Have already posted this in Good Housekeeping and had some great responses but thought I'd try here as well. Have been advised to get quotes from independents and if anyone can recommend someone good in the London area I'd be really grateful.
This is very exciting. We are finally getting a new kitchen. Have never been able to design a kitchen where I have lived before so a bit heady with the thrill of it. We have a small space - rectangular shape 200cm x 300cm but it's quite a high ceiling. We were going to have a split level oven and hob and I had forgotten about getting a hood extractor so that will take up more space but it's probably going to be more efficient with space to have the hob above the oven. Also, even though I do bake quite a bit, I wonder how often will I be bending down to look at the oven to make it vital to have a split level arrangement.
Because the ceiling is high the units can be tall but I guess it's not going to improve access as I don't think you can get larder style cupboards which start above the work surface. I suppose the best thing to do is get the Lakeland add a shelf solution. We are planning to get pull out deep drawers on the lower units and a carousel for the corner unit.
The other thing that is bothering me is where to put the bin. At the moment, as there is very little space on the floor, we have a carrier bag hanging on the door which is obviously not a great solution. Ideally I'd like a sensor type bin in a unit without a door so I could get to it easily but this seems to be very difficult as the only space we'll have will be under the sink. Also, I'm not sure where to put the recycling which is currently a plastic bag stuck on top of the dishwasher.
We're also planning on getting a sliding door to maximise space. Has anyone ever done this and if so did it allow much noise through? TIA