Designing a good kitchen is like whipping up a decent pavlova. So what if everyone has the recipe? The difference between a flat, squishy result and a total success is all in the technique. Good kitchens should suit the style of their owner, be easy to work in, simple to clean and maintain, and of course, affordable.

Planning is the main course when it comes to cooking up a great kitchen design. Choosing colours and finishes is simply the garnish, and will do nothing to improve a poor design.

The best position for a kitchen should have good access to entertaining and living areas, with a pleasant view that also allows you to keep an eye on kids playing outside (if that's what you need to do!).

Assuming the physical location of your kitchen is already decided, let's get on with designing the best possible combination to fit inside it.