A NEW kitchen can be one of the most expensive purchases you make for your home, so how do you know if you have got it right?

Planning expert Joni Thrush, of Four Seasons kitchens, offers some useful advice:

"First, decide what you want, but be realistic - an island unit is not a practical option in a small kitchen. Once you have decided, following some basic planning rules should make your kitchen safe and efficient.

"Make sure your hob and cooker are positioned correctly. Never locate a hob under a window, where curtains could catch fire, or next to a wall as you must allow at least 300mm space for pan handles. Try not to position a hob at the end of a run of units or by a door, where pans could be knocked off by passers-by. Remember to plan the layout so that you won't have to carry hot pans across walkways.

"When deciding where to put your cooker, you will need to fit an extractor if you are going to have wall units above it. In any case, allow at least 750mm between the bottom of any wall units and your hob. If you have an eye level grill, make sure that you don't position wall units next to it as these could easily catch fire. Don't put a fridge next to an oven or it will not work efficiently.

"Finally, you need to make sure all worksurfaces are sufficiently supported. Don't put a worktop joint over an appliance space, as this will not make it stable enough. You will need to use an end support panel if you have positioned an appliance at the end of a run."

If you still don't feel confident in planning your own kitchen, your Four Seasons retailer will plan and fit your whole kitchen for you.

Four Seasons is a range of 20 quality kitchens, featuring contemporary and traditional designs, each with a 25-year guarantee. For a brochure, call 01942 844268.

Alternatively, visit your local Four Seasons retailer, Abacus Decor, at Hildenborough Crescent, Allington, Maidstone, for a consultation.