Dear Donna,

I have a lovely decision to make - but which one should I choose? I am in the process of having a house built - the rooms are now defined and the roof structure is just being fitted. I must now make a quick decision on the plan of my kitchen/diner. Do I halve the room and have the kitchen units in a U shape or do I make the kitchen units L-shaped for a more spacious effect. I would hate to make a huge mistake - I want space and an ergonomic kitchen.

Your advice would be most appreciated.
Ellen.

Our Homes And Property Expert replies:

Dear Ellen,

There are so many elements to consider when planning a kitchen, and it's impossible to tell you exactly which design to go for as it depends entirely on you and you family's needs. Invest in a copy of The Kitchen Design Planner by Fay Sweet (Ryland Peters & Small, £16.99) to avoid making any mistakes. This interiors expert asks you to consider a host of factors. For example, will this be a family kitchen? Can it be opened up to the living room? Should it be separate from the dining area? Does it need to incorporate a washing machine or home office?

Think about how much and what style of cooking you do. Consider how often you have friends round and whether you like big parties or small intimate dinners. This will determine how large or small both your kitchen or dining areas will be. If you can cook in the way you like with minimal equipment and storage space, don't be tempted to line the room with unnecessary and costly units.

You may need to incorporate a larger than average fridge and freezer if you have a large family. Make sure there is ease of movement between the work triangle of the cooker, fridge and sink. Avoid sitting fridge doors where they would crash into oven doors and don't place a table in the middle of the busy area between these three elements.

Build in plenty of work surface beside the main fixtures and appliances so there's enough room to put down food, hot pans and plates as well as room for preparing meals. Take your time, and most of all consider your primary needs in a kitchen.

Best of luck,
Donna.