. Don’t worry if you aren’t the most creative or artistic person – we aren’t all kitchen interior experts.

Start by getting comfy on the sofa with your laptop and browsing through other reference material and images from Google, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook – the power of the internet is at your mercy! Watch tours of other kitchen interiors on Youtube, leaf through interior designs books & magazines or even take a look at kitchen ranges sold on online stores such as DIY Megastore.

Give yourself a full insight into the different types of products and styles currently on the market. Remember, kitchen design has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years so what may have been the newest and best the last time you took on a kitchen project, may be completely different now.

At this stage, save, pin, sketch, note or cut & stick every image, product code, colour reference, pattern sample and design idea you take an interest in. This phase of planning is purely about sparking the imagination and exploring what appeals to your taste and what doesn’t. Don’t stress about technicalities just yet as you may find in the next few steps that your ‘dream kitchen’ is further within reach than you may think.

Setting a Budget

Here comes the boring part. As with any home renovation project, it’s very important to sensibly manage your spending. Set a realistic budget that balances your available finances with your design expectations.

Not only will this initial price planning help to avoid any unexpected costs when it’s too late, but it’ll also allow you to get the best value for money by steering you towards specific materials, products, finishes and suppliers that are practical for your budget-range.

Keep in mind, if something is so cheap it seems too good to be true, then that probably means it is. Whilst it’s great to bag an amazing deal and protect your pockets where you can, don’t focus only on getting the lowest price. There’s still a fantastic selection of affordable kitchen products out there that offer good standards of quality without the hefty price tag.

Accountant with yellow pencil checking data.

Measuring Up

It’s easy to get caught up in the stunning contemporary kitchen interior you found scouring the web one late Saturday evening. However, no matter much you may love a certain kitchen design, you’ve got to consider everything in relation to the measurements and dimensions of your kitchen space in order to ensure that the layout works correctly.

Start by mapping out at a rough diagram of your current kitchen as seen from a birdseye view. Then add in any noticeable details which may have an impact on installation – this includes doors, windows, boilers, electrical meters, soil pipes, light switches etc. Now, you’re ready to whack out your trusty measuring tape and get measuring

Divide your drawing into multiple areas to make the process easier. Then, measure up and note down the measurements for each – the more accurate your measurements now, the easier it’ll be to shop for products that are right for your kitchen.

Which Layout is Right for Your Kitchen?

Nothing can make (or break) a kitchen design like the layout. Whether you’re tackling a cramped studio kitchenette or have lots of open-place kitchen space to play with, it’s important to set out a base layout that works ergonomically and stylishly with your room shape and dimensions.

The Kitchen Triangle

If you’ve scoured enough kitchen design blogs, then you may have encountered the ‘kitchen triangle’ (also named the ‘golden triangle’ by some). This idea specifically references the positioning of the sink, the fridge and the cooker or stove. According to the rule, when laid out in a roughly triangular shape, these three kitchen fundamentals will offer enough practical space for you to carry out your daily tasks without too much obstruction.

Although first developed in the early twentieth century, the kitchen triangle philosophy had spread like wildfire within kitchen design by the mid-twentieth century and is still adopted by many designers to this day.

So, is this geometric design principle a credible theory and will it really give your kitchen the ergonomic layout you desire?

The directions of the triangle theory state that each side of the triangle should measure no less than four feet and no more than nine feet, with the perimeter equating to a minimum of 13 feet and a maximum of 26 feet. In less mathematical terms, this basically means don’t make the triangle too big or too small.

Make it so the area is open enough that the working space is convenient and comfortable, but not so widespread that too much extra walking time is added between the different points. You also need to ensure that the flow of the space is not interrupted – this means no big dining tables or seating spots in the centre of the triangle.

Whether or not this idea is right for your kitchen, is really down to your personal opinion. Most kitchen experts exercise that the kitchen triangle is a good take theoretically, but that the needs of the modern-day family may bear it a little outdated. In many households, cooking or prepping food is not always the task of one singular person which means there may be multiple chefs trying to use the kitchen simultaneously.

Popular Kitchen Layout Options

Open Plan

With less restriction and extra arm-room, open-plan kitchens are far more multi-functionable in design, offering family and friends the freedom to socialise, entertain, work and relax as well as just cook. Often spotted in modern properties, the open-plan design is practical in theory and simple enough style-wise that it’ll be trendy choice even years after renovation.

Galley Kitchen

Typically popular in long narrow kitchens, the galley layout features base cabinets, wall cabinets, counters or other storage fixtures running down one or both sides of the central walkway. The main kitchen traffic moves up and down the narrow aisle, with appliances such as fridges or sinks integrated between the countertops.

Open plan modern kitchen with luxury laminate flooring.

