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Pro tips for your next kitchen.
Learn how to start planning your kitchen in six easy steps. The Bosch kitchen planning guide gives you smart advice on everything from kitchen layouts and designs to where to place kitchen appliances – including a practical checklist. Let Bosch be your guide.
Our step-by-step guide to planning your kitchen:
Step 1: Collect kitchen design ideas.
First, get inspired! Collect your favourite kitchen ideas on your personal kitchen style board. Here's where to start:
- The look: do you prefer a modern farmhouse kitchen, a minimalist kitchen, a vintage look or a mid-century kitchen design?
- Kitchen colour ideas: think about your kitchen colour scheme.
- Kitchen cabinet ideas: gather ideas for cabinet doors and drawer fronts, handles and materials to suit your style.
- Countertop ideas: solid wood, stone, concrete, marble, or a composite? Look for a durable countertop material (pro tip: darker colours hide scratches).
- Backsplash ideas: small tiles, a mosaic look, or classic subway tiles?
Must-haves for every kitchen.
Things every kitchen should have.
- Comfort. Since you'll be spending plenty of time in the kitchen, be sure to browse cosy kitchen designs. Consider things like warm colours and comfortable seating.
- Personal accents. Favourite items in your kitchen will bring up fond memories while you steam and savour.
- High-quality appliances. Invest in a good fridge, cooktop and oven, sink (ideally in a "golden" triangle).
- Plenty of electrical sockets. Handy for elaborate dishes or when sharing the prep work.
- Space for favourite cookbooks. Keep inspiring recipes close at hand.
- Fresh herbs – or a window herb garden. Bring nature into your kitchen.
- That "odds and ends" drawer. Let's admit, it's an essential.
- Flush, easy-to-clean surfaces. Elements like built-in appliances, frameless cabinets, a flush sink and countertop are not only elegant, but simplify clean-up.
- Recycling bins. Think ahead about how to organise recycling in your kitchen (paper, plastic, glass, tin).
- An eyecatcher. Whether it's an impressive range, a cosy breakfast nook, a glamourous chandelier or a family photo, choose a statement piece to set the tone.
Brighten up your space.
Ways to brighten up your kitchen.
- Reflective surfaces. High-gloss surfaces and stainless steel kitchen appliances will reflect light and open up your space.
- Light kitchen colour schemes. Brighter means bigger. Especially in small spaces, choosing lighter colours and pastels will open up your space.
- Natural light. Plan your kitchen with ample lighting – consider overhead options like skylights if possible.
- Add extra lighting. Over your island, under your cabinets and even integrated in your hood.
Step 2: What do I need in my new kitchen?
Now, it's time to think about your needs and priorities. This will help narrow down your options and focus on what matters most to you. And it's a smart approach when planning a kitchen on a budget.
Working with limited space? You might want to skip ahead to our small space appliances page for tips on getting the most out of your space.
Once you've defined all the elements in your dream kitchen, you're ready to visit the kitchen studio – or continue with your DIY kitchen remodel.
Make sure to check out our kitchen planning checklist.
What to know before visiting the kitchen studio.
Essential questions for every kitchen planner.
Who will use your kitchen?
Kitchens with one primary cook can easily be designed with a U-shaped kitchen layout. For larger families and collaborative cooking, you might think about an open kitchen layout with different cooking zones for your activities. Or even a kitchen island. Design your kitchen to fit your needs – with convenient countertop heights and easy-to-reach cupboards.
What are your priorities?
Avid cooks should make sure to include ample work space – and high-quality cooking appliances. If you love to try out new recipes, plan enough space for all the small appliances you will need. If you love to bake, consider where you will store your baking supplies and moulds. Or do you prefer to entertain? You might think about an open kitchen with plenty of space for mingling.
Do you want to plan a kitchen on a budget?
If so, what are the things you cannot do without? For budget-conscious planners, kitchen appliance bundles give you the best quality for your budget and create a put-together look in your kitchen.
What are your grocery shopping habits and goals?
If your goal is to go grocery shopping once a week, consider a large fridge-freezer. If space permits, create a large kitchen storage pantry – and remember to leave some space for fresh foods like tomatoes that shouldn't be kept in the fridge.
Which kitchen styles and layouts suit you best?
Collect kitchen design ideas and learn about kitchen layouts before visiting the kitchen studio. This will help you get to your goal faster.
What have you always wanted in your kitchen?
For years you've dreamed of having an open kitchen, a kitchen with island or a cosy breakfast nook? An integrated seating area or a built-in coffee machine? Think about what would make your kitchen perfect right now and plan to have it in your new kitchen.
Step 3: Floor plan for kitchen.
A floor plan for a kitchen contains all the kitchen measurements you need for planning. Sketch your own floor plan or use kitchen design software. Here are the basic steps:
- Grab the most important floor plan dimensions:
- Kitchen wall length, width, height
- Position and dimensions of doors and windows
- Kitchen cabinet measurements
- Kitchen island measurements for a floor plan for a kitchen with island
- Locate the nearest vent for your extractor hood.
- Locate your outlets and your water supply
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Now you’re ready to make a kitchen layout that includes cabinetry and major appliances.
Step 4: Learn about kitchen layouts.
Swipe to browse kitchen layouts.
When gathering ideas for kitchen layouts, start with your high-traffic areas – the “golden triangle” between the sink, fridge, and stove.
Parts of your work triangle may be dictated by your space; others you can choose.
