The kitchen is arguably the most important part in every home because you likely start your day there; either getting a cup of coffee or an energizing breakfast. The kitchen is that bonding area for your family and guests alike. It is where the meals are prepared and probably eaten. For some, it is where the family and guests often gather to socialize, cook and eat together. Whichever reasons there are for having a kitchen, you definitely want it to look good. This is why your kitchen layout should be carefully planned. You don’t want your kitchen to look like a storeroom because of its lack of space.
WHAT IS A KITCHEN LAYOUT?
The kitchen layout is the shape made by the arrangement of the countertop, major appliances and storage areas. It is always planned in a way that creates the kitchen work triangle. A kitchen work triangle, on the other hand, is the path you make when moving from the refrigerator to the sink, to the range to prepare a meal. It is important to consider the size of your kitchens before making your kitchen layout plans.
L-Shape Kitchen
The L-shaped kitchen is the most popular design, and is appropriate for any size kitchen. It includes work spaces on two adjoining walls running perpendicular to each other. This layout works well for two cooks working at the same time, since no traffic lanes flow through the work area. If space allows, it is possible to incorporate a center island that doubles as a work space or eating area. The L-Shape kitchen typically opens into another room which makes a great layout for entertaining
U-Shape Kitchen
The U-Shape design is the most versatile layout for both large and small kitchens. It surrounds the cook on all sides and allows for ample countertop space and storage. The U-Shape kitchen creates an efficient work triangle, and creates a large amount of storage space. This arrangement is suited toward separating the cooking space from the dining space. The U-Shape layout is ideal for creating large amounts of storage space.
G-Shape Kitchen
The G-shape layout is a variation of the U-Shape, with the addition of a peninsula or a partial fourth wall, which can be used for extra countertop and storage space. By adding a second sink, cooktop or range, the G-Shape kitchen can easily accommodate two work triangles, allowing two cooks total independence.
One Wall Kitchen
The one wall kitchen is the answer for very small homes and condos. The work triangle flattens out by placing the sink between the range and the refrigerator for maximum efficiency. When using the single wall layout, the refrigerator should be positioned so the door opens away from the kitchen sink to remove the possibility of a disturbance in workflow. Take into consideration whether you are right or left handed when placing the dishwasher and frequently accessed cabinets.
Galley Kitchen
The galley kitchen is the most efficient layout for a narrow space. It consists of work spaces on two opposing walls with a single traffic lane between. Placing the range or cooktop on one side of the kitchen and the refrigerator and sink on the opposite wall allows for easy workflow. This design can be used so the kitchen opens to the rest of the house on one or both ends. The ideal width for a galley kitchen is 7 to 12 feet and works particularly well in a rectangular space. It can be transformed by replacing a wall with an island or peninsula open to an adjacent room.
Kitchen Island
The kitchen island is a place to be creative. The size will be determined by the amount of space you have, and the countertop material you are using. At least 36”- 42” of space should surround the island on all sides to allow appliances such as the dishwasher and stove to be opened and closed. If you’re looking at a seamless solid surface countertop, especially granite, the size of the stone can be limiting. Granite and engineered stone slabs generally don’t exceed 120” by 72” and some are much smaller.
Will your island host an appliance, sink, trash, recycling, eating area and food prep area? Since the island has the potential to be a mini-kitchen, it requires a carefully thought-out design.
10 KITCHEN LAYOUT MISTAKES TO AVOID
The kitchen triangle consists of the sink, stove, and refrigerator and is considered the area with the most activity in the kitchen. Therefore, it is required to be carefully planned in order to avoid obstructions. The sink typically sees the most action; it should have easy access to the stove and refrigerator, as well as your countertop workstations. If the kitchen triangle is too small, you are likely going to trip off at some point. Also, having too big kitchen triangle can make cooking tiring.
STORAGE SPACE
The kitchen is where all the cooking in the home is done and typically contains lots of stuff. Not having enough storage space can make items stored in and around the kitchen look odd. Also while creating space for storage, it can be tricky, it is best you make your appliances easy to access.
INADEQUATE COUNTER SPACE
One of the biggest complaints of kitchen design layouts is always lack of counter space. It is where all the kitchen activities take place which also has some appliances located on it. For a good kitchen layout design, you need enough counter space.
POOR LIGHTING
The kitchen is one of the most actively used places in the house, you cannot afford to have a poor lighting. It is not just about the design and atmosphere of the kitchen, your safety comes first as there will be the handling of knives and other kitchen tools. The more light in your kitchen, the safer you are, and it can also help you show off your designs.
FORGOING A BACKSPLASH
When designing the kitchen, the backsplash sometimes slips to the end of the list. Occasionally, it’s left out of the plan altogether. This may save you money in the short term, but in the long run, it will cost you a lot of time and effort. When you think about the steam, water, and grease in the kitchen, you’ll understand why installing a backsplash above the cooktop and counters is a smart idea.
CHOOSING THE WRONG KITCHEN ISLAND
The fact of the matter is that kitchen islands can waste a lot of space. Choosing the wrong island or placing it in the wrong spot can be a disaster, especially in a work area that can get overly cluttered. Islands that obstruct the flow of traffic to and from the sink, refrigerator, stove and primary workstations will create bottlenecks. An island should be at least 4 feet long and 2 feet deep, but it also must have room for people to move and work around it.
IGNORING YOUR RECYCLING
As recycling has become more prevalent, dealing with trash in kitchen design has gone beyond sticking a bin under the sink. Be prepared to manage your trash efficiently — incorporate sorting bins for recyclables into your kitchen design.
GOING TOO TRENDY
Another kitchen layout mistake is going too trendy. the latest kitchen trends may often not be the what you need. Using trendy colours and designs have a short lifespan, which might lead to another expense on your path. Look for kitchen innovations and appliances that are timeless.
NOT USING PROFESSIONALS
Most people believe they have all the information needed and don’t need the help of a professional. Professional designers have the latest ideas and information, and they can help you identify your needs and translate them into an efficient plan that fits your taste and budget.
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