The Answers to Problem Shaped Kitchens

Create an efficient working space, whether your kitchen has room for just a single row of units or and island unit and dining table.

What to consider before planning the layout:

* One of the most important aspects is creating flow between the three main areas of cooker, sink and fridge – often referred to as ‘the working triangle.’
* The aim is to limit the space between the three components for efficiency – walking all three sides of the triangle should be a distance of no more than 7m.
* Plan down to the last detail, and ‘store it where you use it’ when it comes to the insides of units, such as having saucepans stored next to the oven.

Open Plan layout

Here’s how to get the layout right in an open-plan kitchen:

Basic layout…

Fit the units in an L-shape with appliances creating a triangle at the apex of the L. Alternatively, go for a single row of units down one wall, with the addition of a peninsular unit or breakfast bar at one end. The rest of the room is left open for a table or sofa.

Creating the triangle

Appliances are usually in a line, with the work triangle of cooker, sink and fridge along the length of the work surface – the area where you stand to prepare food forms the top point of the triangle. Alternatively, the appliances can be placed on two sides of an L-shape, still leaving room for a sofa or table.

Works for…

This layout works best for family kitchens. Open-plan rooms create an airy feel and mean that you’re not shut away while you’re cooking. The multifunctional space provides room for cooking, eating and sitting – all in one area.

Worth considering…

In smaller open-plan areas, you’ll need a good extractor fan to stop cooking odours wafting into the living or eating area. Check its noise level, too, especially if you have a TV in the same space.

L shaped Layout

Here’s how to get the layout right in an L-shaped kitchen:

Basic layout…

Units are arranged on two adjoining walls, or with a peninsular counter at right angles to a wall.
Creating the triangle…

The work triangle joins two key areas on one side of the L, with the third on the other side. The sink, cooker and fridge can be in any order, although putting the sink and cooker on opposite sides of the L works well, as you’ll have worktop space around them.

Works for…

Small and large kitchens, and in household where two people will wantto work simultaneously, as they won’t keep bumping into each other. In larger kitchens, you can have a table and chairs in the area by the third and fourth wall.

Worth considering…

Having carousel units in the corners will space that would otherwise be wasted. If your kitchen isn’t big enough for a table, fit a slimline breakfast bar on a third wall and team with stools instead. You could also stop a small room feeling cramped by fitting wall units to just one wall, not both.

U Shaped Layout

Here’s how to get the layout right in a U-shape kitchen:

Basic layout…

This layout is only feasible where there are unbroken stretches of wall on three sides of the room, with no door interrupting the U. Units run along the three walls, providing maximum storage and working space.

Creating the triangle…

Ideally you would have the sink, cooker and fridge equally spaced on different sides of the kitchen, with the three sides of the work triangle between them. This has the added advantage of creating plenty of worktop space between the cooker, fridge and sink.

Works for…

Those who take cooking seriously. The layout provides the best workflow with the shortest distances. It also allows for large amounts of counter and storage space.

Worth considering…

In a large U-shaped kitchen, it can be tempting to put a table in the centre, but for safety’s sake, make sure you don’t interrupt the work triangle. Make sure that the cupboards in the corner don’t end up wasted space by fitting carousel units.

A Galley Kitchen

Here’s how to get the layout right in a galley kitchen:

Basic layout…

A row of units running down one or both sides of the kitchen.

Creating the triangle…

Where there are tow rows of units, position two working areas on one side with the third on the other, so the work triangle connects the two sides. For a galley kitchen with only one row of units, space the cooker, fridge and sink in a line – the point of the triangle will be created by you.

Works for…

This shape offers an efficient use of space, making it the choice of many professional chefs. A layout with two rows of units allows room for lots of preparation space, and moving between activity areas can be as easy as simply turning around.

Worth considering…

You’ll need at least 120cm between the rows of cabinets for two people to work comfortably – although the more room the better. You’ll also need to allow 50cm for an oven door to open and, generally, 60cm for a unit door to open. Using wall cabinets on both sides can make the room feel cramped, so consider replacing with open shelving.

An Island Kitchen

Here’s how to get the layout right in an island kitchen:

Basic layout…

Either a single row or an L-shape of units combined with a central island.

Creating the triangle…

The work triangle is created either by you facing a run of sink, cooker and fridge along one wall, or by fitting the sink or cooker into the island. This will give you more space on the opposite work surface and you won’t have to turn your back on the rest of the kitchen when you’re cooking or washing up, but it will cost more as you’ll have to run services to the island unit.

Works for…

Large rooms, as space is required all around the island for working and sitting. It’s great if you like to entertain, as an island turns a kitchen into a social area – just add some bar stools and you’ve got a place for guests and family to sit and chat to the chef.

Worth considering…

If you site your hob in the island, plan extra work surface behind it to prevent splashes from cooking hitting the floor. You can be more adventurous with this layout and choose statement appliances and dramatic-looking cooker hoods. Or go for something functional and beautiful with a cooker hood disguised as a light shade.

Comments

No comments yet.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.