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Island kitchen layout
If the space is large enough, an island unit provides a multifunctional space that can work as somewhere to cook, prep, eat and entertain. It can act as a ‘bridge’, cutting down on leg work between workstations, and, in a large room, it makes the most of unused space.
Design tips Consider incorporating a hob and sink as well as a dishwasher, wine cooler and recycling bin. There should be plenty of room left over for decent storage, too. Make sure there’s at least one metre between the island and all the cabinetry surrounding it, so that you can open all doors and drawers.
Add a worktop overhang to create a breakfast bar seating area, or a stepped-down surface for an informal dining table.
Galley kitchen layout
Why choose it? It’s the ideal layout for narrow rooms, but is also a popular option in open-plan spaces where a long island runs parallel to the units along one wall. Though it’s traditionally long and narrow, it can be exceptionally functional if planned correctly.
Design tips Try to separate the cooking zone from the wet area with a length of worktop in between – the worktop in total should be at least three metres long.
Aim for at least 1.2m between facing doors and include an efficient triangular cooking zone with the fridge on one wall and the sink and hob opposite (or a variation on this theme). if space allows, it’s best to avoid having tall units which might accentuate the narrow space. For the same reason, stick to paler colours to help keep the room light and airy.
Be careful not to install too many wall cupboards, as it may make your kitchen feel cluttered.
L - shaped kitchen layout
Why choose it? Here you can create the ultimate working triangle with the fridge at one end of the L, the hob on the other and the sink in between. This layout feels open, but can be more tricky to work with.
Design tips Make sure there’s enough space in between each zone and consider installing a bank of built-in appliances on one side for ease of use and a streamlined effect.
The best ergonomic placing has the hob on one wall, and the sink and fridge on the other, but do make sure there is adequate workspace between these elements. this can be an efficient layout for one cook, but two may find themselves under one another’s feet – you could include an extra prep sink to ease the pressure.
If space allows, you could also place a small dining table at the side.
U-Shaped Kitchen layout
Why choose it? It’s extremely practical, as you can have the cooker and hob at the centre, with sink and fridge at either end of the U to create the perfect working triangle. This layout also provides plenty of workspace, and you can use clever internal fittings to get the most out of the corner cupboards.
Design tips With such a large worktop area, a well-chosen surface can really come into its own, so pick something striking. Consider solid-surface materials such as Corian, which can sweep around corners seamlessly.
If the room is particularly compact, try to have at least two metres of space in the centre. Small rooms would also benefit from reduced-depth units and worktops, so ask your supplier if this is an option.
In a larger room, you might have enough space for an island or a table and chairs at the centre of the U. Or, in a classic kitchen-diner, the third leg of your u-shape could be a peninsula – a long island joined at one end to the wall, between kitchen and dining areas.
If your room is open-plan and you spend a lot of time entertaining, you may want to think about having the bulk of your kitchen designed as a u-shaped island, which can then become a real cook’s theatre. Or create a G-shape, with a peninsula joined to one of the walls.