Before you decide on a kitchen colour scheme or even a kitchen style, you need to determine one thing: what’s the best kitchen layout for your space.
Choosing the right kitchen layout will improve efficiency and safety in your kitchen. Not to mention, you’ll feel more comfortable, which means you’ll want to spend more time there!
But how do you determine which one is right for you? And did you know there are six kitchen layouts to choose from?
Don’t worry! We’ll explain each one to help you make the best decision for your home.
What Does the Right Kitchen Layout Do For Your Space?
Gone are the days when kitchens only had a hob and a refrigerator. Now, we have to accommodate growing families and the many kitchen technology gadgets that help make our days easier.
But with more stuff in the kitchen space comes the need for better kitchen layouts to help you make the most of your space.
Helps Create Efficiency
The right kitchen layouts are designed with efficiency in mind. Because the foundations of kitchens are built differently, making sure you choose the right kitchen layouts will improve how you work in your kitchen.
When you choose one of the best kitchen layouts, you won’t have to pace back and forth from your sink to your rubbish bin. Your cooking workflow will improve exponentially!
Adds Comfort to Your Home
Believe it or not but choosing the right kitchen layout design will allow you to feel like your kitchen gives you plenty of room to move. You won’t feel like you’re directly on top of one another if somebody else steps into the same space.
Makes a Safe Space
Finally, choosing the best kitchen layout for your home keeps you and everyone safe. Kitchens can be a dangerous area of the home, thanks to the plenty of kitchen knives and heating elements throughout it.
Finding a layout that fits well into the foundations of your space is crucial to making everyone safe. For example, with enough functional room, you won’t risk burning yourself or someone else by opening an oven door that’s too close to the opposite worktops.
What are the 6 Types of Kitchen Layouts
There are 6 different types of kitchen layouts to choose from for your space. We’re certain using one of these 6 types will allow your kitchen to flow smoothly!
Kitchen Layout #1: The Galley Kitchen
The galley kitchen was named after the small kitchens aboard ships. It’s a classic kitchen style that features one long aisleway. On either side, the galley kitchen includes base cabinets, wall cabinets, and appliances.
Benefits of a Galley Kitchen Layout
A galley kitchen is smaller than most other kitchen layouts, which means it’s a great space saver. If you’re a little cramped for space as it is, you may want to consider a galley kitchen!
Because of the tighter overall space, you won’t have to trek back and forth to do all of your kitchen chores. Instead, everything you need will be close to you. This also makes it a great use of the kitchen golden triangle rule.
Things to Consider for a Galley Kitchen Layout
Although there are many benefits to a galley kitchen layout, they are often smaller in size and can feel narrow or cramped if designed incorrectly. However this can be avoided with the right use of space and light. You can read more about this on our galley kitchen ideas blog, or ask one of our kitchen experts today for guidance.
Check out our galley kitchen ideas for more inspiration for this kind of kitchen layout!
Kitchen Layout #2: The Island Kitchen
The island kitchen is one of the best kitchen layout ideas for large kitchens. It features at least one wall of appliances, base cabinets, upper cabinets, and countertops. And the island unit gives a multifunctional space that acts as more counter space, a workstation, or even a place for family and guests to sit. It’s a fabulous way to make use of unused space.
Benefits of an Island Kitchen Layout
Kitchen islands are a perfect way to fill an empty area with functional space! With a kitchen island, you have the added work area which gives you more counter space to do any kitchen tasks. Plus, you can install kitchen islands that have storage underneath to make even better use of the space.
If you love having your family and guests sit and chat with you while you work in the kitchen, then an island kitchen may be one of the best fits for you! You can add bar seating on the opposite side of the island so people can sit and socialise with you.
Things to Consider for an Island Kitchen Layout
Be careful of placing a kitchen island in the middle of your work triangle. Doing so can disrupt your workflow and make it more frustrating to be in your kitchen.
Kitchen Layout #3: The L-Shaped Kitchen
The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most versatile kitchen layouts you can choose. It features two rows of cabinets that intersect at right angles. It creates the perfect kitchen triangle to maximise efficiency in your space!
Benefits of the L-Shaped Kitchen Layout
The L-shaped kitchen boasts one of the most versatile kitchen layouts. You’re free to design it however you need to to make the most out of your space. Not to mention, you can combine an L-shaped layout with a kitchen island to create a hybrid layout.
Because of the right-angle layout, L-shaped kitchens are inherently perfect for the golden working triangle. You can easily move between your sink, oven or hob, and counter space to efficiently prepare your meals.
And with L-shaped layouts, the flow of traffic is rarely (if ever!) hindered. Since it’s a more open concept, everyone has plenty of room to move about.
Things to Consider for an L-Shaped Kitchen Layout
Having corner based cabinets can be tricky. Be sure to make use of corner storage to avoid awkward access to your cupboards!
Kitchen Layout #4: The One-Wall Kitchen
The one-wall kitchen layout is the ultimate design if you love simplicity and efficiency. These are best for small kitchens, as you won’t have to walk as far to get from one appliance to the next.
These kitchen layouts feature one single wall that’s home to base cabinets, wall cabinets, appliances, andworktops.
