The kitchen is the most used space in the home every day, and any mistake in it is felt daily: long distances between the fridge and the cooker, too little worktop, smells spreading through the whole house, or cabinets that cannot hold large pots. Good kitchen design depends less on a large area than on the right layout. This guide explains kitchen design by area: the work triangle principle, the right layouts for each size, the idea of a main and a preparation kitchen in Saudi homes, ventilation and services, storage, and the kitchen's position in the plan.
The Work Triangle Principle
The fridge, sink and cooker are the main work points. Arranging them at comfortable distances without obstacles makes work easier and faster. The practical rule: distances should not be so short that movement is cramped, nor so long that you walk a lot, and the triangle should not be crossed by a main circulation route.
Layouts by Area
| Layout | Suits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Single wall | Narrow spaces and small apartments | Limited storage |
| L-shape | Medium spaces | Leaves room for a table |
| U-shape | Large kitchens and heavy cooking | Most work and storage space |
| Galley | Long kitchens | Very practical with an adequate aisle |
| With an island | Spacious kitchens | Needs circulation space around the island |
Main Kitchen and Preparation Kitchen
In many Saudi homes cooking is heavy, with strong aromas and large pots, so many prefer a closed main kitchen for cooking and a preparation kitchen open to the living room for coffee and light meals. This combines the look of an open kitchen with the practicality of a closed one.
| Kitchen | Function | Suitable position |
|---|---|---|
| Main | Daily cooking and occasions | Near the service entrance and dining room |
| Preparation | Coffee, breakfast and light meals | Open to the family lounge |
Ventilation and Services
- An extractor hood of suitable power with a duct to the outside, not just an internal filter.
- A window for natural ventilation if possible.
- Planning power outlets for appliances in advance. Read about electrical load calculation.
- Gas and drainage services to the requirements. See our MEP design services.
Storage
- Wall cabinets up to the ceiling.
- A dry pantry if space allows.
- Deep drawers for large pots.
- A dedicated place for small appliances so worktops are not crowded.
Materials and Lighting
- Heat- and stain-resistant worktops.
- Slip-resistant, easy-to-clean floors.
- Good general lighting, plus under-cabinet lighting over worktops.
The Kitchen's Position in the Plan
Close to the service entrance and parking, and connected to the dining room and the family lounge. Read: Villa design mistakes and Majlis and entrance design.
Common Mistakes
- A cooker next to the fridge or under a window.
- Not enough worktop between the sink and cooker.
- A weak hood or one with no duct to the outside.
- Too few power outlets.
- An island in a narrow kitchen that blocks movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an open kitchen suitable?
It suits a preparation kitchen; heavy cooking is better in a closed kitchen.
What is the best worktop material?
It depends on use and budget; what matters is resistance to heat and stains.
What is a suitable kitchen size?
It depends on family size, cooking style and the home's area; the designer balances it with the other spaces.
Can the kitchen be moved in an existing home?
It is possible but requires changing water, drainage and gas services, and may need a permit if it affects building components. Read: Modifying building components.
How much does kitchen design cost?
Read: Interior design cost in Riyadh.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs kitchens with practical layouts suited to your space and cooking style, coordinating ventilation, electrics, plumbing and cabinet details. Learn about our interior design services, or Learn more about our Electrical Load Calculations & Reports service. contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.