How to Design the Perfect Kitchen Layout (Without Losing Your Mind)

Source: John Lewis

Designing a kitchen can feel like a daunting task. There are so many decisions to make—appliances, finishes, colours—but the one thing you should never skip is the layout. Before you get swept up in choosing cabinet handles or splashback tiles, focus on where everything goes. Once the layout is right, the rest will fall into place.

We’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true. Kitchens have evolved from purely functional spaces into hubs of activity. They're where we cook, gather, eat, work, and—if you’re anything like me—stand in front of the fridge blankly staring at the cheese you swore was for dinner.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to designing a kitchen layout that’s not only functional but actually enjoyable to use. Before we begin, the most important advice I can give you is to get another opinion.

I've develop a step-by-step system to come up with the perfect layout for my kitchen designs, that I'm sure other designers use but will never admit or reveal. It makes it easy to follow and opens your mind to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle needs and wishes. Think of it like a magician revealing their secrets.

 

Step 1: Start With the Sink

Yes, the sink. It might not be glamorous, but it’s the workhorse of the kitchen. If you have space, consider two sinks: one for prep and one for washing up (or accumulating dishes out of sight until the sink is overflowing).

If you only have room for one, make it as large as possible and ideally go for a double bowl. For me, the perfect ratio for a double bowl is about 80-20. you use the 80 for most washing up, but the small little extra sink is perfect to just quickly wash an apple or a pepper when the other side of the sink is full, but not yet overflowing enough to do something about it. ;)

Make sure you have at least 60cm on one side for drying dishes (unless you are like my mom, who likes to use the dishwasher as a dryer (I wonder if other people do that)). And if you have a dishwasher, you might as well place that on the plan right next to the sink. That's 2 birds down.

💡 Avoid placing your main sink on the island, unless you’re a cleaning perfectionist who will never leave a dish behind. Keep washing-up areas tucked away, especially in open-plan spaces.

Source: No Space Like Home

In the photos above is a classic example to how the kitchen was split so that a smaller kitchen makes up the cooking and entertaining area with a separate scullery, for the washing up, storage and laundry. This makes much more sense in today's use of kitchen as the heart of the home. Although, personally, I would switch places between the oven and the sink so that the sink is right across from the hob and the oven can be in the corner right next to a landing space for hot trays.

Step 2: Place the Hob and Prep Area

Once your sink is placed, think about the hob and prep space. You should be able to move easily between the sink and hob—ideally with just a pivot or a step. Absolutely make sure you have a minimum of landing space (or you can call it counter space) of at least 30cm on each side.

⚠️ A common mistake is centering the hob on the island, which cuts the prep area in half and forces awkward movement between tasks. Don’t be afraid to offset it for functionality, and you can always rebalance it with design techniques such as open shelving or seating on the side away from the hob.

Source: Masterclass Kitchens

Here is an example of a well-designed kitchen, with ample of workspace around the cooker.

Step 3: The Fridge (Yes, We’re Talking Work Triangle)

Traditionally, kitchen designers have followed the work triangle principle—positioning the sink, hob, and fridge in a triangular layout. This concept, introduced in the 1920s, aimed to make kitchens more efficient by minimizing walking distance between key zones. It worked well for L-shaped or C-shaped kitchens and became a standard, especially as companies began using it to streamline kitchen production and reduce costs.

But here's the thing: we’re not designing for factories—we’re designing for living.

Modern kitchens have evolved far beyond a place to cook. Today, they serve as family hubs, dining areas, home offices, and sometimes even ping pong tables. Add in a peninsula or island, a dedicated coffee station, and maybe a hidden washer-dryer combo, and the "triangle" becomes more of a flexible guideline than a hard rule.

Source: handmadekitchen.co.uk     Where is the fridge?

Rethinking the Fridge Placement

Now, about that fridge...

While tradition places it in the triangle, you don’t always have to. Think about how you use it. You're not usually carrying anything hot or dripping to or from it, and most of the time you spend in front of it is just staring at the contents hoping something new will magically appear (especially during a calorie deficit).

Placing the fridge a little further out of the main cooking zone can actually be helpful—especially when you factor in other people. And by "other people," I mean your partner, kids, or guests who always decide they need milk the moment you start cooking, then spend what feels like eternity putting it back, while you’re stuck waiting with a hot pan.

So if space allows, let the fridge sit just outside your main triangle. It frees up your flow and keeps the "milk mission" traffic jams to a minimum.

Step 4: Large Appliances – What Do You Really Need (and Where Do They Go)?

Before you get carried away with cupboards, it’s time to talk big-ticket appliances. These take up significant space, require power points, ventilation, and sometimes plumbing—so they should be locked into your layout early.

Make sure you have a landing space close to the oven, you don't want to be walking around with a heavy oven dish full of goodness, piping hot, trying to find a place to put it down. If you require 2 oven or an open and a microwave, staking is your good friend. Unless that good friend, a high cupboard, is not in the budget of space or cash. I've had experience with clients actually preferring to have those large appliances installed in the island, facing inwards, so they are hidden, for aesthetics reasons. It's a great idea to hide ugly appliances, just take into account you will have to squat every time, but then, you would have had to squat if you had a range cooker as well. 

If you have a rather large coffee machine, like a barista, plan for a dedicated coffee/tea zone with power point, storage for beans, tea, and maybe plumbed-in water and small bin if you are going all out. A shallow drawer under the coffee machine is ideal for mugs, sugar and locating it away from your main cooking zone helps avoid traffic jams during the breakfast rush.  If you kitchen is small, consider having it a little away from the kitchen, if you have another space for a large cupboard, just don't forget to place a little bin for the tea bags and used coffee.

