Design Zones

With the changing world and the way we use our kitchens the old fashioned and outdated triangle design is becoming more and more redundant. In its place, welcome the zones!

As multiple people use the kitchen, a more efficient and useful space is required. Splitting the tasks and grouping them in zones the useable space works so much better!

Having a cooking area with a prep sink is a good start, and as people don't use the oven as much as the hob, try moving it away to increase storage space for pots and pans nearer to the hob.

Having a prep sink also means that the main cleanup sink can be kept separate, with a dishwasher next to it creates the cleaning zone. There are also a couple of suppliers that sell dishwasher drawers. This can be handy as one half can be in use while you fill the other, creating a nice cycle.

Another idea would be to have a separate under counter fridge away from both cooking and cleaning zones, maybe in an island, where snacks and drinks can be made without disturbing people cooking and cleaning!For the latest news and hints and tips with everything kitchen visit http://www.paulstafforddesign.co.uk

About Paul Stafford

My foundation as a Product Designer at Bournemouth University and subsequent experience in contract, retail and social kitchen projects, including space planning, interior and technical design, project planning, pricing and project management. I am able to deliver high quality, accurately and to budget. I'm experienced with a wide range of 2D and 3D design packages including Planit Fusion, VectorWorks, AutoCAD and Photoshop along with ProEngineer at University. I also have good experience of MS Office programs including the higher formula functions of Excel.

My University Degree involved progressing a project from design brief to research, design development, technical design for manufacture, prototyping and testing. I found that this course was unique and most attracted me to it, I enjoy being able to be apart of the whole process as I feel that being able to work through a project, using numerous resources and support binds a project together to optimise the success and profitability.

I have worked on large high end contract kitchen projects from tender stage, including detailed planning and design, working in partnership with architects and contractors, through pricing and sourcing suppliers to programming installations based on production, delivery and installation time-scales. I was also able to work on contracts, health and safety documents, along with being able to visit my sites and liaise with site managers and fitters brought extra experience to bring to my role on the next project.

About Paul Stafford Design

Paul Stafford Design was founded in May 2009 and provides an independent and impartial service which combines a love of design with practical thinking.

I understand that buying a new kitchen is a stressful and mind boggling experience, with so many suppliers, appliances and accessories to think about.Working in the kitchen and interior industry since leaving university I have built up an in-depth understanding of how a kitchen is designed, built, installed, but most importantly how it's used.

Taking this knowledge and working as an independent designer not working for one particular company means I can work for you, not sell to you. Making sure you can have a kitchen that reflects your style, with a personal touch you often don't get with larger suppliers.

Simply put, my role is to interpret the aesthetic and functional objectives from you, proposing complimentary design solutions and price comparisons of suppliers which you can be happy and proud of.

The Services I Provide

Advice service - there is a submittal form on the contacts page where you can email me your comments or questions, depending on the volume I will endeavour to reply within 24hrs

2D Design by email or post - email or post me a room plan and I can produce a design for you to take to a supplier of your choice. - £150 with 2D plans and elevations with dimensions and information your chosen supplier requires. Price included 5 revisions.

2D & 3D Design by email or post - email or post me a room plan and I can produce a design for you to take to a supplier of your choice. - £250 with stunning 3D visuals, 2D plans and elevations with dimensions and information your chosen supplier requires. Price included 5 revisions.

Survey, 2D & 3D Design - I come and survey your kitchen and go through your ideas for your perfect kitchen and I can produce a design for you to take to a supplier of your choice. - £300 with stunning 3D visuals, 2D plans and elevations all with dimensions and information your chosen supplier requires. Price included 5 revisions.