How you lay out your kitchen can be the difference between having an okay kitchen and having an amazing one. Learn all about kitchen design layout, right here.
When it comes to designing your kitchen, there’s one thing you most definitely don’t want to get wrong – the layout. There are some kitchen design layouts that don’t work for your lifestyle or the space you have available. Kitchen design layout isn’t something that can be just approached with a one size fits all approach – it needs to be well thought out and planned effectively.
Which is where the experts come in. We’ve spoken to Roman Kitchens, leading kitchen designers in Essex, about the different layouts they would recommend for kitchens. We’ve got 6 different layouts, which means you can most definitely find one that suits your life and the space in your home. Because there is a right and a wrong way to layout a kitchen. We’ll outline what may work best for your kitchen, dependent on the size and your lifestyle. So, let’s get into it. This is 6 ways to layout your kitchen.
- The L Shape
As you may guess by the name, these kitchens are laid out in an L shape. All of your fixtures and fittings take up two walls of your room, with all the cabinets, counters, the sink, the oven, located across two walls. What this does is leave a much larger space in the centre of the room, which can be ideal for dining tables or even an island unit. For smaller kitchens, it maximises the potential floor space, by locating all of the kitchen essentials along two sides of your kitchen.
- The U Shape
Much like the L shape, the name is a dead giveaway for this one… Yes, U shaped kitchens are shaped like a U, covering three walls in your kitchen. It takes the classic L shape and maximises it for more potential storage space. This kitchen is slightly better for those that cook more, as there’s a clearer and more functional space to work – the working triangle is more obvious in U shaped kitchens. So, if you’re looking for a functional space to work and prepare food in, a U-shaped kitchen allows you to do so, along with having an open floor space too.
- The Single Wall Layout
If you’re priority is to have more space in your kitchen over preparation and working space, then a single walled kitchen may be your ideal. As the name suggests, it’s a kitchen laid out against one wall, that prioritises space over working. If you like to spend time with guests and want a larger space to accommodate them, then it’s ideal. Similarly, if you have a long kitchen, that isn’t as wide, then single walled kitchens are perfect. These kitchens work for both large and small spaces, and elegantly combine the line between entertaining and working in the kitchen.
- The Gallery Layout
This next style is similar to the one above, but doubled… Yes, the gallery style is a layout that spreads across two walls, however, unlike the L shape, it’s not adjoined. These two walls run parallel to each other, creating a tunnel effect throughout your kitchen. Whilst there’s not a lot of floor space, this layout does make it easier for food preparation and working in the kitchen. It’s a favourite style amongst celebrity chefs, as it eases cooking in the kitchen through functional layout. If you’re big on cooking, this layout could be ideal for you.
- The Kitchen Island
Whilst this isn’t a layout in itself, it can be accompanied by other layouts, should there be room. Adding an island to your kitchen adds more storage space, working space as well as creates a feature for your kitchen. The benefits are above, however, it’s not ideal if you’re lacking space in your kitchen currently. Whilst it works well in L and U-shaped kitchens, as well as single walled ones, for gallery layouts, you’ll be walking around either end in order to access the other worktop. However, it’s ideal for large spaces, so if you want a feature as well as extra working and storage space, look into bringing an island unit into your kitchen design.
- The Peninsula
Think of this style as a beneficial alternative to those with a smaller space. It takes the idea of having an island unit but condenses it down, so it functionally works and makes sense for a smaller space. It integrates the island feature as part of the existing design. It incorporates a breakfast bar or island unit into a U or L shaped design, allowing more counter space, without compromising too much on floor room.
Finding a layout that works for you and your home is essential for kitchen design. And, now that you’re aware of the many different layouts, you can decide on a kitchen layout that is right for you.