But if it's always out, plan for a permanent spot on the counter with an accessible socket. If not, ensure you’ve got a deep drawer or lower cupboard where you can easily lift it in and out. Same goes for slow cookers, Instant Pots, or blenders. If you are buying a new oven , might as well get one with air frying function to save money and space.

Tip: Measure your tallest countertop appliance (with the lid open, if hinged) before finalizing your upper cupboard heights.

Source: magnet.co.uk  A single oven might just be enough.

Step 5: Cupboards and Drawers

Once your large appliances are sorted, it’s time to think about storage—because let’s face it, there’s never enough. The goal is to fit in as much as your space and budget allow while keeping everything easily accessible. Drawers, wherever possible, are a better option than cupboards. They offer better visibility and reduce the need to get

down on your knees and dig for that one elusive pan lid.

Start by planning around any built-in appliances. These will dictate some of the unit sizes, and you don’t want to accidentally block the flow of your lower units by cramming in a tall cabinet in the wrong spot. If you’re worried about the kitchen feeling too bulky with all those wall cabinets, consider using a lighter colour for the uppers—or skip them entirely in areas where open space feels more appropriate.

While open shelving looks great in photos, in reality, it’s a dust magnet and requires regular styling and cleaning. Only go for it if you’re genuinely committed to keeping it tidy and curated. Otherwise, stick to closed storage—it’s just more forgiving.

Now let’s talk small appliances. You know, the ones that tend to clutter your counters: toasters, mixers, juicers, air fryers. Measure your tallest gadget and ensure you have space to store it—ideally in a cupboard near a power source so you can use it without hauling it around. Unless you use an appliance daily (and we mean actually daily, not like the treadmill you swore you’d use), it doesn’t deserve prime countertop real estate. Give it a proper home inside a cabinet.

Drawers are where real organization magic happens. Make sure cutlery and everyday items are in a central, convenient location—close to where you prep and eat. And please, for the love of efficiency, avoid drawers inside drawers. They seem clever in theory but are endlessly frustrating in daily life. If you're short on storage, consider smart solutions like toe-kick drawers in the plinth beneath your lower units. These shallow drawers are perfect for storing oven trays, BBQ tools, or rarely used gadgets without taking up valuable cupboard space.

Source: kraftmaid.com Don’t forget to research those clutter and space saving solutions such as the plinth drawer and a charging drawer to keep those phones, smart watches and Ring door bells tucked away while on charge.

Step 6: Seating

Now that your storage is planned, let’s talk about where everyone’s going to sit. Seating has become an essential part of modern kitchens—not just for eating, but for chatting, helping with homework, or keeping the cook company with a glass of wine in hand.

If you have the space, an island with seating is a fantastic addition. It creates a natural gathering spot and adds a casual dining area without needing a separate table. Most kitchen islands are around 90cm high, so make sure to cho

ose bar stools with a seat height between 62 and 72cm for comfort. If you love the look of taller stools or simply want a more distinct visual break between seating and prep areas, consider raising the seating surface slightly—about 10cm higher than the main counter. This subtle difference adds a stylish touch and gives the island a layered look.

Placing the seating area at the edge of the island also helps separate it from the cooking zone, which is a small but mighty detail. It keeps guests or kids from crowding the prep space, and gives everyone a comfortable spot to perch without being in the way. It’s one of those thoughtful touches that makes your kitchen not just functional, but enjoyable to live in.

Source:  Better Kitchens

Step 7: Lighting and Electrical Plugs

Lighting might be the last thing you install, but it should be one of the first things you plan. It’s not just about making the kitchen look pretty—it’s about making it work. Good lighting transforms a space, both in how it functions and how it feels.

Start by thinking practically. Where will you be chopping, cooking, cleaning, making coffee? These are your task zones, and they need focused, shadow-free light. Under-cabinet lighting is ideal here, especially when combined with a moulding strip that hides the fixture and angles the light toward the worktop. If you’re using LED strip lights, place them close to the front edge of the cabinet and tilt them at about 45 degrees towards the wall—especially helpful if your surfaces are shiny and reflective.

Then, layer in ambient lighting—your general light for the room. Most people default to scattering downlights across the ceiling like confetti, but that rarely gives you light where you actually need it. Instead, plan thoughtfully. Track lighting or adjustable spotlights allow you to aim light exactly where it’s needed. And if you’re working with an open-plan layout, lighting is a great way to define zones and add depth to the ceiling design.

Accent lighting adds the final touch, helping create mood and highlighting details. Pendant lights over an island or peninsula are a favourite—just make sure they’re hung at the right height (around 75–90cm or 30–36 inches above the surface) and are dimmable. If you’ve got space above your wall cabinets, uplighting can create a soft glow that adds height and drama without overpowering the space.

And don’t forget the power sockets. Plan for more than you think you’ll need—and make sure they’re placed where you’ll actually use them. If you’ve got a wine fridge, a barista corner, or a bank of appliances, make sure they’re well supplied. For islands, a discreet pop-up socket or one built into the side can keep things clean and functional.

As for lighting colour? Stick to warm white (around 2700K–3000K) for a cosy feel, and go brighter (4000K–5000K) for task-heavy zones like the hob or prep area. And yes—everything should be on a dimmer. It gives you flexibility and lets the kitchen shift from functional to atmospheric with a flick of a switch.

Source: Kestrel kitchens

Final words:

Designing a kitchen layout may feel overwhelming at first, but by approaching it step by step—starting with the sink and working your way through appliances, storage, seating, and lighting—you’ll create a space that not only functions beautifully but truly feels like the heart of your home. Remember, no detail is too small, and the more thoughtfully you plan each element, the more enjoyable your kitchen will be to use every single day. And when you're done? Get a second opinion—you've only got one kitchen, but a thousand ways to get it just right.