How to Design a Kitchen Layout: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Most kitchen regrets trace back to layout decisions made early on. The good news is that the common mistakes are well known and easy to design around once you know what to look for. Here are the ones that catch people out most often — and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Work Triangle
The sink, hob and fridge form a triangle you move between constantly. If they're too far apart you'll be walking laps; too close and it feels cramped. Aim for each side between 1,200mm and 2,700mm. Design the triangle first, then fit the rest of the units around it.
2. Not Enough Worktop Beside the Hob and Sink
You need somewhere to put a hot pan and somewhere to prep. Leave a clear run of worktop on at least one side of the hob and beside the sink — landing space is one of the first things people miss and most regret.
3. Doors and Drawers That Clash
Two appliance or cupboard doors that can't open at the same time, or a dishwasher door that blocks a walkway, are classic planning errors. Check the swing and open direction of every door, appliance and the room's own door before finalising positions — especially in corners.
4. Forgetting Clearances
Leave enough space to stand and open things: around 1,000mm–1,200mm of clear floor in front of units, and more where two people pass or an appliance door opens into the room. In a galley, don't let the two runs sit too close.
5. Wasting the Corners
Standard corner units create dead space that's hard to reach. Plan a carousel, a pull-out or a dedicated corner solution from the start rather than losing the capacity.
6. Too Few Sockets, in the Wrong Places
Plan where kettle, toaster, chargers and appliances will live and put sockets there before tiling. It's cheap to add now and expensive to change later.
7. Underestimating Storage
People almost always want more storage than they plan for. Favour drawers for accessibility, use tall units for capacity, and don't forget somewhere for bins, recycling and cleaning kit.
8. Not Measuring Properly
The mistake behind many others. Measure every wall at floor, mid and worktop height, mark fixed points like the boiler and soil pipe, and work in millimetres. Our step-by-step planning guide walks through it.
Get It Right From the Start
Spend the time on the plan before you order — it's the cheapest part of the project to change. When you're ready, browse our complete kitchen units, or call us on 02920 007 948 and we'll happily look over your plan before you buy.