IKEA | Plan your activity areas

Work areas

One of the easiest ways to plan is to begin with the kitchen’s golden rule: store it where you use it. Based on common sense, this simple way to plan divides the kitchen into four activity areas: the cooking area, cleaning area, food area and storage area. Following this way of thinking will keep you from having to go through an obstacle course in order to get a meal on the table.

Cooking area

This area contains your cooktop and oven and should have your pots and pans, plus cooking utensils and other preparatory items like baking goods and mixing bowls.

Cleaning area

The focus of this area is the sink. Detergents, hand soaps, cleaning materials, waste bin etc., are also stored here.

Food area

Includes both refrigerated items as well as pantry goods.

Storing area

Keep your plates, eating utensils and glasses here. Ideally this area should be nearby the dishwasher so the chore of putting the dishes away is as easy as possible.

Create your own activity areas!

It’s a well-known fact that most of us do far more than merely prepare and eat meals in the kitchen. So why not plan for some dedicated areas which reflect your individual lifestyle? Feel free to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Communications hub

Perhaps you need a mission control zone with a telephone, a wall-planner and space for your laptop?

Cookbook area

How about a place for consulting cookbooks and doing homework with the kids without getting food stains on the pages?

Coffee area

Do you really enjoy your daily cup? Create a coffee area with coffee machine and your favorite grounds and cups within arm’s reach. Can be adapted for tea lovers as well.

Bar area

A well-stocked wine-rack could be the heart of a bar area. With the right height of stools and adjustable lighting, you can create a breakfast bar by day and wine bar by night.

Play area

If you have small children who love the kitchen floor, we say ‘go with it!’ Put out a cheerful rug and practical storage to create a play area.

make your choice

Kitchen know-how

Design & plan

- Kitchen layout types

- Ergonomics

- Work areas

- Child safety

- Fitted or unfitted kitchens?