If you are considering installing a new kitchen in a property, getting the kitchen layout correct is the most important factor if you want a functional and practical kitchen area. Whether your kitchen is small or large, a clever layout will make all the difference in helping you to get the most out of the space. In a kitchen, there is a lot more to the layout than people think as it is not just about placing furniture and units but is about the ergonomics as well. The heights of the units need to be right, ensuring that there is enough space for comfortable movement and the placement of appliances should be considered so that they are easy to use and that the footfall between appliances is minimised. The so called work triangle was devised in the 1920’s as one of the first measures of efficiency in a residential kitchen. The triangle creates a path between the area for food preparation and the hob, the kitchen sink and the refrigerator. This triangle should be kept in mind when designing a kitchen layout. The floorplan of the property may determine the layout of the kitchen but there are ways you can optimise the area for improved working.
Probably the most difficult layout to have is usually found in smaller kitchens and is called a one wall layout. This simple layout however is space efficient without giving up on functionality. It usually consists of cabinets installed against a single wall with upper and lower cabinets or shelving over base cabinets, creating a clean uncluttered look. While the traditional work triangle is not possible in a one-wall kitchen, putting the fridge on one end, oven and hob in the middle and the sink at the other end can work. If the cabinets do not go up to ceiling, utilise the space above them by storing items that are infrequently used there.
The galley kitchen is often found in older properties and consists of two rows of cabinets facing each other, creating an inner passage or galley between them. It is important especially for bigger families or multiple-cook kitchens, to have the work areas along only one of the walls, not both. This will help avoid traffic through the work triangle and eliminate the risk of injury to family members.
A practical layout option for small and large kitchens is the L-shaped kitchen. This design has cabinets along two perpendicular walls. Although the corners can be an issue there are solutions to this with slide out shelving. Installing a walk in pantry in the corner is one way to maximise the storage in this type of kitchen layout. With an L-shaped kitchen, it may be possible to create a small seating area in the opposite corner, further increasing the functionality of the room.