Start with the layout
Choose the layout that suits the room shape: single-wall for studios, galley for narrow rooms with about 3 feet between runs, L-shaped for corner kitchens and U-shaped for roomier ones. Keep the walkway clear and doors from clashing with appliance doors.
The work triangle
Place the sink, hob and fridge so that the walk between them is short, ideally a triangle with sides of 4 to 9 feet. In a small kitchen, this keeps you from crossing the room. Put the prep space between the sink and hob.
Storage that works
Use tall cabinets, wall cabinets to the ceiling, pull-out baskets and corner solutions. Hang tools on rails and use the inside of doors. See corner cabinets and kitchen rack design.
Lighting and colour
Maximise daylight, and add under-cabinet LED strips so work areas are bright. Light colours and gloss finishes reflect light and make the room feel larger. Keep the palette simple. See kitchen decor for ideas.
Compact appliances
Choose appliances sized for the room: a slim fridge, a 2 or 3 burner hob and a built-in microwave. Counter space is precious, so avoid leaving appliances on the counter. See hob stoves for hob sizes.
Ventilation
Small kitchens heat and fill with smell quickly. Fit a hood or exhaust fan, and a window for cross ventilation. See electric hoods and small fans for kitchens.
Indicative costs
Costs follow the same rates as larger kitchens, per running foot. Laminate cabinets are about PKR 8,000 to 15,000 per foot, gloss about PKR 15,000 to 30,000, a 3 burner hob about PKR 18,000 to 31,500 and a hood about PKR 22,000 to 40,000.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid dark heavy colours, deep cabinets that block movement, too many open shelves and poor lighting. Do not forget ventilation or sockets at counter height. A tidy plan beats a crowded one.
Before you decide
Measure the room, draw it to scale and test layouts on paper. Ask your designer to show the work triangle and the walkway, and visit a similar kitchen if you can. A small kitchen can be a joy to cook in, if it is planned carefully. Plan sockets at counter height for the kettle, the toaster and the blender, so cables do not trail across the counter. Add at least two double sockets on the main wall, and one dedicated socket for the microwave or oven, and keep them away from the sink splash zone. Test the plan by walking through a typical meal with a cardboard layout on the floor, and adjust distances before any carpenter starts work, since small moves on paper save large costs later. Finally, review the plan with the person who cooks most, since daily habits reveal problems that drawings hide, and agree any changes in writing before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Galley for narrow rooms, L-shaped for corner kitchens and single-wall for studios. Keep the sink, hob and fridge close in a work triangle. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Use light colours, gloss finishes, good lighting and tall storage, and keep counters clear. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Use tall and wall cabinets to the ceiling, pull-out baskets, corner solutions, rails and the insides of doors. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
A slim fridge, a 2 or 3 burner hob, a built-in microwave and a hood or exhaust fan. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Laminate cabinets are about PKR 8,000 to 15,000 per running foot and gloss about PKR 15,000 to 30,000, plus counter and appliances. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Usually the same working day once you send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo. The reply is a written rate with the model, warranty and delivery listed, so you can compare it against other quotes line by line. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.