With our busy lives, kitchens are increasingly the focal point of our homes. The demands we place on them mean they have to offer the ultimate in functionality whilst at the same time being homely and aesthetically pleasing. A tall order, but with careful planning and research, you can create the right kitchen for you and your family.

The traditional kitchen plan has always been a simple work triangle between the fridge, cooker and sink. While this still holds true, we have so many more demands on our kitchens today. Numerous recycling boxes clutter the floor, an increasing number of gadgets such as coffee machines and bread makers take up our precious work surfaces, while the eating area has to double as a dining room, office and homework zone.

The FMB advises careful planning to understand the options before getting a builder in to quote for the work. "Save project time and money by research through magazines, exhibitions, websites and other peoples' homes. Make sure you cook a meal and sit down to eat it, then start a list of problems you have encountered and encourage family members to add to it," says the FMB's Robin Hood-Leeder. "This will throw up larger problems such as layout and lighting, as well as smaller problems such as a lack of sockets, storage limitations and insufficient space for the fridge. Don't be constrained by the location of water, drains, gas or electricity, as these can be moved," he added.