Specifications
1. FIRST STEPS
Planning your kitchen can be very rewarding. It is also one of the best investments you can make
in your house. To help you make the most of your kitchen, PlaceMakers have developed this
design guide.
Think about your existing kitchen
It may be tempting to copy your existing kitchen layout for your new kitchen. But at this stage, it is
well worth considering all the alternatives.
Start off by making notes on the things you like and dislike in your existing kitchen, and what
benefits might result from rearranging and introducing different components. At this stage, you
should also consider alterations (moving or removing walls, windows, and so on) you’d like to
make.
It helps to have a clear idea of what you really want from your kitchen and the part it plays in
your life. Is it simply a place to cook or grab a snack? A place to relax? Or a welcoming focal
point for family gatherings? Do you have more than one person cooking at the same time? Draw
up a list of your requirements and refer to these as you plan your kitchen.
The “Work Triangle”
The three most important areas of your kitchen are:
1. Food storage area (including refrigerator).
2. Cooking surface, e.g. hob.
3. Primary food preparation area (including sink).
Kitchen designers refer to this as the “Work Triangle”.
Intelligent use of the work triangle will ensure your
work space is not too cramped while keeping walking to a minimum. When
designing your kitchen, it is advisable to keep your work triangle to a manageable size. Each
“leg” of the triangle should be no less than 1200mm and no more than 2700mm. The ideal
total of the three “legs” should be between 4500mm and 6000mm.
Where possible, route traffic away from or around the work triangle.
2. MEASURING THE ROOM
Accurate measurements are vital to ensure that everything in your new kitchen fits. Following the
simple steps outlined below will help prevent any errors.
Room Dimensions
1. Draw a rough sketch of your room in pencil on the grid planner provided.
2. Measure every wall, beginning in the corner to the left of a door. Measure at bench top
height and write the measurements in millimetres.
3. Measure from the left corner to the edge of window/door/other opening.
(Note: measurements must be made to the outside of frame/trim.) Indicate the way doors/
windows are hinged. Ensure that the distance from floor to underside of window sill is greater
than the finished cabinet and bench top height. (Usually 900mm, i.e. 870mm cabinet + 30mm
bench top.)
4. Measure across each opening from trim edge to trim edge.
5. Measure from trim edge to far wall.
6. Measure from left corner to far wall. Compare this dimension with the total of steps 3,
4 and 5. The totals should match!
SINK
1200 - 2700
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
GALLERY U-SHAPED ISLAND LINE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
COMMON KITCHEN
LAYOUTS
SINK
1200 - 2700
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
GALLERY U-SHAPED ISLAND
LINE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
1200 - 2700
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
GALLERY
U-SHAPED ISLAND LINE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
1200 - 2700
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
GALLERY
U-SHAPED
ISLAND LINE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
1200 - 2700
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
GALLERY U-SHAPED
ISLAND
LINE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
SINK
FRIDGE
YOUR KITCHEN
YOUR KITCHEN
PLANNING
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