These days, we don’t use the kitchen for the sole purpose of cooking anymore. Perhaps it is due to the shift in how homeowners utilise their spaces or perhaps it is due to spatial constraints, the kitchen has become an extension of the living and dining zones. Whether you see your kitchen as another communal zone or as a space to store things, there is an ideal layout for you. Here are some common kitchen layouts and how they can complement your lifestyle.
Galley
A galley is what the kitchen on a ship is called. It’s characterised by its efficient layout where there are parallel counters. Best used in small or compact spaces. The total distance in between the three points – hob, sink and the refrigerator – should be no less than 3m to make it easy to manoeuvre from these three points during a cooking session. The kitchen here also makes full use of the space with full upper and lower cabinets.
Image credit: The Merry Men Interiors
L-shaped
The L-shaped kitchen is perhaps the most common given the spatial layout of most apartments in Singapore. You will see this layout used in rectangular kitchens, where one countertop arm can go as long as you want. Although you can extend one arm, it’s best to keep your hob and sink near each other. As a result food preparation will be so much for seamless. The L-shaped kitchen minimises collisions when household members work together in the kitchen.
Image credit: Dan’s Workshop
Horseshoe
Named for the U shape it creates, the horseshoe kitchen provides the most storage and countertop space. It’s most suited for larger kitchen spaces, but can be employed in small kitchens too. One of the benefits of this layout is that it provides plenty of worktop space for prepping elaborate meals. If you already have enough worktop space, consider full height solutions like these to frame the space.
Image credit: Free Space Intent
Island
A kitchen island is great for cooking, food preparation and even dining. In a small kitchen, however, islands can be impractical. Note that a kitchen island can significantly increase your renovation expenses too. One of the benefits of a kitchen island is that it can double up as a dining table with barstools placed on one side. A kitchen island can also be a place for built-in kitchen appliances, such as freezer units or wine chillers.
Image credit: Millbrook Kitchen
One wall
Normally seen in small homes, one-wall kitchens make it difficult to have two cooks at one time. It’s most ideal for those who do light cooking. Consider having a movable counter or foldable table to create more worktop space. The most obvious benefit of a one-wall kitchen is that it saves space, which frees up room in the home for other fittings or fixtures. If possible, place the sink between the refrigerator and hob to streamline the workflow. Having built-in cabinetry to maximise storage space is also a good idea in keeping the food prep area clutter free.
Image credit: Joey Khu Interior Design
