Kitchens

The kitchen layout should be primarily dictated by its function. The kitchen is the area for cooking and for the storage of food, but it will often house the washing machine and perhaps and tumble drier, as well as being the area where the prepared food is consumed. What purposes do you expect your kitchen to serve, and how much space do you have to carry out your ideas?

The function and form of the kitchen space should follow from the kind of lifestyle that the kitchen users lead. For example, a family kitchen is likely to be full of food and utensils, requiring a lot of storage and somewhere for the family to eat. A single person on the other hand may spend more time eating out, or spend less time at home, so storage and entertaining space will be less of an issue.

The usage will also help you decide on either a fitted or freestanding kitchen. A fitted kitchen has the advantage that it is often more space efficient and can hide all awkward corners, instead turning them into useful storage areas. Fitted kitchens are available as flat pack, rigid or bespoke. Whilst they add value to your property should you come to sell, you will have to purchase another kitchen if the one in your new property needs redoing.

A freestanding kitchen is more individual as it can be made up of distinct parts. It also appeals more to traditionalists, giving it a comfortable and informal feel. Moreover, as you change your mind or your lifestyle, the kitchen can be easily adapted and furniture shuffled about to suit. Problems can arise with the lack of storage that fitted units provide, so this will require extra consideration in a freestanding kitchen.