Irina

Your guide to designing the four key kitchen zones

Posted on 16th January 2025

Are you planning your new kitchen but don’t know where to start laying it all out? Don’t worry – here, we’re looking at how to design each key zone to ensure your space runs as smoothly as possible, as well as looks the part…

There are four main kitchen zones – the cooking run, sink, island, and entertaining areas. And the secret to a highly functional space is how these elements work together and complement each other.

Green kitchen design with handless units and a multi-functional island. — An Urbo and Metro bespoke kitchen by Roundhouse in matt lacquer, Dulux Heritage Sage Green, with Corian work surfaces and a solid oak wholestave timber breakfast bar.

The main cooking zone

This main cooking zone is usually located along a wall and is centred around the hob or cooker – hence the name. KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has consulted the experts and found out that at least a metre’s clear space, ideally either side of the cooking appliance, is crucial. This will come in handy if you need to put pots down or store ingredients nearby.

Alongside the hob, you’ll need to factor in storage space for pans and utensils, good extraction, and suitable surfaces. If your oven is located separately, make sure it’s still within easy reach so transferring pots is a breeze – this also applies to the fridge-freezer and pantry, which will store your cooking ingredients.

As the perfect finishing touch to this kitchen zone, you can add a pot filler tap for extra practicality. For more tips and advice on planning your main cooking area, click here.

View of the main cooking run with dark blue cabinetry and veiny surfaces. — Bespoke kitchen by PAD designed in collaboration with interior architectural design studio, Muchmore Design. PAD bespoke kitchens start from £20,000. Photography: Chris Snook.

L-shaped kitchen with green cabinetry with a wood island and statement lighting above it. — The Devine collection in Avocado and Tudor Oak, from £25,000, Tom Howley .

The kitchen sink zone

Finding the right spot for your sink is key. You can place it under a window to enjoy nice views while washing up or, if you love hosting, out of sight on a back run.

It’s important to think about how you use your sink and then find the best way to make clearing up easy and effortless. For example, Tom Edmonds, design director at Lewis Alderson, advises keeping the bin, sink and dishwasher together.

You’ll also need to consider the style and size of your sink, as well as the tap choice when planning your wet zone. If you love hosting, do you need a large and deep butler sink to wash up trays and pots? If you love cooking, a double bowl solution might work better, so you can have an area for washing up and another for fruits and vegetables.

For more tips on designing the sink area, click here.

Kitchen sink zone with glazed pink tiles, a double sink and brass tap. — Harpley kitchen by Naked Kitchens, price on application.

Kitchen sink zone with a gunmetal hot tap and marble-inspired surfaces. — Bespoke kitchen design from Grid Thirteen using the ‘Darling Maeve’ bespoke, handleless cabinetry designed in collaboration with Faye Robinson Interior Design. Photography: Andy Haslam.

The island

The island is a dream-kitchen wishlist item for many renovators, so where should you start planning yours?

The design of your kitchen island will mainly be determined by what you intend to use it for. Do you love cooking? Then, your island should have ample worktop space for food preparation, and you can even add a second sink and tap for convenience. Do you enjoy entertaining? You may want to add a worktop overhang for a nice seating area.

Take it one step further and include appliances, depending on your needs, such as an extractor hob, warming drawers, wine fridge, integrated cooler or ice bucket for the ultimate multi-functional island.

In terms of looks, anything is possible, but most importantly, it needs to work within your space. A freestanding island such as a cook’s table is ideal for a more informal look, while a bespoke design will best fit your space. Here, we’ve got more key considerations for designing your kitchen island.

Navy cabinetry with fluted fronts and dark worktops and a matching island with a breakfast area. — Harvey Jones x Swoon Cabinetry in Fairywren, from £12,000.

Traditional kitchen with a freestanding island near the dining zone. — This kitchen design by Sheraton Interiors features a freestanding island near the dining area.

The dining and entertaining zones

The entertaining and dining areas often sit adjacent to the main kitchen for convenience and to ensure the conversation flows when hosting.

Alex Main, director of The Main Company, recommends initially considering the shape and size of your space and where the main dining table will be. “If your kitchen is smaller, the entertaining zone will also likely be the dining area, so ensure it’s within easy reach of the kitchen so conversation easily carries over. In larger kitchens, you’ll have more choice of entertainment layouts – from banquette seating around a dining table to a specific bar area with cosy armchairs or sofa,” he says.

And, since this area doesn’t need to be as practical as the main kitchen, you can have fun with your design. For more tips and ways to enhance its functionality, come this way.