Kitchen Floor Plans

There are three key zones to a kitchen which expert kitchen planners aim to link together by create a 'working triangle'.

1. Food storage & preparation – fridge and worktop
2. Cooking – oven and hob
3. Cleaning up – sink and dishwasher

The whole length of the three sides of this triangle should be between 3.6m and 6.6m to make the optimal working space.
This condition means that the locating of desired appliances should be careful before the base units are fitted around them. With this in mind, kitchens are generally laid out in one of five distinct floor plans, as shown below;

Straight Line
In very narrow rooms, it may only be likely to fit a single run of cupboards and appliance. While a working triangle cannot strictly be achieved, the three key zones should group all related pieces of equipment together to optimise the working surfaces.


Galley
An economical layout that is mainly useful in slim rooms which require access and exit at both ends. Be sure to allow at least 1200mm among the front edges of each run of cupboards to allow for drawers and doors to open and ease of passage.


L-Shaped
This is an accepted layout that makes for a user-friendly and uncluttered kitchen, while usually leaving space for a dining area too.


U-Shaped
Where no through traffic need be allowed, a U-shaped kitchen create an efficient workspace where all areas are within easy reach, and also often include the bonus of a good expanse of worktop. Remember to ensure that the two parallel runs of cupboards are at least 1200mm not together to allow for drawers and doors to open and ease of passage.


Island
Islands occupy quite a bit of space so often need a fairly large room to allow successful integration. That said, they very neatly reduce the amount of walking that needs to be done in such a big kitchen.


Islands may be 600mm deep, but most often they are 900mm deep, as long as useful additional work or dining room. If services are carried to the island, they can also lodge hobs or sinks. Be sure to leave 1200mm between the face of the island and any other cupboard or appliance to allow for drawers and doors to open, and for ease of passage.