All Kitchens Small and Great: Making the Most of Your Kitchen Space

Kitchens are available in all sizes and shapes and have the potential of being a great space. However, how does one make a decision when it comes to choosing a layout for the perfect kitchen while considering the space available to them? While the “work triangle”, which is the path between food storage, cooking and cleaning areas, offers efficiency, people today are still demanding more. Consider consulting a designer, such as Zen Kuchen, today to find the perfect balance. In this article, we will be looking at the best solutions and layouts for different spaces.

Large Rooms

You might think that making kitchen-layout decisions is easier when you have more space, but that is not always true. The ideal kitchen layout will be influenced by how you plan on using the kitchen, the number of people who will be using the space, and your styling preference. Balancing aesthetics and function is a delicate process. Plus, you don’t want your space becoming both too cavernous and too cluttered.

U-Shape

If you have ample space to work with, consider a U-shaped cabinet layout with an island situated in the central section. Cabinets installed across three walls will provide tons of storage space, providing room to store your appliances, getting them out of plain sight. Islands are multifunctional surfaces that can give your kitchen different identities; from daytime homework space and cooking to a social zone in the evenings.

G-Shape

With surrounding cabinets jutting into the room, you can have your workspace formed like a ‘G’. This is the perfect choice for people who need the functionality of kitchen islands while still being able to enjoy a stretch of continuous worktop space. This option maximises on cabinet space and is quite popular with traditional kitchen layouts that keep the dining area separate. The end of the ‘G’ can be utilised as a snack area, homework zone, or breakfast bar by families with young ones.

L-Shape

The L-shape layout is more of an open plan that works well for people looking for flexible dining and living. Configuring your cabinets in the L-shape will allow your lounge and dining areas to become a part of your kitchen space. This layout creates scope for you to move freely within the space, making it an excellent option for families with more than one cook and want to avoid stepping on each other’s toes.

Small Rooms

If you have limited space, then your cabinet layout options are quite narrow. For a square room, a U-shape layout without an island makes the most sense. For rectangular rooms, an L-shape or galley layout is the best option. The most important thing in this instance is vertical storage and layout as it is more flexible and can make a huge difference when it comes to tailoring the space.

Storage

For limited floor spaces, cabinets are what you should consider working with and can make a huge difference. To ensure your cabinet interiors are more than efficient, consider using pull out solutions that allow you to access the back of a corner unit. Utilise all available space, from hanging utensils and cups on the underside of your cabinets to hanging your favourite spices on the back of cabinet doors.

Vertical Solutions

Flats and older houses tend to have small kitchens; nevertheless, they often have high ceilings. So, make sure that you take advantage of the height to maximise on space. This does not mean letting the space above cabinets become a dumping ground. Consider building up cabinets and make use of that space.

Lighting

Letting natural light flow into your kitchen and reflecting it can help make even the smallest of kitchen spaces feel large. That is why a lot of people choose light cabinet fronts and worktops. How you light up your kitchen also plays a crucial role in adding character to smaller kitchens. If you have limited wall or display space, consider going for feature lighting to create talking points. Attractive pendant lighting designs will work wonders without wasting precious floor space.

A masterpiece of a kitchen is one that has balance – a balance between design and function; appeal and efficiency. And now, more than before, a balance between our differences: our family, social and working lives. It all boils down to something that is more than the usual ‘work triangle’.