How To Choose Kitchen Layout For Your Space: Tips from Interior Designer

When it comes to designing a kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the layout. The layout of your kitchen can impact everything. It affects the overall look and feel of the space, to how efficiently you can cook.

Whether you’re planning a complete remodel or just a small update, it’s essential to choose a layout that works for your specific needs and the dimensions of your space. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing tips from an experienced interior designer on how to choose the perfect kitchen layout for your space.

From understanding the different types of layouts available to considering factors like traffic flow and natural light, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a functional and beautiful kitchen that you’ll love.

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND

In order to design a proper kitchen layout, you should answer the following questions:

  • how is the kitchen connected to the rest of the house?
  • what will the workflow look like within the kitchen?
  • how many people will be working there?
  • where are the existing plumbing and ventilation outlets?

The ideal layout type is the one, that lets you connect the kitchen space with the rest of the house comfortably, and enables an uninterrupted free workflow. It means that ideally, a person going to a bathroom or a bedroom does not have to cross your path while you’re cooking.

In order for the workflow to be practical, the work triangle needs to be efficient.

The Work Triangle is the movement between the fridge, sink, and stove, and the total distance should be between 5 and 7 meters.

WHAT IS A GOOD KITCHEN LAYOUT DESIGN?

A good design should achieve the following goals:

  • Design a good, uninterrupted workflow within the kitchen
  • keep the work triangle as compact and uninterrupted as possible. Try to keep the total distance between 5 and 7 meters.
  • make sure there is enough countertop space next to the sink and next to the range: this is going to be your main working area
  • if you are using the kitchen island, make sure that it’s not too far or too close from the main cabinetry.
  • plan the storage areas based on particular items that are going to be needed in each location of the kitchen. For example, plan storage for oils or spices next to the range, or keep your cutlery where it is easy to unload your dishwasher or set a table.
  • reduce the ventilation installation costs by placing the stove on an exterior wall rather than on an interior one.
  • Use existing plumbing as much as possible

Now, let’s dive into the kitchen layout options and discuss which one works better in which case.

ONE-WALL (STRAIGHT) KITCHEN LAYOUT

The one-wall kitchen layout is ideal when the space in the house is premium, for example, in condos or loft-style apartments, or if your kitchen space is really small.

This layout is extremely efficient due to the proximity of everything. The main point to keep in mind: place appliances correctly and keep the distance between the sink and the range sufficient enough.

You will probably need 240-300cm minimum length to properly fit all the appliances. However, give yourself as much counter space as possible, if you can.

THE L-SHAPED KITCHEN

This layout gives the perfect opportunity to maximize the workspace. It is perfectly adaptable and it can easily be tailored to the space: the length of the cabinetry runs can vary depending on the available space or room configuration. This layout is ideal for open floor plans and very efficient for smaller spaces. This layout is not too ideal for big kitchens.

It can be an ideal solution for corner spaces and is suitable for small and medium kitchen areas. If there is enough space, you can enhance it by adding a kitchen island.

L-shaped kitchens create a simple and effective workspace – appliances and cabinets can be installed along right-angled walls, opening up the center area. It provides increased flexibility for the placement of sink and appliances. In addition to that, you can add clever corner solutions.

This layout might be challenging for multiple cooks to work together. Keep it in mind.

THE U-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUT

This layout is more often found in traditional kitchens, where the kitchen is separated from other rooms by walls. Since nowadays open-plan spaces are more common, this layout is not as commonly used as L-shaped or straight.

The great advantage of this option is the possibility of two cooks operating together. Another advantage is that this layout limits traffic within the kitchen and keeps people out of your way when you are cooking.

If the space allows, you can add the kitchen island or central dining table (rectangular or round) to increase the space usability.

A GALLEY OR THE PARALLEL KITCHEN

The Galley or the Parallel kitchen (sometimes also called a Corridor Kitchen) consists of two rows of cabinetry that run parallel to each other.

It is widely used in cases where there is a door or a window at one end.

The Galley kitchen can be very efficient and functional. In most cases, the cooking appliances are located on one side of the kitchen, while the other row is dedicated to washing and cleaning items.

This type of kitchen is a great fit for small spaces, especially for those which are more in length than in width. However, in the case of minimal possible dimensions, the layout is more like a square (210X240).

A parallel kitchen layout also allows the incorporation of the kitchen into both, open and closed concepts.

If you are going for this layout, make sure to pay attention to one very important thing:

  • there should be enough space between the cabinets. This means leaving a minimum of 48” or 120cm to provide enough space for two people working there or being able to open doors or drawers on both sides simultaneously

A parallel kitchen layout also allows the incorporation of the kitchen into both, open and closed concepts.”

HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR BASIC KITCHEN LAYOUT

Once you make a decision on which kitchen layout you are choosing, you can alter or enhance it by adding a peninsula, a bar top area, or a kitchen island, if space allows.

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L-shaped kitchen with kitchen island. design by Do Studio Architects

The Bartop or the kitchen island will also separate the kitchen area from the rest of the space. It can serve as a prep, a serving, or a hang-out area as well, and as a bonus, adding a kitchen island, bar top or a peninsula will increase your countertop space significantly.

However, keep in mind that not every space is suitable for a kitchen island. Make sure you are not forcing it. If adding the kitchen island interrupts workflow and movement within the kitchen, then probably it’s better to leave it out.

It is easy to get caught up in increasing the storage or countertop space as much as you can, but you can’t ignore the importance of circulation within the kitchen. Remember, your countertop or storage space is as important as the ability to move around within the kitchen freely.

CONCLUSION

While designing the kitchen layout you should take into account:

– how the kitchen space is connected to the rest of the house

– what will the workflow within the kitchen itself look like

– and how many people will be working there.

Once you have the answer to those questions, you can choose between basic layout types and then enhance them by adding a kitchen island, bar top, or a peninsula.

The basic kitchen layout types are: straight (one-wall), L-shape, U-shape, or the Galley layout. While designing the layout keep in mind that you should leave enough space to move around, and open your storage or appliances freely. This means to leave at least 48” or 120cm between countertops/cabinetry.

If you are particularly interested in designing small kitchen layouts, you should check this article.

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Tamar
Tamar

Tamar has worked as an architectural and interior designer in the Netherlands, Georgia and Czech Republic. Now she writes articles for Posh Chic Cool: Interior Design & Home Decor Blog

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