The kitchen has greatly grown in emphasis when buyers are considering a new home. This is reflected in the fact that a greater number of developers are investing more time and money on creating the “perfect kitchen” for their property.

The kitchen is one of the most flexible rooms in a property; almost everything can be changed, the plumbing and the electrics can all be moved, so designing a kitchen to suit your needs is certainly achievable. The downside to major structural changes of course is that there will be less money in the pot to spend on fixtures and finishing touches.

Firstly, it is important to establish the type of kitchen you require for your property.

For example, if you are looking for a kitchen that is attractive to families, you should consider a large, multi-functional space that is easy to cook in, with room for a table or a kitchen diner, with plenty of storage space. A bachelor pad however needs to be low-maintenance and will require far less space. It will be nearly impossible to design a kitchen that will cater for every potential buyer’s requirements, so decide on your requirements, and work from there.

Before you can start planning your ideal kitchen, you must first measure your space.

Accuracy is very important at this stage, and so is detail. Be sure to include the position of existing services, such as power points, water and gas pipes, as well as any doors and windows.

Next, think how you are going to plan your space by considering the main activities that will be taking place in the kitchen.

This will include cooking, cleaning and storing. When planning your areas for each activity, consider what appliances will be needed. Then, create an effective working triangle between the principal areas, so the kitchen user can use the kitchen with the greatest amount of efficiency and with minimal disruption.

Once you have done this, consider what plumbing and electrical points need to be changed.

Try and keep your services in the same place whenever possible as this will reduce costs. If however you do need to make changes, remember to use trained professionals, such as CORGI registered installers for any changes to your gas. If you require building work, be sure to acquire building permission where appropriate, as well as having any appropriate building permissions. Also be sure to notify your insurance company before making any changes.

Once the groundwork is complete, consider the styles available for your kitchen.

A trip to your local kitchen retailer could be of great benefit to get an idea of the different styles available to you. Your budget will be the largest deciding factor on the final choice of kitchen, but do take into consideration things such as natural light and the space available when deciding in finishes. Light colours will have the effect of lightening and enlarging dark kitchens. The type of lighting can also have a dramatic effect for your kitchen.

Your work tops and flooring are key to the look of your kitchen, and choosing the right materials for the needs of the household is vital. Work tops are available in traditional materials such as granite and stainless steel, but you could completely change the look of your kitchen with glass or concrete tops. Your flooring needs to be able to withstand the daily demands of the kitchen.