A kitchen layout must suit the size of a room and ensure that the workflow is efficient and multiple users can navigate the space unimpeded. Fortunately, plenty of smart storage solutions can achieve these goals – think pull-outs and carousels, corner shelves and racks.
One-Wall Kitchen
With the sink, refrigerator, and stove arranged along one wall, this kitchen layout offers maximum efficiency with no unnecessary back and forth between them. It also means everything you need is within reach, making cleaning much easier.
A single-wall kitchen can be cheaper to build for kitchen remodeling Everett because it relies on less cabinetry than other designs. It can work well in small homes, making the space feel bigger and allowing for a more open floor plan.
When designing a one-wall kitchen, maximize vertical storage space with upper cabinets that go all the way up. Toe-kick drawers also store shallow items like cookie sheets and pizza pans. Consider adding recessed lighting for tasks and ambiance light.
U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen is a great layout for large households, cooks who enjoy entertaining, or anyone who appreciates a well-designed kitchen. This kitchen layout maximizes counter space and storage.
With cabinetry on three sides, this kitchen layout offers ample storage options for cookware, utensils, and appliances. The center of the U is the perfect location for a sink, which allows for separate cleaning and prep sides.
This kitchen layout also works well for open-concept spaces, where the U can extend into a G-shaped peninsula to accommodate dining or seating. Break up the symmetry of this layout by using different woods and finishes to add visual interest to your kitchen. Cleverly placed lighting also helps illuminate your space and make it more inviting.
G-shaped Kitchen
The G-shaped kitchen is a great option for larger spaces, offering plenty of workspace and storage. It’s also one of the most efficient kitchen designs if you follow the principles of a functional work triangle.
The layout can accommodate a peninsula with seating, allowing you to socialize while cooking and eating. The peninsula can also be used as an additional prep space for food.
However, this layout can be challenging for homeowners with limited square footage because it requires a lot of countertops and storage space. Open-concept living spaces could be better because the peninsula can create barriers to movement, limiting access to certain kitchen areas. The corner base cabinets can also be difficult to reach, so you’ll want to include accessories to improve functionality.
L-Shaped Kitchen
Whether you want to link your kitchen to the dining room or living space or create a secluded workspace, an L-shaped design offers a flexible solution. However, it’s important to understand how this layout works before making big decisions.
L-shaped kitchens typically limit you to two rows of upper and lower cabinets, which may cramp your space unless you incorporate smart storage ideas. For example, you can tuck away countertop appliances in floor-to-ceiling cabinets or install a small appliance garage for storing frequently used items.
The broken L-shape also offers the chance to add different workstations for food prep, cooking, and cleaning. This can help keep cooks from bumping into one another and allows you to follow the “working triangle” formula, which requires your sink, stove, and fridge to be placed in a triangular configuration for maximum functionality.
Single-Wall Kitchen
A one-wall kitchen allows all major appliances to be fitted along the wall for easy access and maximum space utilization. The layout is a great option for narrow spaces and allows room for furniture in the rest of the room.
Having everything in reach can make the kitchen more functional and easier to work in, but it can also cause problems with storage. For example, the “work triangle” (refrigerator, sink, and stove) might be too far away from each other, making it difficult to move around and prepare food with ease.
A good solution is to add vertical storage, like mounted spice racks or magnetic knife strips, which save space on countertops and allow for a more streamlined look. Another idea is to match the color and finish of your kitchen cabinets to other furniture in the room, like a dining bench or bespoke living room shelving, for a more cohesive, unified design concept.
