There are many different ways that a kitchen can be laid out. Depending on the available space, some of these designs will work better than others. Below is a list of four different kitchen design styles with a list of their advantages and disadvantages, and a photo to provide a visual example. For the sake of unity, all example photos are in the contemporary design style, however the general layouts referenced in this article are the same no matter what style the kitchen is built in.
L-shaped kitchens are two runs of appliances and cabinets that meet and form a corner. The two sections of cabinets/appliances are called the legs and can be customized to fit the layout of the kitchen.
Advantages
Disadvantages
U-shaped kitchens are a combination of the L-shaped and galley kitchens. They feature three cabinet/appliance sections joined to create a kitchen that is closed on three of its four sides. The U-shaped kitchen is one of the more expensive kitchen designs and can be used to make large, elaborate kitchens, often with an island in the middle, or smaller kitchens that create ample storage and counter space.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Also called a corridor Kitchen, these kitchens are made of two workstations that oppose one another with an entryway on either side. People tend to love them or hate them without much in between. Corridor kitchens are a great choice for small homes, condos, or small secondary kitchens in larger homes (i.e. mother-in-law suite ect.).
Advantages
Disadvantages
The single line (or one wall) kitchen is the simplest of all the designs as it is confined to just one wall. This is a good design for homes that are considerably space limited, or are embracing an open floor plan.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Islands
An Island is a freestanding countertop/cabinet combination that is in the middle of a kitchen. It works great in L-shaped, U-shaped and single line kitchen designs assuming the kitchen has the open floor space. Islands are advantageous with their additional storage, and prep space. They sometimes even provide seating options. Kitchen Islands can be modified even further to include a sink, stovetop, or even a dishwasher. They are a great addition to any kitchen with the space to host them and contribute helpful solutions to storage and prep space. Partnered with good design they can even make working in the kitchen more efficient.
Peninsulas
Peninsula’s are like islands in that they provide preparation and/or seating space, however they differ in that they are not freestanding but are instead connected to an existing counter or cabinet. Peninsulas are less expensive to install than islands and can still make a big difference in a kitchen short on preparation space.
Thank you for reading, I hope this article was helpful to you in your pursuit of the best kitchen in light of your own individual needs. Happy Building!
- Photo Credits -
Cover Photo: by Alone Gross on Unsplash
Photo 1 found on Pixaby
Photo 2 by Max Vakhtobovych on Pexels
Photo 3 by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
Photo 4 by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash
Photo 5 by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
Photo 6 by Max Vakhtobovych on Pexels
- Works Cited -
“Pros and Cons of One Wall Kitchens .” Custom Home, Group, https://www.customhomegroup.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-one-wall-kitchens/Accessed 22 Aug. 2022.
Adams, Chris. "The Galley or Corridor Kitchen Layout." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/galley-or-corridor-kitchen-layout-1206607.
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