The Golden Rules of Kitchen Design – Layout Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, we have designed and fitted countless kitchens across Lancashire and the North West. In our experience, the best kitchens do not just look beautiful, they work beautifully too. A well-planned kitchen layout makes everyday life easier, safer, and far more enjoyable.

At Thomas Alexander Kitchens, we combine three decades of kitchen design experience with genuine attention to detail. Whether you are planning a complete remodel or simply rethinking your layout, the following design rules and insights will help you create a space that feels both stylish and functional.

Why Smart Design Matters

We often find that homeowners focus mainly on colours and finishes, but layout is what truly determines how a kitchen feels to use. When storage, appliances, and work areas are placed with care, the kitchen becomes effortless to move around in.

In our experience, even small changes such as relocating a fridge or adjusting a lighting plan can make a big difference to how comfortable a kitchen feels.

The Golden Rule – The Work Triangle

One of the most important kitchen design principles is known as the “work triangle”. This refers to the positioning of your cooker, sink, and fridge, which form the three main points of activity in most kitchens.

We find that keeping these points within easy reach of one another improves efficiency and flow. Ideally, there should be clear space between each zone so you can move freely without crowding. Our designers always consider this during the planning stage to ensure every kitchen feels natural to use.

The Thumb Rule – Balancing Function and Style

The thumb rule of kitchen design is simple: function comes first. Before choosing colours or finishes, think about how you actually use your kitchen each day.

In our experience, this means considering where you prepare food, where you make drinks, and how your household moves through the space. By planning around real-life habits, the final design not only looks stunning but also makes everyday life easier.

Once the layout is right, style follows naturally. Whether you love the clean lines of a modern handleless kitchen design or the charm of a classic shaker kitchen, a solid functional base ensures lasting satisfaction.

Common Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

After more than thirty years in the trade, we have seen a few design errors that can be easily avoided:

 

• • Placing the oven or hob too close to a doorway

• • Forgetting to allow space for appliance doors to open fully

• • Skipping task lighting, which leaves work areas too dark

• • Not enough plug sockets in practical places

• • Choosing materials that look good but mark easily

In our experience, careful planning at the start saves time, stress, and expense later on.

Smart Storage and Space-Saving Ideas

A beautiful kitchen is one that works for you. We often find that clever storage makes all the difference, especially in smaller homes.

We design solutions such as deep pan drawers, pull-out larders, corner carousels, and integrated recycling units that make full use of every inch of space.

Our approach is to combine practicality with style, ensuring everything has its place while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

Lighting and Finishing Touches

Lighting plays a huge role in the feel of a kitchen. In our experience, a layered approach works best: bright task lighting for preparation areas, warm under-cabinet lighting for ambience, and soft overhead lighting for dining or entertaining.

Finishing touches such as handles, taps, and splashbacks also influence the overall look. We help our customers choose options that complement their cabinetry and add personality to the space.

Trusted Sources and Design Guidance

In our experience, it helps to review independent guidance as you plan your layout. For professional design principles, the Royal Institute of British Architects has homeowner resources that explain how good design maximises storage, light, and flow. You can also explore the National Kitchen and Bath Association Planning Guidelines, which outline clearances and accessibility considerations used widely in the industry. These references will give you confidence before we start your design together.

 

• RIBA homeowner guidance: architecture.com

• NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines PDF: media.nkba.org

Why Choose Thomas Alexander Kitchens

As a family-run company with more than three decades of experience, we know how to create kitchens that blend beauty with practicality. Every design we create is unique and carefully planned to suit each customer’s lifestyle, space, and budget.

We manage the entire process, from the first design consultation to final installation, ensuring every detail is handled with care. Our customers appreciate our honest advice, reliable service, and quality craftsmanship.

We work throughout Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester, helping homeowners transform their kitchens with confidence.

See More of Our Work

For inspiration, view our kitchen gallery. Each design showcases our experience and the pride we take in our work.

Book Your Free Design Consultation

If you are planning a new kitchen or would like expert advice on how to improve your layout, we would love to help.

Call 0800 772 3171
Book your free consultation online

Our design consultations are completely free, and for a limited time, every fitted kitchen comes with a free Bosch Dishwasher while stocks last.

FAQ Section

What is the most important rule in kitchen design
In our experience, the golden rule is to create a layout that allows easy movement between the cooker, sink, and fridge. This forms the work triangle and ensures practical flow.

How do I plan a kitchen that works for my family
Start by thinking about how your household uses the space each day. Consider cooking habits, storage needs, and how many people move through the room. Our designers can help you plan around these details.

Can you design a kitchen for small spaces
Yes. We have extensive experience designing kitchens for compact homes and apartments, using clever storage and layout solutions to maximise space.

Do you handle installation as well as design
Yes, we provide a complete end-to-end service that includes design, supply, installation, plumbing, electrics, and finishing touches.

Is your design service free
Yes, our design consultations are completely free and without obligation. We believe in offering genuine value and transparent advice from the very first meeting.