Kitchen Layouts
The layout decides how a kitchen works every day.
Kitchen Design Notes
Kitchen Design Notes explains how good kitchens are planned: which layout suits your room, how much clearance work zones need, how to plan storage, and how countertops, finishes, flooring and lighting compare. We describe trade-offs and typical guideline measurements, and we point you to a qualified designer or contractor when a decision depends on your home.
Kitchen Storage
Good storage is planned, not added later.
Kitchen Materials
Countertops, cabinet finishes, backsplashes and flooring compared on durability, maintenance, heat and stain resistance and how they suit the way you cook, based on manufacturer specifications and care instructions.
Kitchen Lighting
A well-lit kitchen layers task, ambient and under-cabinet lighting.
Kitchen Design Planning
Plan a kitchen project step by step: set a realistic budget, follow a remodeling checklist, avoid the most common design mistakes and choose a style that will still work in ten years.
Latest Guides
Research-based guides, newest first
Kitchen Storage Planning: How Much You Need and Where
Plan kitchen storage with NKBA guidelines: how much shelf and drawer space to aim for, what to keep near the sink, corners, reach heights and pantries.
Kitchen Materials Guide: Countertops, Cabinets, Floors
Kitchen countertop, cabinet finish, backsplash and flooring materials compared on durability, heat, stains, care and maintenance, with manufacturer care advice.
Planning a Kitchen Remodel: Steps, Checklist, Mistakes
Plan a kitchen remodel in the right order: needs, budget priorities, layout, codes and permits, ventilation, electrical, lead-safe work and common mistakes.
Kitchen Layouts Explained: Galley, L, U, Island
Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island and peninsula kitchen layouts compared, with NKBA clearances for aisles, the work triangle and landing areas.
Kitchen Lighting Plan: Task, Ambient and Accent Layers
How to plan kitchen lighting in layers: task, ambient, under-cabinet and accent, choosing LEDs by lumens and colour temperature, controls and code basics.