Kitchen design decisions have become more complicated since kitchens started to become the social hub of the home as well as the area designed for meal preparation. For example, if you want plenty of space to socialize with friends and family in the kitchen, do you need to compromise on cupboard space? Allocating just one wall of cabinets in your kitchen will allow for more floor space for your guests. If space is important to you, make sure you make the most of the full height of the walls and consider installing a floor-to-ceiling larder which will provide you with a maximum amount of storage space. Another option is to install more storage cupboards in utility or boot rooms. Interior designer Diana Blanchard advises The best layouts provide space where people can congregate while allowing the host to prepare a meal. A dining table or island unit where guests can sit comfortably near to the action works especially well. It is vital that you give consideration to the flow of your space and keep visitors away from the busy cooking, food preparation and sink areas. Provide easy access to the fridge and hot drinks facilities by locating them close to seating areas and make sure you take note of the location of doorways as people will naturally take the quickest route. A curved island is ideal for manipulating the traffic flow away from the main cooking area.