A kitchen needs to be planned meticulously to suit the needs of the individual, couple or family within the home. The foundation of a great kitchen starts in the planning, beginning with the simple arrangement of countertops, appliances and storage areas. Any floor plan must incorporate the kitchen work triangle – the path needed for moving from the refrigerator to the sink to worktops to prepare food. You also want to steer traffic away from potential hotspots, guiding them to the fridge or seating areas to ensure every person is safe in your kitchen space.

The kitchen is also seen as the family hub for many people, where everybody can come together for meals, but still have room for each person to do their own thing. Bigger spaces can incorporate sofas, TVs and tables and chairs so you can browse the internet and complete homework. Even kitchens that lack space should have somewhere for you to enjoy a glass of wine, a bottle of beer or dinner with friends.

As kitchens come in varying sizes, selecting the right layout to complement the space is vital. The space you have will ultimately dictate the kitchen layout. Bigger kitchens could have an island in the middle to create additional counter and preparation space. Smaller kitchens, however, cannot accommodate such a luxury. So which configuration is best for your kitchen? Take a look at our essential guide to get great kitchen layout ideas.

• 10×10 kitchens
• Corridor and galley kitchens
• Straight or single line kitchens
• U-shaped kitchens
• G-shaped kitchens

What is a 10×10 Kitchen?

Also known as the L-Shaped kitchen, a 10×10 kitchen layout creates a natural work triangle as the counter space is a continuous space with workstations on two adjacent walls. The layout is perfect for small kitchens and open-plan spaces because it provides a person with an efficient work area. Typically, an L-shaped kitchen opens into a nearby room which makes it easier for a cook to interact with guests.

An L-shaped kitchen maximises the available wall space for placing wall units to complement the base units. A 10×10 kitchen can also be adapted to create a multifunctional kitchen, such as creating a family kitchen diner.

Types of 10×10 kitchens

1. Basic – the traditional L shape with an open layout for perfect traffic flow.
2. Double – an L-shaped island is added opposite the main counters and cabinets to provide added counter space and storage.
3. Island – this keeps the open layout with added preparation and entertaining space.
4. Broken L-shape – allows for more walkways throughout the kitchen.

Design Tips for a 10×10 Kitchen

• Tall units can hide clutter from your L-shaped kitchen which is helpful if your space is small.
• Corner cupboards in L-shaped kitchens are often unused which is a waste of potential storage space. Turn an awkward area into a helpful place with smart shelving ideas.
• You can make the most of your small space with other clever storage ideas. For instance having open shelving for recipe books and a dining table for entertaining and working.

What is a Corridor Kitchen?

A corridor kitchen, also known as a galley kitchen, is a long and narrow space which has more length than width. While economical with space, a galley kitchen can be inefficient as a space if not properly planned. This kitchen layout is usually found within converted homes and apartments as it fits the space perfectly.

While most people prefer more space to prepare food in, you will find that most restaurants work from this style of kitchen. The concept, when designed correctly, can be an efficient way of working when the productivity triangle is put in place. A narrow kitchen must ensure that movements are considered by providing enough space to prevent disruptive foot-traffic, fire hazards and clutter.

Types of Galley Kitchens

1. Symmetrical – a layout where both sides mirror each other.
2. Asymmetrical – this allows for flexibility in small spaces.
3. With an Island – In large kitchens, this creates an open layout which avoids any traffic jams.

Design Ideas for a Corridor Kitchen

• It’s best to have open shelving or doorless cabinets as closed cabinets give a feeling of confinement.
• Include an access window to simplify the transferring of food from the kitchen to the dining area.

What is a Single Line Kitchen?

The usual layout found in smaller homes, the single line or straight kitchen is one of the more simplistic designs. The usual work triangle of a kitchen becomes more of a straight line because the three zones are all placed right next to each other. It is the most easily accessible of the popular layouts and is also fantastic for those making the most of their open plan space.

Design Tips for a Single Line Kitchen

• If you’ve got the space, a kitchen island can complement this, creating a fantastic storage space and for socialising.
• Create workable storage options for you to keep everything away within your small space.

