Yet, in the end, it is often the available kitchen space that dictates the layout. Unless yours is a custom-built home, it will have a certain amount and arrangement of space that points you toward a layout. Learn about the basic types of kitchen layouts available within a majority of homes, and how you can make changes within those layouts to make them more visually appealing and functional.
Pros and Cons
Pros
From the standpoint of kitchen functions, the corridor style layout is beneficial because all of the crucial services are within close reach. Corridor-style kitchens are tucked away, leaving more floor space in the home available for other activities.
Cons
One chief disadvantage of corridor kitchens is that they are only kitchens. Due to the tight spacing, it is impossible to fit a dining area or kitchen island in the kitchen. However, due to the close spacing of the two parallel counters, there is no need for an island. Corridor-style kitchens have poor resale value if the home is large enough to accommodate a larger kitchen.
Best For
A corridor or galley kitchen is best for small spaces, especially when those small spaces tend to be long and narrow. Use the corridor kitchen layout in condos, apartments, or rental properties.
Pros and Cons
Pros
An L-shaped kitchen layout utilizes the concept of the kitchen triangle, where workflow is organized in a roughly triangular shape between the stove, refrigerator, and sink. While this is not the only layout to take advantage of the kitchen triangle, the L-shaped layout is the most compact and cost-effective design that uses the kitchen triangle. This layout opens up floor space for the addition of a dining area or an island. Many kitchen cabinet manufacturers have sets of matched base and wall cabinets that form the basis of L-shaped kitchen design.
Cons
Cabinet space in the corner is deep and difficult to access. Therefore, corner cabinet space ends up as a repository for old containers, jars, and other little-used items. One way to combat this problem is to install a lazy susan to cycle items throughout this cavernous space.
Best For
An L-shaped kitchen layout is so versatile that it works in a wide variety of kitchens, particularly kitchens with more of a square shape than a rectangular one. A space of at least 10 feet by 10 feet is required.
Pros and Cons
Pros
One-wall kitchen layouts are simple to design and install. Relative to the high cost of kitchen remodels, a one-wall design is fairly inexpensive because it uses fewer cabinets. While it does not utilize the classic kitchen triangle, its linear design still allows for unimpeded traffic flow.
Cons
Counter space is extremely limited. This problem can be mitigated by installing a kitchen island running parallel to the cabinets. Kitchen services are spaced farther apart than with other types of layouts.
Best For
A one-wall kitchen layout is best for large, open spaces where the kitchen and living room are one. This kitchen outlet hugs against one wall and provides maximum space for other activities in the room. A one-wall kitchen layout can also go the other direction: compactness. When you have a space that has two walls (much like the galley kitchen) but you don’t have enough space to add services on both walls, this can be done as a one-wall kitchen.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The U-shaped kitchen layout is superior to many other layouts because it packs more services into its space. This kitchen layout allows for more upper wall cabinets than other layouts. The open center area of the U-shaped kitchen is usually large enough to place a kitchen island.
Cons
U-shaped kitchen layouts form a dead-end which stops traffic flow within the home. Unless you have adequate space, it can be difficult to squeeze a large enough and truly functional kitchen island into a U-shaped kitchen design.
Best For
A U-shaped kitchen layout is ideal for large kitchen spaces that require a lot of counter and cabinet space.
