How to plan your kitchen layout
Purchasing a new kitchen is an exciting journey, with a wide array of options. You'll need to consider various elements, such as cabinets, work surfaces, appliances, sinks, taps, and lighting. At Ray Munn Kitchens, our experts will collaborate with you to plan your kitchen, tailoring the design to your needs and lifestyle to bring your dream kitchen to life.
In this blog, we explore how to plan a kitchen layout and design an ergonomic and efficient kitchen that suits you, your home, and your family.
Here's how to plan your new layout to achieve the best solution for your needs…
Re-evaluate your current layout.
Before selecting the latest appliances or falling in love with a particular style or colour of cabinetry, take some time to analyse your current kitchen layout. Consider whether the room's size and configuration dictate the design or if there is potential to change it for better functionality. Often, the placement of windows and doors influences the most suitable layout. However, you may have the flexibility to switch from your current setup to something new and more efficient.
Next time you prepare food and cook, take note of your kitchen's functionality. Is there sufficient space to move freely between the cooker/hob, sink, and fridge, or would relocating one or more of these elements improve the flow? Consider if there's enough room for dining and entertaining. Would your new kitchen benefit from an island, a breakfast bar, or additional seating? Perhaps removing an interior wall to create an open-plan space would provide more flexibility and a better layout.
If you prefer not to move plumbing and electrics, replacing your existing layout with a similar one might be the best option. However, if you're working with a brand-new extension or are open to making significant changes, you have limitless possibilities.
The most common kitchen layouts
Certain kitchen sizes and configurations are best suited to specific layouts.
U-shape
A U-shaped design is popular for its functionality and efficient use of space. Cabinets form a U shape along three sides, ideally placing the cooker/hob, sink, and fridge, each on a different side with worktop space in between. Depending on the room size, you can add a breakfast bar or an island. This layout also suits larger spaces, allowing for a family dining table at one end.
L-shape
L-shaped layouts are perfect for small to medium kitchens, creating an open-plan feel. Cabinets along two adjacent walls free up floor space for an island or dining table, making it ideal for families and entertaining. Consider floor-to-ceiling cupboards for a larder or integrated fridge and freezer, and use open shelving to maintain a light, airy atmosphere.
Galley kitchens
Single or double galley kitchens are excellent choices for long or narrow rooms. In a single galley layout, cabinets and appliances are arranged along one wall, maximizing space efficiency. For larger or more flexible spaces, a double galley layout features two parallel runs of cabinets and work surfaces facing each other, creating a highly functional and streamlined environment.
Island kitchens
Other options include having just one wall of cabinets and appliances with a large island in front containing the sink and hob, which works well in large open-plan schemes.
Whichever layout you think works best, make sure you have plenty of work surfaces for food prep and home baking, well-thought-out storage so that everything you need daily is within quick and easy reach, efficient task lighting over the cooker or hob, sink, and worktops, and don't forget safety issues if you have young children running about the kitchen. For instance, keeping your appliances on one side of the island or having ovens built in at eye level can give you peace of mind.