L-Shaped

Popular within traditional and contemporary kitchen spaces alike, the L-shaped kitchen is a great demonstration of the kitchen triangle idea. Fitting snugly into one corner of your kitchen area, workstations are positioned on two different walls which meet together.

The L-shaped layout also usually feature two open ends which allow for multiple entries and exists to maintain free flowing traffic when several people are in the kitchen.

U-Shaped

The U-shaped kitchen features an arrangement of three kitchen units positioned against three adjacent walls to form a birdseye view of the letter ‘U’. Offering extra countertop space whilst promoting less traffic, U-shaped designs are ideal for busy households with lots of different people operating at once.

Island

Combinable with many of the popular layouts mentioned above, an island typically sits at the centre point of your kitchen, completely detached from walls and countertops. Whilst islands are brilliant for breaking up large empty spaces and adding extra cooking, working or dining space, they can be restricting to smaller kitchens if the correct amount of walkway space is not maintained across the sides.

Peninsula Kitchen

Formed by extending one end of your counter out into the kitchen space, the peninsula is a functional and fashionable approach to adding extra space and popularly integrating a breakfast bar-style set up into your kitchen.

Extra Tips Help to Plan Your Layout the Right Way

Experts always recommend leaving at least one metre of walkway space on either one or two sides of your worktop, island or peninsula counter. This will help to avoid imposing traffic and maintain consistent flow throughout your kitchen.
Visiting kitchen showrooms is a great way of gauging the look and feel of a certain layout which can then be applied to your kitchen space at home.
If you are struggling to envision a certain layout, sketch up a simple outline of your kitchen floorplan and use basic shapes to mimic cabinetry, cabinets and worktops. This doesn’t have to be artistic - it just sometimes helps to put your ideas on paper and create a visual guide to refer to.

How to Fill the Space

We like to think of planning a kitchen like building a house. First, you start with a solid base to mark out the basic layout – this is usually your cabinetry and cupboards. Then, you work upwards, adding a stylish worktop on top and integrating vital fixings such as a sink, taps, a stove, hobs and fridges – the necessities any functional cooking space needs.

This is also a good time to consider extra protective measures such as a splashback, perfect for keeping your walls free from splashes and stains whilst bringing more personality and colour to your interior. Next, you might want to consider extra appliances that’ll add a little extra convenience into your everyday routine – perhaps a washer dryer, dishwasher, microwave or a fancy wine cooler to really impress the dinner party guests.

Don’t overwhelm the process by making a huge shopping list of every single thing you could ever possibly need. Break down each stage logically and work through the steps, referencing your mood board and sketches as go.

Used for storing dishes, food and equipment as well as hiding piping systems and integrating appliances, your choice of cabinetry hugely impacts the aesthetic and functional value of your kitchen. As well as creating a cabinet set-up that coordinates with your visual design scheme, you’ll also need to consider other functional factors such as storage space, symmetry, spatial awareness, layout etc.

How Big is My Kitchen?

Cabinetry is available in a selection of different sizes, varying in width, depth and height to coordinate with your space. Tall units are often used to extend ceilings upwards and effectively utilise wall space in cramped kitchen spaces. Shorter units sit perfectly beneath a countertop and can be easily paired with matching wall-fixed cupboards to fill empty space and provide extra storage where needed.

How Much Storage Space Do I Need?

The degree of storage you need typically depends on the size of your household and the complexity of your kitchen. If possible, take an inventory of your current kitchen and consider how much of the existing space is needed/wasted. Think about the future too. If you’re a young family that may expand in the years to come, think about how much additional storage an extra member of the family will take up.

What Aesthetic Do I Want to Create?

There are a gorgeous array of colours, materials and styles to choose from which beautifully complement both traditional and modern kitchen interiors. Coloured cabinets are perfect for injecting a subtle touch of personality into your kitchen without overwhelming the rest of the décor. Even something as simple as matching metal cabinet handles to your tap fixings can create a sleek, coordinated look that flows beautifully throughout the different elements.

How Do I Maintain Balance?

Symmetry is key. You can completely throw your kitchen layout off balance if the ratio of cabinetry is off so space out your kitchen cupboards, appliances and wall units in a way that provides enough comfortable movement space between each. Sticking to your chosen layout plan will help to avoid an uneven balance.

Whether installed beneath your cabinetry or as a freestanding machine, appliances are what make a kitchen a kitchen. There is a huge range of options out there, utilising exciting technologies designed to make our day-to-day lives quicker, simpler and a lot more enjoyable.

Take a piece of paper and create two lists – one for essential appliances & one for additional luxuries. Not all of us need (or can justify purchasing) a lavish wine cooler or slimline dishwasher, however, a fridge, freezer, cooker, oven, hob and washing machine are all everyday fundamentals that most of us integrate steadily into our day-to-day lives.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t stretch the budget further to make life that little bit more fun and comfortable. Once you’ve got the basics down (and have the extra wiggle room within the budget plan), think about the key parts of your lifestyle that you could upgrade with a little help from modern kitchen technology.

