How to Draw Up a Kitchen Plan

Looking to remodel and demand new kitchen layout ideas? This professional pattern advice will help y'all make the most of your kitchen floor infinite.

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and you can exist spoilt for choice with kitchen layouts and formation options when starting out on a project. The key is to take things slowly, and retrieve carefully near how you employ and movement inside the infinite.

Also consider how you lot run into your family might use the room in the future. It may exist all about food prep now. Just down the line, information technology may need to double as identify to finish homework, a 'teaching area' where your kids acquire to broil, or a sophisticated entertaining spot.

Practicality is central for kitchen ideas, and the shape you select should be able not simply to accommodate your lifestyle, but raise it. We've got plenty of food for thought, then go ahead and dive into our layout options.

Kitchen layout ideas

Our guide will explore all the primal kitchen layout ideas, but first, clue yourself upwards on the half-dozen cardinal kitchen layouts that volition likely form the base of your space...

What are the six types of kitchen layouts?

There are six cardinal kitchen layouts:

• The galley layout
• The 50-shaped layout
• The U-shaped layout
• The island layout
• The peninsula layout
• The one-wall kitchen

1. Let your habits dictate the layout

(Epitome credit: Harvey Jones)

'Every aspect of the kitchen, how information technology works and how it is used is based around the layout,' says Emerge Hinks, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones. 'When starting to plan a kitchen, the first matter you must call back virtually is how you lot're going to be using the space, as this will dictate what you need to include. Is your kitchen purely for cooking or will you exist entertaining, too?

'Will the space be used equally a working from abode spot or will the kids be doing their homework in there? It's too important to wait at the existing features of the room. In many cases, doors, thoroughfares and windows set the parameters of the layout out and guide suitable options. Many people like to situate their kitchen to make the most of a lovely view outside or to take heart-phase in an open plan infinite, which can be a useful starting point.'

2. Recall: practicality

(Prototype credit: Benjamin Johnston Blueprint)

'The main thing to go on in listen during the layout planning procedure is practicality,' says Sally Hinks. 'Think advisedly about which parts of the kitchen you're gong to be using the most from a cooking perspective and how easily you lot can move betwixt them. Apply the kitchen triangle method as a guide and focus on the refrigerator, sink and cooker as the cadre elements when mapping out your space.'

iii. Utilize the galley layout for space efficiency

(Epitome credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Galley kitchens are one of the nearly space-efficient layouts you tin can cull. They are ideal for keen cooks, and perfect for maximizing storage and work surface space in smaller kitchens. This super-efficient layout is ideal if you lot are looking for small kitchen ideas that maximize every inch of space.

Allison Lynch, of kitchen design company Roundhouse, says: 'A galley kitchen usually occupies a relatively pocket-size infinite – they are often a walkway between 2 rooms. An ideal length would be 3.5 – 5m with space either side of the door opening to let at least a standard depth countertop.

'Although they tend to be quite minor, they are very ergonomic spaces with everything usually within arms' achieve – with, ideally, the sink one side and the hob on the other.'

Placing these 2 important elements centrally inside each run of units is the all-time approach, with the dishwasher on the sink side of the run and the refrigerator on the side of the hob.

(Image credit: Amanda Evans Interiors)

U-shaped kitchens are an ultra-practical option. They are comprised of countertops on 3 connecting sides, assuasive enough of room for cooking.

Information technology's one of the nigh efficient layouts to have in both small-scale and open plan homes alike, and the easiest way to achieve the ergonomic triangle that is so oft talked about in kitchen pattern – where your fridge, cooker and sink are all within easy reach of one another.

It as well hands allows for two cooks in the kitchen at once for a squad dinner-making effort.

Allison Lynch says: 'U-shaped kitchen ideas work best in spaces ideally from 3 – 3.5m, simply remember that the bigger the space the more crossing the room you have to do.'

