Best kitchen layouts


The Best Kitchen Layouts | Apartment Therapy

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Kitchen

by Caroline Biggs

published Nov 8, 2019

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Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. However, the layout of your kitchen—aka the arrangement of your countertops, appliances, and storage areas—is what can make or break the efficiency of your space. 

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So how do you determine the most effective floor plan when designing a kitchen? Well, for starters, you should take into account the overall size of your space to assess whether or not there’s room for a kitchen island. “The most common layouts we see in our residential build projects right now are U- and L-shaped kitchens, as well as the one-wall kitchen,” says interior designer Cortney Bishop. “It’s pretty rare that we see a peninsula-island layout anymore because everyone wants a true floating island.”

Not sure what kitchen layout is right for you? We asked four interior designers and architects what floor plans they prefer for a kitchen, and here’s what they had to say.  

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One Wall

Also known as the single wall or straight kitchen floor plan, the one wall layout consists of a work line with all three kitchen zones (countertops, appliances, and cabinets) along the same wall. And if you have enough space, a floating island can be integrated into the kitchen, opposite that single wall of appliances and storage.

“We predominantly design one wall kitchens with an appliance/storage wall and floating island,” Bishop says. “In this situation, you lay out the majority of your working space and range in the single wall and position the fridge and pantry away from that area on its own wall. Access to the fridge and pantry are crucial for your family and guests, and this choice will keep the crowd at bay!”

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The U-Shape

Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry.  

“If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich. “This allows for the maximum amount of cabinets around the perimeter with the island being the central anchor of the kitchen.” Rich suggests putting your range or sink in the island. That way, you can look out into the rest of your space while cooking or cleaning dishes and engage with your family or guests.

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The L-Shape

An L-shaped kitchen is composed of countertops on two adjoining walls that are perpendicular, forming an L. Not only does this popular layout offer up extra space for counters and storage, it usually provides room for a dining zone or breakfast nook. 

“Our go-to is L-shaped with a large kitchen island positioned on the centerline of the room,” says Chris Brandon of Brandon Architects. “The L-shaped best allows for kitchen usability and best accommodates the kitchen triangle rule.  You can place an additional kitchen sink on the island, allowing for more practical use of the space, or add storage underneath the island and space for seating on the other side.” 

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The Galley

Most commonly found in smaller homes, a galley floor plan consists of two parallel walls with appliances and cabinets facing each other. Designed to accommodate one cook at a time, galley kitchens are usually long and narrow.

“A galley kitchen is a great option for a home that does not have the space for a grand and open kitchen,” says interior designer Liz Caan. “They have many benefits, one of which is the amount of counter space they can provide. With its long and narrow structure, this allows for expansive counters and a lot of cabinet space to keep the kitchen organized and decluttered.” 

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Which layout do you think would work best for you? Share your thoughts and kitchen layout experiences in the comments.

6 Best Kitchen Layout Ideas for Your Renovation – Vevano

By Jessica Earley

The Kitchen Work Triangle

Before we get into the specific layouts available, it’s important to understand the purpose and function of the kitchen work triangle.

The kitchen work triangle is formed by the three main work areas of your kitchen–the food preparation zone (your counters or fridge), the washing zone (sink or dishwasher), and the cooking zone (stovetop or oven). Essentially, when your kitchen is finished, you should be able to draw metaphorical lines between the zones in the form of a triangle.

The work triangle is all about efficiency. Each of the three zones should be no more than three or four feet from each other so you can move easily from one zone to another in just a few steps.

The most important part of the work triangle is the relationship between the sink and the stovetop. We recommend keeping them in the same stretch of counter so you can easily bounce between your meal and the dishes while you cook.

Though they aren’t required in a kitchen layout, the work triangle will almost always naturally occur as you design your space. Paying close attention to your work triangle will help increase efficiency and better enjoy any kitchen layout you choose.