What is a U-Shaped Kitchen?

A U-shaped kitchen is a design that has three walls which are lined with cabinets and appliances. A U-shape is popular as it frees up floor space in the rest of the room. With space being maximised by using the walls, cabinets and appliances are spread out well around the room. This layout also allows people to access various areas of the kitchen without the need to walk across the room.

U-shaped kitchens can be installed in any sizeroom. Even those spaces that cannot use three walls, an island can be installed to serve a similar purpose. A U layout gives you the most counter space of the layouts. This extra space also allows for extra storage by adding places above and below the counters.

Types of U-Shaped Kitchens

1. Small – basic U shape for efficiency, storage and counter space.
2. Medium – offers more space, storage and efficiency with room for two cooks.
3. Large – space to add an island or dining table in the centre.
4. Peninsula – a space can be created for entertaining without losing storage space.

Design Tips for U-Shaped Kitchen Layouts

• For the best triangle design, place your stove, refrigerator and sink on adjacent walls and counters.
• Your fridge and sink should be placed on each tip of the U to avoid counters being broken up.
• If possible, pair the sink underneath the window. This provides natural light and the illusion of a space while you prepare food and do the washing up.
• Tall units maximise possible storage space in this layout.

What is a G-Shaped Kitchen?

A G-shaped kitchen refers to a kitchen configuration with a food preparation-area peninsula and four walls of storage. It takes its name for looking like a G when planned on a grid. It is an upgrade from the U shape for those already with that layout. G-shaped layout increases the number of base cabinets while giving you a more streamlined cooking area.

As mentioned, a peninsula is often a key part of a G-shaped kitchen. A peninsula is an extended counter area usually found in a G-shaped kitchen. While most people would love to fit an island into their kitchen, it isn’t always possible. A peninsula is a popular and practical solution to this. It is similar in size and shape to an island except it is at the end of a cabinet run or put up against a wall. This is how the G-shape is achieved.

The peninsula shape is popular because it allows for increased cabinet storage and countertop spaces. It can also be used as a great living space for socialising with guests or spending time with family at meal times. The most popular use of a peninsula is as a breakfast bar. This space can also be used to enhance your primary cooking triangle as pots and pans have extra spaces to be stored, with more work spaces to prepare meals.

A G-shape layout is also helpful for surrounding its user with a variety of countertop spaces in proximity. With immediate access to supplies, work in the kitchen can be completed quickly as everything is reachable no matter where you stand.

Types of G-Shaped Kitchens

1. Small – offers space for storage and counters in a small kitchen.
2. Medium – a space perfect for two cooks.
3. Large – a G shape works best here as a peninsula can be used for serving and entertaining.
4. Island – large kitchens will leave you open to adding an island as an extra workspace.

Design Tips for G-Shaped Kitchens

• You need at least a 10 feet by 10 feet space for a G-shaped kitchen.
• Plan for your functional work triangle with your refrigerator, stove and sink located in opposite positions from each other but still reasonably close together.

Kitchen Layout FAQs

How Can You Plan Your Kitchen Layout?

The shape and size of your room usually determines the best kitchen layout for you. What is usually agreed is that every layout has the traditional ‘working triangle’. The triangle ensures you minimise the effort and walking distance between your sink, fridge and cooker.

Are There Alternatives to the ‘Working Triangle’?

In a layout where appliances and sinks must run along one wall, your triangle will need to be flattened. To make this work, the sink, fridge and cooker should be placed in a line with just a few steps to walk in between each.

What Do I Choose for a Kitchen That isn’t a Standard Shape?

Not every kitchen has a standard cube or rectangular shape. Some can be glass boxes which come with limited wall space, while others have sloped ceilings and difficult features including pillars. Most builders and kitchen designers know how to combat these issues, so always ask them for advice.

L-shape and t-shape kitchens can be easily split up into zones. One zone for dining, one zone for storage with the working kitchen in the other.

What are the 5 Basic Kitchen Design Layouts?

