Arguably one of the most important rooms in any home, what are your options when it comes to selecting a kitchen layout – and how do you get it right
Thanks to the ongoing events of 2020, the way we cook, work, entertain and relax in our homes have significantly changed. Understandably, these changes have been reflected into how we expect the spaces of our homes to both look and function – with the kitchen arguably being at the forefront of these redesigns.
Six Common Types Of Kitchen Layouts
When selecting a kitchen layout, many renovators will often be influenced by the dimensions and space available in the designated area. While you need to think about functionality, efficiency and smart storage solutions, it doesn’t mean compromising style – so what are your options?
Island Kitchen Layout – Is your kitchen the social hub of your household, or you would perhaps like it to be? Island kitchen layouts are designed to be ultra flexible when it comes to balancing entertaining and meal preparation. While the island bench itself can be crafted to include built-in sinks and hotplates, they operate at their best as a hub when free of cooking or sink facilities.While they are usually a key staple in open plan living, the downside is that homeowners usually need quite a bit of space to work with and there’s nowhere to hide – thus, the pressure of keeping it clean is even greater.
U-Shaped Kitchen Layout – If your home or property doesn’t quite have enough space to include a large scale island kitchen layout, then for many, a u-shaped kitchen is the next best thing. A good option for a traditional room based kitchen or as a converted nook in open plan living, u-shaped kitchens are great for big families or for those that need space for multiple cooks at any one time. When space allows it, u-shaped kitchens are also great for including a central dining table to provide a place for both casual meals or a workspace if required. However, the vast amount of cabinetry can feel bulky, so they work best in older homes.
L-Shaped Kitchen Layout – If you are a fan of the thought of a dining table near, in or close to your kitchen workspace like the u-shaped kitchen generally offers, then the same concept can also be applied to an l-shaped kitchen layout. A common choice for smaller spaces, aim to position tall units like the pantry, fridge, or wall oven along one arm of the L design, and the main bench with the cooktop and sinks on the other. This will provide maximum bench and storage space, along with plenty of circulation room for at least two people to work within the kitchen area. Adaptable, functional, stylish and social, this efficient design is popular in many modern homes.
Straight Line Kitchen Layout – Commonly found in tight spaces like studios or open plan apartment buildings, a straight line kitchen layout is just that – one straight line. This layout works well when the dining table is directly adjacent to the kitchen, as the table can also double as a workspace if required. To get the balance right, position the fridge at one end of the long bench, with the oven, microwave and pantry tower at the other. The cooktop, sinks and benches should occupy the area in between. However, unless appliances like dishwashers and fridges are fully integrated, this kitchen design can easily feel cluttered, so keep it simple.
Galley Kitchen Layout – Commonly found in older apartments and narrow terrace houses, a galley kitchen layout is almost like having two straight line kitchens in the one corridor or pathway. While absolutely all about functionality as opposed to socialising, this design is one of the most efficient kitchen layouts on offer when it comes to design, efficiency and meal production. By incorporating all essential elements on each side of the narrow area, they make good use of all available space in an otherwise compact home. However, without enough natural light they can feel cramped, so try to incorporate windows and skylights into your design.
Peninsula Kitchen Layout – Similar in appearance to a u-shaped kitchen layout, the peninsula design uses one of the benches as a dining area via stools instead of wall mounted cabinets. It can be a very practical solution if you have a smaller kitchen hub that needs additional seating or a workspace, and occupies less floor area than a traditional island bench – more or less, homeowners can get the best of both worlds. However, this style also creates a kitchen with unusable open space, and is generally not the favoured option or layout amongst professional interior designers.
Sourcing Help With Selecting A Kitchen Layout
If you’re looking to give your kitchen a facelift that goes beyond a simple coat of paint, it’s always important to speak to a professional before you start tearing apart a room or home.
In operation for over ten years, Brisbane based Kibo Constructions believe that quality, reliable workmanship with an honest approach shouldn’t be the exception to the rule. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that the entire process is both a transparent and enjoyable experience from start to finish – after all, undertaking a home renovation project of any size shouldn’t be painful.
If you know that there’s an upcoming project coming up for you, your brand or your business, we would love the opportunity to provide a quote – you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. As we specialise in residential, commercial and hospitality fitout options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.