Now that you’ve considered the practicality of implementing the work triangle into your kitchen, it’s time to choose the right layout! No matter the size of the space you have to work with, you will find the right design for your kitchen with one of these 6 common kitchen layouts.

1. U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Pros
Cons

L-shaped kitchens are very similar to U-shaped kitchens, except that they are arranged in an L-shape and have cabinets and appliances installed along two walls instead of three.

L-shaped kitchens are great for maximizing efficiency with the work triangle. Because working stations are set up on just two walls, it's easy to move between working stations in just a few steps.

Since L-shaped kitchens are usually tucked into corners where walls meet at a 90-degree angle, they have two open ends for easy entrances and exits. This is great for busy families or entertaining guests–it’s unlikely that you will get in each other's way!

Open plan living is a popular homestyle right now, and L-shaped kitchens fit perfectly in this concept. Arranged along only two walls, L-shaped kitchens naturally open into the surrounding rooms. Ideally, your kitchen will open into either the dining room or living room.

Pros
Cons

3.

Island Kitchen Layout

If you're looking for a kitchen with ample storage and counter space, an island kitchen is the best choice! Suited especially for large kitchens, island kitchens are typically arranged in a U-shape with a freestanding section of counterspace (also known as an island) in the middle of your kitchen.

Kitchen islands are ideal for adding counter space and storage. Most islands include base cabinets on one side to store kitchen essentials. On the other, many islands have extended countertops to accommodate seating. Add just a few stools and you will have a great casual dining space!

In addition to installing a kitchen sink against a wall, some homeowners choose to install a sink in their island instead. You can also put your cooking station in your island by installing a flat stove stop in it.

Whether your island becomes a washing zone, a prep zone, or a cooking zone, you can create an efficient working triangle very easily in an island kitchen. You will want to make sure there is at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of your island to prevent crowding and inefficient traffic flow.

Of all the kitchen layouts, island kitchens are the best for socializing. If you have a large family or love entertaining, this may be the best layout for you!

Pros
Cons

4. Peninsula Kitchen Layout

Peninsula kitchens are popular because they have some of the same functional properties as an island kitchen but are better suited for smaller spaces.

Like an island kitchen, peninsula kitchens feature an additional worktop, but it’s attached to the wall instead of standing in the middle of the kitchen. This saves space because you don’t need the 3 feet of clearance on one end.

Peninsula kitchens create a U-shape, but differ from U-shaped kitchens because the third side is completely open and accessible from three sides. Usually, one side of the peninsula piece opens into another room.

The peninsula worktop usually includes base cabinets for extra storage. Like an island, you can extend the opposite side of the countertop to accommodate stools and create casual seating.

Pros
Cons

5. Galley Kitchen Layout

Looking for an efficient use of space? A galley kitchen might be your best fit! This kitchen layout arranges counter tops and appliances on parallel walls with a walkway that opens into other rooms on both ends.

Galley kitchens eliminate space that is sometimes wasted with inconvenient corner cupboards. To maximize the efficiency of the work triangle, place the sink, dishwasher, and stove on the same wall with the fridge and additional counter space on the opposite wall.

A clear and ample walkway is critical for galley kitchens. Make sure there is at least four feet of space between the cabinets and appliances on each wall. Be careful to accommodate for open oven, fridge, or cabinet doors if possible, since they can block the walkway and prevent your family’s movement throughout the kitchen.

Pros
Cons

6. Single-Wall or One Wall Kitchen Layout

In single-wall kitchens (also known as single run kitchens or one wall kitchen layouts), the counter space and appliances are arranged in a single line against one wall. This arrangement is great for small spaces when other kitchen layouts are impractical.

It’s recommended to have counter space on either side of each major appliance. Because less counter space is needed next to the fridge, it’s often placed at the end of the row in single-wall kitchens. Just be sure that the fridge door opens away from the wall!

The most important consideration to remember with this layout is the amount of storage you need. With only one wall to place cabinets, you will have to get more creative when storing all your kitchen items and food. Think vertical! Install cabinets that are floor to ceiling to make the best use of your wall space.

