Remodeling your kitchen involves creativity, imagination, and, ultimately, a unique vision. Before exploring interior design options or materials, consider the kitchen layout that best suits your needs.
Think about what your current kitchen layout lacks before deciding. For example, does your kitchen lack storage space? Perhaps it would benefit from a breakfast bar or a kitchen island. As a reputable kitchen remodeling company in Marietta, GA, our team at JD Kitchens Baths & More will walk you through different types of kitchen layouts.
#1. The One-Wall Layout
If you have a small kitchen space, you might appreciate the compact yet functional one-wall layout. This design aims to increase your open space without sacrificing storage or appliances. Your renovation team will install the cabinets, appliances, and lighting design against a single wall.
This layout focuses on efficiently utilizing vertical space. Consider racks for pots, pans, and other cookware. Implement spacious yet well-organized cabinetry. You can use the floor space to move more effectively and safely as you cook.
#2. The Galley Layout
Galley layouts traditionally feature two rows of cabinetry that face one another. A medium to large kitchen accommodates this design well. It maximizes storage space and countertop surface.
If you own numerous kitchen gadgets, cookware sets, and dinnerware collections, you’ll appreciate this layout’s storage potential. Organize your kitchen equipment in the cabinets. Then, you’ll have ample countertop space to cook and prepare meals.
#3. U-Shaped Layout
Do you have a large area you aren’t sure how to use? Enter the U-shaped layout. These layouts offer extensive room to move around confidently. They also feature generous space for lavish cabinetry and other kitchen furnishings.
If you like a workflow pattern that works around your needs, consider a U-shaped kitchen. You can keep the floor plan open or add an island for extended counter space and extra base cabinets.
#4. Island Kitchen Layout
If your vision centers around a kitchen island, you’ll appreciate the island kitchen layout. The design focuses on the island accommodation while other aspects take a back seat.
Consider whether your island should primarily be functional or conversational. A functional island prioritizes your kitchen productivity and workflow. It can serve as an extra space for preparing food. For example, you can keep marinating raw meats a safe distance from vegetables. You might also use numerous appliances at a time, like mixers or choppers. The functional island ensures you have the space to do it all.
The conversational island, on the other hand, focuses on entertaining guests. Do you enjoy cooking and socializing at the same time? You’ll love the social space an island provides.
#5. Open Modular Kitchen Design
Would you prefer to feel included in the social action beyond your kitchen walls? A popular design in Georgia homes is the open modular style. It features a module with three walls that open into a larger area.
This design works beautifully for medium kitchens. You can even apply it to smaller kitchens with professional planning. It allows the cook to converse with guests or family members who gather in the larger area. You can choose a design that opens into a living room or dining room to participate in various conversations as you cook.
#6. L-Shaped Layout
The L-shaped design works for almost all kitchen sizes. Two walls meet at a perpendicular angle. Each wall holds the appliances and cabinetry necessary for ample storage and practical workflow.
Like the open modular design, you can design the unwalled area to open into a larger social space. Alternatively, your kitchen designer may recommend adding a breakfast nook or kitchen island to fill the open space. Kitchen islands provide an additional dining or work area, while a breakfast nook provides a cozy, private dining area.
#7. Straight Modular Layout
This timeless kitchen design works similarly to the one-wall layout. It condenses all cabinetry and appliances to one wall, keeping these elements as condensed as possible. If you prefer a minimal approach to cooking and cleaning, you’ll appreciate this design’s consideration for space within the rest of your home.
However, these types of kitchen layouts may not provide enough space and storage for growing families. Large households typically require more dinner and cookware than a single person or couple. Unless you can allocate a long wall for this layout, you’ll likely prefer layouts with multiple walls to accommodate your household’s needs.
#8. Island Modular Layout
Perhaps you crave more open space but can’t afford to sacrifice the countertop area for preparation and cleanup. An island modular design gives you more room to move around with an island for added workspace. Many homeowners appreciate this design since it combines the best features.
Some characteristics of this layout include an entire designated wall for appliances, cabinetry, and countertop space. Then, the remodeling team installs an island in the middle of the layout while still providing enough space for movement. While the island layout can flexibly include multiple walls with a central island, the island modular counterpart traditionally consists of a single wall and the central island.
The island allows guests and family members to relax and converse with the cook. The cook can comfortably handle food prep with ample space. The layout works best for large kitchens accommodating multiple family members.
#9. Peninsula Layout
A peninsula layout is among the most versatile kitchen floor plans available. It works for most kitchen sizes. You can stretch out your resources in larger kitchens or condense them in smaller areas.
Peninsula layouts traditionally feature two or three functional walls and a kitchen bar extending from one of those walls into the open space. If you allot three functional walls, you can open the center wall to allow you to see into another room unimpeded. The cupboards and countertop will remain.
This layout variety balances functionality with socialization. It acts as both a workhorse and a facilitator of conversation. This design allows you to interact with two different areas in your home while enjoying ample space for cooking, movement, and storage.
Exploring Various Types of Kitchen Layouts
Which layouts would work best for your functional, social, and aesthetic needs? Answer the following questions to help you determine the most fitting options:
- How large is your kitchen? Your current designated kitchen space can only accommodate so much equipment or storage area. Calculate your square footage to help determine whether the kitchen falls into small, medium, or large territory.
- How much space could you add to your kitchen during renovations? Many homeowners knock walls down to create more space. Does a wall have no pertinent plumbing or electrical connections? Ask your renovation team about eliminating them in favor of extra workflow space and other features.
- Do you prefer cooking without any distractions? Or do you socialize? Your socialization preferences should heavily influence your design options. Some people prefer to focus while they cook, while others interact with their families. Use your habits to inform your overall kitchen design.
- How many family members do you feed? Finally, large families require more kitchen space for stress-free movement and ample storage. Your kitchen should accommodate the groceries, dinner and cookware, and other implements needed for efficient meal preparation and service.
Find the Perfect Match With JD Kitchens Baths & More
At JD Kitchens Baths & More, our team specializes in luxury kitchen design for Georgian residents. We can assist you in identifying the perfect kitchen design for your needs. Call 770-516-1602 to explore various types of kitchen layouts with our team during a free consultation.
This article was reviewed by Harry Harshaw.