8 Inspiring Kitchen Layout Ideas Designed By Architects

So you wanna create a perfect kitchen layout design but don’t know where to start? It turned out be more nuanced than you would imagine. Don’t worry, and keep reading: in this blog post I will show you 8 kitchen layout design ideas created by architects around the world!

Designing a layout: the easy way (but not free)

A lot goes into it: work triangle, the connection of the kitchen with the rest of the house, traffic & flow, planning storage, planning proper countertop space, and more.

Having an architect to design your kitchen layout is of course, great, but let’s face it: not everyone can afford it. Some online design services provide just layout design if you send them measurements and pictures of your space, but some still prefer to DIY it completely.

Designing kitchen layout DIY: Kitchen Layout Ideas and more

If you are one of those DIY-ers in heart and soul, then this post is for you.

Here are +20 kitchen layout examples designed by architects or architecture studios that you can use as inspiration. You can click the image to check out the whole design or contact the architect if you want.

I also have another blog post all about choosing the right type of kitchen layout for your kitchen, so make sure to check it out!

1. One-wall kitchen layout with fridge in the niche.

In this case the architects connected the kitchen space to the hall. They designed kitchen island with bar, and a separate huge dining table.

This is a beautiful open space and everything flows into each other nicely. The only thing that I see as a disadvantage, is that the laundry room and WC is accessible only through the kitchen space. I am sure the architects made the best possible decision given the existing situation and the client requirements, but this solution might be an issue for someone who does not want to carry dirty laundry baskets through the kitchen space, especially if it’s a busy kitchen.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, one wall kitchen
Bananeira Apartment / Angá Arquitetura + Estúdio Pedro Luna.

2. Interrupted U-shaped Kitchen Layout Ideas

This is an interesting solution offered by Studio Lema. They connected the kitchen right to the entry hall and made the living room space accessible through the kitchen. The kitchen respects the working triangle principles and appliances are aligned to the sequence of activities (store, wash, prep, cook).

My only concern is that I don’t see a properly designed entry space where you can hang coats or store your shoes.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, L-shaped kitchen layout, U-shaped kitchen layout
Textures Apartment Studio Lema.

3. Tiny apartment with efficient kitchen layout

This is a great example of an efficient kitchen layout and overall efficient small apartment layout design. Let’s start from the bigger space: despite small space, the architects designed separate living room, working space and a bedroom. Ideally, you need your bedroom to have access to the daylight. The architects achieved it by placing transformable dividers made out of glass covered with curtains. So, if needed the bedroom gets access to the daylight, and if needed, the work space can be isolated.

The living room and kitchen are designed on an open plan concept and the overall space is absolutely beautiful. However I have several remarks:

  • the kitchen layout neglects the sequence of zones (storing, washing, prepping, cooking). Ideally, you want to place the fridge close to the entry side, at the beginning of the layout followed by a sink.
  • You should avoid placing the devices that emit heat next to the fridge. If you can’t avoid it, at least, ensure proper insulation between them.
  • There should be a clear space of 110cm in front of the kitchen. When the chairs are placed close to the casual dining table, there seems to be enough space for the cook. However, this space is compromised if someone is cooking while another person is sitting at the table.

    Having said that, I don’t think this will happen often: usually if there are several people for the dinner, they will probably occupy the larger dining table.
  • I am missing a proper space for storing coats or shoes near the entry.

However, I am sure there was a reason for choosing this layout and it perfectly corresponds to the requirements of the users.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, tiny kitchen design, small kitchen, one-wall kitchen layout design, open plan kitchen
Nati Minas & Studio and Flipê Arquitetura

4. One wall kitchen layout with an island

This apartment layout is spotless and I think that the architects did a great job and here is why:

  • the bedrooms zone is separated from the day zone. There is one large bathroom for common use, and the master bedroom has a separate bathroom, which is great. Planning the night zone separately from the day zone is a good practice, and if the space allows us, we architects prefer to do so.
  • The living room and kitchen/dining zones are united, yet somehow separated, which gives great level of flexibility to the user.
  • The kitchen layout is designed with the work triangle and sequence of activities in mind. Some would say that the fridge is further from the entryway and you need to cross the whole kitchen with grocery bags to reach it. BUT I think the architect did a great job doing it: hiding away the fridge let her create a beautiful kitchen with just lower cabinets and a beautiful shelf.

Absolutely instagram worthy.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, one wall kitchen, kitchen island, open plan kitchen
Selma Akkari & Rawan Muqaddas

5. There is a logic in illogical layouts. Trust your architect.

The plan does not say much about furniture arrangements and you really need to see the apartment pictures. However, let’s focus on Kitchen layout.

From the side of the entrance we see that there is a space left for a fridge. Next to it there is a wide countertop space followed by a cooktop, and lastly by a sink.

Logically, after the fridge you might expect to have a sink and then a cooktop. However, this is not the case here: the architect prioritized having the sink close to the shaft (which is in the bathroom next to the kitchen) rather than following the logical sequence of appliances.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, one wall kitchen, straight kitchen layout, open plan,
midori arquitectura

6. Connected with a window

This is an interesting kitchen layout design solution: It is difficult to define whether this is L shaped or U shaped but let’s leave the theories behind. the point is that despite the atypical solution, it still takes into account the work triangle and there seems to be generous amount of storage and countertop space.

What I like most in this project is the window through which the kitchen is connected to the living room space. I think it’s really original and interesting. Go check the interior design pictures.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, U-shaped kitchen layout,
Beyt el Sayde by AK Architecture Studio

7. Flexible layout

I love the design that allows you to alter the space with minimal effort depending on circumstances or occasions. Having huge beautiful glass dividers or doors is a great way to achieve this. The kitchen stays isolated while remains visually connected.

When it comes to the layout itself, it follows the key principles of work triangle and the countertop vs. storage spaces are well balanced.

Kitchen Layout Ideas,
Volca Interiores

8. Unique shapes kitchen floor plan design

This floor plan is an awesome example of an architects getting creative. I love how they transformed a regular rectangular floor plan into something unique by introducing an angle.

In addition to being designed with every kitchen design principle in mind, this kitchen layout creates a unique connection with the dining room and has a view of the exterior. I also really love the kitchen island sitting area.

I highly recommend checking their website. As an architect, I get great pleasure by looking lovely designs and a celebration of creativity like this.

Kitchen Layout Ideas, unique kitchen layout, unique apartment floor plan, unique floor plan residential
House L & W by Fragmenture

Conclusion

Planning a perfect kitchen layout design might be an intimidating task. While I would highly recommend to ask for a help to an architect or a designer, especially when it comes to space planning, I know that this is not an option for everyone.

Hope this list of 8 kitchen layout plans designed by architects inspired you!

If you still need help, don’t hesitate to fill in the contact form. I will be more than happy to help you with planning your kitchen layout!

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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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