The way your kitchen is laid out can make or break how it functions. Good planning is critical, but there are a few “rules” to follow too.
When we’re designing a kitchen, there are a handful of standard layout templates to work from. Each has its pros and cons, and the one you choose depends on the space you have available, your style preferences, and the way you already use the space—or the way you’d like to use it in the future.
Wants and Needs
If you’ve decided that you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, you may have already considered what you like and dislike about your existing space. Perhaps you don’t have enough counter space, or the working aisles aren’t wide enough for two people to fit comfortably. Maybe you find yourself frequently doubling back when navigating your kitchen island, or your cooking items aren’t handy to where you use them.
Whatever problems your current kitchen is handing you, take note of them. Your design team will use this information to assess your needs and design the layout of your space accordingly.
Let’s talk about a few critical attributes of a well-designed kitchen.
The Kitchen Triangle
Interior design is subjective, and much of it comes down to preference. However, that is not the case when it comes to the immutable concept of the kitchen triangle.
The work triangle is the golden rule of kitchen design and is essentially a blueprint for how to lay out your space for optimal efficiency. The kitchen triangle consists of three points: the stove, the fridge, and the sink. When working in the kitchen, traffic should be able to move freely between these three zones, supporting economy of movement and making it faster and easier to get things done.
When planning a kitchen layout, a good designer will first take the triangle into account. This will allow you to use your space to its max capacity and work smarter rather than harder. For this reason, designers usually work from one of the existing layouts below, adapting it to your kitchen.
1. The U-Shaped
The U-shaped, or horseshoe design, is perfect for the busy home cook. It’s spacious, uncluttered, and works well for larger kitchen areas. Plus, it’s easy to create the ideal kitchen triangle, giving you unobstructed access to your appliances for the most effective work experience.
2. Peninsula
The peninsula, or G-shaped kitchen, is effectively a U-shaped kitchen with a twist. This layout has an extra arm that extends out from one of the side walls at a 90-degree angle, jutting into the middle of the kitchen. It’s essentially an integrated island, and perfect if you need some additional counter space for food prep, sitting, or plating meals.
3. Galley Kitchen
Galley kitchens are ideal for smaller spaces. Everything you need is clustered in one central area and within reach. All components and appliances are lined up on either side of a narrow central walkway. Another perk of the galley kitchen is that it lacks corners that can house cramped, unusable corner cabinets. It’s a simple, effective, and highly versatile design for even the most compact spaces.
4. One Wall Kitchen
As the name would suggest, these types of kitchens have all the components and appliances mounted along a single wall. This style is great for apartments and other small living areas as they use minimal space. Of course, this layout does come with one minor caveat: it’s not the best in terms of efficiency. The nature of the design makes the kitchen triangle fundamentally impossible. Still, it’s a perfectly serviceable kitchen for those with limited space.
5. L-Shaped
The L-shaped kitchen layout is positioned on two perpendicular walls, with one arm of the L usually being shorter than the other. If you’re short on square footage, this is another excellent design option. Some homeowners like to add an island, which is useful if you have the room to accommodate it.
Speaking of Islands
The kitchen island is an adaptable, versatile design accessory that can be paired with lots of different kitchen designs, including the L, U, and one-wall layouts. It’s perfect for the cook that needs more counter space, or it can be used as a breakfast bar for families.
Whatever your kitchen wants and needs might be, your design team is sure to find the solution that works for you. Connect with us today, and let’s talk about what we can do for you.
