What’s the secret to planning the perfect appliance layout for the available space? Planning the appliance layout is crucial to the functionality and flow of your kitchen. There are many layout ideas we have put together below to help you optimise your space.
The famous “kitchen triangle”
This is one of the most popular layouts and one of our favourites. It is also known as the kitchen working triangle or the golden triangle. It means that the three core work zones (sink, fridge and hob) are laid out to form the triangle shape. It’s a concept that has been around since the late 1940s and was originally developed to cut construction costs, but today it is an integral part of kitchen planning design.
Everyday tasks can be done at ease without any major obstruction and all three points can be easily reached between eachother. A free-flowing layout is created that enhances both your kitchen dynamic and food prep efficiency.
After considering and discussing where to position the sink, fridge and hob, you can then begin to think about where you want your other kitchen appliances to sit.
L-Shaped Layouts
L-shaped kitchens are a simple layout, they require the use of two walls to create a spacious setting that’s ideal for socialising. It’s pretty straightforward how it’s connected and a true L-shaped will feature two walls that form a perpendicular angle. Are you looking to maximise your worktop space too in an open plan? This type of layout could be the perfect solution.
Practical and functional, this stylish layout provides space-saving storage solutions and a great amount of worktop space. When researching this type of kitchen layout, the cooking appliances are normally featured at one end so there’s enough storage at the other side. Ideal for the budding chef!
Highly versatile and suited to both small and large rooms, and for both contemporary and traditional designs. The “famous” kitchen triangle can be implemented with still a comfortable distance between the oven, sink and fridge. In larger rooms, one of the work surfaces can run along a wall with the other protruding into the living space, creating the perfect divider between the other zones.
U-Shaped Layouts
U-shapes are probably the most practical of layouts, they are efficient and suited to all sized rooms. Cabinetry is found on all three sides as well as the countertops and appliances, and it makes it easy to glide from one side to another for those homeowners that have a passion for cooking and love spending time in the kitchen.
If you haven’t decided on what layout you want to create in your kitchen, then the U-shape is a great idea. You are also able to add the ‘kitchen triangle’ in, where the fridge, cooker/hob and sink are found at the three points.
In larger kitchens, an island normally sits centrally with the U-shaped cabinetry designed around it, in smaller spaces, a breakfast bar may be fitted to provide extra counter space.
They can benefit from the use of lighter colour palettes which expands the look and feel of the kitchen space.
Galley Layouts
Professional chefs prefer the galley layout because it enhances safety and efficiency during cooking. The galley can consist of a single or double run of units on either side, creating a corridor down the middle, ideal for smaller kitchens. If your space is large enough, incorporate an island into the middle replacing a run and becoming part of the kitchen’s functionality.
The island is known for generating a divider in an open-plan space separating the kitchen from the dining and living areas.
Each of the appliances can be positioned on one or both sides – perfect for smaller properties and a great concept for larger homes.
Built-in Appliances
There’s a whole host of appliances you need to fit into your kitchen space, from ovens, hobs, and fridge freezers to microwaves and dishwashers. Having each of the appliances built in is a clever way to save space and streamline your kitchen.
Integrating the appliances is another option, where the appliance is covered with an exterior panel that blends in seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry.
The appliances that can be integrated are…
- Oven
- Hob
- Dishwasher
- Fridge and Freezer
- Small Appliances such as wine coolers, microwaves
Opting for built-in appliances gives you and your kitchen lots of potential, from offering a sleek, modern and visually appealing design to offering better functionality. On the other hand, there are some downsides which include, the appliances can often be more expensive, some of the appliances don’t hold the same capacity and they can use more energy.
HMK Planning Tips
- The design is the most important part considering how each one of your appliances will fit in, in the overall design of your kitchen.
- It’s important to consider what appliances you use the most in your kitchen, in everyday life and in entertaining. This will help you determine the size of the appliance you need.
- Consider the smaller appliances.
- Create a multi-functional island that’s both stylish and practical. It can include integrated appliances and practical storage solutions.
Creating A Bank Of Appliances
How about creating a bank of appliances on one wall? This has become hugely popular in recent years. It creates a welcoming and cleaner kitchen environment, it’s smart and convenient and it’s super helpful for the electrician.
Here at HMK, we are experienced in finding the best solution for your space, giving you the ideal appliance layout. If you would like to know more, please give us a call or email us – we look forward to hearing from you.
