Kitchen Layout Planning

Kitchen layout is the decision that most shapes daily satisfaction after renovation. In Adelaide's mix of villas, 1970s brick homes, and newer estates, floor plans vary — but workflow principles stay constant.

Start with workflow, not aesthetics

We ask clients to walk us through a typical meal preparation before drawing a single line. Where do groceries land? Is the bin accessible at the prep zone? Can two people pass without colliding? Adelaide kitchens in older suburbs are often galley or L-shape with limited width; forcing a large island where clearance fails creates daily friction.

The classic work triangle — sink, cooktop, refrigerator — remains useful but insufficient for modern kitchens with multiple cooks, coffee stations, and integrated appliances. We map zones: storage in, prep, cook, serve, clean. Each zone needs bench space and power where used, not clustered at one end because it looked symmetrical on plan.

Clearances that matter

Door swings, dishwasher opening, oven door drop, and drawer depth all consume space while in use. We allow 900–1000 mm where possible in walk paths behind seated island users. Narrower paths work in compact homes but should be conscious trade-offs, not accidents discovered after install.

Adelaide housing patterns

Double-brick walls limit chasing for services. Relocating a sink to an opposite wall may require elevated floor build-up for drainage fall. North-facing rear extensions in Adelaide receive intense summer sun — placing the fridge in direct afternoon sun increases energy load and shortens appliance life unless shading is considered.

Post-war homes in suburbs like Plympton or Seaton often have separate dining rooms clients want to merge visually. Structural assessment precedes enthusiasm; some walls carry roof load, others are safe to open with appropriate lintels.

Appliance logic

Oven and cooktop separation suits households that bake while others use the stovetop. Integrated fridges need ventilation gaps manufacturers specify — ignored gaps void warranty. Rangehood ducting should exit externally where possible; recirculating hoods in Adelaide grease-heavy cooking contexts disappoint quickly.

Storage volume versus bench space

Clients often request maximum cupboards then lament insufficient prep bench. Upper cabinets to the ceiling increase storage but can overwhelm small rooms visually. We balance full-height pantry cabinets at ends with moderated uppers elsewhere, aligning with ceiling height and window heads.

Lighting and layout together

Task light belongs over prep and sink; ambient light softens the room; accent light is optional. Layout determines switch groups — we plan circuits during rough-in, not after plaster when chasing is costly.

Getting layout right before order

We verify layout with on-site set-out marks before joinery order. Tape on floor for island footprint, cardboard mock-ups for island size — old-fashioned methods prevent expensive manufacture errors. If you are planning a kitchen in Adelaide, bring your workflow story to consultation. Layout drawn around habits beats layout copied from a display home with different proportions.

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