It’s important for a kitchen to look aesthetically pleasing — from the color of its walls and the placement of cabinets to the hardwood flooring and backsplash tiling. But in a room that your family will use daily, the functionality of the space is significant as well.
“We create kitchens that are beautiful, but we also focus on the layout of the kitchen, as the design should work for your lifestyle,” said David Kallie, MCR, CKBR, CAPS, president and CEO of Dimension Inc. “There are a few general, basic layouts used in recent kitchen remodels that will give you some inspiration.”
When making decisions on your next kitchen remodel, layouts can:
Make the Most of the Space
If you’re working with a small area or are the only cook in the kitchen, a one-wall or gallery kitchen layout will most likely work best. One-wall kitchens feature all appliances and cabinets on one exterior wall, while a gallery kitchen has parallel countertops and walls with a walkway between them.
“Much can be done in a small space,” said David. “Consider vertical storage, like overhead pot racks, wall hooks, and open shelves to store small appliances or extra dishware. That will maximize the already limited countertop space.”
Play with Shapes
Kitchen layouts that are driven by certain shapes bode well in larger homes. The two most popular layouts of this type are the L-shaped kitchen and the U-shaped kitchen. The L-shaped layout involves two perpendicular countertops, while a U-shaped kitchen has three walls of appliances and cabinetry.
“The great advantage of these layouts is the ability to design multiple work zones within the space,” David said. “An important piece in determining these work zones is where to place your appliances. The stove, sink, and refrigerator should all be within an arm’s length of each other. It doesn’t make sense to grab food from the fridge only to carry it the entire length of the kitchen to cook it on the stove.”
Add Room
“Many modern kitchen layouts center around an island,” David said. “An island is multifunctional; you can use it as an extra work surface (with a sink placed inside the island itself), another storage area, and a place to eat.”
Islands do require room, however. There should be enough room to pass the island when the oven, refrigerator, or dishwasher doors are open, but it should be close enough to reach it from each appliance.
If space is a luxury in your kitchen, consider a peninsula counter. This counter juts out from the wall, giving you room without sacrificing a big space in the middle of the kitchen.
“Ultimately, when determining the kitchen layout, many decisions will affect function and style,” said David. “The best choices will depend on the size and shape of your space and how you intend to use it.”
When you’re ready to make your kitchen more efficient, contact Dimension Design-Build-Remodel at 262-402-6602 or email davidkallie@dimension-dbr.com.