Kitchen layouts guide

The Essential Guide to Kitchen Layouts

If you’re planning a kitchen, there are ideas you need to keep in mind when designing and planning for various kitchen layouts. You likely have your pre built kitchen units, flooring, appliances, tiles and paint scheme already selected. You’ll also be completing your kitchen cupboard doors whether that’s handleless, shaker, slab style or an acrylic kitchen door. Whatever you decide, your kitchen must be a livable and functional space.

A kitchen needs to be planned meticulously to suit the needs of the individual, couple or family within the home. The foundation of a great kitchen starts in the planning, beginning with the simple arrangement of countertops, appliances and storage areas. Any floor plan must incorporate the kitchen work triangle – the path needed for moving from the refrigerator to the sink to worktops to prepare food. You also want to steer traffic away from potential hotspots, guiding them to the fridge or seating areas to ensure every person is safe in your kitchen space.

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The kitchen is also seen as the family hub for many people, where everybody can come together for meals, but still have room for each person to do their own thing. Bigger spaces can incorporate sofas, TVs and tables and chairs so you can browse the internet and complete homework. Even kitchens that lack space should have somewhere for you to enjoy a glass of wine, a bottle of beer or dinner with friends.

As kitchens come in varying sizes, selecting the right layout to complement the space is vital. The space you have will ultimately dictate the kitchen layout. Bigger kitchens could have an island in the middle to create additional counter and preparation space. Smaller kitchens, however, cannot accommodate such a luxury. So which configuration is best for your kitchen? Take a look at our essential guide to get great kitchen layout ideas.

What is a 10×10 Kitchen?

Also known as the L-Shaped kitchen, a 10×10 kitchen layout creates a natural work triangle as the counter space is a continuous space with workstations on two adjacent walls. The layout is perfect for small kitchens and open-plan spaces because it provides a person with an efficient work area. Typically, an L-shaped kitchen opens into a nearby room which makes it easier for a cook to interact with guests.

An L-shaped kitchen maximises the available wall space for placing wall units to complement the base units. A 10×10 kitchen can also be adapted to create a multifunctional kitchen, such as creating a family kitchen diner.

Types of 10×10 kitchens

  1. Basic – the traditional L shape with an open layout for perfect traffic flow.
  2. Double – an L-shaped island is added opposite the main counters and cabinets to provide added counter space and storage.
  3. Island – this keeps the open layout with added preparation and entertaining space.
  4. Broken L-shape – allows for more walkways throughout the kitchen.

Design Tips for a 10×10 Kitchen

  • Tall units can hide clutter from your L-shaped kitchen which is helpful if your space is small.
  • Corner cupboards in L-shaped kitchens are often unused which is a waste of potential storage space. Turn an awkward area into a helpful place with smart shelving ideas.
  • You can make the most of your small space with other clever storage ideas. For instance having open shelving for recipe books and a dining table for entertaining and working.

What is a Corridor Kitchen?

A corridor kitchen, also known as a galley kitchen, is a long and narrow space which has more length than width. While economical with space, a galley kitchen can be inefficient as a space if not properly planned. This kitchen layout is usually found within converted homes and apartments as it fits the space perfectly.

While most people prefer more space to prepare food in, you will find that most restaurants work from this style of kitchen. The concept, when designed correctly, can be an efficient way of working when the productivity triangle is put in place. A narrow kitchen must ensure that movements are considered by providing enough space to prevent disruptive foot-traffic, fire hazards and clutter.

Types of Galley Kitchens

  1. Symmetrical – a layout where both sides mirror each other.
  2. Asymmetrical – this allows for flexibility in small spaces.
  3. With an Island – In large kitchens, this creates an open layout which avoids any traffic jams.

Design Ideas for a Corridor Kitchen

  • It’s best to have open shelving or doorless cabinets as closed cabinets give a feeling of confinement.
  • Include an access window to simplify the transferring of food from the kitchen to the dining area.

What is a Single Line Kitchen?

The usual layout found in smaller homes, the single line or straight kitchen is one of the more simplistic designs. The usual work triangle of a kitchen becomes more of a straight line because the three zones are all placed right next to each other. It is the most easily accessible of the popular layouts and is also fantastic for those making the most of their open plan space.

Design Tips for a Single Line Kitchen

  • If you’ve got the space, a kitchen island can complement this, creating a fantastic storage space and for socialising.
  • Create workable storage options for you to keep everything away within your small space.

