Write a list of important items
Write a list of all the things that are important for you to have in your kitchen. This should include a good workflow. Once you have drawn up your plan you can check it against this list to ensure you have not missed anything.
Measure your room
Measure your room using a metric tape measure in millimeters. This gives you the most accurate measurement. Check to see if the room is out of square by measuring from the corner of the room 1200mm out toward the centre of the wall and mark the spot. Starting from the same corner measure along the other wall 1600mm, and mark the spot. The measurement between these two marks should come to 2000mm. IF it is under or over your room is out of square. You need to be aware of this in your design, and particularly as you install your cabinets.
Draw your walls onto your plan
Draw your walls onto your plan. Measure all windows in height and width and mark on your plan. Draw in the position of light switches, lights, plugs and plumbing.
Now you can start to lay out the cabinets in place. The easiest way is to start in the corners and work your way into the centre of each wall. Plan out the base cabinets and pantries first.
e) Remember to allow space for any appliances. For a free standing fridge allow an extra 20mm either side (the benchtop overhanges 10mm back towards the fridge). For a free standing oven allow a 5mm gap either side (with 2.5mm benchtop overhang).
f) Once you have your base cabinets in place, add in your wall cabinets and utility cabinets.
g) Any exposed cabinet ends require a coloured end panel. These are 16mm thick in most cases. Make sure you allow enough room to include them.
h) When you have finished check your plan against your checklist. Does your design cover all the points in your checklist? Is the kitchen user friendly? Does it look attractive? If you are not happy with any part of it, change your plan now! Better to spend more time planning it right rather than rushing it and getting it wrong!
i) When you are happy with your plan, plug it in to the ordering basket system to work out your costs. You have not committed to anything until you send an order confirmation. Therefore you can print your final cost calculation and use it as an estimate