How Do I Choose A Kitchen Layout?

It's important to think about how the kitchen will function in the context of the rest of your home when deciding on a layout. The most common types of kitchens throughout history are covered here:

How To Select The Best Kitchen Plan Shape

Kitchen Islands

The island kitchen is the most popular and practical design for a kitchen. A kitchen with an island plan has extra storage and prep space, as well as appliances and cupboards on one or even both sides of the island.

Because it stands alone from the rest of the counter space, this work island is called a "island."

The island design has several positive aspects. The extra counter space can serve as a variety of purposes, including meal preparation, sink placement, table space, and drink storage.

Those who wish to make their kitchens the heart of their homes may consider installing an island. Such layouts are ideal for hosting dinner parties and other gatherings, as they provide a lot of counter space and a large dining area.

Yet, not every kitchen benefits from having an island. Such a design necessitates a very large kitchen, making it impractical for homes with smaller kitchens.

Also, with that design, the kitchen is always on show, and the sounds and traffic from the rest of the house will always filter in.

As a result, there will be even more of a need to keep the kitchen in order and spotless.

Kitchens With U-shapes

The U-shaped kitchen is very like an L-shaped one, except that it takes up space along three walls rather than just two. In a standard U-shaped kitchen, the sink is on one wall, the stove and oven are on another, as well as the fridge is on the third.

When compared to other layouts, this one often provides the most counter area per square foot.

There is sufficient counter space adjacent to the stove, and there is counter space on the both sides of a sink.

The abundance of counter space adjacent to the refrigerator in a U-shaped kitchen is very useful when stocking up for the week. Its design simplifies regular tasks.

The two corners of a U-shaped kitchen layout have the potential to become massive dead zones.

Yet, if you install the right kind of storage assembly within the corner cabinets, you can greatly increase their storage capacity. The distance between the various stations is another issue.

A U-shaped kitchen has three walls of storage and an open area in the middle. A dining table in the middle may be included if there's enough room.

Kitchens with a U-shaped configuration are the most functional for households with numerous cooks. They are also quite adaptable, as they may be set up in small, long rooms or in big, square rooms.

Moreover, they are more private than islands layouts while yet being open.

Although this seems like the best possible plan, it does have a few limitations. To begin with, it calls for a substantial investment in high-priced kitchen cabinetry.

On the other hand, greater storage space is always welcome. Not only that, but picking the wrong cabinets might make your kitchen look awkward and cluttered.

Kitchens In The Shape Of A L

The L-shaped kitchen is the most typical design for a kitchen.

The primary work surface is located besides one of the cabinet or appliance-lined walls in an L-shaped design. Thus, it functions well in moderate to big spaces.

The absence of traffic problems makes this layout ingenious. More than that, it allows for the creation of separate areas to work in, as well as a dining area. It's multipurpose, modifiable, sociable, fashionable, and useful.

L-shaped kitchens have few disadvantages and are hence still the second most common design.

The only drawback We can see is that this setup is more about making do with the space available, which makes workflow and cooking a little less than ideal.

With an L-shaped kitchen, two of the three primary appliances can be found on the same wall. Unless you have elaborate plans for moving supply lines and wiring, you will have to adhere to the layout established by the current plumbing and electrical systems.

Depending on the available space, an L-shaped kitchen might feature either a central island or a peninsula.

Ideally, there should be 48 inches of space between both the island and the nearest cupboards, but 42 inches is OK if you're the only cook in the house.

The G-shaped Kitchens 

This is a trendy new look in kitchens, but it's only practical if your kitchen is spacious enough to accommodate a fourth wall. The U-shape is modified into a G by a short fourth wall.

Kitchens With An I-Shape Or A Single Wall

The I-shaped kitchen has little counter space and positions all the appliances against one wall. But, an I-shaped kitchen may be your only choice in certain circumstances.

Kitchen Corridor/Galley/Parallel Wall

When room is at a premium, a galley kitchen is the way to go because appliances may be placed on opposite walls.

Two shelves are on one wall along with one on the other, much like an L-shaped kitchen.

The stove, oven, and fridge are often aligned along one wall, while the sink is typically situated along the opposite wall.

Having the sink in a separate area frees up valuable work surface. All modern kitchens use the work triangle to determine the optimal arrangement of appliances, countertops, and sinks to maximise efficiency in the kitchen.

Kitchens With A Straight Line Or A Single Wall

Only flats with extremely restricted square footage, including studios and lofts, can make utilize the linear fashion / one-wall kitchen layout.

