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Kitchen Design Ideas
Layout Basics
Now the fun of really planning your new kitchen. Layout is a three-part process that includes weighing basic options;
blocking out storage, countertops, and work centers; and double-checking efficient heights and clearances. There's no
perfect sequence—the trick is to work back and forth. In very small or oddly shaped spaces you'll certainly need to
compromise.
Classic kitchen layouts
While brainstorming, it helps to have some basic layout schemes in mind with one of your contractors and builders.
The floor plans shown below are practical both for utilizing space well and for employing efficient work triangles.
One-wall kitchen. Small or open kitchens frequently make use of the one-wall design, incorporating a single line of
cabinets and appliances. This is not ideal, as there is a lot of moving back and forth—from refrigerator to range to sink.
Still, it's the only choice for some small areas or open floor plans.
Layouts and Work Triangles
Corridor kitchen. A kitchen open at both ends is a candidate for the corridor or galley kitchen; the design works well as
long as the distance between opposite walls is not too great, traffic flow can be a problem—it's tough to divert kitchen
cruisers away from the cook.
L-shaped kitchen.
This layout utilizes two adjacent walls, spreading out the work centers; typically, the refrigerator is at one end, range or
wall ovens are at the other end, and the sink is in the center. The L-shaped kitchen gives a comfortable work triangle.
You'll have to decide how to utilize the corner space
U-shaped kitchen.
Three adjacent walls make up the efficient I-shaped design (efficient, that is, as long as there is sufficient distance
between opposite walls). Often this layout opens up space for auxiliary work areas in addition to the central work
triangle—for example, a second sink for washing vegetables, a baking center, a second cooktop and dishwasher, or even
a complete work center for a second cook.
G-shaped kitchen. This newly popular shape combines the efficient U-shaped layout with an attached peninsula at one
end. The G shape offers plenty of opportunities for specialized work centers and helps shield the cook from distracting
traffic; however, it may seem a little claustrophobic to some cooks. What about an island? A kitchen island is a popular
addition to many kitchen remodels. The extra cabinets and countertop add storage and work space, block off unwanted
traffic flow, and can function as an eating counter.
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| Kitchen Ideas |
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