• One Wall style
• U-Shaped style
• Corridor/Galley style
• L-Shaped style
• Double L style

Whatever layout you are planning on having for your dream kitchen design or you just want to remodel the space, we have the replacement kitchen cupboard doors and kitchen units online you need to complete your new look kitchen space. Browse our range or get in touch with our experts today who can help find what you need.

The post The Essential Guide to Kitchen Layouts appeared first on TheHub for Home & Kitchen DIY.

The average price of a new kitchen, including labour, is around £10,000 and £25,000. However, this can vary depending on the size and scale of the renovation.

Kitchen cupboard doors are just a small factor in regards to kitchen renovation, but on their own, they can make a considerable difference towards your kitchen transformation.

The price of replacement kitchen doors can vary but, in the long term, they can be a much more cost-effective way to update and refresh your home compared to paying out on the cost of a completely new kitchen, complete with pre assembled kitchen units.

Bella Cambridge Kitchen Doors – From Just £3.71

Ordering and fitting replacement kitchen doors

When it comes to redesigning your home, it’s important to have flexibility in both your designs and material. Unlike a complete kitchen refit, which often requires professional installation, we allow you to choose your own designs from our extensive collection including handleless, shaker style, high gloss, woodgrain and acrylic kitchen doors.

Ordering and fitting replacement kitchen doors yourself can prove to be a very cost-effective option. Of course, if you opt for professional design, ordering, and fitting, the total cost of the doors will be significantly more.

Unique Coniston Paintable Vinyl Kitchen Doors – From Just £2.75

Kitchen door dimensions and accessories

Sizes of doors vary due to the different kitchen unit dimensions available. Many suppliers will offer a wide range of standard sizes doors, all the way from 283x496mm to 2540x1200mm. But if your cabinets are more unusual sizes, you can opt for made-to-measure kitchen doors at a slightly higher price range.

Your small scale kitchen remodel cost will also be affected by the finish you choose – matt, textured, satin, or high gloss kitchen doors, for example – any additional accessories required, like new hinges, and whether you want to replace your kitchen door handles. If they do need replacing, it’s easier to do everything at once.

Zurfiz Ultragloss Cashmere Kitchen Doors – From Just £6.42

Kitchen door brands

The cost of your overall kitchen will depend on the brand of kitchen door you choose to use. The main brands for new kitchen doors are Unique, Gravity, Bella, Zurfiz and Pronto.

The Unique and Bella brands target homeowners on a budget who are looking for low-cost solutions to updating their kitchen, with vinyl-wrapped doors that help to keep costs down. Gravity and Bella make use of ultra gloss acrylic and wood grain finishes and are considered more ‘high end’.

Why Should I Buy From Kitchen Door Hub?

As this shows, there are many factors that determine the total cost of new kitchen doors, and this is good news for homeowners. The high degree of flexibility we have over each aspect of the design and installation of our doors means we’re able to easily identify great solutions that match our budget, saving money on the average cost of a new kitchen and allowing us to update and refresh our style. By manufacturing our products at our on-site factory and not having a flashy showroom and pushy salespeople, we are able to pass on the cost savings onto you- the customer. Also, as the manufacturer of our products, we have a team of experts who can support you when things may go wrong.

For more information on the cost of your kitchen doors or to speak to one of our team, contact us today.

The post How Much Do New Kitchen Doors Really Cost? appeared first on TheHub for Home & Kitchen DIY.

The life and soul of the home, furniture is the very essence of each and every apartment and house alike, giving personality and individuality to each room – but it certainly doesn’t come cheap. From beds to desks, to chairs, filling a room with stylish furniture can certainly cost a pretty penny or two. That’s why we can’t get enough of our latest obsession; flat pack furniture.

Flat pack furniture, sometimes known as ready to assemble furniture, known-down furniture or self-assembly furniture are very popular with consumers due to their affordability. The furniture is produced in flat parts and provides you with all the necessary nuts and bolts to assemble the furniture.

