Designing a kitchen is not the complicated task some people would have you believe. In point of fact, there are some basic rules that only need simple adjustments to suit your needs.

If you have an uncomplicated design to work with, and not a lot of money to spare, then it is perfectly reasonable for you to deal with the job yourself. There are also plenty of Internet websites produced by suppliers of kitchen equipment, that will help you decide how to plan it.

The layout of the kitchen will be dictated by its dimensions. Do not be too restrained by the size if you are planning to build an extension. It may be a good idea to begin with a drawing of what you consider to be your perfect kitchen, in spite of the fact that it bears no relation to the available space you have at the moment.

In any kitchen, the layout should have an uninterrupted line between three areas for food preparation, cooking and serving, as well as allowing room for storage. Where possible, there should be little or no chance of movement between these areas being interrupted by anybody walking through the kitchen.

If you have enough space, try not to fit wall units or shelving units, they can make the room feel too enclosed. A large larder is ideal for the storage of fresh and tinned food as well as china.

The best place for the sink would be next to the window. Blinds take up the least amount of room as well, allowing more room for storage, perhaps on the window sill.