Open vs. Closed Kitchens

When renovating or designing a new kitchen, you will need to decide if you want it to be opened or closed.

Open kitchens are meant to have easy access and open into the dining or living room space in your home. In some concepts, the kitchen is part of a “great room,” which can encompass the dining space, living room, and kitchen in one completely open concept. This is great for homeowners who like to integrate the majority of their family’s activities into one common space.

The disadvantage is that open kitchens can make your home look cluttered and unkept if not cleaned regularly. Smells from food prep, cooking, or trash can more easily travel throughout the rest of your home.

In contrast, closed kitchens are kept completely separate from the rest of the home. For chefs who value their privacy, this type of kitchen can become a cooking or baking sanctuary! It also separates the mess and smells from the rest of your home.

Closed kitchens are more formal and may limit the amount of socialization you have while preparing meals and entertaining guests. They also have more limited openings, which can lead to traffic bottlenecks. It may also be more difficult to have multiple cooks in the kitchen at once.

Universal and Accessible Kitchen Design

You may be interested in universal and accessible kitchen design if you have a family member with a disability, are caring for elderly family members, or are planning ahead for staying in your home as you age.

The great thing is that universal kitchens follow the same principles of a standard kitchen so you can choose any layout you love and make adaptations as needed.

Here are some of the most basic changes to consider in your universal kitchen.

Which Layout is Best for Your Home? Questions You Should Ask Before You Choose

Now that you’ve learned all about the six most common kitchen layouts and tips adapting to special needs, it’s time to determine which layout will be best for your home. Here are some questions to answer that will help you narrow down your choice.

What Are 10x10 and 12x12 Kitchen Layouts?

As you design your kitchen, it’s likely that you will come across 10x10 and 12x12 kitchen layouts. The 10’x10’ layout is considered the standard dimensions of a medium-sized kitchen while the 12’x12’ layout is a standard large kitchen.

Most kitchens will require a designer and some customization to fit all the kitchen cabinetry you need, but 10x10 and 12x12 kitchen cabinet layouts can provide a rough estimate of the cost of cabinets for the size of your kitchen. These standard dimensions help customers can easily compare cabinet prices.

Renovating a 10x10 kitchen layout will typically cost between $10,000 and $25,000. Upgrading a 12x12 kitchen layout ranges from $14,000 to $36,000 for a full scale remodel.

Let Vevano Help With Your Kitchen Remodel

Still not sure which kitchen layout is best for your renovation? Get advice from our expert interior designers! Vevano Home designers help you avoid costly kitchen renovation mistakes while also ensuring you love your completed project.

The consultation is free, and when you order products from us, you get to deduct the cost from our design retainer, so the design service pays for itself until it’s free!

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best options with plans and 43 photo ideas

Planning Rules

To make planning convenient, several points should be taken into account when designing:

When planning a kitchen, it is important to take into account the main criterion for its ergonomics - the rule of the working triangle. Between these points, the hostess (or owner) moves during cooking:

It is convenient when the listed zones are located side by side: the sides between the points of the triangle should not be more than 2 meters.

The diagram shows the most popular options for correct kitchen layouts.

The photo shows a schematic representation of a perfectly aligned triangle, viewed from above.

Layout options

Arrangement of kitchen units and appliances depends on the location of water and gas pipes, windows, doors and dimensions of the room. The main types of layout are easy to understand with the help of diagrams and photographs of interiors. nine0005

Linear or single-row layout

All furniture and appliances are placed along one wall. The sink in this scheme is located between the stove and the refrigerator.

The linear layout of the kitchen looks good in a room with ledges and niches, as it does not overload the space.

Opposite the cooking area, there is more room for a dining table and chairs, so the single-row layout is suitable for those who cook little, but like to receive guests or gather with the whole family at the table. nine0005

Pros Cons
Takes up little space. It is not possible to create a work triangle, which means that it will take more time to cook.
You can buy a ready-made set without making it to order.

