.Designer Blog
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Kristin Desilets
Location:Calgary

Which Kitchen Layout Is Right For You?
We all know that homes are not cut from the same cloth, and neither are the specific needs and requirements from the people living there. The amount of time we spend in the kitchen, what we prepare, and who is doing the preparing are all considerations when thinking about layout designs.


The Galley or Single-Line Kitchen
It’s smart, it’s simple.  It’s great for single people or couples without children.  Clean lines and modern finishes such as lacquer or painted glass cabinet doors fit well with a galley.  Think European, without a lot of upper cabinets.  This layout can create the longest journeys, as the main kitchen zones are typically more spread out.



The L Shape Kitchen
If you need to have a table in your kitchen, this is a popular and very functional design.  It works well for both family homes and singles alike as everything is accessible and easy to navigate even if more than one person is working in the space.  Remember to plan for preparation areas to separate the sink, range and fridge.


The U Shape Kitchen
This kitchen layout can either utilize 3 full walls, or it can consist of 2 full walls with a peninsula coming off one wall to open up the space.  Locating the sink and dishwasher in the peninsula helps to really spread out the kitchen zones in order to maximize efficiency, which is great news for serious cooks.  The U shape does not allow traffic to flow in and out of the actual kitchen space – which may be a good thing if you don’t like to have others streaming in and out when you are cooking.


The Island Kitchen
This would be the most popular kitchen layout we are seeing today.  Islands allow for many different functions – homework on the extended eating bar, craft projects, group cooking preparation and of course entertaining. 
An island kitchen does require more floor space, usually in an open concept house plan but allows the cook to socialize while preparing meals.  It is important to allow for enough space between the island and counter top – anywhere from 40” to 60”, depending on space available and number of cooks in your household.

Sometimes we are unable to choose the type of kitchen layout we want and are forced to work within limitations or parameters, such as bearing wall that cannot move or builders who are unable to modify house plans.
Just remember that no matter what your layout may need to be, making the space work for your particular needs is both important and achievable.

-Kristin Desilets
email:kristin.desilets@superiorcabinets.ca
phone: 403.258.7531

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July 09 /August '09 / Oct ' 10 / July '10 / Aug '10

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