When designing a kitchen, it’s easy – and usually more fun! – to focus on the fixtures, fittings, and finishes. However, getting the layout right can have the biggest impact on how you will feel about working in your new kitchen.
A thoughtful layout will suit the way you and your family live and help you get the most out of the space. It can also make working in the kitchen easier and even prevent injuries.
The basics of good kitchen design
Traditional thinking is that a kitchen should be designed around the ‘work triangle’ – the space between your storage area (fridge), preparation area (cooktop), and cleaning area (sink). This theory has evolved over the last century in response to the changing use of our kitchen. With multiple cooks and using the kitchen as a key focal point for daily life becoming increasingly common, modern kitchen design now focuses on establishing multiple ‘work zones’.
Additionally, there is a range of guidelines about optimal spacing for walkways and between appliances. These are based on how people normally use their kitchen and can make it more comfortable and functional. They can also improve the safety of the space by minimising the need to carry things (particularly when they are hot) and preventing transiting through workspaces when there’s more than one person in the kitchen.
The 6 types of kitchen layouts
While the exact configuration will vary from property to property, kitchen designs are broken into 6 main types:
- One wall: A simple layout with all cabinetry along a single wall. Most common in smaller spaces, this design focuses on functionality and can look sleek and clean.
- Galley: Sometimes called a walkthrough kitchen, this layout features two rows of cabinetry facing each other. With a focus on efficient use of space, the simplicity of this design means it can also be a cost-efficient option.
- L-shaped: A practical layout where cabinetry is placed along two perpendicular walls. This design is suitable for kitchens of all sizes.
- U-shaped: Sometimes called a horseshoe kitchen, this layout has cabinetry along three walls. With a focus on usability, this design maximises the function of the whole space by allowing you to spread out the different work zones.
- Island: The preferred choice for open plan homes, this layout includes a large work surface in the middle of the kitchen. While this design can help maximise usability and sociability, it requires enough space to allow easy transiting around all sides of the island and is perfect for entertaining.
- Peninsula: This layout features a counter that juts out from the wall cabinetry, turning an L-shaped kitchen into a U-shape or a U-shaped kitchen into a G-shape. The function of this design is similar to an island kitchen, but less space is required.
Choosing the best layout for you and your home
How your kitchen should be laid out will depend on the size of the space and how you and your family like to live. If you’re not sure which format would work best, you may want to consider consulting a kitchen design professional. In addition to helping you select the most suitable layout, a good designer should also be able to guide you on how to get the most out of your chosen format.
At Zesta Kitchens, we’re experts in helping homeowners choose their perfect kitchen layout. Our experienced designers understand the benefits and considerations of each option and can help you tailor your space to suit your specific needs. Call us on 1300 100 555 to book a consultation with one of our professional team members today.