The traditional work triangle that separates the sink, range and refrigerator has evolved into a more practical "work zone" concept. The home's kitchen layout includes a spacious center island with sink that helps to define the open kitchen from the rest of the home's great room. "We have gone from the traditional kitchen, where one person prepared meals to a multi-purpose room and a multiple-cook room, and this evolution has changed us from looking at one work triangle to multiple triangles, or 'zones,'" says Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Inc. "With that in mind, we have to increase clearances and look at adding comfortable spaces in the kitchen." Still, these tried-and-true kitchen layouts still apply to today's lifestyles—with modifications.Originally called the "Pullman kitchen," the one-wall kitchen layout is generally found in studio or loft spaces because it’s the ultimate space saver. Cabinets and appliances are fixed on a single wall. Most modern designs also include an island, which evolves the space into a sort of Galley style with a walk-through corridor.
Download a sample floorplan.This efficient, “lean” layout is ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook kitchens. The galley kitchen, also called a walk-through kitchen, is characterized by two walls opposite of each other—or two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them. Galleys make the best use of every square inch of space, and there are no troublesome corner cabinets to configure, which can add to a cabinetry budget. An L-shaped kitchen solves the problem of maximizing corner space, and it’s a smart design for small and medium sized kitchens. The versatile L-shaped kitchen consists of countertops on two adjoining walls that are perpendicular, forming an L. The “legs” of the L can be as long as you want, though keeping them less than 12 to 15 feet will allow you to efficiently use the space. With an L-shaped layout, you’ll eliminate traffic: The kitchen will not become a thoroughfare because it’s just not logistically possible. Plus, you can easily add a dining space and multiple work zones to this layout.
However, avoid this layout if your kitchen is large and can support other configurations, such as adding an island, or if multiple cooks will be using the space. The horseshoe, or U-shape, kitchen layout has three walls of cabinets/appliances. Today, this design has evolved from three walls to an L-shaped kitchen with an island forming the third “wall.” “This design works well because it allows for traffic flow and workflow around the island,” says Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Inc. “You can get more cooks into the kitchen.” A working kitchen island may include appliances and cabinetry for storage—and it always adds additional work surface to a kitchen. It can provide a place to eat (with stools), to prepare food (with a sink) and to store beverages (with a wine cooler). The island can turn a one-wall kitchen into a galley style, and an L-shaped layout into a horseshoe. Kitchen islands are incredibly functional, but the No. 1 misperception about islands is that everyone ought to have one.
The reality is, many kitchens simply don’t have enough clearance to include this feature. A peninsula kitchen is basically a connected island, converting an L-shaped layout into a horseshoe, or turning a horseshoe kitchen into a G-shaped design. Peninsulas function much like islands but offer more clearance in kitchens that do not allow appropriate square footage for a true island. Kitchen Layout Options and Ideas Kitchen Island Countertop Considerations Kitchen Island Design Ideas Kitchen Islands: Options for Your Kitchen Space Kitchen Island Components and Accessories Kitchen Island Color OptionsWith small kitchen layouts, it's not how much space you have; it's what you do with it. From a narrow galley-style to an eat-in kitchen, here are design solutions for configuring your small kitchen for maximum efficiency and style. A smart kitchen design layout can make any gourmet feel right at home cooking in cramped quarters. Case in point: the galley layout, which shapes the kitchen into a narrow aisle.
By situating the cabinetry and appliances against opposite walls, full-height cabinets are a good option for taking full advantage of your wall real estate. Another idea for a small kitchen layout is to consider exposed cabinetry. The open shelving establishes an airy feel to the room. Further this goal of creating the idea of roominess in your galley kitchen design by slapping a fresh coat of white or light-colored paint on the walls and cabinets. The uniformity of monochromatic colors creates the impression of spaciousness in a tight space. Tying your small kitchen's style to that of the adjoining room, whether by flooring, cabinetry, or color, is another tip for making the compact space appear larger through a sense of unity. For those extra-small kitchens found in studio apartments or mobile homes, the key layout tasks are paring down to the bare necessities, concealing features and integrating multi-tasking elements. First, eliminate the extras. Exchange pendant lights for recessed lighting and swap space-hogging appliances for models that can be tucked in drawers.
Secondly, make a place for everything and put everything in its place. To this end, consider a pullout pantry or extend a windowsill for an extra storage perch. So that your tiny kitchen layout works double-duty, install a retractable eat-in peninsula that doubles as counter/dining space. Opt for chairs that also serve as seating in the living room. Who says tiny kitchens can't yield big results? Every culinary headquarters needs a space for dining. Whether you have an island or a peninsula, utilize this surface in your small kitchen design for cooking prep, dining and as a buffet for entertaining. Bringing in an island on casters provides a mobile dining space when you need, it and it can be rolled away when you don't. Another idea for designing an eat-in space in your small kitchen is to install a built-in booth to accommodate the tight space. With a thoughtful design, you can also use the space underneath the seating for extra kitchen storage. Small kitchen designs require some thoughtful planning, not only for the floor plan, but for the seating as well.