Kitchen Layouts Options
Choosing the right kitchen layout for your space is one of the most important decisions to make. Of course, much of your decision will already be dictated by the space available to you. For example, a thin, rectangular-shaped space can only be transformed into a galley or one-wall kitchen. Whichever layout you opt for, it is important to consider the current position of the electrical, gas and plumbing connections moving any of these outlets can be costly.
When looking at designing an efficient kitchen, you should consider where appliances and works zones are situated. The Work Triangle is an often used method for helping with placement. See our article on The Kitchen Work Triangle here
There are generally 6 main layout options that will suit most kitchens. Below are sample kitchen layouts with a short description and photo:
1. Galley: One wall
This layout is the ideal solution for small spaces, or for those people who don't cook or entertain often. Storage cupboards are installed above the benchtop, and appliances, such as the oven and microwave, are usually installed under the bench. This layout only requires a length of 1800 mm to 3000 mm to function effectively (standard measurements are required for kitchen width see table on 'Clearances'). Having more than one person in this space at one time would undoubtedly feel cramped.
2. Galley: Two walls
Much like a one-wall layout, a galley best suits a rectangular-shaped kitchen it does, however, require greater width (a 1200 mm to 1800 mm walkway between the two benches is recommended). Although both ends of the galley can remain open, keeping one end closed to traffic is the more efficient use of space. As it's usual to have over-bench cupboards lining both walls (to allow for maximum storage), lighting can sometimes be an issue, particularly on the benchtops themselves. A galley kitchen is usually best suited for one person at a time in the space.
3. L-shape
The L-shaped kitchen layout best applies to larger spaces. Having the benches on adjacent, rather than opposite walls, can allow room for more than one person at a time in the kitchen. Since this layout is built into a corner, it's important to consider how to deal with the corner cupboards there are several options (such as a carousel) that can maximise the space. A significant advantage of the L-shaped kitchen is that one of the corners of your kitchen will be free, allowing (if the space is sufficient) room for a casual meal area.
4. U-shape
The U-shape layout is suited to all kitchens, although is usually best matched to larger, square-shaped spaces. This layout allows for maximum storage and workspace, however, as the cupboards and benches line three of the four walls, the floor area is reduced (especially when compared to an L-shaped kitchen). Unless the space is large enough to cope with the surrounding cupboards and benches, a U-shaped kitchen layout can sometimes feel too enclosed. Another option for this layout is to remove the cupboards from one wall and use it as a breakfast bench instead. The recommended floor space between opposite benches is 1500 mm to 2200 mm this allows efficient use of the layout and enables two or more people to move about the space easily.
5. Island
An island is a freestanding work area that can fit into any kitchen layout, as long as there is sufficient space available. An island can either be fixed or mobile, and can serve a number of purposes, such as providing additional bench space or storage. A fixed island can also be electrically connected (allowing you to run kettles, toasters and so on) and connected to plumbing, allowing a dishwasher or an additional sink. Allowances for minimum clearances should be given and special consideration should be made to ensuring the position of the island does not block kitchen traffic.
6. Open plan
This layout allows the kitchen to open out to another room in the house, most often the living room. The 'open plan' combines an easily-accessed enclosed space, usually a food storage area, such as the pantry or fridge, and an open space. An open plan kitchen can incorporate other layouts. For example, the open plan area may be above the bench in a one-wall galley; or an island may open out onto the living area.
Floor space required for best work and traffic flow
| Squatting in front of an under-bench cupboard: | 600 mm |
| Opening drawer to full extent | 1000 mm |
| One person at a bench, another passing | 1200 mm |
| Two people passing | 1500 mm |
| Space to walk between wall and seated person (distance from wall to front legs of chair) | 1100 mm |
| Space for sitting from front legs of chair to wall (with no passing behind the chair while someone is seated) | 600 mm |
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