Each of these kitchen plans offer both advantages and disadvantages, and all have numerous variations - the U-Shaped kitchen can even become octagonal.

One Counter or Strip Kitchen Commonly used in small space situations such as apartments or vacation cabins, which positions all appliances and work areas in one row. A single counter plan is most efficient when the sink is centrally located and the total length is under 22 feet. The main disadvantage is that distances between work areas tends to be long, since an one counter kitchen doesn't allow a work triangle.

Two Counter, Corridor or Galley Kitchen A kitchen open at both ends is a candidate for the corridor kitchen. This layout divides appliances and work areas between two parallel counters. (Parallel counters should be separated by at least 4 feet of clear space; 5 feet if two or more people will be working at the same time.) This arrangement creates a work triangle, usually provides ample counter space, and is generally a very economical type of kitchen to build. It's main disadvantage is that the corridor between the two counters encourages foot traffic, especially if a doorway is at each end of the kitchen. And if the corridor leads to the outside, it may develop into a family freeway.

L-Shaped Kitchen This layout utilizes two adjacent walls, spreading out the work centers; typically, the refrigerator is at one end, range or wall oven are at the other end, and the sink is in the center. Placing the sink and appliances can be a challenge; if the sink, refrigerator, and range are too far apart, the work triangle will be exhausting. This is the most popular kitchen plan because it adapts to a wide variety of arrangements. Frequently, one "leg" of the L doubles as a room divider. This plan frees floor space for other uses and directs traffic away from the cook's work area.

U-Shaped Kitchen Requires lots of space, but is considered by many experts to be the most efficient floor plan because of its' compact work triangle and the easy separation of the work area from family patterns. This floor plan divides appliances and work areas among three connected counters arranged in a U. Any, or all parts of the U may extend into the room without wall support. Generally, the sink is placed at the base of the U, the range or cook top and the refrigerator on the facing legs. The result is a tight work triangle that eliminates wasted effort. Counter space is continuous, and ample storage is made available. Problems arise if the kitchen is too small (less than 6 feet between base cabinets). Minor disadvantages are the extensive countertops - possibly more than you'll have use for - and the need for special cabinets to utilize the corners.

G-Shaped Kitchen This newly popular shape combines the efficient U-shaped layout with an attached peninsula at one end. The G shape offers plenty of opportunities for specialized work centers and help shield the cook from distracting traffic; however, it may seem a little claustrophobic to some cooks.

Arranging Your Kitchen -Back to Top

When designing your kitchen, make convenience a top priority. For efficient use of space, imagine three lines that connect the sink, stove, and refrigerator; this triangle represents the path of your working footsteps. The three sides of this triangle should add up to at least 12 feet, but no more than 23 feet in the best kitchens. You may want to extend it; however, to preserve a view or to include a special item.

The U-Shaped Kitchen is compact, letting you prepare a meal while walking the shortest distance. It works best with the refrigerator at one end of a counter - to keep the work area unbroken - and the sink in the center of the U.

The G-Shaped Kitchen is one of the newer solutions to improve efficiency and increase counter space. It combines the versatile U-Shaped kitchen with the advantages of an island.

The One Wall Kitchen is a compromise that must be used in small areas. If short, it can be tucked away behind closed doors - or it may be stretched to add more counter space. It is helpful to add a movable table, or an island on wheels to this arrangement.

The L-Shaped Kitchen uses just two walls for the three points of the triangle and is well suited for a room where the kitchen is also the family room. Additional counter space may be added by lengthening one leg of the L.

The Corridor Kitchen puts two points of the triangle on one wall and the third on the opposite wall. If the traffic flows through the middle, this will be a difficult kitchen to work in. The cook will suffer fewer interruptions if the sink and stove are on the same counter.

Arrangement Guidelines -Back to Top

The old kitchen and the new one will probably conform roughly to one of these shapes. But, modern layouts are changing today's kitchens, causing new problems and bringing new solutions.

Many modern kitchens have separate, built-in ovens and cook tops. A dishwasher is considered a necessity by most homeowners and microwave ovens are often desired as well.

You can install your oven outside the main triangle; you don't use it as often as other appliances and most food stays in the oven for at least 15 minutes. A microwave is a fast cooker requiring frequent checking and you should consider putting the microwave in the triangle near the refrigerator, since most of the food cooked in it will probably come from the refrigerator.

If a barbecue grill isn't part of the cook top, it won't be used for every meal and can be located outside the triangle.

The sink is of utmost importance and should be close to the stove and the main counter top work area. Try putting these three elements in a row with the work area in the middle. The dishwasher and sink must be close neighbors since they share a drain.

Placing the dishwasher on the side of the sink opposite the work area and the cook top allows you to open the dishwasher while you are cooking and leaves room right under the work counter for storage. A dishwasher in a corner is awkward to work around.

Make sure there is more than foot of workspace on either side of the cook top to allow room for setting down food that's on its' way to, or from cooking. Don't put your cook top right up against a high cupboard, wall oven, or refrigerator; that arrangement can make you feel claustrophobic.

Counter space and storage are two essential elements in your new kitchen - often you want more of both. Plan for plenty of counter space, especially on the opening side of the refrigerator and on both sides of the sink and stove. Try to add a few extra inches of counter at any section that must serve two functions - food preparation and dish draining, for example.