Kitchen planning and layout ideas

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house, so it needs to be as functional as it is stylish. 

Carefully designing a kitchen layout is the key to creating a space where you can cook, socialise and keep things clean and organised without too much effort. 

We've spoken with builders, estate agents, as well as Which? readers who have done kitchen renovations, to find the key considerations in this process. We've also consulted our home improvement experts and product testing team. 

Using this advice, this guide will explain how to plan and lay out your new kitchen. 

Discover the best and worst kitchen brands according to our lab tests and consumer surveys

How to plan your new kitchen: step-by-step

The process of designing a kitchen renovation can be broadly divided into four steps. 

1. Planning and budgeting

Set your budget: According to Magnet Kitchens, a kitchen renovation should cost 5-10% of the value of your home, on average. 

It's also important to add at least 10-15% of your budget as contingency costs, in case anything goes wrong (possibly more, if you have an old house or are considering structural work). 

To find out how much the average kitchen renovation costs in the UK, plus a breakdown of costs for elements such as installation, flooring, worktops, appliances and more, read our guide to how much a new kitchen costs.

Create your wishlist: Scour magazines, social media and kitchen showrooms to get an idea of the style, colours and fixtures you like.

Beyond the aesthetics, consider the key functional elements of your kitchen – do you need plenty of space for cooking and entertaining, or something more modest and easy to maintain? 

Assess your current kitchen: What does and doesn't work? Are you happy with your current layout, or do you need more space, a more efficient workflow or more storage? Do your current appliances still function well, or do they need replacing, and are they well located?  

Pull all of this together to create your plan, and prioritise your wishlist in terms of what's essential and what's nice to have.

2. Design the layout

Measure and map your existing kitchen: Note any structural features such as windows, doors and radiators that you'll need to work around. Also make note of your plumbing and electrical outlets – moving these is very expensive, so try to keep them in the same place if you're watching the budget. 

Prioritise your workflow: Where do you prep food, cook and wash up? Imagine yourself chopping vegetables, getting a pan and cooking them on the hob, then throwing away the vegetable peel and washing the knife – will this process flow smoothly? 

Think about how you move within and between each zone when cooking and tidying up. And don't forget the smaller daily tasks like making a cup of tea or sterilising baby bottles. 

You'll also want to place your appliances in the most convenient places. The working triangle, or the kitchen triangle, refers to the optimal layout of your refrigerator, hob and sink. For more on this, jump to 'What is the kitchen work triangle?'

3. Plan your storage

This is the second most important part of your kitchen – a good storage system helps to keep clutter at bay while keeping your essentials within easy reach.

Maximise your storage: Consider large, deep pan drawers for the base cabinets, rather than cupboards, where you end up rummaging around at the back. 

Optimise your vertical space: Double-height larders are useful for food storage, and pull-out options keep everything visible and within easy reach. 

Adding some open-shelving to your walls gives you a place to display your best crockery, or keep items you'll need daily such as coffee cups. Just be aware they can gather dust.

Visit our kitchen storage ideas for further advice on making the most of your space

4. Pick your appliances, cabinets and final touches

Fitted, bespoke or freestanding cabinetry? Fitted and bespoke kitchens are built into your space, but bespoke kitchens are more customised to your design preferences. These options tend to make the most of your space. Freestanding kitchens – made up of separate units that are not built-in – tend to work well in larger, country kitchens. 

Choosing a kitchen range is one of the most fun parts, but it's not without jeopardy – for a kitchen that stands the test of time, you'll need a durable range from a trusted supplier.

Our experts have lab tested 21 kitchen ranges from nine brands, and we've surveyed 4,580 Which? members and members of the general public to find out how they rate popular brands. To discover the top-scoring kitchens, visit our guide to the best kitchen brands. 

Pick your appliances: If you need to replace your appliances, read our guide on how to buy the best kitchen appliances. From ovens to washing machines and fridge freezers, we run thousands of tests every year to help you find the right models for your home. 

Final touches: Consider lighting, seating, ventilation and hardware. These extra details make all the difference.  

Types of kitchen layout

There are five main kitchen layout types to work with: single-wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped and G-shaped kitchens. 

Single-wall kitchens

These are often found in new builds and apartments where space is a premium. An open-plan kitchen, living and dining room makes the most of the square footage. 

Creating a working triangle is difficult with this type of layout unless you install a kitchen island, but this may be difficult in a smaller space. 

Galley kitchens

Galley kitchens are generally the best way to maximise the worktop and storage space in a long, narrow kitchen. 

While key appliances such as the oven and refrigerator are usually within arm's reach, a common complaint it that it's difficult for more than once person to move around comfortably. 

L-shaped kitchens

This type of kitchen is ideal if you want space for an island or dining table. 

If you accommodate an oven or sink in the island, you can create a working triangle. However, you won't have as much storage or worktop space as you would in a U-shaped or G-shaped kitchen. 

U-shaped kitchens

U-shaped kitchens have cabinets running along three adjoining walls. In smaller spaces, this naturally creates a working triangle. 

In larger spaces, with room for a central kitchen island, it provides a huge amount of storage and worktop space. 

G-shaped kitchens

This type of kitchen has four sides, with the fourth slightly shorter than the rest, creating an ideal spot for a breakfast bar or peninsula. 

It's a great option if you have an open-plan space but an L-shaped kitchen wouldn't provide enough storage, worktop or seating space. 

Kitchen layouts with islands

A kitchen island is a great way to add extra storage and worktop space, zone your kitchen, or create a working triangle if your layout doesn’t naturally lend itself to one.

They can also make your kitchen feel more sociable, as the person cooking doesn't have to stand facing a wall while preparing the food. 