Which kitchen layout type is right for you? Get a quick overview of the benefits and drawbacks of different kitchen layouts below.
Island kitchen layouts.
Next up: Galley kitchen.
Islands can be added to many different kitchen layouts, from open kitchens to L-shaped kitchen layouts or one wall kitchen layouts.
- Kitchen layouts with islands are modern and inviting.
- Islands create space for both efficient cooking and relaxed entertaining.
- Pro tip: Every decibel counts in open kitchens! Look for extra-quiet dishwashers and cooker hoods.
- Select a hood with enough extraction power to handle the whole area.
Galley kitchen layout.
Next up: L-shaped kitchen.
Two walls, one solution: the galley kitchen layout uses two adjacent walls for maximum storage in small rooms.
- Ideal with a window on one end and a door on the other.
- When used in open spaces, the second worktop can separate the cooking and the living areas.
L-shaped kitchen layout.
Next up: One wall kitchen.
This popular and classic kitchen layout consists of two perpendicular walls.
- L-shaped kitchens are among the most efficient kitchen layouts – with a built-in work triangle for extra efficiency.
- Versatile layout adapts to many kitchen sizes.
- Great option for an eat-in kitchen with a small table and chairs.
One wall kitchen layout.
Next up: U-shaped kitchen.
A single wall kitchen on one side of the room offers a smart kitchen design for small spaces.
- Classy option in larger kitchens.
- Also perfect for tiny kitchen layouts.
- Combine with a dining table or lounge furniture, it makes the perfect eat-in kitchen.
U-shaped kitchen layout.
Next up: Small kitchens.
A U-shaped kitchen is designed for one primary cook.
- Efficient kitchen layout guarantees a kitchen with lots of storage space.
- Works well in small spaces as well as for professional use in larger kitchens.
- Combine it with an island for even more options.
Small kitchen layouts.
Bigger isn’t always better: small kitchens can still be highly functional.
- Small kitchens can have a variety of layouts, from one-wall designs to tiny galley kitchens.
- Several rely on apartment-size appliances or multi-functional compact kitchen units.
- Light hues, floating shelves and striking décor can help maximise your space.
Ready for more inspiration? Visit our small kitchen ideas page.
Step 5: Think about kitchen storage.
- Include ample storage next to the sink and oven.
- Ensure quick, easy access to small appliances, pans and baking supplies.
- Plan enough counter space, along with drawers and storage to support your workflows.
- Keep it bright: if you have a window, don’t let your top cabinets block the sunlight.
Smart kitchen storage ideas are important to consider from the very start. Storage options can be found throughout your kitchen, from the obvious kitchen storage cabinets to a practical, and multifunctional kitchen storage island, and even a kitchen storage wall.
Sometimes it’s just not possible to fit it all into one space – so remember to set priorities.
Maximise your kitchen storage.
How do I add more storage space to my kitchen?
- Use dead corners (e.g. with rotating shelves in your bottom cabinets).
- Install ceiling-high kitchen cabinets.
- Add small kitchen storage racks behind your cabinet drawers.
- Place some kitchen storage baskets in the space above your kitchen cabinets.
- Think about integrating garbage can storage or recyclables into your bottom cabinets.
- Add extra kitchen storage shelves to keep counters tidy.
Storage tips for pots & pans.
Where should pots and pans be stored in the kitchen?
- Overhead in a hanging rack.
- On the wall above your cooktop or stove.
- Nested in your bottom cabinet drawer to maximise space.
- In your kitchen storage island.
- In your pantry (only for less frequently used pots or casseroles).
Tidying kitchen cabinets.
How do I organise my kitchen cabinets?
Organise your kitchen storage cabinets according to your habits and needs.
- Have a designated purpose for each cabinet: tableware, utensils, pots and pans, canned goods, etc.
- Make sure frequently used kitchen items are easily accessible.
- Stock kitchen cabinets and drawers around your stove and sink with large utensils, knives and other items that help you rinse and prepare food.
- Cabinets around your coffee maker should contain coffee filters, measuring spoons, beans and all the accessories you need for a delicious cup of coffee.
How about under the sink?
What can I store under my kitchen sink?
While you can store just about anything in this catch-all space, we recommend keeping it stocked with frequently used items:
- Dishwasher tabs.
- Long-stemmed cleaning brushes for water bottles or vases.
- Extra sponges.
- Garbage bags.
- Recycling.
Step 6: Where should I place my kitchen appliances?
When thinking about kitchen appliance layouts, always refer back to your work triangle. The most efficient kitchen layouts allow ample space along all legs of the triangle. If your triangle is flat (as in a one wall kitchen layout), adding an extra sink can free up space for multiple cooks.
Plan smarter: With our kitchen planning checklist.
How long does it take to plan and build a kitchen? Every project is different. But there are a lot of things to consider when designing a kitchen. To avoid the biggest mistakes, start by getting an overview of kitchen planning tools you can use at home. Check out our practical kitchen planning checklist to get started.
Visit Bosch showrooms.
Discover our wide range of kitchen appliances at a Bosch showroom near you. Our experts will support you in finding the right appliances for your needs.
Why choose Bosch appliances? Discover the reasons.
No matter whether you want craft cabinets or a ready-made kitchen, Bosch appliances are made to fit in any kitchen. They offer timeless design and outstanding performance. But that’s not all. Find out why consumers worldwide choose to depend on Bosch.
