Moray Fitted Kitchens Blog Day 3

Day 3: The Kitchen Layout Mistakes We See Most Often in Moray Homes — And How to Fix Them

Designing a kitchen layout isn’t just about where things look nice on a plan. It’s about how the room works every single day. After installing kitchens across Moray — from Lossiemouth new builds to older stone cottages in Elgin and Forres — we’ve seen the same layout issues crop up again and again.

The good news is that every one of them is avoidable with the right planning.

Below are the most common layout mistakes we encounter locally, along with the fixes we use when designing kitchens for our clients.

1. The Working Triangle Gets Ignored

In many Moray homes, especially older properties, the fridge ends up miles from the sink or hob simply because “that’s where it’s always been”.

Why it matters:

It adds unnecessary steps to everyday tasks.

How we fix it:

We reposition appliances to create a clear, efficient triangle — even in awkward rooms with sloped ceilings or thick stone walls.

2. Not Enough Prep Space Beside the Hob

This is one of the biggest complaints we hear when people come to us after living with a previous kitchen.

Why it matters:

You need space for chopping, seasoning, and placing hot pans safely.

How we fix it:

We prioritise long, uninterrupted worktop runs and avoid placing the hob right beside a tall unit or sink.

3. Appliances That Clash or Block Walkways

Dishwashers that block the bin. Fridge doors that hit the island. Ovens too low for safe lifting.

Why it matters:

These issues make the kitchen feel cramped and frustrating.

How we fix it:

We map out every door swing and walking line before finalising the design — something most DIY planners don’t do.

4. Overloading One Wall With Tall Units

This is common in narrow Moray kitchens where people try to “use the height”.

Why it matters:

It makes the room feel boxed‑in and top‑heavy.

How we fix it:

We balance tall units across the room and use drawers or open shelving to lighten the visual weight.

5. Poor Traffic Flow in Through‑Kitchens

Many Moray homes have kitchens that double as walkways to the garden or dining room.

Why it matters:

If the hob or sink sits in the main route, the kitchen becomes chaotic.

How we fix it:

We keep the cooking zone away from the main path and design clear movement lines.

6. Lighting Planned Too Late

Lighting is often left until the end — by which point the best options are no longer possible.

Why it matters:

Good lighting transforms how the kitchen feels and functions.

How we fix it:

We plan task, ambient, and feature lighting from the start, especially in rooms with limited natural light like many Moray cottages.

7. Storage That Looks Good But Doesn’t Work

Glossy brochures rarely show what happens when you actually try to store real items.

Why it matters:

Poor storage leads to cluttered worktops and frustration.

How we fix it:

We use deep drawers, internal organisers, pull‑outs, and tall larders to make every inch usable — especially in smaller kitchens.

Local Insight Matters

Every region has its quirks. In Moray, we regularly deal with:

• thick stone walls

• uneven floors

• tight galley kitchens

• older homes with limited natural light

• new‑build layouts that prioritise style over function

These details shape how a kitchen should be designed — and they’re exactly why a layout that works in a showroom doesn’t always work in a real Moray home.

Want Us to Review Your Layout?

If you’re planning a new kitchen and want a second opinion on your layout, we’re always happy to help. A quick look from an experienced designer can save you years of frustration.