The kitchen layout plays a huge role in the kitchen’s functionality, so redesign the room if it doesn’t suit your needs. Before you remodel your kitchen, explore different layouts. Check out five kitchen layouts below.
1. One-Wall Kitchen
The one-wall layout is prevalent in small kitchens because it saves space without compromising functionality. Cabinets and appliances go against one wall, resulting in a streamlined finish.
Typically, the refrigerator and sink stand on opposite ends, with the oven in between. This structure lets you prep and cook food without hassle and move easily between stations.
Most modern one-wall designs feature an island to add counter space and seating. However, work with a remodeling contractor to design a well-sized island that won’t overwhelm the kitchen. To increase storage space with this layout, extend your cabinets as high as possible, even up to the ceiling.
2. Galley Kitchens
The galley layout suits narrow kitchens, where two opposite walls have kitchen services with a passageway between. For instance, you may have the oven on one side and the sink and refrigerator on the other for a smooth workflow. By keeping everything together, busy cooks with large families can maximize their efficiency during meal preparation.
The lack of corner cabinets with galley kitchens helps homeowners save space. You can place cabinets on each side to add storage or reconfigure one row for a long island.
The major drawback of galley kitchens is that they can feel cramped and make it impractical to have several cooks simultaneously. One way to make the layout feel spacious is to install white cabinets and paint the kitchen light colors.
3. L-Shaped
The L-shaped layout is practical for both small and large kitchens because it keeps the kitchen open and convenient for cooking. The layout has cabinets and appliances running along two perpendicular walls.
You have the flexibility to place appliances and countertops in different ways but should aim for maximum functionality. For instance, you can set the sink, dishwasher, and cabinetry on the longer leg with the stovetop, refrigerator, and countertops on the other side.
This layout commonly allows space to include an island and turn the kitchen into a communal area. Multiple cooks can also be in the kitchen simultaneously because no traffic alleys lead to other parts of the house.
4. U-Shaped or Horseshoe Layout
The U-shape layout suits larger kitchens because it contains countertops, appliances, and cabinetry along three adjacent walls. The fourth may be left open or may feature a door to close off the kitchen.
This design lets you separate the cooking and the dining space and allows the whole family to participate in meal preparation. You can adapt a third wall as a peninsula or island if you want the kitchen to be open.
A peninsula is a great addition to smaller kitchens because it adds seating to invite other people to the area. However, a horseshoe kitchen can easily become cluttered, so work with a remodeling contractor to keep it open and efficient.
5. G-Shaped
The G-shaped layout adds style and functionality to your large kitchen. The design is similar to the U-shaped layout but has a fourth dimension, such as a peninsula, breakfast bar, or another leg with countertop space and storage.
The seamless flow of countertop space in a G-shaped layout makes cooking easy and efficient. Adding a peninsula makes the kitchen an entertaining hub without interfering with the cook’s workflow.
If you want a G-shaped small kitchen, creativity is necessary to keep it from becoming cramped. For example, you can remove upper cabinets from one wall and add open shelves to show off statement pieces.
At Nielsen’s Remodeling & Construction, we offer complete layout changes to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and style. Contact us today to make your dream kitchen a reality.