The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you spend much of your time, either cooking, spending quality time with your family, or entertaining. So it is important that it is well set out and comfortable to use. A kitchen that you find frustrating to be in will not be one that encourages healthier living if you don’t want to spend any time in it!
If you are considering remodelling or replacing your kitchen there are a few things to keep in mind when designing it. The type of layout out you choose will largely depend on the space available, but the way that you intend to use it will also be an important factor. For example: is it a tiny space where you can barely swing a cat? Even if it is, is there any scope to knock down a wall and create a more open-space kitchen? If you have a larger area to work with, are you thinking of including a dining area? Or are you the type of person who loves cooking and relishes the preparation, simmering and cooking time, and regularly throws dinner parties or impromptu meals for friends? Either way, we have compiled a quick guide to help you decide what will work best for your circumstances.
Layout 1 – the island
This layout is suitable for larger spaces and for those who like to entertain and socialise even while doing the cooking. The centre piece of this kitchen is the island around which the appliances and cabinets are arranged, giving you a focal point from which to move around. It provides extra working space for food preparation and allows you (as the cook) to socialise while working; you can even get your guests to help out! If there is space for seating around the island it can also provide a breakfast or dinner table. On the down side, having an island kitchen layout will only work if you have enough space otherwise it could be more of a hindrance than a help. It can also be more expensive as you are adding items to your kitchen, however bear in mind that it also provides additional storage space.
Layout 2 – single line
This works for small spaces, lining all appliances and cabinets along a single wall. It will work best when one person is doing the cooking, trying to fit two in can be a little cramped if your space is limited. On the plus side, there is a smaller cost associated with smaller spaces and fewer countertops and cabinets.
Layout 3 – galley
Similar to the single line layout, the difference is that your countertops, appliances, and cabinets are arranged in two rows. The benefit is that you can create a kitchen triangle, making it more efficient to work, even in a smaller space. Its disadvantage is that it won’t work as efficiently in a larger space and that it could still be cramped when trying to get more than one cook in at the same time.
Layout 4 – L-shape
Perfect for medium-sized spaces, an L-shape takes up two walls allowing for an efficient kitchen triangle set up. Depending on how much space you have you may even be able to include an eating area. This shape is not as efficient in a larger space and if your kitchen is on the smaller side of medium two cooks at the same time could mean some bumping into each other.
Layout 5 – U-shape
This will only work on medium and larger sized kitchens as it takes up three walls. It does, however, provide plenty of space on which to work, ample storage, and an efficient triangle layout. It also has space for cooking assistants and guests.
Thinking of updating your kitchen or fitting a new one? Our Parsons Joinery team would be happy to advise and help, just give us a call on 01273814870 or email us at enquiries@parsonsjoinery.com to book an appointment.
