When it comes to having a functional kitchen area, it is very important you get your kitchen layout right. Whether you own a large and expansive or small kitchen, having a clever layout will go a long way to help you get the most out of the space.
Arranging a kitchen layout now goes more than just placing cabinetry and furniture. It would be best if you also considered ergonomics and ease of movement inside the kitchen. Your appliances need to be well placed for easy accessibility while you also enjoy comfortable moving around.
Whether you are starting from scratch or just doing remodeling, let us show you all you need to know about designing your perfect space. This article will show you some types of kitchen shapes or layouts and how you can measure your kitchen space for a perfect design.
How to Measure Your Kitchen Space
A good kitchen design begins with having accurate measurements. So you will need to first decide what you want, what you need, what things already exist in your kitchen, and what things you would like to incorporate. All these will help you come up with the perfect layout for your kitchen.
Below are some steps to take to measure your kitchen:
· Sketch your kitchen room on paper. Draw a line representing each wall of the kitchen. Plus, count the number of windows and doors present in the room.
· Begin from one corner and measure the length of your wall. Measure it until you get to a stopping point – whether it be an opening, a break in the wall, or an obstruction. Continue to the other corners and take the wall measurement too.
· Measure the doors and windows. Measure the door height and window height. Also, measure the distance of the window sill from the floor too.
· Measure the height of the ceiling. It would be best if you did this from different areas to be sure the floor is leveled.
Understand the Kitchen Work Triangle
When working in the kitchen, there is usually a regular movement pattern you make. There are three places in the kitchen where you naturally move to perform different tasks. When you move from the sink to the refrigerator to the cooktop, the path you make is what they call the work triangle of your kitchen. When designing your kitchen, the triangle will determine how the kitchen is designed.
So, let’s talk about the different kitchen layouts or kitchen shapes so you can choose one that best resembles your current kitchen.
Different Kitchen Layouts
#1: L-shape kitchen layout
This is the most popular type of kitchen design and works well for a wide range of kitchen sizes. It features workspaces on two walls running perpendicular to each other. The L-shape kitchen layout is perfect for a situation where we have two cooks working simultaneously. They will both work seamlessly, causing no traffic for each other.
#2: U-shape kitchen layout
We consider this design type the most versatile for both small and big kitchens. It surrounds the cooks and allows for more space for storage and countertop. This type of design works well for a situation where you are looking to separate the dining space’s cooking space. It allows for as much storage space as you want.
#3: G-shape kitchen layout
This is like the U-shape layout because it also allows for an extra countertop space and has storage options surround the cook from all sides. Besides what the U-shape layout offers, the G-shape kitchen layout adds a peninsula.
#4: One-wall kitchen layout
If you have a very small home, your best kitchen layout will likely be the one-wall layout. The layout places the sink between the refrigerator and the range for maximum efficiency. When using this type of layout, you need to position your refrigerator so that the door opens away from the kitchen sink.
#5: Gallery kitchen layout
This is also perfect for a small kitchen and does just fine. It allows for easy movement through the kitchen but can cause limited counters and storage space.
#6: Kitchen Island
Do you want to be creative with your kitchen space? This is your chance. The type of countertop material you are using will determine the size of this layout and how much space you have. It would help if you had at least 36″ to 42″ of space surrounding the island. This will allow for easy opening and closing of appliances like a stove and dishwasher.