There’s plenty to consider when developing your plans for this multi-functional zone. From decisions on basic design and layout, to how much you can expect to pay for your perfect space, we sum up the essentials

The kitchen used to be a place for the behindthe-scenes activity of cooking and cleaning up, tasked Martin Moore with creating Above: The owners of this house a family-oriented culinary zone with situated separate from the comparative calm of traditional handmade furniture to the dining room. However, thanks to the rise reflect the property’s rural setting. of open-plan living in modern homes, the way we use The island functions as the focal the kitchen has evolved. This contemporary hub now point of the room and the main functions as a space not just for meal prep, but also as area for meal prep a home office, an area for kids to play and do homework and a zone for entertaining guests in the evening. The fact that the kitchen is more on show than ever before has created an opportunity for it to become one of the major design features of the property, too. With a host of stylish finishes and sleek appliances on offer for you to choose from, what’s the best approach to designing a kitchen perfect for your bespoke requirements?

Design & layout basics

The first step is to decide how your kitchen will be used on a day-to-day basis – will it be a lively zone where family members are likely to leave piles of unwashed dishes and dirty worktops? Or will it be a well-ordered, minimalist space? This will dictate what size of room works best. For instance, if you have a busy life and prefer to eat out then a smaller space might be sufficient. Alternatively, if your lifestyle means several people preparing food simultaneously, or if cooking is your passion, you’ll need ample worktop space and plenty of room for circulation.