How to Design a Kitchen Floor Plan

Effective kitchen design considers the spacing between all fixtures and ease of use. Designers often start with main fixtures to get an idea of how much remaining space can be dedicated to counter space. This forms the “work triangle,” which is a key feature of ergonomic kitchen design.

The focal points of the work triangle are:

• The kitchen sink
• The cooking range
• The refrigerator

The work triangle idea prioritizes clear walkways between the main fixtures of the kitchen to reduce traffic. There should be an open path between each fixture in the work triangle. The sink and range should be spaced far enough apart to allow for countertop space near each.

The refrigerator is usually placed opposite to the cooking range, which completes the triangle. This configuration allows for versatility in later design steps such as the lighting layout.

Cooking ranges should be placed on an exterior wall, as opposed to an interior wall or built into a kitchen island. This makes installing a range hood logistically easier and less expensive.

If the project calls for a kitchen island, it is best practice is to leave enough open space between the island and the work triangle. This could range from 5-15 feet. depending on the size of the kitchen. If the island is too close to the sink, it could create a narrow walkway and increase traffic while cooking and serving.

Use the work triangle to determine the best kitchen floor plan layout in relation to its square footage. Also consider any rooms connected to the kitchen and how to simplify moving between them. There are six popular layouts that apply to most styles and sizes of homes.

• U-Shaped kitchens
• Galley Kitchens
• One-Wall Kitchens
• L-Shape Kitchens
• P-Shape Kitchens
• Island Kitchens

These layouts each have their advantages and disadvantages and are suited to different types of homes. However, all of them are designed with the work triangle and a steady flow of traffic in mind.

Consider how the kitchen space will be separated by tables and islands, which can add balance to an otherwise one-sided room.

U-shaped kitchens are made up of three base cabinets and countertops at right angles, leaving one end open to connect to the adjacent room. Most U-shaped kitchens use three walls. Although, some have two walls and a connected island called a peninsula. Peninsulas can be used as a small dining area with counter stools or high-seated chairs.

People who cook often or have a lot of kitchen experience will appreciate a U-shape design because of its efficiency and extra storage. U-shape floor plans have four key advantages:

• Three base cabinets
• More space for wall cabinets than other designs
• Small work triangle
• Open walking space
• Extra countertop space for easier meal preparation

U-shaped kitchens create a dead end in the floor plan of most homes. The end of traffic flow in the kitchen does not usually conflict with floor plans for houses or apartments, but it could clash with other design elements.

For example, if an island peninsula is not possible or desired, the kitchen could feel cramped and enclosed. This is especially the case for kitchens situated far away from the staircase to the second floor. The first floor of the home can feel particularly linear in this configuration.

Peninsula islands are much easier to incorporate into U-shaped kitchen floor plans than a standard kitchen island. The largest U-shaped kitchens can accommodate them, but islands usually require much of the floor space. With an Island in the middle of a U-shaped kitchen, traffic can take the shape of a square, which can result in more congestion while the kitchen is in use.

A galley kitchen has cabinets and appliances on two sides with a linear walkway between them. Both sides of the walkway are open to adjacent rooms such as the living room and dining room. Some galley kitchens have pullout shelves or pantry cabinets to allow for more storage in an otherwise smaller kitchen.

Galley kitchens are usually found in apartments and condominiums. The galley design conveniently places the major fixtures and appliances close together, which is advantageous in small spaces.

• Dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens are just a few steps away
• Quick access to kitchen utensils and ingredients while cooking
• Increase space for other first-floor rooms
• The option of separation between the dining room and entrance

Unlike other kitchen floor plans, the galley design cannot double as a dining area or include an island.

Galley kitchens are less popular than other styles, especially in homes that can accommodate a larger kitchen. When flipping a house with a galley kitchen, a full renovation could boost the property value.

The one-wall kitchen is even more suited to long and narrow spaces than a galley kitchen. Here, the designer forgoes the work triangle in favor of a linear design against a single wall. This does not allow for much storage space in base cabinets, but may provide extra space for upper wall cabinets if the wall is large enough.

A one-wall kitchen can be beneficial in small residences or spaces where the kitchen and the living room are connected. Benefits of a one-wall kitchen include:

• Items from the kitchen can be brought directly to the table
• Opportunity for a main dining table or additional countertop space
• Option to break up the space with kitchen island
• Less expensive to remodel due to fewer cabinets

Some kitchen islands feature a built-in range. This could effectively turn a one-wall kitchen into a galley shape that is open to a living room. These strategies can offer creative ways to improve a kitchen and dining area at a relatively lower cost.

Without an island, counter space in the one-wall floor plan is more limited than other popular kitchen floor plans. This can benefit small-space living, such as condominiums, but can constrain large family meals or parties.

L-shape kitchen floor plans require two walls at a right angle, forming a large corner dedicated to all kitchen appliances. This is a very common kitchen layout because it requires less space and can accommodate a variety of fixture placements.

The L-shape floor plan uses the work triangle more efficiently than the other common layouts. Ovens and refrigerators are typically placed on either end of the cabinet space, creating a triangle between them and the sink. This configuration provides the following advantages:

• Main fixtures are usually placed equidistant from each other
• More countertop space than other layouts
• Corner space adds more surface area for smaller kitchens
• Works well with open kitchen and dining room plans

Cabinet space in L-shaped kitchens are usually quite deep, which may result in some stored items becoming hard to reach. Lowering the cabinets or installing rotating inner shelves can make the space more accessible.

P-shaped kitchen floor plans are another option for spaces which would normally benefit from an L-shape or U-shape layout. This design adds an extended countertop, making the kitchen longer on one side. The resulting peninsula adds space and organization options to existing floor plans.

Benefits of a P-shape kitchen floor plan include:

• More counter space for cooking and other tasks
• New countertop can hold any of the main fixtures
• Option of a bar or island addition on the exterior wall
• Access to an exterior wall provides easy appliance installation

When forming a P-shaped floor plan from an L-shape design, the extra counter space could extend into a dining room where multiple people can come to set the table or fill their plates. If the extended countertop runs along a wall with an adjacent room, it can be broken in half to make space for a doorway. This allows for the freedom of movement like a galley kitchen, but with more open space.

A P-shaped kitchen without an island or a bar might feel more enclosed than other kitchen layouts because it surrounds people on all sides with appliances and cabinets. Additionally, not all corridors may be wide enough to accommodate the extended countertop and would necessitate significant remodeling to incorporate it comfortably.

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