Start designing your dream kitchen using one of these 6 kitchen layouts
Where do you start when designing your dream kitchen? Start with a layout! It might sound painfully obvious but even with a remodel, you should really take another look at the footprint you have and see if there could be an improvement.
Why spend a lot of money and miss out on an opportunity to gain more storage or space! Kitchen layouts matter so let’s take a closer look at these 6 kitchen design footprints.
Image of U-Shaped kitchen layout above provided by Clayton on Unsplash .
What are the 6 Kitchen Layouts?
1. One Wall Kitchen Layout
As it is clearly labeled, a one wall kitchen exists on one wall. All appliances need to be positioned in the best possible placement for functionality.
Often these kitchens are small and may not have room for a wall microwave or dishwasher. Careful consideration of what the homeowners priorities are will determine the size of the appliance.
Kitchen designers need to get creative here to maximize the most storage and while keeping the layout functional.
2. U Shaped Kitchen Layout
Pictured above, U shaped kitchens are obviously are designed within three walls and do not have enough clearance for a kitchen island. It will only have one entrance.
If trying to create a more open floor plan with a U shaped kitchen, it is sometimes possible to take a portion of wall out or create an opening to join with a dining area or family room. In doing so the space becomes more open and social however, you may sacrifice storage space for cabinetry and electrical may also need to be moved.
3. L Shaped Kitchen Layout
L Shaped kitchens are effective for smaller spaces, condos and townhomes that wish to keep an open concept. An L shaped kitchen permits space to have a dining area in an otherwise small living space.
This design locates all appliances and counter space along two walls in the corner of the kitchen space at approximately a 90 degree angle. This kitchen layout allows for a compact workspace while freeing up much needed space for a dining area or potentially an island.
Some homeowners may feel like it is more practical to have an island rather than a dining table as space for guests is limited and counter space and storage might be a priority.
4. Kitchen Island Layouts
Most homeowners desire having a kitchen island like pictured here with a beautiful concrete countertop. Extra counterspace, more storage, the perfect place to sit, work, eat and socialize. The kitchen is often the heart of the home and the dream is to have friends and family participating with you and preferably around a kitchen island, but not all spaces are island ideal.
The general rule of thumb when designing for a kitchen island is that you need a minimum of 42 inches to 48 inches of space around the entire island for the layout to work functionally. If 42 inches of space is not available to you, then you might consider the potential for a peninsula layout or even a portable table island instead.
Double Island Kitchen
The trend today in large homes with big design budgets is to implement a double island.
One island to act as the traditional island for cooking and food prep, while the other is reserved for bar service and seating!
Isn’t that the dream!
5. Galley Kitchen Layout
The Galley design or corridor kitchen is common in many apartments and open concept layouts. A few things to consider is that space is limited so try and optimize or consolidate your counter space.
Be careful of your appliance location. You do not want to have your appliances when opened, block any exits or not be able to open fully because of cabinetry. Do try and use pull out wall cabinets to conserve space. Economize space with floor and wall cabinetry and try and plan for overhead microwaves or look for the new models that pull out like drawers.
6. Peninsula Kitchen Layout
Creating a peninsula in the kitchen is a great way to incorporate the seating of a kitchen island without losing the functionality of the kitchen. Photo by Le Creuset on Unsplash
As stated above, kitchen islands require a bit of space to function properly. Kitchen islands are also popular because you can sit at them and socialize with the host. There is no point having a kitchen island if it is too small to sit at and you cannot move freely in the space.
If the kitchen is too narrow for an island simply move the island against a wall and create the shape of a peninsula. By doing this, you have space to enter the kitchen and move functionally within it while retaining space to seat guests. Win win solution to not having an island at all.
What is the concept of a universal Kitchen Layout?
A universal layout refers to the concept of designing for accessibility taking all human qualities and abilities into consideration when designing a kitchen.
Height, age, and mobility are all carefully thought out to ensure the space is accessible and safe for all who will be using the space.
A universal kitchen should allow for any user to easily work in the environment around them. Location of appliances, handles for the elderly or handicapped, cabinets that are easily accessible, adequate lighting, error free planning and the ability to function under any circumstance are the paramount features to a universally designed kitchen.
This is kitchen layout option for those who live with a disability, school and senior residences or other properties that required a shared kitchen space.
