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Kitchen layout ideas for the best workflow

Perhaps you’ve heard of the kitchen triangle – an easy layout principle that helps work in the kitchen flow smoothly and safely between your sink, stove and fridge. So, if you’re planning a new kitchen, here are some things to take into consideration to get the best workflow.

A kitchen with white STENSUND drawer fronts and glass doors, oak effect worktops and a white sink bowl with visible front.

Where should you start?

Regardless of what type of layout you’re planning, the main idea is to use the sink as a starting point and then place your cooking unit and fridge so they’re equally easy to get to. This gives you a safer, more efficient kitchen as it shortens the distance you have to travel when you’re zipping around.

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The corners of a yellow triangle mark a white HAVSEN sink bowl with visible front, an induction hob and a fridge/freezer.
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Ample room for working

Make sure that you get enough work surfaces to support your cooking and baking. Most importantly, it’s smart to make room for a generous worktop between the sink and the hob. You’ll probably thank yourself if you place the waste sorting and dishwasher nearby as well.

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A kitchen with white drawer fronts and glass doors, oak effect SÄLJAN worktops, an induction hob and a black pendant lamp.
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Everything right where you need it

When you plan your storage, it’s generally a good idea to place things as close as possible to where you use them the most. Around the hob, this means using your drawers or cabinets for pots, pans and cooking utensils so they’re always easy to access. The same goes for a well-organised spice drawer.

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An IKEA 365+ pot with lid on a black induction hob, with open kitchen drawers below with pots, oven dishes and spices inside.
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How do you arrange your kitchen space?

When arranging your kitchen space it is best to start from the kitchen triangle, make sure you can move easily and freely between the stove the sink and the refrigerator. It's also good to take a moment to consider your habits, do you like to cook together, or are you a solo cook, this will influence the layout of your kitchen. There are a variety of arrangements available:

Kitchen in line

Ideal if your space is limited, functions are on 1 line. 

Parallel kitchen

Ideal if you are cooking with several people at once, lots of storage space.

Kitchen in L shape

Ideal for making full use of the space.

Kitchen with an island

Ideal for an open kitchen, it provides additional storage space and is a place to socialize.

Kitchen in U-shape

The perfect solution if you have enough space, lots of storage and worktop.

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Visualise your new kitchen

Getting started on planning your kitchen and seeing it come together is quick and easy with the Kitchen configurator. Just choose setup and style – and customise it to make it suit you perfectly.

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