Kitchens are seen by many as the heart of the modern family home but space can be at a premium given the plethora of appliances and essential items that we now try to cram into them. Trying to give a kitchen a feeling of space is a challenge that requires much planning and consideration to ensure that you end up with sufficient storage but also a room that is bright and airy.

Kitchen design is often governed by a principle known as the “golden triangle” whereby the three most used areas or pieces of equipment are grouped together to let the homemaker operate efficiently while cooking. Most people should then ensure that their cooker, fridge and sink are located close to each other with sufficient free worktop to accompany this.

Getting this balance right when designing the kitchen is almost essential as plumbing for sinks or dishwashers are difficult to alter once installed. Similarly, spaces left for appliances are not easily filled with matching cupboard units especially after a period of time when such units may no longer be in production.

Storage Spaces

A kitchen has many items that need putting away somewhere when they are not in use; pots, pans, dishes and small appliances all need somewhere to live on a permanent basis so ensuring the right amount of storage is key to a well designed kitchen.

Too little space is hard to overcome but having too many cupboards can prove just as costly to the overall design of the kitchen. Having the extra storage space encourages clutter to accumulate which can leave the kitchen untidy and harder to use effectively.

If you have a separate pantry or utility room consider using this to store items that are used less infrequently so that the number of cupboards, particularly eye-level ones, can be kept at a minimum and even allow for additions such as breakfast bars.

For more specific kitchen advice just check out these articles:

Fridge Freezers

No home is without one but when you are buying a fridge freezer there are many different things you need to consider.

Kettles

For the quick heating of water, the common kettle is one of life's must have items.

Cutlery

Preparing and eating a variety of foods requires a variety of different pieces of cutlery so having the whole set is very handy indeed.

Coffee Makers

Making the perfect cup of coffee is almost a requirement for some people in the morning but whatever time of day you need a refill a coffee maker is a true convenience item.

Dishwashers

For those with a great deal of washing up to do on a daily basis, a dishwasher might be the solution and they are surprising cost effective and energy efficient.