As a core room for family time and socializing in the home, the kitchen plays host to meaningful events from the early morning coffee rush to opulent dinner parties with friends. When designing your kitchen floor plan, you must consider functionality and flow to keep things cooking. The last thing you want is to drop a fresh-out-of-the-oven casserole because there were too many people and not enough space.
Our team at Onsite Construction is here with the ultimate guide to designing the ideal kitchen space for your home and your lifestyle.
Visualize Your Kitchen
While planning your new kitchen, consider how you will use each aspect of your space so you don’t end up with too much or too little counterspace or cabinets that won’t prove useful. Consider aspects such as where your trash can or water cooler will go.
There are plenty of user-friendly online applications that allow you to plan a 3D layout. This can help save you from expensive and unfixable errors.
Have a vision in mind? Reach out to our team at Onsite Construction for your free consultation!
Determine the Best Layout
Kitchen layouts are often determined by the shape of the room and location of doors or windows. There are five common kitchen layouts, including the L, U, G, single wall, and galley. These five layouts are consistently utilized because they are effective and typically create an efficient kitchen work triangle between the sink, the fridge, and the stove.
The 5 most common and efficient kitchen layouts are the L, U, G, single wall and galley. All floor plans but the single wall create the ideal kitchen work triangle between the sink, the fridge, and the stove.
The L-Shaped Kitchen
This is a practical layout for both small and large spaces, creating a bright and open feeling while creating a seamless work triangle from continuous counter space along two adjacent walls. Because the L-shape likely opens up to a nearby space, it is a wonderful option for those wanting to interact with family and guests while preparing meals. This layout can also be accompanied by a large island for extra counterspace.
The U-Shaped Kitchen
This layout functions best in larger kitchens. With cabinetry and appliances along three adjacent walls or along two walls with a third counter space dividing the kitchen from the rest of the space, the U-shape has adequate room for multiple people for superior workflow.
The G-Shaped Kitchen
Also known as the peninsula, this kitchen is similar to a U-shape but with an additional tail of counterspace. This layout surrounds the cook on all 3 sides with plenty of room for prepping, cooking, and preparing. Because the G-shape is a rather large layout, it typically works best in medium to large rooms.
The Single-Wall Kitchen
This kitchen style is great for smaller homes, apartments, and lofts, since it lines all cabinets, appliances, and counters against one single wall. This layout saves floor space without sacrificing functionality.
The Galley Kitchen
This kind of kitchen is great in a tight space if properly designed. It consists of two rows of cabinets facing each other with the sink on one side between the stove and fridge on the other side to create the work triangle.
Make Room & Reduce Traffic
Without enough space, trying to operate in a kitchen can become a frustrating nightmare, especially with more than one person. When determining the spacing between counters, ensure at least 2 people have room to comfortably work on a task without bumping into each other.
Additionally, make sure there is at least 5 feet of wiggle room between the stove and other counters to avoid accidental burns. The main route through the floor plan should be hazard-free and unobstructed by an open refrigerator or pantry door.
Ensure the main path through the kitchen is hazard-free to avoid burns and bumps from poorly placed doors, stoves, and counters.
Create Comfortable & Functional Distances Between Fixtures
While providing enough space for multiple people to function, your kitchen shouldn’t be so spread out that it’s difficult to easily jump around between appliances. Keep the sink, fridge, and stove close enough together for seamless transitions between washing broccoli, chopping carrots, and grilling chicken.
A distance of approximately four feet between counters will allow you to open drawers and doors on either side without being too great of a stretch.
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Space for Your Island
A kitchen island, around 4 feet by 8 feet, is essentially a built-in desk for peeling potatoes, plating fancy meals, and pulling up a barstool for recipe hunting. Place the island within easy reach without letting it obstruct your main appliances. If you decide to incorporate an appliance into the island, stick with only a small prep sink to maximize space for cooking tasks.
Design a Dream Kitchen with Onsite Construction
A beautiful kitchen floor plan provides a blend of functionality, practicality, and inviting aesthetics. Your kitchen should give you and your loved ones room to breathe while allowing you to efficiently complete tasks around the space.
Whether you are dreaming of renovating your current kitchen or building a new home from the ground up, Onsite Construction can bring your vision to life. Our team of experienced contractors have countless solutions for your residential or commercial project needs and want to create you a space where your inner chef thrives.
Discover how Onsite Construction can execute your vision with precision! Call our team today to request your free consultation – (813) 579-5789!