We sing the praises of flat pack furniture at Kitchen Door Hub. In this blog we look at the advantages & disadvantages of flat pack furniture and why they’re an important piece of furniture in people’s homes in 2023.

ClicBox is a new and innovative concept in flat pack kitchen units, with the different components just clicking together. Find out more.

5 benefits of flat pack furniture

1. Cheaper than pre-assembled furniture

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of flatpack furniture is that it is substantially more affordable than regular ‘ready to use’ furniture that frequents in shops up and down the country. Potentially saving you thousands of pounds within your home decor budget, flat pack furniture is the logical financial option for any home.

2. Easy to dismantle

Being easy to take apart and dismantle may not sound like much, but when it comes to moving homes, this can most definitely come in handy and is one of the key benefits of flat pack furniture. As well as saving both time and money in terms of renting removal vans, flat pack furniture also enables the furniture to be carried around the house easily and safely, meaning you no longer have to suffer through any precarious bed frame pivoting and pushing up and down the staircase.

3. Perfect for personalising

Since flat pack furniture is classically simple and clean in its design, this allows for ample opportunity to completely personalise and design your furniture. Whether it’s simply splashing a lick of paint across it, stencilling designs along the surface or going DIY crazy and turning them into works of art, there’s no end of things you can do with flat pack furniture to create your own unique one of a kind designs.

4. Compact

Being compact is one of the clear flat pack furniture advantages. Another benefit of flat pack furniture is that it is designed to accommodate and adapt to a variety of spaces. Flat pack furniture is the perfect choice for any room or home where space might be a little tight. Designed to fold up and away, flat pack furniture and replacement wardrobe doors often include a number of versatile features that allow it to fit seamlessly into the layout of any room, making it the perfect accessory for family homes and city apartments alike.

5. Environmentally friendly

“Why is flat pack furniture good for the environment?” I might hear you ask. Thanks to growing awareness and concern for the environment, many interior designers are now crafting flat packs that are eco friendly in a bid to help create a more sustainable home living environment. With its recyclable material and compact size, flat pack furniture has reduced carbon footprint levels, making it a must for every modern home. Combining style and practicality with going green, flat pack furniture checks each and every interior design box.

4 disadvantages of flat pack furniture

In the interest of balance, it’s only right to look at the disadvantages of flat pack furniture, especially when compared to other options like rigid kitchen units.

1. Difficult to put together

Not everybody finds it easy to put flat pack furniture as it’s hard to assemble some items. While those who have experience putting furniture together find it easy, it does take a lot of time and effort. Other complaints include a lack of clarity with instructions and leftover or missing screws.

2. Furniture can sometimes not be properly assembled

Once you’ve assembled your furniture, you may find that drawers and doors may not open or shut properly. If this happens, you have to disassemble and start again. Furthermore, if you can’t assemble the furniture yourself or find it too difficult, you will have to pay extra for someone to assemble your flat pack furniture for you.

3. Easily damaged

Flat pack furniture can be easily damaged due to its low sturdiness. Read to assemble furniture is made from man-made MDF which doesn’t last as long as a solid wood furniture. If the furniture has been dismantled and put together several times already, its durability is decreased.

4. Simplistic designs

If you’re somebody who likes original pieces with various designs, flat pack furniture isn’t for you. While you have lots of styles and colours to choose from, this furniture is designed to be uncluttered and modern. You’ll also likely find the exact same furniture in various homes and not just your own.

If you’ve been inspired by our homage to flat pack furniture, why not take a look at some of our ClicBox kitchen units online, learn how to assemble flat pack kitchen units, and see for yourself just how revolutionary an interior design piece it is. If you would like to know more about flat pack furniture and the role it could have in you home, contact us today

The post The Advantages of Flat Pack Furniture appeared first on TheHub for Home & Kitchen DIY.

If you’re looking to give your kitchen an elegant and stylish look, then personalising your kitchen cabinets can be a great way to bring some life to your room. But whether you opt for some a rustic distressed look or a more classic glazed take (as with high gloss kitchen units or acrylic kitchen doors), follow our simple step by step how to guide on kitchen cabinet styling to revitalise and restyle your home.  

