k 3If your kitchen over crowded, the answer might be to extend. But, of course, this is not always possible, so take a long hard look at your existing storage space and working surface and if the space can be utilities in better way, sit down with a pen and paper and start jotting down ideas. Whatever your ideas is of a perfect kitchen, it’s the planning that makes it efficient, so let’s imagine that you are keeping the original shape of the kitchen but need to re-arrange all units and appliances. It may even be possible to fit a breakfast area in to what you thought was an impossible corner.
Once you have the correct dimensions of the kitchen, draw a diagram making sure to make the sink, doors, windows, and other immovable object that are not to be changed. A utility area is the answer of course for all your heavy machinery. To extend your kitchen just a little way to accommodate a small utility area could solve your storage problems. It might be worth getting a few estimates just to find out exactly what it would cost.
With the most important items in the kitchen marked on your diagram, you can now plan where the worktops and cupboards can be sited in relation to the sink area. You may be able to slot in a small breakfast bar, too. Those of you with a bigger floor area may be lucky enough to fit a table and chairs, or benches, where the family can have their meals in the warmth and friendly atmosphere of the kitchen, saving the dining room for best.