How to choose the right kitchen layout for your home

From Modscape:

For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s more than just a cooking space and is often considered one of the most important rooms in the house. From entertaining and socialising through to homework and study, the kitchen is the place where family and friends informally gather, a hub of home activity. 

But designing the perfect kitchen can often be complicated. And when designed incorrectly, it can result in an awkward, dysfunctional and under-utilised space.

Design tastes vary, and every home is unique, but there are some tried and tested configurations that will result in a kitchen that is a pleasure to use – regardless of your cooking skills!

Here are four design tips and considerations to help you achieve a practical and elegant kitchen.

1. Island bench

The kitchen island is a great way to increase shelving, cabinetry and counter space. But beyond providing extra workspace and storage, kitchen islands can serve as an important design feature and add a social dimension to your kitchen. 

By providing space for stools or chairs to any number of sides of the island, your kitchen can be transformed into a dynamic social environment – it enables the cook to entertain while preparing food.

One fundamental design decision regarding your kitchen island is whether or not you’d like it to feature a sink or cooktop. Incorporating either or both will impact other aspects of your island’s design. For example, if you include a sink you will need to accommodate plumbing in your storage space. 

You may also decide to include a dishwasher nearby to save you walking across the kitchen when cleaning. A cooktop will require ventilation installed above so requires a significant amount of foresight.

Island kitchens provide the ultimate connection between your kitchen and open-plan living spaces. But remember, there’s nowhere to hide – so there’s a pressure to keep it clean.

You can make your island a major feature by shaping it into a unique form or using interesting materials such as natural stone or timber.

2. L-shaped kitchen

There’s plenty of reasons why an L-shaped kitchen is a popular choice – it offers ample benchtop and cabinet space, making it easy for two people to prep, cook and clean; ensures a walk-in pantry can easily be incorporated; and provides plenty of room to add a dining table – making the space social, stylish and easy to use.

One tip is to finish the taller cabinets in a similar colour or material to the walls so they visually blend with the rest of the room.

3. Galley kitchen

While more about function than socialising or eating in, the design of a galley kitchen is one of the most efficient layouts for compact homes in terms of design and functionality.

As space can be tight, combine full-height cupboards and plenty of bench space with windows or skylights to create a brighter, lighter room.

4. Relationship to other rooms

When planning your dream kitchen it’s important to consider the kitchen’s relationship to the other rooms in the house. Do you prefer open-plan with connection to the living area? How about a seamless transition to the outdoor entertaining space?

In a busy household with lots of children, including a butler’s pantry makes a lot of sense. As well as being somewhere to stash your dry food and appliances out of sight, you can also contain the mess of little chefs to the one space and simply close the door on it when guests arrive.

A well-planned kitchen is crucial to gaining an efficient and enjoyable space, and Modscape is dedicated to creating innovative kitchen solutions. To discuss your new house plans contact Modscape online or email info@modscape.com.au

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Modscape