Designing a kitchen isn’t just about creating a space that looks beautiful - it’s about making sure it works perfectly with the way you live
Whether you’re preparing family meals or hosting friends, your kitchen’s layout will determine how smoothly everything flows. From maximising small spaces to enhancing functionality with a well-planned work triangle, finding the perfect layout can transform your cooking experience. In this blog, we’ll explore how different kitchen layouts, sizes, and design elements can make a lasting impact on your daily life, ensuring your kitchen is both stylish and practical.
Which kitchen layout is best?
When it comes to creating a functional kitchen, the layout is key.
While colour and style might catch your eye, it is ultimately the design and flow of your kitchen that will determine how well it performs.
A great kitchen layout considers every detail of the space – how the appliances, sinks, cabinets, benchtops, windows, doors and furniture such as tables and chairs are positioned.
Getting this right ensures your kitchen isn’t just beautiful, but also practical and efficient for everyday use.
“Form follows function” is a design principle associated with 20th century modernist architecture which states that the structure (of a kitchen) should primarily relate to its intended purpose or function. In other words, the function and layout of the kitchen is more important than how it looks.
Does size really matter?
Good things often come in small packages, and kitchens are no exception.
While large luxurious kitchens may look impressive, they are costly and can often have hidden drawbacks. A smaller well-designed kitchen can be just as functional and far more convenient.
The decision-making process can be overwhelming. A smaller kitchen, with fewer design decisions can simplify things. However, a larger kitchen is perfect for entertaining. You can cook, eat, chat, and drink without feeling isolated from your guests.
What makes a great kitchen design?
A great design starts with the work triangle - the relationship between the three major work zones: the sink, the cooktop, and the fridge. These three key zones should be considered and positioned to allow smooth unobstructed movement between the zones. The pantry storage area should be conveniently located within the work triangle. A well-planned work triangle streamlines your workflow, making your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.
When designing your kitchen, it's essential to consider the space around the working triangle and between different work areas. Think about the distance between walkway aisles, seating clearances, and food preparation zones on your benchtop. Ensure there's enough space to unload your groceries or plate up your dishes at mealtimes.
Existing Services
Most of us have a budget to work with. To keep renovation costs down, try to keep major appliances in their current spots. Moving a sink requires a plumber to relocate pipes, which adds to the costs. The same goes for your oven and cooktop - re-wiring can be expensive. Keeping services in the same location will limit your design options but save you money.
Common Layout Styles
Kitchen with Island
An island kitchen is a layout that includes a freestanding counter in the centre of the kitchen. This island can serve multiple purposes: it can be used for food preparation, dining, or even as a social hub where people can gather and interact while cooking. Island kitchens require ample space to accommodate the island itself and ensure there is enough room to move around comfortably.
Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen features a narrow passage between two parallel walls, making it highly functional. Originally used on ships for efficiency, this design is also popular in restaurant kitchens. It's a great choice for small homes needing a compact and efficient layout.
U shape Kitchen
The U shape kitchen is a small and efficient design, similar to a galley kitchen but with an additional wall of space. This turns the rectangular galley kitchen into a square, providing more storage and work area.
G shape Kitchen
The G shape kitchen is ideal if you need an island but lack the space for one. This layout adds an extra return leg of benchtop to the U-shape design, creating a shape that resembles the letter "G." The additional bench space is usually positioned at a right angle, providing more counter space and functionality within a compact area.
L shape Kitchen
The L shape kitchen is popular in open plan spaces. It features two main walls forming an L shape, with one wall longer than the other. The longer wall typically holds the refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and cabinetry, while the shorter wall may contain the stovetop, oven, extra bench space, and additional cabinetry. This layout maximises efficiency and allows for easy movement within the kitchen.
Looking for personalised advice to create your perfect kitchen? Get in touch today and let’s bring your vision to life!