Planning a kitchen remodel? Like most homeowners, you’re probably busy browsing through paint cards, wallpaper selections, and appliance inventories. But before you go that far, you must settle on a practical kitchen layout.
A well-balanced kitchen design layout combines form with function. Besides affecting your day-to-day activities in the kitchen, it can also determine how you’ll move around when entertaining guests. Getting the heights right, leaving enough room between fixtures, and placing the appliances correctly can make or break your kitchen’s overall efficiency.
That said, there are no one-size-fits-all or ideal kitchen layouts. And while the floor plan of your home will likely determine the kitchen’s design, you can optimize the space to work better. To help you decide, we have curated a cheat sheet of six common kitchen layout ideas.
Let’s dive in!
1. L-Shaped Layout
Streamlined and dynamic, the L-shaped kitchen layout is designed to fit corners and offer ample counter space. It’s a great option for small-to-medium-sized kitchens with limited space.
One of the primary benefits of an L-shaped kitchen floor plan is its ability to accommodate a table in the center. This brings your family close to the meal prep space and allows you to interact with guests while cooking. You can also fill the open area with a kitchen cart to add more storage.
But the L-shaped kitchen layout isn’t without its downsides. Too much space can hamper your productivity, as you’ll have to walk back and forth continuously while working in the kitchen. Also, corner cabinets aren’t the most accessible option in the book, so you might have to devise alternative solutions for them.
2. U-Shaped Layout
If you love cooking, then the U-shaped kitchen layout is perfect for you. This structure comprises three connected walls of cabinets alongside an open end for the entrance. Hence, you get enough room to keep your utensils and cooking equipment within easy reach.
U-shaped kitchen floor plans are great for bigger homes. Not only do they offer plenty of counters/platform space, but they also reduce the distance between different zones in your kitchen!
On the flip side, not all homes have the space for a U-shaped kitchen. When done incorrectly, it can make your kitchen feel too closed-up and congested. Be sure to consult a professional kitchen contractor to decide whether this kitchen layout design is the right choice for you.
3. Galley Layout
Also known as a walk-through kitchen or corridor kitchen, the galley kitchen layout is characterized by two walls facing each other, or two parallel countertops with a walkway in between.
Galley kitchens are typically intended for single cooks and small families. But don’t let their compact size fool you- they can be just as well-ordered as big kitchens. You only need some effective brainstorming to make the most of the tight space. For example, you can place your appliances on both sides to ensure a balanced look.
4. Island Layout
Island kitchens are the go-to choice for open-concept homes, featuring a large work surface or storage area in the middle of the room. Thanks to its central location, the island controls the flow in the kitchen area, while doubling as a prep center, cooking region, or washbasin.
That’s not all. The island can also serve as a social hub for family and friends to gather around and share meals. It’s also a great place to install decorative lighting to brighten up the space.
A word of caution here. Although kitchen islands are incredibly functional, you don’t necessarily require one. In fact, many kitchens do not have the clearance to include this feature. So, it’s best to talk to a specialist before you greenlight your kitchen layout plans.
5. Peninsula Layout
The peninsula layout is similar to an island kitchen floor plan, in that it’s a unit with a worktop. However, instead of standing free in the middle of your kitchen, it is attached to the wall at one end.
Peninsulas are perfect for homes that don’t have enough space for an independent kitchen island. To begin with, they still allow you to engage with guests and cook meals simultaneously.
Additionally, peninsula kitchen design layouts offer more leeway and workspace while replicating the open concept. You can also create a breakfast nook or entertainment zone by adding bar stools on one or both sides of the unit.
6. One-Wall Layout
As the name suggests, a one-wall kitchen has all cabinets, countertops, and primary work services (refrigerator, sink, and stove/oven) aligned along a single wall. The other three sides of the kitchen are open and face the living area.
One-wall kitchen design layouts are popular due to their space-conserving capabilities. Because they consolidate all kitchen elements into one area, they take up significantly less space. They are an ideal kitchen layout for homeowners who don’t need their kitchens often and would rather utilize the extra room for something else.
But the one-wall design also brings up pressing design decisions. Remember, you will be working with little space, meaning you’ll either have to cut back on cabinets or figure out where to put them. A little careful deliberation goes a long way.
One way to make a single-wall kitchen work is to think vertical. Taking up your cabinets as high as possible will help you preserve storage. If your cabinets don’t go up to the ceiling, use the space above them to store lesser-used items. Or, you can accessorize the empty space to strengthen the theme of your kitchen.
Wrapping Up
Identifying the perfect kitchen layout for your space is critical to your family’s safety and comfort. An ideal kitchen will have plenty of room for storage, organization, and cooking activities. Now that you’re aware of the six common types of kitchen layouts, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to action. We recommend you weigh the pros and cons of each design plan before settling on one.
Ready for a kitchen makeover? The professionals at OMG Kitchens can help. We will assist you in choosing a kitchen design layout that suits your space the best. Our contractors will walk you through everything – from the initial design to the installation. For more information, feel free to reach out to us today!