Layout of the kitchen
The layout of the kitchen is decided based the space available and the direction of breeze. An efficient kitchen design provides for proper ventilation and enough space to move around. You cannot certainly have a refrigerator placed in front of the window, blocking the breeze or the burners being affected by the direction of wind. After taking consideration these technical aspects, it is necessary to design the layout based on convenience and functionality. This is where the concept of a work triangle comes in. A work triangle is created in the kitchen based on the arrangement of the sink, stove and refrigerator. Their placement in relation to each other decides the efficiency of the kitchen. The closer these three elements are to each other, the smoother is the functioning of the kitchen. Also, it is best to have the space between the sink and the cooking area be utilized as the counter for food preparation where tasks such as cutting, chopping etc can be comfortably carried out.
The most opted for kitchen shapes are:
U-Shaped Kitchens
U-shaped kitchens are the most convenient layouts for a kitchen and often opted for because they have the maximum workspace and storage area. They utilize the work triangle most appropriately. However, these kitchens provide less floor area and thus less space to move around. An 8 x 8 foot space is the minimum space needed for a U-shape kitchen.
L-Shaped Kitchens
L-shaped kitchens are also commonly opted for especially since they are convenient even if there is more than one person working in the kitchen. It also provides ample space to make arrangement for an eating area and provides a flexible layout design allowing utilization of space more efficiently than a U-Shaped kitchen.
Galley Kitchens
Galley kitchens are also known as corridor kitchens and are ideal for smaller kitchens. They allow two rows for food preparation and thus have all the working areas next to each other. Galley kitchens are usually opted for by professional chefs for the convenience they provide. However, it is necessary to make sure that the corridors are not so close that the sliding drawers or cabinet doors placed on opposite sides bang into each other. If the cooking area and sink is placed in the same line, it becomes easier to move hot pans to the cleaning area.
One-wall Kitchen
One-wall kitchen layouts require as one would guess, the least amount of floor space and are usually opted for in smaller homes or apartments. One-wall kitchen can be designed only when you have an open design which is commonly available in contemporary homes. In case you wish, you can have a small moveable table that can be utilized for dining.
Island Kitchen
An Island kitchen layout, suited best to large spaces is practical in rooms that are spacious. This layout is commonly opted for these days because it keeps work areas traffic-free and makes way for a lot of storage space. The independent island unit enables the cook to socialize with guests or family members in the living or dining area while working. In an Island Kitchen layout, you can comfortably incorporate an extra sink or an island grill.
Peninsula Kitchen
A Peninsula kitchen layout is similar to an island kitchen, but it doesn't require as much floor space. It provides an open feel and has a very compact design. You can comfortably build a seating area in this layout. However, though Peninsula kitchens are very comfortable to work in, one has to compromise on storage.
Once you have chosen your layout for your kitchen, draw lines to show how traffic will enter the room and flow through the space. This will help you make sure, you have decided the right layout for your kitchen.
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