Kitchen Layout Types

 

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is that the size and shape of your kitchen is determined at the home design stage.  As a result, in renovation projects, the “footprint” of your space may be difficult to improve or may require expansion into an adjacent space or reconfiguring one or more structural elements to achieve the desired result.  

 

 In new construction, homeowners have a wonderful opportunity to create the kitchen design of their dreams; however, if a great kitchen design is not the priority of the home designer, you might get stuck with a “footprint” less than ideal.   For that reason, it is wise to review your kitchen design with a professional kitchen designer – at the earliest stage possible. Do not wait until the house is under construction to plan your kitchen, as even a minor change that could result in a greatly improved kitchen plan - may be impossible or cost a premium.

 

 

All of today’s modern kitchens are based (often quite loosely) on 5 basic layouts: single wall, corridor or “galley”, L-shaped, U shaped, and modified variations of the U-shaped kitchen.  Understanding these basic layouts is helpful in identifying what might work best for your space.  That said, keep in mind that today’s kitchens are complicated workrooms.  Determining a functional layout is only the 1^st step in creating a well designed space. Since few spaces lend themselves to “textbook” layouts, working with a kitchen design professional is your best assurance of achieving an optimal kitchen design.

 

 Every kitchen layout has advantages and disadvantages, yet all layouts should meet requirements for good work flow – ideally one that flows from the refrigerator to the sink to the cooktop and then to serving - with minimal backtracking. Identify efficiencies in the traffic patterns for each layout and be aware that many of today’s sizeable kitchens feature multiple work stations, resulting in a variety of traffic patterns.  Adequate counter space, proper clearances and good lighting are imperative to a safe kitchen, as well.

           

 One wall kitchens are as the name implies – built along a single wall.  This simple layout is rarely found in single family homes, however it is a layout ideal for small apartments and condominiums where space is at a premium and cooking is minimal.  One wall kitchens are appealing as they can easily be closed off from the general living space by use of a screen or sliding door panels.

 

By adding an island parallel to a one wall kitchen, a Corridor or “Galley” kitchen is created.  Most corridor kitchens, however, are long narrow rooms with two walls of opposing counters with a door at each end. The biggest advantage to a corridor kitchen is its efficiency.  Assuming the counter frontages are no more than 60” apart, everything will be in close proximity, ideal for a single user.  The corridor layout is cost effective to build in that expensive corner cabinetry and countertop joints are avoided. 

L-shape and U-shape kitchens and variations thereof are the most common plans.  Of these two, the U-shape tends to be more efficient as the user is surrounded on three sides keeping everything close at hand.  A variation of the U-shape kitchen has one leg forming a peninsula. This design opens the kitchen towards adjacent space and may allow a desired snack bar. Another variation is the G-shaped layout with a 4^th leg extending into the space.  The primary concern with the U-shaped kitchen is that one may feel crowded if a second person is also working in the space.  L-shaped kitchens avoid this problem, but may compromise efficiency. 

 

The “ideal” kitchen layout is typically an “L” with an island. Efficient in size, logical in work flow, blessed with multiple work stations, and conducive to entertaining, the L-shaped kitchen with an island has few disadvantages.  It offers two exits reducing traffic conflicts, and island barrier keeping unwanted traffic away, while providing opportunity for a snack bar - a friendly place for guests to sit without being under foot of the cook. This layout accepts a wide variety of appliance options; and multiple work stations are easily adapted to both right and left hand users.  For utmost efficiency, plan a sink or cooktop in the island.  Space permitting, an additional wall of cabinetry may be designed to create a pantry, desk or buffet.   By adapting the size and shape of the island, this layout will fit a wide variety of spaces and results in a great kitchen that any cook can enjoy!