by Mubanga Sampa 
Getting your kitchen layout right is the most important factor in ensuring a functional and practical kitchen area. Is your kitchen small and cramped? Or maybe your kitchen is large and expansive. A clever layout will make all the difference in helping you to get the most out of the space. Especially in a kitchen, there is a lot more to layout than just placing furniture and cabinetry: ergonomics has a huge role to play as well. Getting the heights right, ensuring enough space for comfortable movement, placement of appliances and ease of use are all going to factor in your enjoyment of the room. Keep reading for a complete guide to kitchen layouts.
Know Your kitchen layouts
The one-wall kitchen
Usually found in smaller kitchens, this simple layout is space-efficient without giving up on functionality. Consisting of cabinets installed against a single wall, the One Wall Kitchen can have upper and lower cabinets or shelving over base cabinets, creating a clean aesthetic. The best way to maximise this layout is to utilise your kitchen’s vertical space. Your width will be somewhat limited, so take your cabinets as far up as possible to increase storage space.
The galley kitchen
With very economical use of cabinets, the galley kitchen consists of two rows of cabinets facing each other, creating an inner passage or galley between them. By eliminating the need for corner cupboards, this type of layout uses every millimetre of space without wastage. This uncomplicated design also means that there are fewer special gadgets necessary, making this a cost-efficient option as well.
The L-shaped kitchen
The L-shape is a practical and popular layout for small and large kitchens alike. The L-shape kitchen includes workspaces along two adjoining walls that run perpendicular to one another. The spacious and open design of the L-shape offers greater flexibility for meal preparation and the placement of appliances. This layout works well for two cooks working in the kitchen at the same time because there are no traffic lanes that flow through the work area.
The U-shaped kitchen
The U-shape layout is the best kitchen for larger kitchens. It consists of cabinetry along three adjacent walls, surrounding the cook on each side and allowing for ample countertop space. It can feel enclosed if there are upper cabinets on all three walls, so get creative with open shelving, tile, and even a range hood to help take up space on one of the walls. The U shaped kitchen allows for great workflow and multiple users at the same time.
The island kitchen
The island kitchen is a popular choice in modern kitchens because it allows your creativity to shine through. It provides a large work surface and storage area in the centre of your kitchen. Storage options include drawers or cabinets built into the sides of the island. The size will determine the amount of space you have, but you can even incorporate an under-counter fridge or a wine cooler if space permits.
If you aren’t as flashy, it can be used simply as a convenient preparation zone during mealtimes. Its central location makes it a great feature for natural traffic flow in your kitchen. A kitchen island can be utilized as both a work and a social area where friends and family can interact while meals are cooking. Because of its location, it’s also a great place to install overhead lights or any other kind of prominent and decorative task lighting.
The peninsula kitchen
The peninsula is related to the island kitchen and incorporates a kitchen counter that juts out from a wall or cabinetry. This is a great solution that offers the benefits of a kitchen island where space doesn’t allow for an independent island to be installed. The peninsula can be used for food preparation, eating or other tasks while the cook is busy with meal preparation.
