Why Your Kitchen Layout Is Secretly Sabotaging Your Mornings

Ever find yourself in the middle of morning madness, bumping elbows with your partner while trying to make a brew? Yep – I’ve been there too. You’d be amazed how many kitchens are technically well-designed but feel like an assault course before 9am.

The secret? It’s all in the layout. And it just so happens the subject I geeked out on most at uni was exactly this: traffic flow, zoning, and space planning. Sexy stuff (well, to me anyway).

Start by asking: what’s your busiest time in the kitchen? Where do people naturally gather? And is there a way to redirect them so you're not constantly stepping over someone?

If you’re redesigning or starting from scratch, think in zones. Do you have a breakfast cupboard? It became the darling of the kitchen world post-2020 when we all suddenly noticed how chaotic our homes had become.

One trick I love is placing the fridge at the far end – the teenagers and tea drinkers in your life can help themselves without getting in your way. And speaking of tea, don’t underestimate the power of a second mini bin by the coffee station. Trust me: it’s life-changing.

Do a quick test: imagine making a cup of tea. Where’s the kettle, mugs, spoons, sugar, bin? If that’s a faff, the layout needs tweaking.

Apply that logic to everything – Sunday roast, Christmas dinner, baking with the kids. Each moment can be smoother if you plan with purpose.