Larger kitchens can often adapt the add-on of a central isle, too, like in this example by Amanda Evans Interiors. With plenty of room for cabinetry and congenital-in appliances around the border, the island provides a casual seating area and additional preparation space.

5. Honey your corners with an L-shaped layout

(Prototype credit: Davide Lovatti)

The well-nigh mutual layout is some sort of L-shape, with at least i straight run. The classic design uses two adjoining walls of a room to permit a continuous flow of worktops and cabinets.

The key expanse is kept complimentary, so yous can enjoy a spacious experience or add together an island for extra worktop space and storage.

'L-shaped kitchens are a classic, timeless design,' say the team at Magnet. 'And the open up floor space information technology creates allows the kitchen to be accessible from any bending.'

vi. Create distinct zones with an island layout

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Large kitchens and big families can really benefit from utilizing kitchen island ideas to add extra storage and preparation space.

Multi-use spaces are increasingly sought afterwards, and an isle can be used to set up dinner while also keeping an eye on the kids, as well as doubling upward as a socialising expanse, work infinite, or homework desk-bound.

'The benefit of an island layout is that information technology is bully for zoning in open up plan areas, which is what most people opt for today,' says Roundhouse'southward Allison Lynch. 'It's a good piece of social piece of furniture and effectively creates two different spaces, i for cooking and one for prep, with one person at the island and the other at the worktop.

'Another big benefit in an open program space is that an isle can be fabricated to await more than like a piece of furniture.

'An island allows free motion all the way effectually, and people can enter the space from different directions. It can experience less monolithic, a much lighter piece of article of furniture than a peninsula, and with judicious use of plinth lighting it can be fabricated to wait like information technology is floating.'

7. Utilise a peninsula to disrupt a thoroughfare

(Image credit: Future / Manolo Yllera)

A kitchen isle is wonderful, but if information technology volition create a natural passage through the cooking infinite from one area to some other, such as from the hallway through the kitchen into a garden, a peninsula may be a amend option.

'Consider alternatives to a kitchen island, even if yous accept space,' advises Homes & Gardens' acquaintance editor Busola Evans. 'A peninsula, for instance, can provide many of the benefits of an isle without interrupting the cooking workflow.'

eight. Choose an 50-shaped layout for a party kitchen

(Image credit: Marlaina Teich Designs/Patrick Cline)

If your kitchen tends to be the life and soul of the political party, cull a layout that will accommodate abundant entertaining. The open up nature of an 50-shaped kitchen ways lots of infinite for guests to gather in the opposite side of the kitchen to where the units are based.

As demonstrated in this home with interior design by Marlaina Teich, it is besides a great choice for kitchen diner ideas, and open programme spaces that merge into a living area. This kitchen boasts a dining area off 1 side and a living room off another – the L-shaped layout keeps the kitchen neatly tucked in ane corner, while the added island provides connexion to the other spaces.

ix. Consider appliances early on in your layout plans

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

'Some other factor that will affect your kitchen layout is the type of appliances and tall cabinetry you desire to comprise,' says kitchen designer Emerge Hinks. Alpine cabinetry and appliances look strongest standing solitary or on the end of a chiffonier run, then this can dictate potential layouts during the initial stage.'

10. Brand the nearly of a modest space

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

'When designing small kitchen layouts, choose your appliances wisely,' says kitchen designer Emerge Hinks. 'Any big appliances such as washer dryers that can multi-chore are worth considering. Furthermore, integrating appliances wherever possible volition open up upward the infinite visually and create cleaner lines. Smaller appliances such every bit coffee makers and microwaves can be housed in cabinets to free up valuable countertop infinite, keep surfaces clear from bulky devices and create a more minimal artful.'

11. Brand the most of natural low-cal in small kitchens

(Image credit: Emily J Followill/Beth Webb Interiors)

Galley kitchen styles may be great for modest spaces and ergonomically sound for keen cooks, but they can take a reputation for beingness a niggling night and pokey. To counter this predicament, exist sure to make the almost of any natural light coming into the space when planning a kitchen.

