The Six Types of Kitchen Layouts
Whatever the case, the way you utilize your workspaces in the kitchen is the most important factor when planning your kitchen layout. In a typical home kitchen, the primary tasks require the sink (cleaning and preparation), the refrigerator (storage) and the cooktop (oven or stove for cooking). These three work surfaces, when joined by imaginary lines, form the kitchen work triangle. This work triangle is very helpful in determining an efficient kitchen layout.
So depending on your cooking style, the amount of time you spend on each workstation, and the available space, you can choose your kitchen layout from the following basic types:
Galley Kitchen
Also called the parallel kitchen, this is one of the most efficient kitchen layouts. It is ideally suited for small spaces and serves as a perfect one-cook kitchen. It comprises two parallel walls opposite each other with a walkway in between, which is why it’s called as a walkthrough kitchen. That makes it easier to design cabinets, as you no longer have to concern yourself with corner cabinets. If you have ample space, you can also include an island, as shown in the picture.
The one-wall kitchen is trendy in studio flats and loft apartments because it utilizes minimum space. The layout places all three work centers in a straight line. The cabinets and appliances get mounted on a single wall. However, it is never a good idea to place the workstations side by side, as you wouldn’t have any free countertop space between them. Modern straight kitchens sometimes also include an island, making it a bit like the galley layout.
U-Shaped Kitchen
Also known as the horseshoe kitchen layout, this style has three walls of cabinets and appliances. Choose this layout if you have large kitchen space or are likely to spend a lot of your time in the kitchen. It provides the additional floor, counters and cabinet space, creating an efficient work triangle that helps save time and energy when cooking meals.
Island Kitchen
Island kitchens add more work and storage space to a kitchen. You can utilize the island for cabinet space, appliances, the sink, countertops, or a place a place to eat. An island has the power to evolve L-shaped kitchens into a horseshoe layout, and one walled kitchen into galley styled ones.
But make sure that you have enough kitchen space and clearance before deciding on an island layout.
L-Shaped Kitchen
Ideal for small family homes, it serves you best if you have small floor space. The layout utilizes two walls in an L-shape for cabinets, countertops, and appliances, which provide an efficient design for the integration of the three workstations. If you have space left over, then you can also accommodate a small dining table or an island as suited to your needs.
Peninsula or G-Shaped Kitchen
Peninsula kitchens mainly contain a connected island. It provides a free-standing workspace that can serve as a countertop, storage or eating area. Unlike an island, the freestanding space is accessible from three sides. Other than that, the peninsula kitchen offers all the benefits of an island kitchen while utilizing less floor space in comparison.
