Find out which kitchen layout works best for you. Before you can start a kitchen remodel, you need to have a firm grasp of what you’re shooting for in your new kitchen’s design and layout. You may want to retain the layout of your old kitchen or you want to reorganize the three main kitchen stations – oven, sink, refrigerator – also known as the kitchen triangle. Knowing what you want in your general layout, specific fixtures and installations, and a decorating theme are all critical in enabling the kitchen remodel to go off without a hitch.
The arrangement of the countertop, major appliances and storage areas, is what makes up the kitchen layout. This floor plan creates the kitchen’s work triangle, which is the path that you make from walking to the refrigerator, to the sink and then to the stove. As you’re designing your new kitchen and choosing cabinetry for your home, one of the first considerations is the overall layout of the kitchen.
Kitchen planning is important, whether you’re talking about layout or decorating ideas. Most kitchen layouts are one of the following: G-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, single and galley. Some floor plans create a more spacious and efficient kitchen, but each kitchen layout can be enhanced with the right fixtures, cabinetry, appliances and decorative accents. To expand on storage area and additional counter space, an island can be added to many of these layouts. Your kitchen designer will help determine if you have enough space to accommodate an island by measuring the width of the walkways between cabinetry and the island. Your island shape choices are endless.
Review the kitchen layouts to identify which is the most similar to your current kitchen. Each shape has advantages and disadvantages. You have the choice of either to work within the space of your current kitchen, or you may decide to do a major overhaul and reconfigure walls to expand the space which would give you additional options for your kitchen layout.
While trying to decide which layout is right for you make sure to focus on the work triangle created in the room. Don’t forget, even if you’re not doing a major overhaul to the kitchen, you can still enhance the layout with the right cabinetry and decor.
Whatever you decide, I recommend working with a kitchen designer to create a kitchen that works best for you, your needs and your lifestyle .
The L-shaped Kitchen:
In an L-shaped kitchen layout, a natural work triangle is created from continuous counter space and work stations on two adjacent walls. The benefit of this kitchen floor plan is that it not only provides the cook with an efficient work area, but it typically opens to a nearby room, making it easy for the cook to interact with guests.
The U-shaped Kitchen:
The U-shaped kitchen is the most versatile layout for kitchens large and small because the layout offers continuous countertops and ample storage, which surround the cook on three sides. In larger kitchens, this floor plan is spacious enough to be divided into multiple work stations for cooks to easily prepare a meal together without getting in each other’s way.
How to enhance the U-shaped kitchen layout:
To maximize storage and keep countertops clutter free, conceal the microwave in a base or wall cabinet and store large cooking essentials in a corner lazy susan.
The G-shaped Kitchen:
The G-shaped kitchen is a version of the U-shaped kitchen layout, with the same amount of counter space and storage options that surround the cook on three sides. However, the difference with the G-shaped kitchen floor plan is the peninsula or partial fourth wall of additional cabinets.
How to enhance the G-shaped kitchen layout:
Depending on the size of the kitchen, G-shaped kitchens can seem cramped. To make the room feel more spacious, open up the wall in a nearby room and create a pass-through or breakfast bar for the family.
The Single-Wall or Straight Kitchen:
The single-wall kitchen floor plan is ideal for smaller homes. The work triangle in this kitchen layout is less like a triangle and more of a work line with all three kitchen zones along one wall.
How to enhance the Single-wall kitchen:
Add additional storage and maximize the space by stacking cabinetry such all the wall pantry pull-out above the base pantry pull-out.
The Corridor or Galley Kitchen:
The corridor layout has a workspace large enough for one cook. In this kitchen floor plan, the work stations face each other on parallel walls, creating a small work triangle.
How to enhance the Corridor kitchen:
Similar to the single-wall kitchen floor plan, stack storage solutions to maximize space. If possible, add a pass-through or remove a wall to open the kitchen, but still allow for base cabinetry and countertop space.
As a Design+Build General Contractor, I offer my clients a one-stop shopping approach to all of their home remodeling projects. I work with my clients from initial conception of a project through its completion. Every aspect of the job is managed by me and my professional crew. You will be included in every step of the design process until the final drawings are completed. No detail is left to chance. General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Remodeling Throughout the Los Angeles area.
Written By:
Offer Steuer
President
OTM Designs & Remodeling, Inc.
For more information you may contact us via email at service@otm1designs.com or you may call us at 888-981-1415. Our website is www.otm1designs.com.