In this instance with interiors past Beth Webb, a window at the short end of the galley has been extended to stretch from flooring to ceiling. The window on the right hand side is free from the constraints of upper level cupboards, significant that calorie-free can travel freely into the rest of the kitchen.

12. Create a 'Chef's Table' experience with a long island

(Image credit: Richard Felix-Ashman Design/Aaron Leitz)

For serious foodies, cooking and serving dinner is the main issue, especially when entertaining guests with as strong culinary inclinations. Upgrade your island's seating area from a coincidental breakfast bar to a full-blown dining expanse, by choosing a larger-than-life isle that tin can accommodate a dinner party.

Bringing guests into the kitchen space can assistance create a unique 'Chef's Tabular array' feel, as demonstrated in this stunning kitchen in a bar conversion by Richard Felix-Ashman. A large kitchen for entertaining, it too hosts two dining tables for when you want to give a more intimate feeling to a gathering.

13. Bring personality to an open-plan space

(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)

'Open-plan kitchens can easily feel disjointed if the dissimilar areas aren't carefully linked,' explains kitchen designer Sally Hinks. 'Kitchen islands and peninsulas are a good choice to bring the kitchen out into the room, while accommodating seating areas inside an island is a cracking way of tying dining areas and kitchen spaces together.'

14. Continue kitchen layouts simple to enhance space

(Image credit: Ginny Macdonald/Sara Tramp)

'Using light kitchen color ideas and mirrored backsplashes will open up spaces,' says Allison Lynch. 'Keep things simple. In galley kitchens in particular, go along alpine cupboards for dry out food storage and the refrigerator to the ends of the room, and perhaps express to one side but not both.

'Likewise many details will crowd the space – keep to simple make clean lines and lose the ataxia.'

fifteen. Pick storage that's truly ergonomic

(Image credit: Neptune)

Never underestimate the importance of good kitchen storage ideas. Nerine Vacher, kitchen designer at Neptune Fulham in London, advises: 'Effective storage is 1 of the simplest ways to create a happy and homely kitchen.

'By including a single piece of furniture, like our Suffolk larder (above), a bi-fold cabinet, or even an isle, you tin can completely transform your kitchen, by creating more surface space and keeping clutter out of sight.'

H&G'south Busola Evans adds: 'Ensure your bottom units are drawers rather than cabinets. Deep drawers are a more than efficient use of space and give easier access to items at the dorsum.'

sixteen. Consider the second work triangle, as well

(Epitome credit: Rikki Snyder)

'I've moved house seven times – and designed seven new kitchens for myself,' says H&G's Editor in Master Lucy Searle. 'Plus, I've interviewed endless kitchen designers over the years, both for my kitchen remodels, and professionally.

'In fourth dimension, I've realised that in that location's a 2d kitchen work triangle that no one talks nearly overtly – simply it's really important.

'The 2nd kitchen work triangle is between the kitchen sink, the bin(s) and the dishwasher. These three elements need to exist as close to 1 another equally possible to brand tidying up afterwards dinner every bit like shooting fish in a barrel equally possible. You want to scrape plates, rinse them and stack them all in 1 easy move, without pacing upwardly and down the length of the kitchen.

'If yous can ensure that the dining area is towards that end of the kitchen when planning its layout, too, you'll find information technology makes life even easier.'

17. Piece of work out storage zones

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

When planning your kitchen layout, ane cardinal aspect is to consider how yous desire to use the kitchen and where you desire items to exist stored.

Naturally, heavy pots and pans should be kept in lower cabinets, and within easy reach of your oven and hob.

Likewise, mugs should never be also far away from your kettle. In this open program kitchen, the dining table is in the same space as the kitchen area, then the addition of a tall dresser provides storage for crockery and cutlery, to make laying the table quick and easy.

