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A.  General Information

When putting in a new kitchen, the first thing you need to do is plan it all out.

B.  Draw a Scale Outline of your Kitchen on a Grid
         Draw a scale outline of your kitchen on a grid and indicate wall and opening measurements. Mark the locations of fixed installations like electricity, plumbing, pipes, heating radiators, vents, doors, windows, etc. Measure the height and width of walls you plan to use for cabinets and measure for fixed installations that take up space. Measure in every direction. Remember, you need enough space for cabinets below window sills. Allow at least 39", but ideally 42" from the floor.

C.  Arrange Appliances and Cabinets on Grid
         It's easier to pick out the types of cabinets, drawers, shelves and interior fittings if you know what you will be storing in each of them. Make a list of all the components you need including appliances. Use the grid to "furnish" your kitchen. Try a bunch of different arrangements.

D.  Kitchen Layout
         Of course, the size and shape of your room helps to figure out your kitchen layout, but also think about what is called an efficient work triangle to plan a practical kitchen. This work triangle saves steps by locating work areas and appliances for certain tasks like food prep, cooking and washing up so you can move from one to the other quickly and easily. Here are five kitchen layouts with a work "triangle" shown to help you find the solution for you.

E.  Making up your Mind
         You need to think ahead to save space, time and money. In the dining area, which shape do you want the table to be? Do you need extra leaves or a drop leaf or castors? You should allow 36 - 48" space out from the table for each chair. You might want a breakfast bar. It doubles as counter/buffet space. Think about the lighting. Ceiling lights offer general illumination; a pendant lamp is great over a table; spots direct light on work surfaces. Cabinet lights make glass sparkle and add atmosphere. Counter lights help you work and add background light. Task lighting is smart at work areas or cookbook center. Consider appliances; would a double oven help you out? Separate cooktop? Do you bake, preserve, cook for a crowd, make beer, or need to plan for other special equipment? If you shop often, a smaller refrigerator may be fine. If you will be storing wine, beer or soda, you'll need extra refrigeration. Think about safety. Lockable storage for cleaning products keeps kids safe. Add drawer latches so kids can't use drawers as steps. Look for insulated doors and locks on a stove or range. Do you want cabinets on legs, leg frames or toe-kicks, or a mix? Adjustable legs let you set your best working height. Choose door finish, handles and knobs to fit your style.

F.  layouts
         There are a number of different layouts.

  Single-line kitchen - A smart way to save space in narrow kitchens. Maximize walls with double-stacked or extra-high cabinets.
Single-line kitchen with an island - Here the single-line kitchen is enhanced with an extra work/dining surface that gives you lots of storage below while directing traffic flow too.

Galley kitchen - This layout gives you two working and storage areas along opposite walls. This set-up has lots of advantages in kitchens where the focus is on food preparation instead of entertaining.
L-shaped kitchen - The most common layout, this is an ideal solution to free up floor space for a dining table in your kitchen.
U-shaped kitchen - The perfect working kitchen puts everything in reach and directs traffic away from the cook. Cooking and food prep areas and cabinet storage make maximum use of space.