What is a U-Shaped Kitchen?

A U-shaped kitchen is a design that has three walls which are lined with cabinets and appliances. A U-shape is popular as it frees up floor space in the rest of the room. With space being maximised by using the walls, cabinets and appliances are spread out well around the room. This layout also allows people to access various areas of the kitchen without the need to walk across the room.

U-shaped kitchens can be installed in any sizeroom. Even those spaces that cannot use three walls, an island can be installed to serve a similar purpose. A U layout gives you the most counter space of the layouts. This extra space also allows for extra storage by adding places above and below the counters.

Types of U-Shaped Kitchens

  1. Small – basic U shape for efficiency, storage and counter space.
  2. Medium – offers more space, storage and efficiency with room for two cooks.
  3. Large – space to add an island or dining table in the centre.
  4. Peninsula – a space can be created for entertaining without losing storage space.

Design Tips for U-Shaped Kitchen Layouts

  • For the best triangle design, place your stove, refrigerator and sink on adjacent walls and counters.
  • Your fridge and sink should be placed on each tip of the U to avoid counters being broken up.
  • If possible, pair the sink underneath the window. This provides natural light and the illusion of a space while you prepare food and do the washing up.
  • Tall units maximise possible storage space in this layout.

What is a G-Shaped Kitchen?

A G-shaped kitchen refers to a kitchen configuration with a food preparation-area peninsula and four walls of storage. It takes its name for looking like a G when planned on a grid. It is an upgrade from the U shape for those already with that layout. G-shaped layout increases the number of base cabinets while giving you a more streamlined cooking area.

As mentioned, a peninsula is often a key part of a G-shaped kitchen. A peninsula is an extended counter area usually found in a G-shaped kitchen. While most people would love to fit an island into their kitchen, it isn’t always possible. A peninsula is a popular and practical solution to this. It is similar in size and shape to an island except it is at the end of a cabinet run or put up against a wall. This is how the G-shape is achieved.

The peninsula shape is popular because it allows for increased cabinet storage and countertop spaces. It can also be used as a great living space for socialising with guests or spending time with family at meal times. The most popular use of a peninsula is as a breakfast bar. This space can also be used to enhance your primary cooking triangle as pots and pans have extra spaces to be stored, with more work spaces to prepare meals.

A G-shape layout is also helpful for surrounding its user with a variety of countertop spaces in proximity. With immediate access to supplies, work in the kitchen can be completed quickly as everything is reachable no matter where you stand.

Types of G-Shaped Kitchens

  1. Small – offers space for storage and counters in a small kitchen.
  2. Medium – a space perfect for two cooks.
  3. Large – a G shape works best here as a peninsula can be used for serving and entertaining.
  4. Island – large kitchens will leave you open to adding an island as an extra workspace.

Design Tips for G-Shaped Kitchens

  • You need at least a 10 feet by 10 feet space for a G-shaped kitchen.
  • Plan for your functional work triangle with your refrigerator, stove and sink located in opposite positions from each other but still reasonably close together.

Kitchen Layout FAQs

How Can You Plan Your Kitchen Layout?

The shape and size of your room usually determines the best kitchen layout for you. What is usually agreed is that every layout has the traditional ‘working triangle’. The triangle ensures you minimise the effort and walking distance between your sink, fridge and cooker.

Are There Alternatives to the ‘Working Triangle’?

In a layout where appliances and sinks must run along one wall, your triangle will need to be flattened. To make this work, the sink, fridge and cooker should be placed in a line with just a few steps to walk in between each.

What Do I Choose for a Kitchen That isn’t a Standard Shape?

Not every kitchen has a standard cube or rectangular shape. Some can be glass boxes which come with limited wall space, while others have sloped ceilings and difficult features including pillars. Most builders and kitchen designers know how to combat these issues, so always ask them for advice.

L-shape and t-shape kitchens can be easily split up into zones. One zone for dining, one zone for storage with the working kitchen in the other.

What are the 5 Basic Kitchen Design Layouts?

  • One Wall style
  • U-Shaped style
  • Corridor/Galley style
  • L-Shaped style
  • Double L style

Whatever layout you are planning on having for your dream kitchen design or you just want to remodel the space, we have the replacement kitchen cupboard doors and kitchen units online you need to complete your new look kitchen space. Browse our range or get in touch with our experts today who can help find what you need.