18. Put in a pantry

(Prototype credit: Sustainable Kitchens)

Larder or pantry ideas separated from the remainder of your kitchen tin can help continue things clear and tidy, as they are an platonic space to keep store cupboard staples and baking equipment.

In this barn conversion projection, the ceilings were low and natural light was limited, so a walk-in pantry was designed by Sustainable Kitchens. Information technology has internal windows and under-counter cabinets simply, and then that it feels bright and continued to the rest of the kitchen. Automatic lighting makes it actress brilliant inside.

xix. Maximize storage and workspace

(Paradigm credit: Burbridge Kitchens)

Most Fifty-shaped kitchens are fitted onto adjacent walls of a room, creating a practical corner pattern. They provide enough of work surface as well as storage, though exist mindful of where the ii runs of cabinetry meet – the addition of pull-out drawers or an internal carousel will help to avoid wasting useful storage infinite.

Consider keeping wall cabinets to 1 side of an Fifty-shaped layout, opting for open shelving on the other and so as not to make the room feel overcrowded. If infinite allows, y'all could add together a dining table.

twenty. Use your alcoves

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

Y'all are probable to inherit some unusual nooks in older country properties, so taking a flexible approach to your kitchen design may be necessary.

Look for alcoves and recesses that you tin build storage into and toss out the thought of a conventional fixed layout. Add together single runs of cabinetry wherever they fit best in the infinite you have to work with, incorporating your appliances in between.

To add together to this flexible approach, become for a portable kitchen island or freestanding isle design – units on legs open up the amount of flooring space on show and tin be moved around if needed, besides.

21. Build banquette seating

(Image credit: Martin Moore )

Banquette seating ideas mean you tin fit more seating into the bachelor space when information technology is built in to the design of your kitchen.

The fitted, upholstered benches not only provide storage beneath, just are a clever manner to hide any unsightly wires or pipework. 'These are a necessary evil that may have to exist boxed in to exist concealed,' says Daniela Condo, designer at Life Kitchens. 'See if services can exist re-routed inside bulkheads, voids or under the plinth of the kitchen.'

22. Enjoy layout flexibility with freestanding furniture

(Epitome credit: Sebastian Cox X deVOL)

Often plant in rustic-way homes, gratuitous-standing piece of furniture offers a more flexible arroyo to kitchen design. It's a relaxed look, enabling you to add single runs of cabinets around the kitchen to create your ideal layout, incorporating your appliances in between.

This mix-and-match method works particularly well in older, state-style properties where the room may exist unusually shaped. Paired with complementary wall-hung cabinets, a run of wooden free-standing cabinets will provide ample storage for modest kitchens, as seen in this example by deVOL.

23. Blueprint around a table

(Paradigm credit: Harvey Jones)

A kitchen-diner layout is ideal for busy family households, where both the cooking and dining zones sit within the same design.

'When planning a kitchen, have inspiration from the existing features in the room, such every bit doors, thoroughfares and windows,' says Sally Hinks, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones. 'Looking at these elements will aid you site the tabular array in the best possible position.'

24. Go with the menstruation

(Image credit: Naked Kitchens)

'Always walk through the plan in your listen to ensure it flows well and works efficiently, making sure that you tin can easily and fully access appliances so there are no compression points,' says Jayne Everett, creative director of Naked Kitchens.

'If you go for an island, make certain in that location's enough infinite around information technology to pass through and open cabinets,' she adds. It's the well-planned, seamless flow around the U-shaped layout and the double-ended island that makes this kitchen design work well.

25. Make the most of a large kitchen

(Paradigm credit: Magnet)

It'due south easy to be spoilt for choice when considering kitchen layout ideas for a big area, but don't overlook one of the most pop layouts, the U-shape, which can be the perfect friction match for a generously sized kitchen.

To suit the open space, this detail layout is comprised of worktops on three connecting sides to let for ample room for cooking. This design – past Magnet – is created for high efficiency cooking and accommodates the 'working triangle' perfectly, meaning you can easily move between the 3 key cooking components, sink, oven and refrigerator.

