Some U-shaped kitchens may have a wall that is shorter than the adjacent two walls. Consider your workflow – for the best and most efficient work triangle, place the range or cooktop, refrigerator, and sink on adjacent walls and counter surfaces.
For the best work triangle design, place your stove, refrigerator and sink on adjacent walls and counters. It's also best to place your refrigerator and your sink on the tips of the 'U' so that they don't break up your counter space. If you can, pair your sink underneath a window.
U-Shape Kitchens should be sized with an estimated area of around 107 ft2 | 10 m2. Common widths of U-Shape Kitchen layouts range from 9'-12' | 2.7-3.7 m with depths that vary as necessary.
A U-shaped kitchen is a common layout that features built-in cabinetry, countertops and appliances on three sides, with a fourth side left open or featuring a cased opening or entry door. In larger spaces with enough width, U-shaped kitchens are often outfitted with a freestanding island or seating.
While an open kitchen gives you the convenience of getting to serve easily and spending time with your guests even while the meal is being prepared, a closed kitchen always gives that private space you sometimes need in your messy kitchen.
The U-Shape
Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.
The recommended distance between kitchen work areas, which can include both perimeter countertops and kitchen islands: 42 inches minimum in a single-cook kitchen. 48 inches minimum in a kitchen where more than one cook may be working.
Use Bold Contrast To Make A U-Shaped Kitchen POP!
A small U-shaped kitchen can be easily revitalized with a pop of contrast. The more dramatic, the better. With two differentiating color tones dominating the space, the eye is drawn to the contrast rather than the compact size of the layout.
One major benefit of a U-shaped kitchen is that two or more cooks can operate at the same time - great for when you're entertaining or simply have a big family to feed! The U-shape layout also lends its hand to less traffic flow which helps keep people out of your hair when you're cooking.
Like a lot of things, U-shaped kitchens work best in large spaces, but it is also possible to implement a U-shaped kitchen in a smaller space. Ideally you should have at least 1.5 metres of floor space between the opposing units, so the kitchen doesn't feel too cramped, but you may be able to get away with less.
To prevent your U-shaped kitchen from feeling too enclosed or boxy, consider a light kitchen color scheme and bright palette of modern neutrals or soft pastels for a subtle color hit. Soft shades reflect the light in any space, and can be especially effective in smaller kitchens or spaces that lack natural light.
There are five basic kitchen layouts: L-Shape, G-Shape, U-Shape, One-Wall and Galley. The size and shape of the room will typically determine your layout. Although variations and deviations do exist, most kitchen layouts are based on one of the following shapes.
The fridge should always be located in close proximity to a bench with ample available space. This will allow grocery loading to be prompt, meaning the door is open for a lesser amount of time, and when gathering ingredients for food preparation one can easily grab what is required and place down promptly on the bench.
There are four main kitchen layouts: “Galley,” “L,” “U,” and “G” (Peninsula). Each accommodates a work triangle in its own way.
One of the simplest and most important things to do, no matter where the kitchen is located, is to put the stove in the commanding position. This means that you are able to see the main entrance to your kitchen while you are cooking at the stove. Why do you want your stove to be in command?
The Return of the Closed-Off Kitchen
Kitchens open to the family room have long reigned supreme, but the closed-off kitchen — or at least partially closed-off kitchen — is making a comeback. While they may not be relegated to separate rooms, the trend is towards defined zones.
There should be a single door for a kitchen and never should have two doors in opposite direction. In case you found two doors in a kitchen keep the north or west facing door open. Keep the other door closed. There is one additional requirement in setting the best position for the kitchen door and windows.
According to the kitchen triangle rule, each side of the triangle should measure no less than four feet and no more than nine feet and, ideally, the perimeter of the triangle should be no less than 13 feet and no more than 26 feet. In other words, not too small and not too large.
Galley. This efficient, “lean” layout is ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook kitchens. The galley kitchen, also called a walk-through kitchen, is characterized by two walls opposite of each other—or two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them.
A 10x10 kitchen is a standard kitchen in size, it is a total of 20 feet of wall space. 10x10 pricing is a common method used by kitchen cabinet retailers to help customers gauge which cabinets cost less and which cost more.