If you are going to install a new kitchen, don't just rip out the old units and simply replace them with new, take a little time to think about your kitchen design and how you want to use your kitchen.

It may be a lot simpler to just replace your old kitchen components with new, rather than deciding to embark on a total redesign, but if you plan and organise the design properly at this stage, you can be sure that you will be pleased with the eventual outcome.

How can I redesign my kitchen?

The simplest way to start your design is to factor in the essential items first. Every kitchen needs a sink, a cooker and a fridge freezer - depending on the size of the kitchen and the space you have, you may want to include a washing machine or a dishwasher at this stage too. When you look at the space you have, decide on the locations of these appliances first and then add the other units and non-essential items around them.

The next stage is to decide if your kitchen will also be used for dining or if its sole use will be cooking. Do you want, or have you, enough space for a kitchen island unit or perhaps a breakfast bar? After making this decision, and if you have enough space, you can start adding other items into the design such as built in microwaves, extractor hoods, coffee machines, flat screen TVs and other luxury additions.

Click here for part 2 of this article which will discuss styles of kitchen design, floor tiles and underfloor heating.