All the cupboards and appliances are attached to a single wall, which is a terrific way to save room. However, some spacious contemporary kitchens are designed in this way as well, making it possible to eat meals there.

If your kitchen is square or you have a small open floor plan, this arrangement may be the best choice.

One potential problem is that, with this design, appliances must be installed at an angle within the cabinetry. Other wise, the layout will appear chaotic and untidy.

101 In Kitchen Ergonomics

Let's start with the fundamentals of good kitchen design: kitchen ergonomics. Ergonomics is the study of adapting products and spaces to their end users rather than their creators.

The Triangle Of Labor

One of the earliest attempts at improving productivity in private kitchens was the creation of the "work triangle" in the 1920s. There is a direct line of sight from the stovetop to the sink to the pantry thanks to the triangle's layout (refrigerator).

The Kitchen Work Triangle Principles:

• Each leg of the triangle can be anything from 1.2m to 2.7m in length.
• All three legs should measure between 4 and 7.9 metres in length.
• No three points of the triangle should be crossed by cabinets or appliances.
• There shouldn't be a lot of people driving through the triangle.

The following guidelines* should be followed for optimal effectiveness and convenience in the kitchen:

• It's recommended that kitchen entry doors measure at least 812mm in width.
• Neither the entry door nor any appliance doors should be in the way of one another or of the safety procedures of any appliances.
• For single cook kitchens, the recommended length of the work aisle is 1060mm, while the recommended length for multi-cook kitchens is 1220mm.
• The minimum width for a pedestrian walkway is 915mm.
• When there is no foot activity behind a seat, there should be 915 millimetres of free space between the edge of the table and counter and the edge behind it.
• Each individual seated must have a seat width of at least 610 mm. The recommended leg room under a 760mm table is 460mm, under a 914mm kitchen counter is 380mm, and under a 305mm bar counter is 305mm (1066mm high).
• If there is just one sink in the kitchen, it should be placed near the range and refrigerator.
• A sink needs a landing area of at least 610 mm on either side, with 460 mm on either side as a minimum.
• Next to the sink, there needs to be a major work surface that's at least 760mm in width and 600mm deep.
• The ideal distance for a dishwasher to be from a sink is 900 mm.
• A landing area of 380 mm or less is required next to the fridge's handle side, while no more that 1200 mm is allowed across from the fridge.
• Landing areas on either side of the cooking area should measure at least 300 mm and 380 mm, respectively.
• A distance of at least 600 mm must be maintained between the top of the stove and any flammable material.
• Install a hood over the stove and any other cooking appliances.
• Place the stovetop away from any opening windows and keep the fire extinguisher close to the kitchen's exit.
• It is recommended that microwaves be set 75mm below shoulder height, but this can vary depending on the user's preference.
• Make sure there's a 380mm landing spot near the microwave on all sides.
• Make sure there's a 380mm landing space adjacent to the oven and not more than 1200mm across from the range.
• Take the more critical requirement for landing space between adjacent appliances and increase it by 300 mm.
• All storage, preparation, landing, and work spaces require a total of 4000mm of countertop space, 600mm deep, and 380mm high clearance.
• Each desk should have both overhead illumination and task lighting to ensure safety and productivity.

National Bathroom and Kitchen Association Recommendations

Kitchens With Galleys

Galley kitchens, often called walk-through kitchens, are indeed a classic design featured in many older buildings, such as apartments & terrace houses. The popularity of galley kittens continues to rise; in 2016, they ranked as the year's third most sought-after form.

Galley kitchens feature a narrow passageway bounded by two walls that hold the kitchen's storage cabinets and appliances. This design works well for kitchens of a moderate size.

Galley kitchens' main benefit is that they maximise the use of limited space. Kitchen cabinets can also be seamlessly integrated because there are no awkward corners to deal with. This setup is also conducive to in-home gatherings and meals.

However, a typical complaint about Galley kitchens is they're so small and too dim. This is especially the case if there is no window light in the kitchen and there are high cabinets installed.

You now have an in-depth understanding of the five most typical kitchen layouts and the factors to consider for each. As you've already noticed, a kitchen's layout is primarily determined by where the cabinets go. The cabinets you select will have a significant impact on the overall design of your kitchen.

The Most Common Kitchen Plan Designs

The Kitchen With Only One Wall

This straightforward design, typical of kitchens with limited square footage, saves on square footage without compromising on usable area.

The One Wall Kitchen is a minimalistic arrangement of cabinets flush against a single wall. These cabinets may be either upper and lower or may include shelves above the base cabinets.