Benefits of a One-Wall Kitchen Layout
One-wall kitchen layouts feature a compact design which diminishes the need to pace back and forth from one appliance to another. This is perfect if you have less kitchen space and want to utilise it effectively. And if you have a smaller home overall, the compact design is excellent for creating a larger living room.
Because it’s a small kitchen option, it’s naturally inexpensive. If you’re looking to keep to a tighter budget, this is a great option!
And since there’s less to be designed with a one-wall kitchen, it’s excellent if you want to do it yourself.
Things to Consider for a One-Wall Kitchen Layout
It’s important to have counter space either side of your stove for a one-wall kitchen layout. This allows you to set hot things down quickly when you’re cooking to avoid getting yourself burned!
Kitchen Layout #5: The Peninsula Kitchen
Peninsula kitchen layouts are another great option for smaller homes and even apartments! They create an island kitchen effect without taking up as much space.
A peninsula shaped design features a kitchen peninsula that is attached to an adjacent countertop or wall. That countertop or wall then connects in an L-shaped fashion to a third row wall or countertop space.
Benefits of a Peninsula Kitchen Layout
With a peninsula kitchen layout, you have the added counter space of a kitchen island, which is great for meal prep. You also have more cabinets and drawers to help you store all of your cooking utensils!
If you want the extra entertainment space, you can make the outside edge of the peninsula a seating area. That’s perfect in a smaller home or apartment without a formal dining room.
Things to Consider with a Peninsula Kitchen Layout
Because of the layout, these kitchen layouts are susceptible to traffic jams. Usually, there’s only one way in or out, which can cause a little bit of overcrowding if there are more than two people in the kitchen space.
Kitchen Layout #6: The U-Shaped Kitchen
U-shaped kitchen layouts are another practical option that features three connecting sides. This gives you plenty of working space to do all of your meal prep and cooking.
Benefits of a U-Shaped Kitchen Layout
U-shaped kitchens are versatile and can be an awesome option for small and large kitchens. They’re also the best way to achieve the working triangle that helps you maximise efficiency. With a U-shaped design, your refrigerator, cooktop and oven, and kitchen sink are all within reach of one another.
Things to Consider with a U-Shaped Kitchen Layout
U-shaped kitchens can become cramped and crowded in spaces that are smaller than 3 metres wide. And, while they’re often perfect for the work triangle, if there’s too much space in between your countertops, you’ll disturb your workflow.
What are Things to Consider When Choosing a Layout for Your Kitchen?
Choosing the best kitchen layouts depends on a few factors. You’ll want to consider how to arrange your working triangle, first and foremost. Then, you’ll need to assess your space to see what will work naturally. You’ll also want to think of your own habits in the kitchen - those can help you determine which of the kitchen layouts will suit your needs the most. Finally, think of your appliances before you even get started installing a new kitchen design.
The Kitchen Working Triangle Rule
We’ve mentioned it numerous times already, but it’s time to unpack the working triangle. This is also called the “golden triangle,” and it’s a rule that helps cooks maximise their space and energy in the kitchen.
The working triangle revolves around the three major appliances: your refrigerator, your oven and hob, and your kitchen sink.
In the 1940s, kitchen designers tried to save money on construction. So they developed the working triangle to save space and save money. Ever since, kitchen designers have sworn by this golden triangle rule!
The working triangle lets you move around as your body naturally would to complete your standard kitchen tasks. So keep it in mind as you consider kitchen layout ideas!
Choose the Best Kitchen Layout for You and Your Space
Your kitchen space already has a foundation, even before you decide on one of the best kitchen layouts. You’ll want to use the foundations to help you determine what will look and feel best.
If your kitchen is large and opens right into the living room, you can get away with larger kitchen layout ideas like island kitchens or U-shaped designs.
And if your kitchen space is smaller, you may want to maximise room by using an L-shaped design or even a one-wall kitchen style.
The key here is don’t fight with what your home naturally has!
Think of Your Appliances Early when Planning Kitchen Layouts
Your appliances play into the overall design of your kitchen layout. Think of where your oven will go. Is there enough space with the oven door open and the opposite wall of cabinets? Will a refrigerator door swing into a peninsula countertop?
Another thing to think about is where should the refrigerator be placed. It’s a great idea to put your refrigerator next to substantial countertop space. This will help you when it’s time to put groceries away. And as you’re getting ready to meal prep, you can easily take items out of the fridge and have a quick and convenient place to put them.
Before you decide on kitchen layouts, plan out where your appliances would go to make sure everything will fit.
Consider Your Habits in the Kitchen
Ultimately, you’re the one using your kitchen. So you have the last design say when it comes to choosing the best kitchen layout for your space! Allow your natural habits to dictate which of the kitchen layouts are best for you and your family.
Do your kids do their homework in the kitchen? If so, try a peninsula or an island kitchen layout. Are you the only one who cooks or does tasks in the kitchen? Then a galley kitchen or a one-wall kitchen may not be a bad option!
No matter what, you need to choose what will work best for you!
Choosing one of the best kitchen layouts is crucial before you start remodelling your space. Create a mockup and take measurements of your current space to see which layout might look and feel best before you make any investments.
And for more inspiration, be sure to check out our kitchens or download our interactive kitchen brochure to see what Cash & Carry Kitchens can do for your home!
