Design Standards For Kitchen

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : Design Standards For Kitchen


While you may imagine that the answer to every cramped kitchen is to knock down walls and add more space, that’s often not the easiest or best solution. One alternative to tearing down the walls is to install windows for light. An extra door or even a pass-through window—from the kitchen to an adjacent room—can also help make the space feel more airy. In short, the cramped feeling may only be one of perception.

Most kitchens fall into one of four categories: Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, and Open Plan. Whether they are small or large, old or new, these floor plans have proven to be popular models for efficient kitchens, though that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be the most efficient for your needs.


Galley

In small homes or city apartments, the galley kitchen is a space-saving choice that is ideal for one or two users. The components may all be lined up along one wall or divided between two parallel walls. For this floor plan to work best, the central galley space should be large enough to allow all appliances to be open at the same time, with enough space remaining for someone to walk through the middle.


L-shape

This corner kitchen layout can feel roomier than it is in reality, because of the L-shape floor plan. However, the two “arms” might also create an awkward workstation, with little room to set items down midway through a meal. Consider taking advantage of the lost central space with a counterheight dining table that can double as a prep station or even a freestanding central island.

U-shape 

This layout takes the benefits of a galley kitchen—space-saving solution plus accessibility for one user—and adds a third wall to create the ultimate triangular floor plan. In a compact space, placing the sink at the far end with the refrigerator and range on opposing walls creates a simple workstation. On a larger scale, a sizable island can anchor the center of the room and provide more storage.

Open Plan

Whether the kitchen is located in the middle of a larger great room or off to one side, an open plan layout works best with the addition of a central island or a dividing counter of some type. Perfect for family kitchens or entertaining spaces where the cooks can easily visit with guests, it’s important for this floor plan to be well organized so that all necessities are close at hand.

Whichever layout plan you opt for, the most fundamental principle that you don’t want to violate is to maintain plenty of free area between appliances, sinks, and other elements of the work triangle. In a galley kitchen like the one seen here, the corridor between kitchen walls should be at least 4 ft. wide, and preferably wider.