How to Achieve Distressed Kitchen Cabinets in 7 Steps

1. Remove all handles and hardware

Stripping kitchen door handles and accessories from your kitchen cabinets is essential if you’re going to achieve an even and natural looking distressed finish.

2. Sand down the kitchen cabinets

Use either sandpaper or a sandblock and slowly sand the cabinet down until the gloss and any excess coating is removed from the outer door.

3. Scratch lightly with a small nail

If your cabinets already have a more ‘worn’ look then you may be able to skip this step. However if your cupboards have a relatively fresh look, then it may well be worth going over the outer door with a small nail in order to create a more used and worn look that will stand out.

4. Paint with antique glazing

Once you’ve achieved the desired nicked and chipped look for your kitchen cupboard door it’s time to get a little messy with a coating of antique glazing. Whilst applying the glazing it’s important to be as sparing as possible, applying a very thin layer that only lightly covers the door frame.

5. Wipe off the glazing

Gently dampen (not wet) an old cloth and begin to lightly wipe away the antique glazing. Then leave the cupboard to rest for a day before beginning the next step.

6. Apply a top coat of polycrylic

After waiting 24 hours, the kitchen cabinets should be ready for their final coating. In order to give it a smooth and more finished look, apply a coating of polycrylic. In order to get a more even look, use a sponge instead of a brush to really perfect this look.

7. Add handles and decoration

After another day or so, your cabinets should be dry and ready for the final touch. Re-install the handles and hardware that you had previously removed to make the cabinets useable once more. You can even choose to add any further embellishments or designs to really make your kitchen cupboards pop. From decorative moulding to styled handles, there’s a lot you can do to really breathe life into your kitchen.

How to Glaze your Kitchen Cabinets in 8 Steps

1. Remove the doors from the cabinets

In order to keep things from getting messy, simply unhinge the kitchen doors and drawers from the cabinets. It’s also wise here to take the time to removes all handles as this can make things much easier for you when it comes to glazing the doors.

2. Fill in any cracks

Over time things can get more than a little beaten down and broken in the hustle and bustle of a kitchen, so it’s important to take the time to fill in those cracks. Use wood putty to give your cupboards a smooth finished look before sanding down to even the surface out.

3. Wash the cabinets

Though this may seem an unnecessary step, it’s actually incredibly important in preparing the wood for glazing. Removing smoke, oil and dirt this will provide you with a blank and clean canvas to work with.

4. Paint and seal your kitchen cabinets

Applying a fresh lick of paint is a must if you’re looking to completely breathe new life into your kitchen. Just be sure to seal your work once the paint is dry with a clear gloss spray-on lacquer which can help to keep your cabinets looking fresh.

5. Tape the edges of the cabinet backs

In order to keep your glazing as neat as possible, be sure to tape the edges of the cupboards and drawers with masking tape.

6. Apply the glaze

Apply a thin layer of the glaze using a brush in either circular or linear motions across a small section of the cabinet. Once the glaze is applied you then need to wipe the glazed surface with a rag or paper towel to achieve your desired look. Once done you can work your way down the rest of the cabinet, section by section until the whole thing is glazed.

7. Apply a layer of gloss

Once the glaze is dried, it’s time to add just one final layer of gloss. Helping to prevent scratches whilst simultaneously providing a smooth high shine finish, applying gloss is a great way to add a professional looking touch to your kitchen.

8. Re-attach doors and handles

Once the gloss is dry, reattach the kitchen doors and handles to bring the last pieces of the puzzle together. Then (most importantly) take a step back and admire your handiwork.

By following these simple steps (whether you’re team shabby chic or team minimalism) you can instantly transform your kitchen into an interior design paradise, that exudes style and personality in every aspect. Browse our range of replacement flat pack kitchen units, pre assembled kitchen units and doors for more home decor inspiration.

The post How to Distress and Glaze Kitchen Cabinets appeared first on TheHub for Home & Kitchen DIY.