If you’ve got a large family and are constantly faced with piles of washing up or dirty plates, then a smart washer dryer or dishwasher could cut your chore times in half and give you more time to spend with the ones that matter most. For cramped kitchens with limited floor space, a two-in-one fridge freezer would take up half the room as two separate appliances whilst offering double the space for your weekly grocery shop.

Whilst the dimension of countertop space you need will differ from kitchen to kitchen, experts advise that including at least 600mm of worktop coverage on either side of a sink or hob is a practical place to start. This ensures you have the bare minimum space needed to wash and cook food comfortably. It’s also important to integrate enough free worktop space in close proximity to your oven or microwave to act as a heat-proof surface for hot dishes and trays.

Worktop materials vary widely in aesthetics, size, finish, durability and of course, price. Not every material will accommodate the functional needs of your kitchen – that’s why it's so important to thoroughly research the benefits and implications of each (link to worktop buying guide) to sure you are making the most practical decision for your environment. This will not only make cleaning and maintenance far easier for you but will also help to avoid any unexpected (and expensive) damages down the road.

No kitchen is complete without a practical washing station complete with sink, drainage and tap fixings to match. From the subtle single bowl sink to the heavy-duty double, contemporary undermount to the charmingly classic Belfast, there are sink models to suit every kind of kitchen, lifestyle and household. You’ve got an even larger array of stylish tap options to choose from too with popular styles including the pillar, single lever, pull-out, monobloc and deck mixer to name just a few.

So, what kind of sink is right for your kitchen? Think back to your day-to-day kitchen routine. As you make your way to your kitchen sink throughout the day, what sort of chores and activities do you find yourself carrying out? Are you faced with mountains of mucky dishes, pots, pans and cutlery? Perhaps you’re washing up ingredients to prep for a delicious dinner? Are you simply just washing your hands or maybe grabbing a refreshing refill for your kettle or water filter?

Now’s your chance to really cater your kitchen to your needs. If washing up is a high priority on the list, investing in a roomy double sink with a pull-out or spring-necked tap would create a spacious set-up with enough rinsing manoeuvrability to cleanse even the dirtiest of dishes. For lovers of coffee that are constantly topping up the kettle, the innovative hot water tap cuts out the middleman, providing direct access to instant hot water for a steaming morning brew in half the time.

Explore different materials, finishes, sizes and shapes to find a sink-tap combination that matches both your practical requirements and kitchen aesthetic.

Relatively simplistic in function, a splashback is designed to add durable protection for your bare kitchen walls whilst adding a unique touch of personality to your décor through colours, finishes, patterns and even digital prints. A popular addition throughout classic and contemporary kitchen interiors, splashbacks are produced in many hard-wearing materials including glass, resin, solid wood, plastic, laminate and many more.

The make it or break it question is – do you actually need a splashback? Many modern homeowners think so. The kitchen can be a messy place, especially if you have a large household with lots of crafty cooks prepping food at once. By reinforcing your vulnerable walls with an extra layer of hardy material, you can splash, spill, cut, dice, chop, rinse and wash without any fear of damage or staining. Most modern splashbacks are also super-easy to clean plus come in a gorgeous array of styles to easily integrate some extra style into a boring kitchen design.

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to remember throughout the entire process is that your kitchen should work for you. There is no singular style, size, layout, colour scheme or functional design that works for every space and household. It’s all about applying your new-found knowledge, inspiration and research to your own lifestyle and adapting existing ideas to accommodate your own home.

Don’t design a kitchen that works for a busy modern couple but is completely wrong for your busy family of four. The planning stages are meant for making mistakes and alterations so you can be confident in your design choices when purchasing and installation begin.

Taking on Your Own Kitchen Project?

Here at DIY Megastore, we believe that everyone should be able to create the kitchen of their dreams at a price to suit them. That’s why we’ve worked closely alongside top-name brands and designers within the professional kitchen industry to provide our customers with top-quality products, materials, fittings and appliances at some of the best prices on the market.

Our extensive ranges are designed to accommodate every kind of homeowner with styles, dimensions, functionalities and designs to bring every kitchen to life. Navigate easily through our stunning kitchen collections and discover everything you could need to transform your cooking space minus the stress.

Close-up of homeowner painting kitchen cabinets with well used brush.

What's Next?

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at our wide range of product and project guides - covering an array of subjects from garden renovations to painting and decorating, installing stunning lighting set-ups to building out a kitchen or bathroom from scratch and much, much more. Take the leap today and start your DIY journey right here. For direct help and advice, you can also contact our award-winning customer service team.