This kitchen layout encourages smooth food preparation, plenty of applied storage space and allows 2 chefs to be operating at one time, making mealtimes a real team effort. Information technology also incorporates a peninsula breakfast bar thought, so visitors aren't excluded from the activeness.

26. Include an island in a different color

(Image credit: LochAnna Kitchens)

With open programme living proving increasingly pop, islands today come in a range of styles, functions and sizes to suit your space. Offering the possibility of extra room for 
both cooking and seating, they can help plough a kitchen into the hub of the dwelling house.

To make an island the focal indicate, choose one in a different color from the remainder of your cabinetry, every bit shown in this traditional kitchen design that combines earthy dark-brown and off-white.

The length of this island allows a variety of different elements to be included, including a sink and aplenty storage.

27. Create the centre of a family unit kitchen

(Image credit: Futurity plc / Darren Chung)

To necktie a family kitchen together, the addition of an isle can exist the last piece to the puzzle. Usually suited to medium-to-large sized kitchen layout ideas, an island tin can contribute valuable extra storage and worktop space that'south so sought after by big families.

When prepping meals at the island, parents tin keep one eye on dinner and one on the kids, too. Then in the evenings it tin can transform into a dining table or even an office and homework gild, offering the family unit a place to take hold of upward and congregate, similar the multi-purpose island in this stylish grey kitchen.

(Prototype credit: Time to come)

If your U-shape is more generous, it'south worth sticking to the work triangle principle every bit closely equally possible, simply ensuring the three of import elements are grouped on just 2 sides of the kitchen, with the 3rd side given over to kitchen storage.

'If your kitchen's 3rd side is an isle, like the 1 to a higher place, storing cutlery, plates, communist china – in fact whatsoever items use use for dining – is the all-time option,' advises Homes and Gardens' Editor in Main Lucy Searle.

'If you are keen, unflappable cooks who like to entertain regularly, having the hob on that unit with the cookware you need below will also work brilliantly – and be much more sociable.'

How do I pattern a kitchen layout?

To avoid any plush kitchen blueprint mistakes, the starting time step is to recall carefully nigh how yous movement within the space and how you lot see your family unit using the room in the time to come – and this is where the well-known kitchen work triangle comes into play.

'The "work triangle" is the common sense principle that a kitchen plan revolves effectually the location of the sink, cooker and fridge and that the kitchen plan should be based on the most efficient workflow using these elements,' says Adrian Bergman, senior designer at British Standard by Patently English.

'This is, of course truthful, particularly in a busy kitchen, but at that place tin be other considerations such as aesthetics and respect for the architecture of a room, so there are occasions where we might stretch the layout rules to achieve a effect that pleases the middle likewise equally the encephalon.'

Adrian continues: 'Usually, the size and shape of the room will suggest the best kitchen layout ideas, but ofttimes there is a choice and there are pros and cons to each; a single long run, for example, can look smart but means a lot of walking between elements and the fact that guests will exist looking at the chef's back while they cook.

'I find that the best approach is to mock up and test any kitchen layout ideas in the actual space using battens and trestles, or with blocks of newspaper on the floor to stand for the cupboards and appliances.'

Ailis started out at British GQ, where a month of work experience turned into 18 months of working on all sorts of projects, writing about everything from motorsport to interiors, and helping to put together the GQ Food & Drink Awards. She and so spent 3 years at the London Evening Standard, covering restaurants and bars. After a catamenia of freelancing, writing about food, drink and homes for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Luxury London and Departures, she started at Homes & Gardens as a Digital Author, assuasive her to fully indulge her dearest of adept interior pattern. She is now a fully fledged food PR simply still writes for Homes & Gardens every bit a contributing editor.

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Source: https://www.homesandgardens.com/ideas/kitchen-layout-ideas