The Basics of Kitchen Layouts and Designs

The Basics of Kitchen Layouts and Designs
The Basics of Kitchen Layouts and Designs

Kitchen Floorplans Come in Four Main Varieties

It is essential when you’re planning out a kitchen. Your house and your requirements dictate which layouts and styles work best. So before you start, learn the basics about kitchen layouts.

When planning a kitchen, the most important thing is to figure out how it will look. Sometimes the layout options will be limited to the size and shape of the room, while in some homes, there will be more options.

While there are many variations within each layout, there are four basic kitchen layouts.

Single-Wall Kitchen Design

The single or one-wall kitchen design is the most basic and is commonly found in small spaces. This kitchen design style is excellent for tiny holes because all appliances, counters, and cabinets are placed against one wall. However, while this style is practical for small areas, its major fault is that it doesn’t use the classic kitchen triangle (helpful in regulating traffic flow and making life easier for the cook).

 

Galley Kitchens

A galley is a simple design that looks like a corridor. Galley kitchens consist of two opposing counters at least 42″ apart. They need to be at least that distance so that cabinet and appliance doors can be opened comfortably.

Galley kitchens are trendy because they make great use of space. Highly functional galley kitchens use the kitchen triangle while not taking up a large amount of space. The problem with galley kitchens is that they’re not great for traffic flow. Also, accommodating more than one individual might be problematic (depending on the size).

L-Shaped Kitchens

L-shaped kitchens have the same benefits as the galley kitchen but don’t suffer the same overcrowding issues. In addition, with an L-shape, it’s easy to keep traffic out of the work triangle.

L-shaped kitchens are great because the opposite corner of the L can be used for a table and chairs or kitchen island.

U-Shaped Kitchen Designs

The U-shaped kitchen plan is the most adaptable and efficient. It makes the most of the classic work triangle and allows for ease of movement. In this layout, all appliances, cabinets, and food preparation areas face each other and are directed towards a central point. In addition, there is often an island in larger kitchens in the center of the room, allowing for extra workspace and storage.

Kitchen layouts aren’t limited to these designs, but most kitchens are some variation of one of them. What to do or which kitchen design is ideal for your home? Try using an online kitchen planner to experiment with different layouts. Then once you’ve decided on a kitchen layout, you can get to work on renovating and decorating your kitchen.