7 steps to planning a new kitchen
Follow our tips for achieving your dream kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. So, it’s important to ensure that the room is functional and practical, however it’s aesthetic is just as crucial. Family moments will take place and special memories will be made in this room. You want those moments to happen in a space that you find inspiring and attractive.
We know starting a kitchen project can be daunting. But don’t fret, we’re here to give you the confidence you need to plan the kitchen of your dreams. With our list of considerations, planning a makeover of this size won’t take as long, or cost as much, as you might think. Whether you’re looking to start a brand-new kitchen project, or simply want to refresh your cooking space, our Kitchen Hub is brimming with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
You’re at the beginning of your journey and we're here to help every step of the way. In this article, we'll take you through some key thoughts to help you create your perfect kitchen. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, a pad and pen and start jotting down your thoughts.
- Kitchen refresh or refit?
- The role of your kitchen
- Kitchen priorities
- Work that space!
- What will it cost?
- What does your dream kitchen look like?
- Talking to us about your unique 3D kitchen plan
With these steps complete, you'll have a better sense of what you need, and want, from a new kitchen.
Let’s get planning…
Kitchen planning
Refresh or refit
Changing your kitchen is a big commitment, and can be quite overwhelming if you haven’t given it some proper thought. Have a look at your space and consider how much you’re looking to change. Could a few small fixes here and there breathe new life into your tired kitchen? Or is it a big job that requires a complete overhaul?
If you’re looking for a kitchen refresh - we have plenty of top tips to help give your kitchen an instant makeover. From new door handles and accessories to getting creative with chalkboard paint. Check out our helpful article for lots more inspirational ideas to quickly give your kitchen a style update.
Read How to update your kitchen
If you’re looking for a kitchen refit – it’s time to start thinking about what you dislike about your current space, what you need, and what you want from a new kitchen.
The role of your kitchen
Understanding what you need from your kitchen centres on how you use this room. Is it a busy family hub, with kids doing their homework or is it more of a relaxing, quiet sanctuary from daily life? Is it a social space where you entertain guests and host parties, or are you a budding baker who loves to get creative and spend hours cooking?
Perhaps it’s not about how you use the kitchen at all, but how you’d like to equip it for someone else. You could be thinking of selling your house and want a kitchen with strong re-sale value, or you’re planning to let the property and want a robust and durable kitchen for multiple tenants.
For many of us, the kitchen is a room with many uses – not just one. It could morph from one function to another and then back again as the day goes by. If that’s the case, try to think of who uses it rather than how they use it. For instance, you might use the kitchen for quiet time in the evening, but if your kids use it for noisy breakfasts, then it could be best just to think of it as communal family space.
Do you need to ensure that your kitchen is child-friendly? Should you make sure there is space for pets running around, and for a pet food station? By identifying how the kitchen is used and by whom, it should help better define what’s needed from the kitchen. And once you know what’s important, you can think about what you’d like from a new kitchen…
Kitchen priorities
This is all about what you like about your current set-up and what you don’t; what you’d like to keep and what you’d like to change. Often there’s a problem and answer. For example, the problem could be lack of storage space. The solution – introduce internal storage that makes the most of every cabinet and drawer. Or perhaps your existing kitchen is old-fashioned and difficult to use, so you’d like your new one to be more modern and user-friendly.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to have in your dream kitchen? Perhaps a wine cooler, an island, or a simple feature such as a Belfast sink? Changes can be small or large in scale - fundamental as a new layout, or less ambitious like greater storage. You may need something practical like better access to appliances or be more stylish with a new colour scheme. Whatever your present limitations and frustrations, there could be an easy and achievable solution.
List all the elements that you want included in your kitchen. You might need to prioritise some of your requirements and writing a list can help with this. Now you know what you need and want from a new kitchen, it’s time to consider the size and whether there are any layout restraints.
Work that space!
First things first, measure your room. It’s important to bear in mind where your doors and windows are, as this could restrict you from putting appliances in certain spots. There are many different kitchen layouts to choose from and once you know all your measurements, you can start to put together a concrete plan of where units and appliances will fit and work well together.
You may consider knocking through walls, or making other structural changes. Ensure that you employ the help of a builder, an electrician and a plumber for any big jobs. There are loads of ways to free up space, such as removing radiators and replacing them with underfloor heating.
Make sure that your fridge, cooking space and preparation station are all in close proximity – this will stop you from running around in circles. The ‘working triangle’ is the distance between your sink, fridge and cooker, it is vital that they are all an equal distance apart for easy access and so that the kitchen looks good.
Do you have enough plug sockets for all your appliances, and are they positioned where you need them? Is there enough floor space for your dishwasher and oven doors to open out?
These are all important things that you may not have realised you need to consider when planning your kitchen.
What will it cost?
How much money are you planning to put into your project? This will have an impact on what appliances, styles and materials you can opt for. Make sure that you have considered your budget early on in your kitchen project.
We have beautiful kitchen ranges at great prices, from a basic layout through to a luxurious kitchen with all the extras – the choice is yours!
Check out our financial services and learn about our range of consumer credit solutions to help you fund your improvement project.
What does your dream kitchen look like?
Now is the time to get inspired, and the good news is that ideas are everywhere. Watch home makeover TV shows, muse over magazines, scour websites and scroll through social media, even snoop around the kitchens of your family and friends.
This is your opportunity to think about the look and feel that you want for your kitchen. After all, the prospect of this project might be completely new, or you could have been designing your ideal kitchen in your head for years. Either way, it’s time to get a strong sense of how you want to stamp your personality on this most versatile of rooms.
Decide on what materials you want to use. Will you choose a marble effect or solid wood worktop? Do you want a contemporary or a vintage look? What sort of colour theme are you going for? We suggest creating a mood board with a collection of magazine clippings, paint samples and fabric cuttings. That way you can envisage what your completed kitchen will look like.
Talking to us about your unique 3D kitchen plan
Book a free design appointment with one of our store colleagues. They will help you to bring your ideas to life and create a 3D plan of your dream kitchen. We at B&Q are always here to answer any questions, and calm any worries you may have.
Don't forget - we are here to help with plenty more advice every step of the way.
- Find out how to choose the right installer for your kitchen project with our helpful guide.
Read How to choose an installer
- Check out our five favourite hot trends in kitchen styles and how to get them.
Read Kitchen ideas - On-trend designs to inspire
- And take a tour around some kitchen looks with our video below.
With your preferred style of kitchen chosen, it’s all about making that dream become a reality.
How to find the perfect kitchen
At B&Q, we offer exclusive, stylish kitchen ranges - something for every style and budget. These include:
- IT fitted kitchen ranges. These practical designs come in a variety of finishes and colours, from high glosses to wood grains; fresh whites to muted greys.
- Cooke & Lewis fitted kitchen ranges. These feature high-end design combined with extra quality and craftsmanship that you can see and feel.
Explore all of our fitted kitchen ranges, and find out how to pick the one for you with our Buying guide.