A thoughtful kitchen layout makes seamless cooking and entertaining much easier. But if you've just moved to a new house or apartment, or are planning a new kitchen, you're wondering not only which is the best layout for your kitchen, but also which are the worst kitchen layouts to avoid? maybe. No matter what.
While size is important, especially in kitchen spaces, the layout of the room influences where appliances are placed and therefore the day-to-day operation of the space. Aesthetics also comes into play, as a layout that feels cramped is not suitable for simple, stress-free cooking. We spoke to several design experts to get their thoughts on this issue.
What is the worst kitchen layout?
What may surprise you here is that what our experts share as the worst kitchen layouts can also be the best kitchen layouts in some cases. Although they are less desired, it does not mean that it is impossible to politely compensate for their inefficiency and improve their clumsy nature in other interesting ways. These are kitchen layouts that experts think could work better.
1. “Closed” L-shaped layout
(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)
Rudolf Diesel, a London-based interior designer, says one of the main characteristics of the worst kitchen layouts is that they minimize movement and openness.
“A closed L-shaped kitchen layout can create a barrier to circulation throughout the space and can also separate the kitchen from the rest of the home,” says Diesel.
This doesn't mean going open-plan is the only solution, but more consideration to the placement of kitchen appliances and other design features can make your layout more functional and comfortable. It will be like this.
“This layout isn't the most sociable, so knocking down unnecessary walls can open up this room and turn it into an open concept.” We recommend paying attention to where you place your appliances. This makes the kitchen more accessible even if several people use the space at once. ”
Rudolf Diesel is a top London interior designer with an insatiable passion for design and detail and has been featured in top publications including The Times, Woman & Home and Ideal Home. Throughout his career, Rudolf Diesel has developed a keen eye for aesthetic home design. His insights on interior design and space management are invaluable.
2. An uncomfortable U-shaped kitchen
(Image credit: Future)
U-shaped kitchens are said to be the best choice for convenient triangular kitchens, but without the right design philosophy, this layout risks feeling a little “disconnected” from the rest of the house. Mr. Diesel emphasizes that
“A U-shaped kitchen can prove to be a difficult layout that can make the kitchen feel like an isolated space in the home and disrupt functional circulation.”
This is an especially undesirable kitchen layout characteristic for homes that like to entertain or use the space for impromptu gatherings, so don't think about remodeling your kitchen and buy a new one. If so, please consider this. Diesel offers some smart alternatives for those who want to avoid retrofitting to improve their layout.
“If possible, tearing down the walls here may also be the best way to expand this space, but if that's not possible, there are other ways to create a welcoming atmosphere.”
“For example, try adding a kitchen island where people can group together to create more functional working space. In a U-shaped kitchen, a breakfast bar can also be a good solution.”
3. An unreal galley kitchen
(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)
While some people may shy away from a galley kitchen, it's actually an ergonomic design that, when approached thoughtfully, can be functional, unique, and a great space to cook in. .
Mo Soloff, Kitchen Specialist at Fabwood, said: “The most problematic kitchen layouts often have poor use of space, small cooking areas, and disorganized food preparation areas.”
“A galley kitchen can feel claustrophobic, especially in a small home. It restricts movement and restricts workflow.”
The key is to make sure the space is thoroughly optimized, just like a chef's kitchen. This layout leaves no room for underutilized surface area, cabinets, or misplaced kitchen islands. It's an art to have everything within just a few steps.
4. Technically flawed layout
(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)
There's a reason they say measure twice and cut once. By paying close attention to your kitchen design plans, you can avoid layouts that simply don't fit.
“The worst kitchen layouts are the ones that are technically flawed,” says Matt Arguin, president of Southcoast Kitchen Designs, stressing the need to measure key fixtures very precisely.
“The most common flaw is designing the layout without considering the appliance specifications. One example is a refrigerator that needs 10 inches of clearance on the sides for the door to fully open, but is flush against the wall. Another example is the dreaded scenario of a drawer hitting the oven or dishwasher handle and only opening a third of the way. Be sure to hire a kitchen design expert to guide you through your final appliance choices and ensure they are designed to your correct specifications. Not all appliances are created equal.
Southcoast Kitchen Designs is a premier full-service design/build showroom that has been helping homeowners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island create spaces that fit their home, lifestyle, and budget for over 18 years. Ta.
5. People who want a peninsula on an island, or vice versa.
(Image credit: Future / Manolo Yllera)
We all value extra surface area, but it's easy to forget about your kitchen dreams and fail to keep the functionality of your space at the forefront of your design plans.
If you're wondering whether a kitchen island will fit in your galley, it's not worth forcing it, and instead a cleverly placed peninsula kitchen may be the answer. Even if you have a large, well-equipped kitchen layout to accommodate an island, you still need to consider what size island would be best for you if you don't want to end up imposing a terrible kitchen layout on your household .
“An island that is too large can interfere with your kitchen's work triangle (the area between the stove, sink, and refrigerator).” To fix this, resize or reposition the island to create a smoother Ensure flow and ease of access or choose a peninsula,” Soloff says.
Diesel shares that the peninsula may not be the best feature. “Although the extra counter space has its benefits, peninsulas can make most kitchens feel crowded and even closed off.” The good news is that you can turn a peninsula into an island fairly easily. This means that you can expand the space and create more flow inside. If you want a completely customizable experience, you can use this additional counter space to create a mobile island that adjusts to the traffic in this room. ”
However, you can enhance your L-shaped kitchen with a beautiful island to complete your triangular kitchen.
Moe Soloff is a kitchen specialist at Fabuwood, a well-known company that manufactures high-end kitchen cabinets.
FAQ
What else can disrupt the flow of your kitchen layout?
A kitchen layout that feels streamlined often goes hand in hand with good kitchen storage. Diesel points out the importance of considering storage early in the design stage. “In many kitchens, the cabinetry is not carefully installed and tends to leave little storage opportunity, leading to a frustrating and cluttered kitchen overall.” If you have the space, choose the dimensions you need. Try installing a cabinet. This cabinet can create the perfect space for a cleaning closet, dish shelf, or even a vertical spice rack. Even if permanent installation is not possible, you can purchase shelves in the dimensions you need to create more storage or counter space. Perfect for small kitchens. ”
How can I get the most out of my kitchen layout?
Mr. Solov says it is essential to give priority to the golden triangle. “In my experience, rethinking the layout in favor of a working triangle can greatly improve the functionality of the kitchen.” For example, in a recent Fabwood project, a cramped galley kitchen was replaced with a more open L-shaped one. We've redesigned the layout to significantly improve both usability and visual appeal. ”
You should pay special attention to the less obvious areas that, if used well, can give you more functionality. “Kitchens with corner sinks and appliances can disrupt your workflow.” Optimizing corner spaces with innovative cabinetry solutions like lazy susan and pull-out drawers can combine functionality and aesthetics. You can improve both your attractiveness. ”
If you are considering buying a new home or renting an apartment with one of the above layouts, there is no need to put it off completely, but how to address the issue in order to make the most of the kitchen space Please consider.
