Kitchen Layouts That Stand the Test of Time

If you are considering a kitchen remodel, you are likely dreaming of gleaming countertops and new appliances. Before you can make the aesthetic choices, you’ll need to focus on the practical considerations of your kitchen layout. Deciding on a kitchen layout is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. How many people will be cooking? Do you entertain? While there are many factors to consider when choosing your kitchen layout, usually the space of your room will dictate which layouts you may use. The galley kitchen, L shaped kitchen, and U shaped kitchen are three kitchen layouts that have stood the test of time.

Galley Kitchen

A galley is made up of one singular walkway and has two facing parallel walls where you find the cabinets, counters and appliances. Galleys remain a popular choice for restaurant kitchens due to their efficiency. When half of your galley is an island, you get the best of both worlds: efficiency and the ability to interact with people outside of the kitchen. 

Pros:

• Great option for smaller spaces 
• An efficient option for a single cook

Cons:

• The cook can be isolated from others
• More then one cook in the kitchen can cause traffic jams 
• You’ll need a good lighting plan, especially if the galley doesn’t have a window

L Shaped Kitchen

An L kitchen is created when two counters are joined at a right angle. L shaped kitchens are quite versatile. They can be open, have an island, or have an eat-in table. 

Pros:

• The open plan allow the cook to interact with guests and family members 
• Allows for an eat in space 
• Good for two cooks

Cons:

• You could end up with your back to guests unless the sink or stove is on the island 
• Place appliances carefully to avoid traffic jams or problems with reaching appliances 
• Without an island, you could end up with minimal or broken up counter space

U Shaped Kitchen

Picture a wide galley kitchen with a wall of cabinets at one end and you will have a U layout.  Islands can be incorporated into the U layout for additional storage or to create a workstation. 

Pros:

• Plenty of storage and workspace 
• Excellent for two or more cooks 
• Maximum flexibility for arranging appliances

Cons:

• Usually needs a larger space because small U kitchens can feel confined 
• Depending on the layout, you may still have your back to guests much of the time

It is important to carefully review your intended kitchen layout with a design professional. Plans that look good on paper can have drawbacks that become apparent in real life. At Atherton Appliances and Kitchens and BSC Culinary in San Francisco, we use photo realistic 3D modeling software so that you can see exactly what your kitchen will look like before ordering a single cabinet. Most importantly, our designers have years of experience planning kitchens and know what works, and what to watch out for.