What Size Should a Kitchen Be? If you fancy a square kitchen with three sides of units/worktops and a central island, then a size of around 4.8 x 4.2m (20.16m²) is ideal. This is calculated across the width as 60cm unit/1.2m passing space/1.2m central island/1.2m passing space/60cm unit, which in turn equates to 4.8m.
From this point onwards, declining family sizes and the desire for separate dining areas has led to a decrease in kitchen size, and since 2000 the average kitchen size has been 13.4 square meters.
180 to 440 Square Feet: is the range of kitchen size options you'll often see in new home designs. 225 Square Feet: a figure from Pi Consulting this is more in line with the overall national average for kitchen size as it relates to the average home size.
The standard kitchen size is 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. A good rule is to allow at least 36 inches of countertop space per person who regularly uses the kitchen. This would mean a minimum standard kitchen size of 144 square feet for a family of four.
Kitchens can be categorized into small, mid-sized and large kitchens. As highlighted above, small kitchens measure 70 square feet or less whereas midsized kitchen measure 100 square feet. Large kitchens measure around 200 square feet and above and all these are just estimated averages.
A small commercial kitchen can range from 200 square feet to 1000 square feet. The average size commercial kitchen is 1051 square feet as reported by RestaurantOwner.com after polling over 700 business owners.
The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular layouts because it's super functional and can be adapted for almost any sized space. As the name implies, an L-shaped layout features cabinetry and appliances along two adjacent walls, creating an obvious triangle path between work zones.
If you're renovating, it's likely you're stuck with the layout – as is. The most suitable layouts for large kitchens include the U-Shape and Island Layout, G-Shaped Layout and L-Shape and Island Layout. Any of these are perfectly suited to big spaces to accommodate large groups of family or friends.
Homes below 1500 square feet have kitchens sized 103 square feet. Homes with an average size of above 4000 square feet have kitchens with a size of 238 square feet. According to the National Association of Homes (NAHB), the average kitchen sizes are proportionate to the overall printout of the home.
On the other hand, having a big kitchen with too much space seems like a 'First World problem'. However, having far more room than you would ever actually need makes all that space difficult to fill. This can leave the kitchen feeling like a cold and empty showroom rather than a cosy hub.
The study, “Size of Kitchens in New U.S. Single Family Homes,” determined that the average kitchen is just under 13 feet by 13 feet. There is, however, a significant difference based on home style, with single-story-home kitchens averaging just 151 square feet versus an average of 174 square feet for multi-level homes.
Medium size kitchens are typically 100-200 square feet. They are the perfect size for everything you want; big enough to not feel cramped, and small enough to still feel cozy. Many of our designs transformed the kitchen into a place for family and friends to gather.
A kitchen island should be a minimum of 48″ long by 24″ wide, but the best size for a kitchen island largely depends on the overall size and layout of your kitchen. An island that's 72″ long by 36″ wide is a great size for the average kitchen as it offers both ample counter space and seating for three people.
A walkway be in a kitchen should be at least 40in wide
'When designing your layout, always leave 40 inches of walkway space on either one or both sides of your countertop, island, or peninsula counter. This is a functionally and aesthetically effective dimension to keep in mind,' agrees Tom Howley.
Here are a few examples from the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA): A single-story family home has an average kitchen size of 151 square feet. A multi-story family home has an average kitchen size of 174 square feet. Homes between 3,000 – 3,999 square feet have an average kitchen size of 191 square feet.
So it's fair to say that a five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house could be considered very, very big by most standards.
The U-Shaped Kitchen
A great layout for larger kitchens, the U-shaped kitchen consists of cabinetry along three adjacent walls. This type of layout provides plenty of storage but can feel enclosed if there are upper cabinets on all three walls.
Today, kitchen design styles trend towards a combination of classic and modern styles, known as transitional. However, as we mentioned above, traditional and contemporary are still holding the top spots.
Certainly, an L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular options around these days. And the reason for that is simple; the linear shape is excellent for flow. This means it is possible to move smoothly, easily and quickly through the space.
The Traditional Work Triangle
It offers the least efficient kitchen plan but maximizes space. The GALLEY configuration is efficient for up to two cooks in the kitchen. However, the shape allows little extra room for crossing household traffic.
Below the counter:
The oven can be placed in the shelf below the counter. It is usual design seen in most kitchens today where there are shelves below the counter and a counter can be made especially for the oven. The shelf should be designed as per the size of the oven though.
Cupboards may be a better storage option for some, but for storage below the waist and a more contemporary design, drawers are a great choice for homeowners. Not sure which is right for your kitchen design project?
The average kitchen island size (according to a variety of experts) is approximately 80 x 40 inches. However, keep in mind that this is not a law! It's just a guide to help you with the layout of your kitchen.
Think proportion, too. 'Kitchen islands should take up between one tenth to one fifteenth of your overall kitchen area,' says Volodymyr Barabakh, co-founder and project director of Fortress Home. 'You therefore generally want to err on the smaller side in comparison to your overall kitchen floor space.