Kitchens are an indispensable part of our lifestyle. Modern home designs often have open-plan kitchens to combine cooking, dining and living in one sizeable uninterrupted space.
Your kitchen design is critical to the quality of life you want to create in your home. Going for a fancy kitchen design may be tempting, but it may not be functional or convenient. The ergonomics of your kitchen, including the placement of appliances, cabinets, and counter height – will make a significant difference in your daily life. And so, whether your kitchen is small or large, it is essential to plan your kitchen layout to get the most out of the space.
Most Popular Kitchen Layout Types
Here are the top six types of kitchen layouts that most interior design experts recommend. Choose the one that suits your needs based on the available space and budget for your kitchen.
- The One-Wall Kitchen – If you have limited space, the one-wall kitchen layout can help you create a practical and comfortable kitchen for your home. Usually, this design is suited to rectangular-shaped kitchen spaces where you can line all your cabinets up on a single wall. The counter space is between the upper and lower cabinets allowing for sufficient workspace. Install a fridge at one end, the hob in the middle, and the sink at the other end.
- Galley Kitchen Layout – Names after a ship’s kitchen, the galley kitchen layout has cabinets on two walls instead of just one. Based on the available space, it could be opposite or adjacent walls. Remember to install the sink opposite the hob and the fridge at the end of the cabinet run. It will enable you to move freely and efficiently use the available space.
- L-Shape – An L-shaped kitchen has cabinets along two walls of the kitchen, at a right angle to one another. Usually, one wall is shorter than the other. Place the oven and hob on the longer wall, and use the shorter wall to install cabinets and create better storage. Ensure that your sink and hob have sufficient distance between them. Also, don’t forget to create enough clear worktop space on your kitchen counter.
- U-Shaped Kitchen – As per the name, a U-shaped kitchen is a layout wherein cabinets are lined on three walls instead of two. It is usually recommended for larger kitchens. If you choose a U-shaped kitchen layout, do not install wall cabinets on all three sides. It may give storage space but make your kitchen feel cramped and enclosed. Keep the wall cabinets limited to two or one walls.
- Peninsula Kitchen – A peninsula kitchen design layout is also L-shaped, but one cabinet run (usually shorter) is not against a wall. The essential aspect of a peninsula kitchen is that one of the cabinet runs is accessible from both sides. You can use the additional access to create a breakfast bar or a seating area in such a kitchen. You can also use the peninsula layout to turn your L-shaped kitchen into a U-shaped kitchen and get additional space and functionality. This layout works best in open layouts where you want the kitchen to have a social aspect and connect with your living space.
- The Island Kitchen – The island kitchen is one of the most popular kitchen layout ideas for open-plan homes. Apart from the kitchen counter, you also have a central counter, accessible from all sides. Use the kitchen island to incorporate a cooking surface, cabinets, food-prep area or a wine fridge. An island can also function as a seating area or a snack bar where you can socialize while you cook.
Any of the layouts mentioned above can be functional and comfortable for you. Consider your daily kitchen use and how often you cook, or bake to decide which kitchen design elements are essential to you. It will help you get the correct ergonomics for your kitchen and create a convenient work triangle in the available space.
You may also combine two or more kitchen layouts to create an innovative design. Talk to an interior design expert to understand how to make the most of your kitchen space while creating a unique layout for your kitchen.
Author Bio: Aparna Rao has a great passion for interior design and decor. Her design mantra is that the interiors of any space should be designed keeping in mind functionality and aesthetics. She works as a content marketer for Stonex India, a leading marble manufacturer, and has gained valuable insights into the marble stone industry.
Her extensive knowledge of different types of stones and their properties as well as interior design is what makes her content stand apart and is appreciated by her readers. Through her content, she also offers creative, innovative, and effective design and decor solutions.