Making A One-Wall Kitchen Plan Work:

Focus on the vertical. If you have a limited amount of available width, extending your cabinets as high as feasible is a good way to add storage.

The fridge should be on one end, and oven and stove in the middle, and the sink should be on the other end of a one-wall kitchen, as opposed to the usual work triangle.

If your cupboards stop short of the ceiling, you can still put less frequently used items up there. Or, you might utilise it as a showcase to further develop your kitchen's motif.

The Kitchen Galley

The galley kitchen makes excellent use of space by having two rows of cabinets face each other, with a passage or galley in between.

By excluding the corners' storage cabinets, this design makes efficient use of the available square footage.

Because of the simplicity of the layout, fewer specialised tools are required, making this a cheap alternative.

Making A Galley Kitchen Layout Work:

The galley kitchen's increased storage options are a direct result of the extra cabinetry along one wall.

In larger kitchens, where there may be several cooks, the prep and cooking sections are typically located along just one wall. By doing so, you'll lessen the likelihood of getting hurt while you navigate the work triangle.

The Kitchen's L Form

The L-shaped kitchen, with its cabinets along two non - parallel walls, is a functional design choice for kitchens of any size.

The open layout of a L-shaped kitchen allows for great mobility in the positioning of appliances & work zones, despite the fact that the corner requires some ingenious cabinetry ideas to make it practical.

The L's arms can be as long as necessary, but for convenience, they should be no more than 4.5 metres.

How To Make An L-Shape Kitchen Work:

Put in a walk-in pantry cabinet in the corner if there's room for one. This manner, you may make great use of the part of the kitchen that is sometimes overlooked.

For even more family fun, consider turning the opposite corner of your L-shaped kitchen into a cosy breakfast nook.

The Kitchen's U Form

The U-shaped kitchen layout is ideal for larger kitchens because it allows for cabinetry to be placed along three walls instead of just two. Having upper cabinets on any and all three sections can make this plan appear cramped, despite its advantageous storage.

Avoid this by placing top cabinets on only a few walls, and instead decorating the remaining walls with floating shelves, focal tiles, or a hob hood. The kitchen's U layout is convenient for multitasking and expediting the cooking process.

Making A U-Shaped Kitchen Plan Work:

With a U-shaped kitchen, it is important to maintain clear window sills. To make the most of the space, put the kitchen's working sections farthest from the rear and front doorways. This will allow for a seamless work triangle.

The Kitchen On The Island

The island kitchen, which is popular in modern open-floor plans, features a wide countertop and storage space in the room's centre.

The island can serve as a place to cook, hold a prep bowl, and store alcoholic beverages. It's also handy as a place to cook and eat with the family.

The kitchen must be large enough to accommodate an island, but strategically placing one is a terrific way to improve the flow of traffic.

Making An Island Kitchen Layout Work:

Make use of the island as a place to work and gather with loved ones as you make meals together. The kitchen island is the focal point of the room, making it an ideal position for a showpiece light fixture that can double as work lighting.

The Peninsula Dining Room

Similar to an island kitchen, a peninsula may consist of a counter that protrudes from a wall or a set of cabinets.

In cases when there isn't enough room for a separate island, this is a fantastic alternative that still provides all the functionality of a kitchen island.

While the chef is busy cooking dishes, the peninsula is available for eating or other purposes.

My Greatest Kitchen Design Suggestions

Now that we've settled on a kitchen layout, let's take a look at a few helpful hints.

Keep Your Kitchen Triangle Clear.

Your kitchen's three most-used areas—the stove, the sink, and the fridge—form what is known as the kitchen triangle. Thus, make sure that all of these places can be reached without much trouble.

Designing With Storage In Consideration

When it comes to kitchens, there is no such as having too much cabinet space. You can, of course, purchase as many storage units for the kitchen as you like. With their help, you can stow items out of sight while they aren't in use.

Think About Benchtop Space

This same benchtop is where you'll put your cooktops and other freestanding appliances and where you will do most of your food preparation. Therefore, it is essential to provide for adequate benchtop space whenever possible.

Take Into Account Ventilation And Lighting.

There will be a lot of steam, grease, and water from all the cooking you'll be doing. Therefore, to keep the kitchen looking nice, you should ensure that it has adequate lighting and ventilation. You may want to get a decent range hood and some fluorescent lights.

Seek Expert Assistance

A kitchen remodel is a huge undertaking that may be expensive in terms of both time and resources. If this is your first major makeover, it's probably best to bring in some experts like interior designers or shopfitters.

