A Parting Word

Well, here we are at the end of this guide. You have had the benefit both of a structured approach to half a dozen topics that are easy to access at any time and another half a dozen in which I have approached different elements that make up the kitchen in much more depth.

Although I discussed the implications of different shapes (and sizes) of kitchens, there is one shape of kitchen I missed out on: the F-shaped kitchen. This is a versatile shape, which is rarely found, mainly because you need a lot of space to accommodate it. Functionality is combined with the social element, through the placing of the hob area on the short arm of the ‘f’, where the socialising takes place. The other surfaces are then dedicated to the ‘work’ area.

One of the major themes of this guide was the social element of kitchens, no matter what shape you choose. This is an element that is coming to the fore more and more, especially as couples share household tasks and cooking is being done together – in an atmosphere that becomes enjoyable not just thanks to the company but also to the congenial surroundings we create.

I have also tried to guide readers to enable them to appreciate what goes into making a kitchen, to enable them to pre-empt mistakes they will later live to regret. I stress the importance of planning and thinking hard on your present and future needs. Once a kitchen is in place, it is no use saying: “How I wish I had this.” Remember: an extra 30 minutes spent brainstorming in the planning stage will be of lifetime benefit to you in your kitchen.