Work out how you are most comfortable moving about the kitchen and start planning the positioning of units

It’s surprising to find that 66% of new kitchen buyers surveyed were dissatisfied with the amount of storage they had after installing a new kitchen. The same goes for positioning of units and services. The main thing is assess your lifestyle and needs and start planning from there.

1. Think about the size and shape of the room and how to best use it.
2. Work out how you are most comfortable moving about the kitchen and start planning the positioning of units
3. Make sure you have the correct services in position – for instance if planning a hob on an island unit work out how the extraction is going to be fitted.
4. Think of each cabinet as having a dedicated function just as an oven, dishwasher or refrigerator has.
5. Ensure that there are no fixed shelves in base units – all internal storage must be able to be pulled out for total visibility and accessibility even for items stored at the very back or bottom.
6. Plan your storage around the zones of activity – cleaning material near the sink, pots and pans near the hob etc.
7. Install flexible internal organisational systems to make best use of storage – remember to think in three dimensions i.e. in terms of the volume of the cabinet not just the floor area of each drawer.
8. Make sure your lighting is carefully planned to give focused working lights in particular zones as well as ambient and mood lighting – LED is the way to go.
9. Make sure all units above worktop level are easily accessible and enclosed to your taste – tambour doors are popular for hiding away mobile appliances but still having them close to hand. Leave your surfaces clutter-free.
10. Pay extra for fittings that give super movement – electrically automated opening is getting very popular, soft-close is a must and overhead lift systems should be effortless and always reachable. Always ensure that drawers and pull-outs are fitted with full extension runners.

Blum products are found in all good kitchens. For more information on Blum please visit www.blum.co.uk. Find your nearest retailer here