Get a Fresh Start with a New Kitchen Layout

Is your kitchen design just not working for you? Is it functional but dated? Perhaps your kitchen is still stylish, but you find it difficult to move around, find what you need, and work in the kitchen while entertaining guests? We spend so much time in the kitchen that it’s important to get the design right, and the foundation of every kitchen design is the layout. Read on to find out how to start afresh with a new kitchen layout.

Kitchen layouts come in a variety of configurations, and some may suit the shape or size of your kitchen better than others. Here are a few of the ideal size and layout pairings.

Small Kitchens

If your kitchen is tight on space, then consider a galley style kitchen design. Everything is easily accessed between two close walls. The narrow space often forms a passageway to other parts of the house, making it a busy, homely spot. In a slightly larger galley style kitchen design, you could include an island between the two walls of main kitchen cabinets for extra storage and workspace.

Medium Kitchens

L-Shaped cabinets work best in medium sized kitchens. Two rows of cabinets meet at the corner, allowing ample space for storage. The shape of this kitchen design layout provides space for each countertop to have a different function, meaning you can separate work zones.

Large Kitchens

U-Shaped designs are ideal for spacious kitchens. Three walls hold kitchen cabinets and counters, giving ample workspace plus room for an island in the center. Each countertop has a function, from baking to clean up to space for a coffee bar.

Islands and Peninsulas

If you have room for an island, get one to fit the space available. Make sure your island maximizes the space you have without overpowering it.  Peninsulas are also great for smaller kitchens, where they sit perpendicular to the wall cabinets. Both are invaluable for adding workspace and are the perfect place to gather while prepping food, eating or having coffee. In a very large kitchen, one island might not be enough. Two islands let you work at one and dine at the other, eliminating the need for a kitchen table.

Kitchen Work Zones

Build your kitchen design around how you plan to use the space.  The current trend is to establish work zones where each area has a specific purpose, such as food preparation, a beverage station, baking, and dining or entertaining.  Once you’ve established your required work zones your kitchen designer will help you create the ideal layout that allows these zones to work in harmony in your kitchen.  When deciding on where to put appliances, configure your workspace into what is traditionally known as The Kitchen Triangle. This is a design term that simply means the area between the stove, sink and refrigerator. Each of these points must be close enough to each other to access easily. If this is the cornerstone of your kitchen layout, your new design is guaranteed to make life easier.

Lighting

Good lighting makes a big difference to a kitchen layout. Plan each area of your kitchen design, placing task lighting over worktops and mood lighting in places where you relax. Under islands, on shelving, inside display cabinets and over artwork are all places to consider additional illumination in your kitchen remodel.

Storage

It’s important to clear everything out before you plan your layout. Then you can decide what to keep and what to ditch or donate. Assess what you’re keeping and where it should go, so you can design customized storage to take care of everything in your stylish new kitchen remodel.

A new kitchen layout might be just what you need to reinvigorate your kitchen design. Check out our kitchen remodeling gallery to see what could work in your kitchen and call us today to talk to our design experts. Fall is the perfect time for a new kitchen you can entertain in over the holidays, so get started today.