Kitchens

Planning a new kitchen can seem like a pretty daunting challenge, especially if you are working from scratch. Whether you are taking on the project as an avid DIYer or hiring a professional to ease the workload, the task of choosing each and every component within the design is still up to you.  

As a space you’ll use virtually every day, you need to ensure your kitchen plan balances a practical mix of both style and functionality. Whilst of course it’s wonderful to enjoy a kitchen that looks beautiful, its equally important to make sure your design meets the functional needs of everyone in the home too. 

To make the planning process a little simpler, we’ve compiled a handy summary of things to consider when developing your dream kitchen model.  

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. There is not one singular kitchen design that fits all layouts, so it’s your job to work around the space in a way that maintains flow and optimises practicality in day-to-day life.  

Accessibility & Walkways – Creating a natural flow for traffic is crucial, especially if you live in a busy household. Ensure your plan incorporates enough space to move between cabinets and appliances when multiple people are in the kitchen space. 

Ideally, paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide with cooking areas looking at around a 42 inch width for a standard one-cook kitchen space. The last thing you want is to open a cabinet and instantly restrict the rest of your kitchen, so adjust dimensions and placements accordingly so that everything flows well.  

Optimising Small Spaces – Smaller kitchens can still be highly functional with a bit of clever arrangement and planning. Make a list of the essential components you require in everyday life (storage, fridge, cooker, microwave, freezer etc) and potentially take out any additional extras that will give the space a crowded feel. Optimise wall space with vertical cabinets and shelving units, and even consider integrating your appliances into the wall.  

Breaking up Open Space - If you are lucky enough to have a large, open kitchen area then why not have fun with breakfast bars, floating islands, and unique cabinet arrangements to help break up the space stylishly. Having a centred component such as an island will not only add versatility to your kitchen, but will also provide a practical spot for eating and additional storage.  

Whether your vibe is bright, bold, and colourful or subtle and neutral, picking the right colour scheme is a great way of injecting a touch of your own personality into your kitchen. Painting your walls is not the only way of adding a splash of colour - many appliances, cabinets and worktops are also available in a gorgeous selection of eye-catching shades, other than just the standard monochrome.  

Incorporate deep wood worktops and cabinets for a classic natural aesthetic or combine modern granite with a metal splashback and glass sink for an interesting contemporary edge. Consider utilising various shades of the same colour for a one-off look that still flows beautifully as one. Whatever your style, don’t be afraid to experiment with diverse materials and colourings to create a kitchen design that is completely unique to your home.  

If you are still stuck on finding the perfect aesthetic, take a look through existing kitchen designs online and pay attention to which shades and textures stand out the most for you. If you’ve always dreamt of making lunch on a luxurious quartz worktop or have fallen in love with red kitchen cupboards you’ve found on Pinterest, explore our range, and take the plunge. We are sure to have the perfect products to match the image in your head.  

Lifestyle & Environment 

The kitchen of a young working couple will not be the same as that of a busy family of five. If you have a big family, you’ll likely be cooking larger meals so a double, multi-function cooker may be more beneficial than a basic single model. A dishwasher could also be helpful to make cleaning that little bit easier.  

For someone living alone, a microwave, compact cooker and small sink would be a practical fit, especially if whilst living in a flat or apartment. 

In a shared house for example, a large fridge freezer and extra cupboards would offer enhanced storage space, meaning everyone has enough room to store and refrigerate their food.  

Kitchen appliances are the fundamental elements that make a kitchen a kitchen. Many larger appliances are a considerable investment, so choosing products that work effectively in your environment is key. Not everyone needs a wine cooler (although they are pretty cool), but every home does need a good-quality ovens, washing machine, fridge, freezer etc.  

Size & Type – The last thing you want in a compact kitchen is a huge appliance taking up half the space. When it comes to the size of your kitchen devices, you need to strike an even balance between functionality and practicality. 

If you live alone or in a couple, you probably don’t need a 6 foot fridge freezer to hold the weekly food shop. Instead, you could look into a more compact design that fits snugly under the worktop or incorporates into a wall cabinet.  

Budget & Extras – Here at DIY Megastore, we stock a variation of appliances to suit many different project budgets. To create a fully functional kitchen, you don’t need to spend excessively. Sticking to the basics is often ideal for many homeowners who use their kitchen for cooking meals and not much else.  

For those looking to implement a further feeling of luxury into their kitchen, appliances such as wine coolers and microwaves and waste disposal units are fantastic add-ons that give that extra level of comfort and practicality.