In modern small apartments this is the most common layout option, and in narrow spaces it is the only way to accommodate everything you need for cooking. nine0005

Parallel or two-row kitchen

This is the name of a suite built along opposite walls. Only suitable for rooms with a width of 2.2 meters.

The refrigerator should be placed opposite the stove and sink, and the passage should be at least a meter long so that everyone can move freely and cook. One of the rows may be shorter than the other and include a dining area. If the kitchen is square, the table can stand between the headsets.

Benefits Defects
Spacious, plenty of storage space. A two-row kitchen is quite traumatic, as the set is actively used on both sides of the room.
The working triangle is easy to create with this arrangement.
Direct modules are cheaper than corner modules.

Parallel arrangement is ideal for narrow, elongated spaces found in old houses, or where a dining room is not intended, as well as for kitchens moved to the hall. nine0005

L-shaped or corner layout

The kitchen set is located along walls running perpendicular to each other. This layout is also called L-shaped.

Corner placement is very ergonomic as it saves space while leaving free space for the dining area. A sink can be located in the corner or under the window. For a small kitchen, a corner layout is the most convenient option.

nine0063
Pros Cons
It's easy to set up a workgroup, so moving around while cooking is quick and easy. It will be more difficult for two people to cook with this layout, since the space is designed for one and access to the equipment will be difficult.
Compact. One of the sidewalls can be made narrow, which will further save space. The cost of a corner kitchen is higher than that of a straight one.

Corner kitchen set is a universal option, it is perfect for small and medium-sized kitchens.

U-shaped kitchen

With this layout, cabinets and household appliances are placed along three adjacent walls. The shape of the modules resembles the letter "P".

The distance between modules must not be less than 120 cm, otherwise opening cabinet doors will interfere. Ideally, if each side is responsible for its own zone: it is more convenient to place a refrigerator, stove and sink on different parts of the headset. nine0005

Often one of the sidewalls is a bar counter - this option is the most popular in studios.

Pros Cons
The most spacious kitchen configuration, occupies all free corners. Made exclusively to order.
Convenient while cooking: no need to move around the kitchen if everything is planned correctly. Looks very bulky and not suitable for tight spaces. nine0068
Symmetrical, which is important in terms of aesthetics. If the window sill is low, it will not be possible to place a headset near the window.

Suitable for studios, doubles, spacious rectangular rooms, and those who only use the kitchen for cooking.

C-shaped kitchen

This layout resembles a U-shaped kitchen, but is distinguished by the presence of a ledge in the form of a breakfast bar or cabinet. In fact, it is an open quadrilateral. nine0005

There must be enough space to accommodate such a headset, because the ledge hides the space intended for passage. The bar counter can play the role of a working and dining area.

Pros Cons
Has plenty of storage space for dishes and household appliances. Not suitable for long elongated rooms.
You can create a comfortable layout. Takes up a lot of free space. nine0068
The "Peninsula" saves more space than an island.

Only suitable for spacious kitchens of at least 16 m: eg in private houses.

Kitchen Island

An island is an additional storage unit or table located in the center of the kitchen. On it there can be a stove, which will allow you to comfortably organize cooking. Also, the island can serve as a dining table, if a separate dining room is not provided, or a place to place a dishwasher or a small refrigerator. It can separate the cooking and dining area. nine0005

Benefits Defects
Functionality: the island can free up an entire wall, theoretically replacing the entire set. Not suitable for small kitchens.
The interior with the island looks luxurious and monumental. If the island is to be equipped with a stove, a hood must be installed above it.

It is rational to use the island layout in square kitchens with an area of ​​at least 20 meters. nine0005

Non-standard examples

Unusually shaped rooms with sloping walls and extra corners are the hardest to plan. To solve this issue, you can turn to professionals or design a kitchen yourself. Here are some helpful kitchen planning tips shared by experts.

