An in-depth look at kitchen layouts

In our previous blog, we took a look at how you could get the best layout for your kitchen. We touched on some of the most popular layouts: galley, island, L-shape, U-shape, one wall layout and the peninsula. This time, we are taking a more in-depth look at kitchen layouts so you can have a better understanding as to which kitchen layout may work best for you.

Galley

The Galley kitchen layout is typically chosen when you have a smaller space to work with, as it helps to maximise wall space and keep your kitchen neat and tidy.

It is normally in a double format, with cabinets running along each side of the room and provides the perfect layout in which to implement the ‘golden triangle’ of your sink, fridge and cooker.

If you have a dining end to your kitchen, or seating area, this layout can allow the flow of traffic through the kitchen easily.

When it comes to galley kitchen designs it’s all about the Goldilocks principle; not too big or too small, but just right! Too narrow and you won’t have enough space to manoeuvre, but too wide and you’ll find you struggle to reach things efficiently.

To create the perfect galley layout, start by thinking about your triangle. One wall will need to have two appliances on, while the other will have one. Think about the appliances that you would like – are you going for a full height fridge? A tall bank of ovens – and how does this fit with the rest of your cabinets.

Are you a lover of symmetry? With Galley kitchens, you can choose between symmetrical or asymmetrical counters. A symmetrical kitchen is where both counters will mirror each other as closely as possible, whereas an asymmetrical allows for more freedom and creativity. You could choose to play with the levels, add in a tall pantry-style cupboard or even change up the colours.

Island

An island kitchen layout is a kitchen that features a freestanding workspace which typically makes itself at home in the centre of a kitchen. In the 21^st century, kitchen islands can have many different functions, from providing additional surface and prep space, to hosting you sink, hob, and informal dining space. We also can’t forget that they can offer much needed extra storage space with large, deep cupboards.

As island have some prominence in kitchen design, many owners will already have an idea as to how the island element needs to work for them. What they choose will be a personal choice but experienced designers will ensure that the island delivers a vision in the most stylish way possible.

How cabinets are laid out around the island is a personal choice and will often be dictated by your walls. It might be you end up with an l-shaped + island or one wall + island. Either way, more often than not, your island will be the star of the show within this layout.

L-shape

L-shaped kitchens offer a lot of flexibility, and they work in almost any size and shape space. Depending on how you decide to lay out the L-shape, it can offer either closed or open plan living, if your room is big enough.

This layout is great for maximising wall and floor space, offering huge amounts of storage while ensuring that your space doesn’t feel overcrowded or cramped. This is why this shape works so well in smaller kitchens and apartments.

The L-shape kitchen layout still makes it possible to have the ‘golden’ triangle of your fridge, sink and cooker, but it may have to have a flatter side. However, it is still easy to create a space that has a convenient layout, you’ll just have two on the same counter.

As this shape helps to create a sense of space, it lends itself to being adventurous with colour – which can be a good thing if you wish to be daring!

U-shape

A U-shaped kitchen has three adjoining worktops along successive walls of the room. The advantage of this style is that you have an unbroken flow of worktops and unites that make it a practical and space-efficient kitchen layout. It is considered to be one of the most practical kitchen layouts, as well as the most popular, as it is easy to work in the triangle of appliances.

Each side doesn’t have to be the same length as the other and will often depend on the length of your walls as to how long your run of cabinets are. While more suited to larger spaces, it can also work in smaller kitchens. You’ll need to try and ensure that you have at least 1.5 metres of floor space between opposing units, so that it doesn’t feel too cramped and that you can comfortably open up cupboard doors. You’ll also need to consider how many people might be in the same, especially at busy times of the day.

One wall layout

This will often be the layout that you’ll choose if you live in an apartment, and you need to save space for a larger living area. Or one wall layout can be alongside an island to create your own layout.

The golden triangle will occupy the same wall, which still works. As you’ll be working with a smaller space, it means that you may be limited on your storage. Designers will be able to help you maximise what you have by looking at storage such as a pantry, tall wall units and potentially even look at additional ceiling-mounted shelving unit.

Peninsula

A peninsula kitchen is a u-shaped kitchen with an additional fourth counter. This kitchen layout is useful for people who want to maximise their kitchen space for counter and cupboard use, but don’t have the room for an island, which typically requires more space surrounding it.

This kitchen layout is great for maximising efficiency of space as you get additional worktops and storage space. As kitchen/diners have grown in popularity, this style of layout can be great for helping to provide a more distinct separation between their kitchen and living area. The small peninsula of the fourth counter can add a barrier between the kitchen and lounge.

While this style of kitchen is a great alternative when people can’t fit in an island, too smaller space and even this layout can make your kitchen feel cramped. Think about footfall at different times of the day and whether this layout will have a negative effect.

As with all layouts, think about your golden triangle. Stick with the principals of the u-shaped kitchen and choose three connecting sides as this helps the space to flow better and the 4^th side could be used as more of an informal eating area.

Whatever the space of the room, our designers are well-versed in creating the perfect kitchen layout for you. For more information, please visit our showroom.

Davonport kitchens start at £40,000.