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Examples of Layouts

The Galley or Corridor Layout

Although most designers try to keep traffic from crossing through the working triangle, this is impossible with the Galley Layout. If able, closing off one doorway can help to solve this but it can cause trafficking problems in other parts of your home.

The best arrangement for a Galley kitchen is to place the fridge and sink on one wall and the range or cooking facilities on the other. The aisle between should be at least 1 metre and no more than two.

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The 'L' Shaped Layout

Two adjacent walls that form an 'L' shape produce a natural working triangle that helps protect the cook from any interference. If the activity is kept close to the corner of the 'L' shape, household traffic can flow without crossing the work area. This plan offers a greater flexibility of the arrangement of the appliances, storage and worktop space.

When remodelling a kitchen it is useful to know that an 'L' shaped kitchen requires less space than a 'U' shaped style and can be almost as efficient. It also works well with an island area.

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The 'U' shaped Layout

The most efficient floor plans prevent household traffic from cutting through the working triangle.

The 'U' shaped layout can be ideal in this respect. It has a dead end design which prevents the kitchen from having a natural corridor, and so aid the cook in the kitchen to have uninterrupted moments of inspiration!

This practical kitchen also provides three walls of storage and preparation area, but you'll need at least 2.4 Metres square to provide the minimum walking space.

If you have a large 'U' shaped kitchen, you may want to consider an island or peninsular/breakfast bar.

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Island

Islands work well in most 'U' shaped kitchens with more than 3 Metres of space between worktops.

They are especially useful in minimising a working triangle in a larger kitchen. An island can also be used to define the traffic patterns and act as a room divider.

To create an efficient working triangle in an island kitchen, you could consider placing the cleaning area (such as a sink or dishwasher) or the cooking area, actually in the island itself and nearer to the work core.

Designs could be utilised to incorporate an eating area and also to keep guests and children closer to the action but still out of harms way. It is not ideal to put an island in a kitchen of less than 3 Metres square because there won't be room to work around it.

1.2 Metres (or 4 feet) of walking space is ideal around any island configuration.

If you don't have as much room as this, you might consider a form of movable butchers trolley, or a peninsular/breakfast bar.

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Peninsular

Peninsular kitchens don't need nearly as much room as islands and can be the perfect solution for small kitchens without enough wall space.

The peninsular can provide a space for an appliance and can also reduce the working triangle size. Like islands or 'U' shaped kitchens, peninsular kitchens can also dictate traffic flow through the area. With that in mind, it is advisable not to install a peninsular without taking this into account.

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