Kitchens come in all sizes and shapes. They have the potential to be a highly beneficial space in a house — but how do you decide how to effectively lay out the kitchen using the space available to you? The best method is to consider the ‘work triangle’ – the path between food storage, cooking and cleaning areas. Using the ‘work triangle’ ensures efficiency; however, people in today’s society require more from their kitchen layout. Here, Zenstone, who provide granite worktops in Surrey, discuss the best kitchen layouts with solutions for different room spaces.
#1: The Large Room
You may believe that kitchen design is simple when more space is available, but this is not always the case. An ideal kitchen layout solution is highly dependent on how the kitchen is being used, the number of people using the space and the preference of style. A delicate balance must be achieved between aesthetic and function. You will want to avoid the space becoming too empty or too cluttered.
#2: The U-Shape
If you are lucky enough to have a large kitchen space, you can consider the U-shape kitchen cabinet layout including an island in the centre of the area. The U-shape cabinet layout includes cabinets across three walls; thereby, accommodating a large amount of storage and giving you space to keep all appliances out of sight. The island is a multifunctional item meeting many needs ranging from daytime cooking to an evening social zone or even homework space for children.
#3: The G-Shape
When the surrounding cabinets continue to jut into the room space, the cabinet forms a G-shape. This is ideal if you require the functionality of a kitchen island, but still enjoy continuous worktop space in the area. The G-shape layout maximises the cabinet space and is highly popular as a traditional design when you want to keep the dining area separate. The end of the ‘G’ is multifunctional and can be utilised as a snack area, a breakfast bar or even a homework space for children.
#4: The L-Shape
The L-shape is more open-plan than the previous shape designs and is most suitable for flexible dining or living. This kitchen design has a configuration of cabinets so that the lounge and dining areas are included in the kitchen area. The L-shape provides scope to move around the kitchen; therefore, more than one cook can be accommodated and you will not need to move around each other.
#5: The Small Room
If your kitchen space is restricted, the ideal cabinet layout options are reduced. Square rooms can benefit from a U-shape option without the island, and rectangular rooms can use an L-shape or galley option. The most important feature for small kitchen layouts is to be vertical with lots of storage. This allows you to be more flexible in usage and can be a difference in tailoring the kitchen space.
#6: The Storage
If the floor area is limited, the cabinets’ dimensions can make a difference. To ensure there is greater storage space, you need to make the cabinet interior more efficient. This can be done by using pull-put solutions and accessing the back of corner units. Use all corners of the cabinets ranging from hanging utensils on the underside of the cabinet or spices on the back of cabinet doors.
#7: The Vertical Option
Flats and older homes tend to have small kitchen space, but they also have high ceilings that can be beneficial. Use the height as a means of maximising kitchen space. This doesn’t mean you should let the space above the cabinet become a ‘dumping area’; instead, you should build up the upper-cabinet space and use it as storage.
#8: The Lighting
Natural light can assist in making small kitchens appear larger, which is why most people opt for light worktops and cabinets. The lighting decision is also key to add character to smaller kitchen layouts. When a display space or wall space is limited, it is best to feature lighting as a central point. Beautiful options of pendant lighting can be beneficial without wasting floor space.
A well-thought-out kitchen is one that achieves the balance between design, function, appeal and efficiency. Nowadays, it is important to find the balance between our personal lives, working life and family as well. It may be best to speak with designers in addition to using the ‘work triangle’.