When it comes to redesigning a kitchen one element must be decided on before colors, cabinets, appliances or even lighting come into play – and that element is the layout. Kitchen layouts haven’t evolved much over the last few decades because the kitchen hasn’t expanded beyond two uses: cooking and entertaining. Depending on the home’s structure and the family’s needs, homeowners can change the layout of the kitchen to suit their exact needs. Continue reading for the pros and cons of each type of kitchen layout.
Galley or Corridor Kitchen
A galley kitchen originated on Navy ships when space and storage were at a minimum and only one cook was required to feed the crew. Galley kitchen layouts are always two parallel workspaces facing each other, and a cook can easily reach the fridge, oven and sink from one area. Galley layouts are very common in small homes.
The negative aspects of galley kitchens are that they can be tight and not very well lit because of their narrowness. Homeowners who can’t change their galley layout should optimize the space with great lighting and bright colors to make the space seem brighter. Another way to combat the tight space is to bring the top cabinets up higher, drawing the eye up and giving the illusion of a bigger space.
Homeowners who want to open up the space can cut out the interior wall, creating a pass through, or they can remove the top of the wall to create a bar/counter with lower cabinet, which will help to open up the space to the rest of the home.
L- Shaped Kitchen
L-shaped kitchens are exactly what they sound like, with a longer wall used for much of the cabinetry and workspace while a smaller space at the end is used for more cabinets or a peninsula. An L-shaped kitchen gives the most versatility within a kitchen and can offer room to homeowners to add a small dining table or breakfast nook. It also works best for families who don’t have formal dining rooms. If this style of kitchen doesn’t offer enough workspace, then with enough room, an island can be added.
U- Shaped Kitchen
Another common kitchen layout is the U-shape. These kitchens are meant to create a triangle effect, which helps the cook keep everything she may need within arm’s reach while cooking. For some people the setup works great, but in other homes, loading the dishwasher while trying to open the refrigerator door causes a collision. Homeowners should plan and measure the location of appliances carefully to create an even, uninterrupted flow within the space.
This layout is great if you need additional counter or storage space. It also opens up your kitchen to the rest of the home to entertain guests and create an additional eating space. A U-shaped kitchen in a small house has its limitations, however, and you might need to redesign your kitchen with the next layout to extend the space.
G-Shaped Kitchen
Another traditional layout for kitchen is the G-shape, which is just an upgraded ‘U’ with a peninsula attached to one of the legs, creating the letter G. Much like U-shaped kitchens, this layout opens up into another room, typically the dining or living room, and offers homeowners a chance to cook and entertain at the same time. This type of kitchen is great for conducting cocktail parties or when preparing a meal while watching over small kids playing nearby. Also, placement of appliances is less cumbersome because it becomes less likely that one will interfere with the other. If you have the space for this type of layout, it can fit any family’s needs and requirements.
Changing or updating the layout of your home should be done by a professional because it may involve moving or redoing plumbing, gas lines and electrical lines. Those aren’t undertakings for the average weekend warrior. If you want help redesigning or building a new kitchen, then contact Statewide Remodeling today to schedule a free in-home estimation.
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