If the room is connected, for example with a connected balcony, it is important to use all the walls that are not occupied by openings. For a walk-through kitchen, a direct layout is most suitable. nine0005

The set looks original in the shape of the letter "T" with a peninsula that divides the space into two zones. The central cabinet can act as a dining table or work surface. This layout is only suitable for a large kitchen.

The kitchen, moved to the corridor, is a narrow space that requires a special approach: shallow furniture, sliding doors instead of hinged ones, small-sized appliances.

In the photo, the kitchen, moved to the corridor, is played with color as a continuation of the living room. nine0005

In a kitchen with a bay window or chamfered corners, you can create an unusual trapezoid design that will definitely attract attention. The difficulty lies in the fact that special fittings are required for non-standard premises. It is important not to clutter up the pentagonal kitchen with an abundance of decor and utensils: you can place a thin console on one of the walls or combine the suite with a single tabletop.

Photo gallery

With a little time and understanding of the kitchen layout, you can make the dining and cooking area not just stylish, but comfortable for the whole family. Other interesting layout ideas are displayed in the photos presented in the gallery. nine0005

125 photos of smart kitchen layout ideas

> Kitchen > Kitchen layout - the main types of modern planning (125 photo ideas)

When you are at home, you spend more than half of your time in the kitchen. You eat breakfast, lunch and dinner there. Apart from cleaning, which also takes a lot of time. So that time does not disappear, you do not feel tired and guests are delighted at the sight of your dining room, it is worth planning your kitchen space. nine0005

Questions of interest:

When planning a kitchen, it is important to take into account factors such as the number of people in the family, what electrical appliances will be used and the habits of the household. A good design will allow you to create a nondescript kitchen, more comfortable and attractive.

The kitchen must comply with three basic rules: nine0005

When planning your kitchen space, you need to take into account all the pipes, niches and ledges that may interfere with the realization of your fantasies.

Table of contents of the article:

There are several kitchen layouts.

Direct way - the kitchen set is installed in a straight line along the wall. This layout is suitable for owners of small areas. On the other half, a dining area is perfectly placed: a table and chairs. And in the headset you can install all the equipment.

If the kitchen area allows, then you can use a two-line layout - the set will be installed along two opposite walls. This will allow you to arrange the placement of equipment in the most advantageous location. nine0005

The most versatile is the corner so-called "G" - shaped kitchen. It will successfully transform a small and walk-through room. There will be a comfortable dining area. In this embodiment, the sink, stove and refrigerator should be nearby to increase the working surface.

A less common option - when the headset is installed along three walls at once, the so-called "P" - shaped. This layout is available only to those who have a large kitchen. The whole advantage of this design is that there will be no problems in the location of appliances and other kitchen utensils. nine0005

The next option is the so-called peninsular solution, when the room is divided by a bar or table.

There is also an island method. An example would be kitchens in restaurants or canteens where the modules and hob are in the center of the room. The main thing is not to forget that such design solutions can only be implemented in large rooms.

Arrangement of furniture and appliances

In this matter, three details of the interior are considered the most capricious. If you sort out the placement problems with these things, then we can assume that you succeeded. nine0005

Slab

Place it in such a way that it can be easily approached from all sides. Usually the stove is installed in the middle about 90 cm from the sink, but you can reduce the distance to 40 cm if the set is small. The hood above the stove is installed at a height of 70 - 75 cm from the stove.

Refrigerator

Usually, planning a kitchen with a refrigerator is the least of the problems. They put it on the opposite side of the stove, but in the case of a direct set or a small kitchen, the refrigerator can be placed at the end of the kitchen set, by the window. nine0005

Sink

Traditionally, the sink is placed on the opposite side of the window, for natural light.

The work area is used for daily cooking and storage of frequently used utensils. It contains the main drawers and cabinets. Usually the work area for convenience is located between the sink and stove, and the refrigerator or oven and stove.

Secondary technique, after planning the above three things, will now be easier to apply.


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