Kitchen design experts will also be able to provide you with helpful advice based on their extensive knowledge.

Conclusion

The most common types of kitchens include island, U-shaped, and other layouts. Island layouts provide extra counter space and a large dining area, while U-shapes require a large kitchen and noise from the rest of the house. The U-shaped kitchen is the most common design for households with numerous cooks, but it does have limitations such as high-priced kitchen cabinetry and limited storage space. The Triangle Of Labor is an early attempt at improving productivity in private kitchens, with a direct line of sight from the stovetop to the sink to the pantry. Kitchen entry doors should be 812mm in width, work aisle length 1060mm, pedestrian walkway 915mm, seat width 610mm, leg room 460mm, sink 610mm, dishwasher 900mm, landing area 380mm, microwave 380mm, oven 380mm, and more.

The National Bathroom and Kitchen Association recommends the five most common kitchen layouts and the factors to consider for each. These include the Kitchen With Only One Wall, the Kitchen Galley, the One Wall Kitchen, and the One-Wall Kitchen. The L-shaped kitchen is a functional design choice for kitchens of any size, allowing for great mobility and convenience. The most important details are to keep the kitchen triangle clear, design with storage, take into account ventilation and lighting, and seek expert assistance.

Content Summary

1. It's important to think about how the kitchen will function in the context of the rest of your home when deciding on a layout.
2. A kitchen with an island plan has extra storage and prep space, as well as appliances and cupboards on one or even both sides of the island.
3. The abundance of counter space adjacent to the refrigerator in a U-shaped kitchen is very useful when stocking up for the week.
4. The two corners of a U-shaped kitchen layout have the potential to become massive dead zones.
5. A U-shaped kitchen has three walls of storage and an open area in the middle.
6. Kitchens with a U-shaped configuration are the most functional for households with numerous cooks.
7. Kitchens In The Shape Of A LThe L-shaped kitchen is the most typical design for a kitchen.
8. The primary work surface is located besides one of the cabinet or appliance-lined walls in an L-shaped design.
9. With an L-shaped kitchen, two of the three primary appliances can be found on the same wall.
10. The G-shaped Kitchens This is a trendy new look in kitchens, but it's only practical if your kitchen is spacious enough to accommodate a fourth wall.
11. When room is at a premium, a galley kitchen is the way to go because appliances may be placed on opposite walls.
12. All modern kitchens use the work triangle to determine the optimal arrangement of appliances, countertops, and sinks to maximise efficiency in the kitchen.
13. All the cupboards and appliances are attached to a single wall, which is a terrific way to save room.
14. If your kitchen is square or you have a small open floor plan, this arrangement may be the best choice.
15. It's recommended that kitchen entry doors measure at least 812mm in width.
16. If there is just one sink in the kitchen, it should be placed near the range and refrigerator.
17. The ideal distance for a dishwasher to be from a sink is 900 mm.
18. Install a hood over the stove and any other cooking appliances.
19. Galley kitchens feature a narrow passageway bounded by two walls that hold the kitchen's storage cabinets and appliances.
20. You now have an in-depth understanding of the five most typical kitchen layouts and the factors to consider for each.
21. The cabinets you select will have a significant impact on the overall design of your kitchen.
22. The galley kitchen's increased storage options are a direct result of the extra cabinetry along one wall.
23. The Kitchen's L FormThe L-shaped kitchen, with its cabinets along two non - parallel walls, is a functional design choice for kitchens of any size.
24. Put in a walk-in pantry cabinet in the corner if there's room for one.
25. For even more family fun, consider turning the opposite corner of your L-shaped kitchen into a cosy breakfast nook.
26. The Kitchen's U FormThe U-shaped kitchen layout is ideal for larger kitchens because it allows for cabinetry to be placed along three walls instead of just two.
27. With a U-shaped kitchen, it is important to maintain clear window sills.
28. The kitchen island is the focal point of the room, making it an ideal position for a showpiece light fixture that can double as work lighting.
29. The Peninsula Dining RoomSimilar to an island kitchen, a peninsula may consist of a counter that protrudes from a wall or a set of cabinets.
30. In cases when there isn't enough room for a separate island, this is a fantastic alternative that still provides all the functionality of a kitchen island.
31. You can, of course, purchase as many storage units for the kitchen as you like.
32. Therefore, it is essential to provide for adequate benchtop space whenever possible.
33. Therefore, to keep the kitchen looking nice, you should ensure that it has adequate lighting and ventilation.