Getting the right kitchen plan is the essential first step in creating the kitchen of your dreams that will be both functional and practical. Whether you have a large kitchen with plenty of space or a smaller kitchen, a smart kitchen layout will allow you to take full advantage of every square inch.
When planning your kitchen style and layout, there is a lot more to the decision than simply where you will place the furniture and cabinetry. For example, the ergonomics of the design should also be considered. Getting the right heights and spaces is important. This way, you will always have everything where you need it to be and at the most convenient distance.
The floor plan of your home will determine the layout of your home to a certain extent, but this can be changed around and optimized as needed. Here are some of the kitchen layouts that are most common and some helpful advice on how to get the best kitchen plan.
Kitchen Ergonomics 101
Before we begin, let’s take a moment to look at the details of kitchen ergonomics, which should form the foundation of any successful kitchen design. Ergonomics is the art and science of designing a kitchen to fit the needs of the people living within, not the other way around.
The Work Triangle
The work triangle is a concept that was devised in 1920 and is considered one of the first measures of achieving efficiency in a kitchen. The triangle creates a path between the area used for food storage, food preparation, and food cleaning.
The Principles of the Kitchen Work Triangle:
- The length of each side of the triangle leg is between 1.2 and 2.7m
- The combined length of the three sides of the triangle should be between 4m and 7.9m
- No major traffic should move through the triangle
To achieve maximum kitchen efficiency, the basic guidelines listed below should be applied:
- Entry doors to the kitchen should be a minimum of 812mm wide
- The doors to the kitchen should not interfere with the opening and closing of cabinet doors, appliances, etc. Doors to appliances and cabinets should also not intersect each other.
- The length of work aisles should be at least 1060mm in kitchens with a single cook. For kitchens with multiple cooks, this measurement is increased to 1220mm.
- Walkways through the kitchen should be a minimum of 915mm wide.
- In seating areas where there is no traffic moving around behind the seats, there should be a space of at least 915mm between the edge of the table and the wall or edge behind it.
- Seating arrangements should include a minimum of 610mm of space for each person.
- If there is only a single sink, it should be located across from the stove or fridge.
- A sink should have a specific amount of space around the edges, at least 610mm on one side and 460mm on the other side.
- The primary work surface should be placed next to the sink and be at least 760mm wide and 600mm deep.
- The dishwasher should be within 900mm of the sink.
- A landing space of about 380mm should be placed next to the side of the fridge with the handles or one opposite the fridge.
- Cooking surfaces need a minimum landing area of 300mm on one side and another of about 380mm on the other.
- A minimum of 600mm should go between the cooking surface and non-combustible surfaces above.
- Cooking ventilation systems should be installed above all cooking surface appliances.
- Do not place cooking surfaces under windows, and make sure that a fire extinguisher is kept near the kitchen’s exit but far away from cooking equipment.
- Microwave ovens should be positioned following the user’s needs, but remember that a 75mm or shoulder height typically works best.
- Keep a landing area 380mm above, below, or next to the microwave.
- Landing spaces are required for adjacent appliances that can be calculated by adding 300mm to the greater requirements.
- In total, you will need countertop space to be at least 4000mm long X 600mm deep, with 380mm of height clearance. This is essential for accommodating all storage, including knives and utensils, preparation, landing, and work areas.
- In addition to the regular lighting, each workstation should be fitted with its source of light.
The One Wall Kitchen
This is often found in smaller kitchens as it is a straightforward way to take full advantage of a small space without losing any functionality. This works with a row of cabinets aligned against the wall. The one-wall kitchen can feature upper and lower cabinets or shelves over the base set of cabinets. Overall, this is a clean and simplistic setup.
Making the One-Wall Kitchen Layout Work:
The best way to go about this is to think vertically. There is only so much space that you will have to work with, so it will be important to take full advantage of your vertical space. It will not be possible to apply the same work triangle you can find in traditional kitchens, but the same concepts apply. Place the fridge at one end, the stove and hob in the middle, and the sinks at the far end. If your cabinets don’t reach all the way to the ceiling, you can use this space for storing items that are not used frequently or even as a display area to strengthen the theme of the kitchen.
The Galley Kitchen
The galley kitchen is one of the best ways to economize on space. This kitchen plan features cabinets facing each other and creating a passage, or “galley,” between them. This eliminates the issue with corner cupboards and allows every square inch of space to be fully used. Because it is straightforward, no fancy gadgets are needed. This is also one of the most cost-effective kitchen plans.
Making the Galley Kitchen Work:
With an additional row of cabinets, the kitchen galley provides great flexibility when it comes to planning and using your storage space. This is a good way for larger families to make full use of kitchen space and can allow for more than one cook to operate in the kitchen at a time. This also helps to avoid any traffic cutting through that traditional kitchen triangle and thus reduces the chances of a collision.
The L-Shaped Kitchen
This is another practical layout option that works equally well in small and large kitchens. The l-shaped cabinet will be installed in the corner of two adjacent and perpendicular walls. Although this will create a corner in the cabinetry, there are many ingenious ways to maximize the space efficiency of this spot. The open kitchen plan provided by the l-shaped kitchen offers great flexibility when arranging appliances and designating work zones. While the arms of the l-shape can reach as long as space allows, it is best to consider keeping this length below 4.5 meters.
Getting the L-shaped Kitchen Layout to Function Perfectly:
If you have the space, one of the best ways to meet the issue with the corner of the cabinetry is by creating a walk-in pantry cupboard. Not only will this maximize space efficiency, but you will also install a valuable asset to your kitchen. You may even be able to create a small breakfast nook in the opposite corner, and this can greatly improve the experience of your family’s kitchen.
The U-Shaped Kitchen
As you probably imagined, the U-shaped kitchen will run along three adjacent walls. While this certainly provides a good deal of storage space, it can feel a little crowded in your kitchen. But this can be avoided if you place upper cabinets on three walls and lower cabinets on just two or combine the plan with open shelving. This floor plan allows for good workflow in the kitchen but is best reserved for larger kitchens.
Making the U-Shaped Kitchen Layout Work:
Keep the window areas open and uncluttered if you will apply this kitchen plan. This will maximize the effectiveness of your traditional work triangle because the workspaces can be located on the other side of the kitchen near the entry doors
The Island Kitchen
A very popular choice for many home plans, the kitchen island plan allows for a great deal of workspace throughout the kitchen. The island can include a wine cooler, cooking space, prep bowl, bar, and many other additions that best suit the needs of the home’s occupants. The kitchen will have to be big enough to include an island, but this is a great way to create a natural flow of traffic and work throughout the kitchen.
Making An Island Kitchen Layout Work:
A kitchen island is a good place for incorporating functional space with social space. The advantage is that you do not have your back to the room while you are using counters, stoves, or other food preparation. It is also a great idea to install a large attractive lighting element in the home.
The Peninsula Kitchen
The peninsula idea is a lot like the kitchen island plan in that as much as a single portion of the kitchen cabinetry will jut outward into the center of the kitchen. This is a great idea for situations where the dimensions of the kitchen do not allow for a full kitchen island.
Making Peninsula Kitchen Layout Work:
This is a great solution for smaller kitchens and is a good way to increase interactions during meals and meal preparation. If you have a smaller enclosed kitchen, consider removing a wall and replacing it with this kitchen plan.