Top Kitchen Layout Tips for 2020

There’s a reason why people call the kitchen the heart of the home: it’s the room where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. Still, you want to make sure the time you spend in the kitchen is well spent — enjoyable and efficient, without taking up more of your day than absolutely necessary.

This is why the layout of your kitchen is so important. Whether you’re starting from scratch or working with the space you already have, you want to ensure your kitchen works for you and your family, and not the other way around. Whether you’re building, renovating, or simply looking to maximize your existing space, here are our top kitchen layout tips.

Layout Guide for New Builds and Major Remodels

If you have the luxury of starting with a clean slate, you have an opportunity to build a kitchen that is perfectly suited to your family’s unique needs. Though you may be tempted to seek out the best kitchen layouts, keep in mind that these spaces are never one-size-fits-all. The best layout is the one that is customized around your personal lifestyle and preferences. Here are some of our favorites:

• U-Shaped
  The U-shaped layout consists of three walls made up of cabinets and appliances. If your space permits, this layout also works well with an island. This layout creates a good working triangle (see more on that below) and allows for free traffic flow through the kitchen.
  
  
• L-Shaped
  The most common layout, the L-shape simultaneously eliminates foot traffic while allowing for more cooks in the kitchen. This style works well in small to medium sized spaces. As with the U-shaped layout, add an island to your L-shaped kitchen in order to expand your counter space.
  
  
• I-Shaped
  The I-shaped layout is a great choice if you’re looking to save space, especially in smaller homes. In this layout, all cabinets and appliances sit along a single wall. If your space allows for an island, consider incorporating one for both versatility and a modern look.
  
  
• Galley Shaped
  This layout is perfect for smaller spaces and one-cook kitchens. Consisting of a single walkway between two parallel walls, the galley layout utilizes every square inch of space. Best of all, there are no troublesome corner cabinets to configure, which means fewer headaches and more cooking.

Test out the different layouts with our free online kitchen design tool.

Kitchen Layout Ideas for Existing Spaces

If a large scale remodel isn’t an option for you, there are still plenty of ways you can revitalize your kitchen. With a few minor changes, you can create a kitchen layout that maximizes workflow and increases the efficiency of your space. Some changes you can consider include:

• Optimizing the work triangle. This refers to the clear pathway between the three key spaces in every kitchen: the stove, the refrigerator, and the sink. Whenever possible, place your appliances in such a way that allows for easy movement between these stations.
  
  
• Placing co-dependent features close together. This can mean ensuring the dishwasher is installed close to the sink, or putting the microwave near the refrigerator. This will cut down on time spent needlessly crossing back and forth across your space.
  
  
• Maximizing counter space. Nothing makes a kitchen feel cramped like not having enough surfaces to work on. If you have the room, consider adding an island to your kitchen. If that’s not possible, spend some time decluttering by storing items that don’t absolutely need to be on the counter, or invest in space-saving kitchen organizers.

Pro tip: You can implement these best practices when using our Oasis kitchen design tool!

Whether you’re building something new or working with what you have, there are plenty of ways to ensure your kitchen works well for you and your family. From advice to inspiration, let us help you create the perfect kitchen layout for your home.

Start your custom design with our easy-to-use online kitchen planner and build your dream kitchen virtually in just minutes.