Islands can be as big as you want, but if you're tight on space there are also slimline versions. You can also get a kitchen island on wheels so that it can be moved out of the way when needed.

A kitchen peninsula is another option for smaller spaces. This is essentially an island attached to one wall.

What is the kitchen work triangle?

The working triangle, or the kitchen triangle, refers to the optimal layout of your refrigerator, hob and sink.

Ideally, they should be roughly laid out in a triangle, since these are the three areas of your kitchen that you will use the most and often use in tandem. 

To make your kitchen workflow as efficient as possible, each side of the triangle should be no longer than around 1.2m.  

Some kitchen designers also reference a second kitchen work triangle – the sink, bin and (if you have one) dishwasher. Keeping these close together will ensure cleaning up is as easy as possible. 

Victoria Purcell, Which? Home content editor

'Unless you're undertaking structural work to extend your kitchen, you probably won't get to choose your kitchen layout – it'll be defined by the space you have. If you can't expand, there's plenty you can do to maximise space in a smaller kitchen, from opting for a savvy layout in lighter colours to creative storage. Even boosting the amount of natural light can make a room feel larger.'

See the most common layout regrets to find out what our readers regretted about their renovation

Is an open-plan kitchen a good idea? 

Open-plan kitchens have proved popular in recent years as they create living spaces that feel bigger and brighter, but some homeowners are starting to question whether the layout still works with many of us spending more time at home. 

There are pros and cons to an open-plan kitchen:

Pros:

• Allows more light into the space.
• Can make your house seem larger.
• Creates a more open space, so it's better for socialising and collaborative work.
• Allows you to spend time with or monitor children without being in the 'same room'. 

Cons:

• Hard to keep tidy, as clutter in one area makes the whole space appear messy.
• Noisier and busier than separate rooms, especially when using kettles, cooker hoods or washing machines.
• Difficult to create cosy, quiet spaces.  
• Requires a cohesive decor scheme across all rooms.

Creating a kitchen layout that adds long-term value

Most homeowners renovate their kitchens to modernise or create more space, rather than to boost their property value. But if you are planning to move in the next five or 10 years, there are a few things to bear in mind.

'The most important room to focus on when renovating is the kitchen,' says Christopher Burton, head of Wimbledon sales at Knight Frank. 

'To optimise resale value, make it a full-width multi-zoned area with views and access to the rear garden. Push the ceiling as high as possible and flood it with as much light as possible.

'It's an error to link it to the front of the house and/or make it feel like a galley kitchen – these properties are definitely more challenging to sell.' 

Considering the following: 

• If you have a galley kitchen, or a kitchen at the front of your house, it might be worth considering structural work, as a renovation that doesn't alter the layout is unlikely to generate much return on investment. If you can't extend, consider a light-touch refresh in neutral colours.
• If you have non-load-bearing walls dividing your kitchen, dining room and/or living room, consider removing them to create a larger, brighter open-plan space – this might be cheaper than you think. 
• It's important to maximise natural light in any renovation, as this makes a space feel bigger. Plus, bright, airy spaces increase buyer appeal.
• If you are renovating to sell, focus on mid-range upgrades, as that's where you'll likely see the best return on your investment. 

Kitchen design tools

Most of the larger kitchen companies have online design tools that allow you to visualise different kitchen layouts and designs. 

Many also offer a kitchen planning service, where you'll be able to discuss your requirements with a designer who will create a digital plan of your kitchen.

Online kitchen planner

These companies have both a design service and an online planner:

• Benchmarx Kitchens
• DIY Kitchens
• Homebase kitchens 
• Howdens kitchens
• Ikea kitchens
• Symphony kitchens
• Wren kitchens

Appointment-only design service

You can only use a design service with one of these companies if you book ahead. They all offer the first appointment free, except John Lewis.

• B&Q kitchens
• John Lewis Kitchens
• Magnet kitchens 
• Wickes kitchens

It's worth noting that, while independent kitchen companies might not have an online planning tool, their designers are more likely to offer specialist expertise than general DIY stores.

Find out how much a kitchen costs and read our advice on how to renovate your kitchen on a budget

Kitchen planning checklist

• Keep each side of your work triangle (see the image above) between the sink, fridge and cooker at around 1.2 metres. This makes cooking easier, as you’ll have shorter distances to travel.
• Allow for a 40cm clearance between an open kitchen door and the nearest opposite unit. Aim for at least 120cm clearance between parallel runs of kitchen units, so that two people can move around at once.
• Most unit doors open up to a maximum of 60cm. Dishwasher doors usually open by 60cm and oven doors by 50cm. A typical worktop height is 90cm, although this will not be ideal for everybody. Ensure that your elbow height is a few centimetres above kitchen worktops.
• Standard 60cm-deep units will be a tight squeeze if your kitchen is less than 180cm wide from one wall to the other. Solve this by looking for slimmer 50cm-deep units.
• Leave at least 40cm clearance between the worktop and wall-mounted cupboards. 
• Make sure you include space for end panels (where necessary) when calculating the dimensions of your units.
• Check the height of wall units to ensure you'll be able to fit a cornice (the section of wood fitted along the top of wall units to give them a finished appearance).
• Work out the number of door handles and the amount of cornice and plinth (the section that runs along the bottom of base units) that you'll need. You may want to order extra to save time and hassle if any are damaged during delivery or installation.
• A lot of the big-name kitchen brands sell kitchens pre-assembled to standard measurements. Even if you don’t opt for bespoke design, many kitchen companies have design services to help you come up with the best design for you and your lifestyle, including which types of storage could work best.