Small Kitchen Design Today

  The process of coming up with a small kitchen design brings to the forefront our need to use our space as efficiently as possible because the space is just not there. No matter how big the space we are working in, No matter how well thought out are plans may be when creating a small kitchen design we can always use just a little more space.  However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to create a functional, stunning and efficient small kitchen design that satisfies everyone.

The small kitchen design should only be considered after determining the layout of the kitchen. There are five basic layouts found in today’s kitchens defined as – the L, G, U, Single, and Galley, and are the basis for creating a small kitchen design.

L Shape- The L-shape kitchen design, the most common small kitchen design, requires less space and offers more flexibility in the location of workstations.

 G Shape- The G-shaped small kitchen design is a version of the U-shaped kitchen layout, with the same amount of counter space and storage options that surround the cook on three sides. However, the difference with the G-shaped kitchen floor plan is the peninsula or partial fourth wall of additional cabinets.

 U Shape- The U-shaped small kitchen design is the most versatile because the layout offers continuous counter tops and sufficient storage, which surrounds the cook on three sides.  

Single-Wall- The single wall small kitchen design is ideal for small kitchen’s. The work triangle in this small kitchen design is less like a triangle and more of a work line with all three kitchen zones along one wall.

 Galley “Corridor” Shape- The corridor small kitchen design has a workspace large enough for one cook. In this small kitchen design, the work stations face each other on parallel walls, creating a small work triangle.  

Now that we understand the different kitchen floor plans we can effectively create our small kitchen design.

 Here are 7 tips for creating a small kitchen design to suit your space and your taste.

Creating a design for your kitchen, especially a small kitchen design, the most important thing is function. No matter how good it looks, if you can’t use it, it’s wasted. If you can’t reach it, it’s pointless. If you have to spend more time and effort getting to it or doing it, you’ve probably just overcooked your oven roast. A little thought and creativity can go a long way to having a small kitchen design that satisfies the whole family.

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The kitchen is the central hub of most homes. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a normal day this is usually where most families come together. Having kitchen floor plans that function inside of the family lifestyle is not about pretty décor and fancy appliances, but having a well designed floor plan to compliment the family lifestyle.

When designing the kitchen floor plan, you’ll likely hear the phrase “work triangle” which is the area defined by the location of the refrigerator, the range or cooktop, and the sink. If you keep the triangle compact, you’ll limit travel time between these central appliances. As you see design styles and products change you should be able to use the following labels for floor plans to remain relatively unchanged.

Types of kitchen floor plans

The design of your new kitchen and choosing the best cabinetry should only be considered after determining the layout of the kitchen.  There are five basic layouts found in today’s kitchens defined as – the L, G, U, Single, and Galley.  Many kitchen floor plans can create an efficient flowing design, and can be further enhanced with the right cabinets and accessories.

L Shape- The L-shape kitchen, the most common plan, requires less space and offers more flexibility in the location of workstations. The benefit of this kitchen floor plan is that it not only provides the cook with an efficient work area, but it typically opens to a nearby room, making it easy for the cook to talk with guests.

G Shape- The G-shaped kitchen is a version of the U-shaped kitchen layout, with the same amount of counter space and storage options that surround the cook on three sides. However, the difference with the G-shaped kitchen floor plan is the peninsula or partial fourth wall of additional cabinets.

U Shape- The U-shaped kitchen is the most versatile layout for kitchens because the layout offers continuous counter tops and sufficient storage, which surrounds the cook on three sides. In larger kitchens, this floor plan is spacious enough to be divided into multiple work stations for cooks to easily prepare a meal together without getting in each others way. Pay particular attention to your work triangle here; if the appliances are too close together, you’ll be hemmed in at the corner. Consider a half-wall to open the room to an adjacent space.

Single-Wall- The single wall kitchen floor plan is ideal for smaller homes. The work triangle in this kitchen layout is less like a triangle and more of a work line with all three kitchen zones along one wall. You can enhance a single wall kitchen by adding additional storage and maximize the space by stacking cabinetry such as the wall pantry pull-out above the base super storage.

Galley “Corridor” Shape- The corridor layout has a workspace large enough for one cook. In this kitchen floor plan, the work stations face each other on parallel walls, creating a small work triangle. With this “corridor” plan, try to consolidate counter space near the appliances used most often. To create storage space, consider a bank of base cabinets or a pullout tower pantry. Use restraint — it’s easy to close this plan in.

Designing the kitchen floor plan

Start the process of determining which style of kitchen floor plan most resembles your current layout. When looking at your kitchen, focus on the work triangle created in the room. You may actually determine you can change the floor plan from you existing layout. You also want to keep in the back of your mind that you can also enhance the layout of your kitchen with the right cabinetry and avoid making significant structural changes.

7 Tips For Designing Your Kitchen Floor Plans

1.      Consider the traffic that moves throughout the house and what role the kitchen plays in that movement. Research the different styles you want your kitchen to look like by examining different magazines and visiting different showrooms to get ideas.

2.      Consider the lighting as integral to the design of your kitchen. A well-lit kitchen has different types: task, ambient, accent and decorative.

3.      Design the kitchen so that the work triangle of the kitchen is very easy to maneuver and work in. The work triangle is based on locating the sink, the cooktop range, and the refrigerator so that each of the three legs of the triangle measure between 12 and 26 feet.

4.      Locate the refrigerator so that the door can swing clear and can give two people access to the inside at the same time. It should not be up against a corner or block the entryway into or out of the kitchen.

5.      Locate the sink underneath the window whenever possible. Ideally the sink should be located first and then the other appliances can be placed around it.

6.      Installing the cook top range on an exterior wall will allow for easy installation of the hood and ventilation systems.

7.      Locate the sink in a place where you can have at least 36 inches of free space on one side and 24 inches on the other to allow for a place to put dishes. This also creates space for a dishwasher to be located next to the sink underneath the countertop.

 Whatever you decide a little thought and creativity that revolves around your family lifestyle will ultimately end up in a kitchen design that works best for you. 

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