Layouts for a Small Kitchen

Create a kitchen floor plan that's conducive to your cooking and dining habits

By Tamara L. Waters

Photo by iStockphoto.com

If you have a small or cramped kitchen, then you know that every inch of space is important. The layout of a small kitchen can enhance the functionality or hinder it. A kitchen with an efficient layout can make every activity easier and more pleasant while a poor layout can cause plenty of frustration.

Layout

The location of large appliances and kitchen features (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, sink, cabinets, countertops) affect the functionality and flow of your kitchen. Proper placement for ease of use is important, and must take into account the size and initial layout of the space and your personal needs. Your layout will depend upon several things. including how much cooking you plan to do, whether you need a space for dining and your preference of range or a separate cooktop and oven.

Work Space

Small kitchens are often lacking in work space. Incorporating a drop-leaf work surface or a rolling cart with a good work surface can make a small kitchen more functional. Any work space will need to be ample enough for food preparation. It should have easy access to the sink for cleanup, the refrigerator and stove or oven.

Appliances

Large and oversized appliances can overwhelm any space. Choose smaller appliances that will still meet the needs of your family to save space and give the impression that the kitchen is larger than it really is.

Kitchen Work Triangle

One basic design element that makes the most of space in a kitchen is the work triangle. This is an imaginary triangle that connects the sink, refrigerator and range or cooktop.

Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen is also referred to as a corridor kitchen. This particular layout features two parallel walls and is often used as a thoroughfare from one area of the home to another. It can easily incorporate the work triangle while allowing adequate work space.

L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is another common layout. This places kitchen elements along two perpendicular walls. Typically, this kitchen layout places the range or cooktop on one wall while the sink, refrigerator and dishwasher are along the other wall.

U-Shaped Kitchen

Another typical small kitchen layout is the U shape. This three-walled layout generally centers the sink in the crook of the U and places the refrigerator and range on the legs of the U, forming a work triangle.