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How to plan a kitchen layout

This image shows a clean kitchen with light wood cabinets, a big island bench, open shelves with warm lighting, and a stainless steel fridge.

Overview

Planning your kitchen renovation is an exciting part of any home improvement or new build, but it pays to get the details right early on. A well-designed kitchen will suit your lifestyle, be practical to use and stand the test of time. Whether you’re creating a cooking hub for a busy household, setting up a space for entertaining, or just want better functionality day to day, this guide will help you lay the groundwork for a successful kitchen design.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Think about how you use your kitchen

The first step in designing a kitchen is understanding how you plan to use it. Every household is different. Some people cook large family meals every night, while others want something simple for quick weekday dinners. You might love entertaining and need space for guests to gather or prefer a closed-off kitchen with everything neatly tucked away. Your layout should reflect your lifestyle. If you like an open-plan, feel, consider an island bench to create flow between your kitchen, dining and living areas. If storage is a priority, make sure your design includes plenty of cupboards or pantry space to meet your needs.
A modern kitchen features sleek wooden cabinetry, a large central island with decor, open shelves, and integrated appliances for a clean and organized look.

2Set a realistic budget

Before you go too far into the design process, set a kitchen renovation budget that works for your project. Knowing how much you can spend helps narrow down your choices for appliances, cabinetry, benchtops and finishes. Breaking your budget into sections - such as cabinetry, flooring, lighting, appliances and installation - will give you a clearer view of where to spend and where to save. Don’t forget to leave some room for unexpected costs along the way.
An open-plan kitchen and dining area features a sleek cabinetry, integrated appliances, and soft lighting for a warm, stylish look.

3Measure your space carefully

Accurate measurements are key to a successful kitchen design. Start by measuring each wall in full, then note the positions of doors, windows, ceiling height, and existing plumbing or power points. These details become the framework of your plan. Make a simple sketch or use design software to map out your kitchen layout. The more precise your measurements, the easier it will be to make decisions later on.
A person is sketching a kitchen design plan on paper showing the layout of cabinets, appliances, and a dining table.

4Plan your layout with function in mind

As you begin shaping the layout, consider the work triangle - the distance between your fridge, cooktop and sink. Keeping these elements within close reach makes cooking more efficient and reduces unnecessary movement around the space. If your kitchen design includes a dishwasher, position it close to the sink to make plumbing simpler and unloading dishes easier. This is also the time to think about how people will move through the kitchen, and how it connects to other living spaces.
A person points to a kitchen layout diagram, highlighting different kitchen configurations and planning tips.

5Lock in appliances and lighting early

Knowing your appliance choices from the beginning will make planning much easier. Be sure to measure the size of your fridge, oven, cooktop and dishwasher, and check for clearance requirements around doors and ventilation. Position power points where they’ll be needed, particularly above benchtops and behind major appliances. Good kitchen lighting design is just as important - include a combination of overhead lighting for general brightness, and under-cabinet lighting to improve visibility while prepping food or reading recipes.
A person points to a technical appliance specification and dimension diagram, making planning much easier.

6Include ventilation in your design

Good ventilation is crucial in any kitchen, especially open-plan ones. A quality rangehood helps reduce smoke, steam and cooking smells, keeping the air clear and your cabinetry in better condition over time. Make sure there’s space in your design to accommodate ventilation, and check if ducting to the outside is possible in your home.
A person adjusts the control knob on a modern stainless steel rangehood mounted under kitchen cabinets.

7Think carefully about storage

Smart storage can completely transform how your kitchen functions. Make the most of your vertical space with tall cupboards or overhead cabinets. Where possible, choose drawers instead of traditional cupboards - they’re easier to access and help keep everything organised. Keep commonly used items near where they’re needed, such as utensils near the cooktop, or chopping boards and bin space near the sink. Pantry inserts, drawer organisers and corner units can also help maximise your space.
Smart storage transforms kitchen functionality—like pull-out cabinets with dual bins for easy waste and recycling separation.

8Choose finishes that are durable and easy to maintain

Finally, select materials that are built to last and easy to clean. Options like laminate, engineered stone and tiled splashbacks are all popular choices for their durability and low maintenance. Choose finishes that suit your home’s style but keep the overall palette simple and cohesive to create a timeless look. Consider tapware, handles and other hardware early on to tie the whole space together visually.

: A hand resting on the benchtop shows the benefit of durable, low-maintenance materials like stone or laminate. ]

9Now that you’ve planned your kitchen design

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.