Let’s face it: Designing a kitchen can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. But a little bit of research, along with guidance from seasoned professionals, goes a long way. Cambria’s Kitchen & Bath Design Inspiration: The Ultimate Designer Planner puts you one step closer to your dream space by breaking down trends and tips for selecting cabinets, countertops, hardware and more. Together with Cambria, we explore five layouts to consider when planning the blueprint for the heart of your home.
L-SHAPE
LAYOUT PHOTO: COURTESY CAMBRIA
Flexible and adaptable, the desirable L-shape layout places upper and lower cabinets plus major appliances and the sink on adjacent walls, minimizing the walking distance between them. One side of the “L” is usually longer than the other to provide more counter space, with the cooking and cleaning elements on one leg and the refrigerator and storage on the other.
ISLAND
LAYOUT PHOTO: COURTESY CAMBRIA
Organizing upper and lower cabinets, a sink and appliances along one wall yields a spare, minimal look with a shortage of counter space. Adding an island–or two–can resolve that issue and provide ample room for food prep and storage. Popular and great for functionality, the kitchen island also creates a natural gathering place and focal point for the room.
PENINSULA
LAYOUT PHOTO: COURTESY CAMBRIA
Ideal for smaller kitchens where an island might overwhelm, a peninsula extends from a wall or lower cabinetry, encouraging interaction. Infinitely versatile, it can provide additional prep space, a casual dining or bar area and another spot for storage, either open or enclosed. The peninsula, essentially an attached island, can also act as a room divider, differentiating the kitchen area from the breakfast nook or an open-plan living area.
U-SHAPE / HORSESHOE
LAYOUT PHOTO: COURTESY CAMBRIA
With cabinets, counters and appliances arranged against three walls, the horseshoe configuration is best for creating the coveted, functional work triangle of stove, sink and refrigerator. The layout often includes two parallel side walls and a central island allowing for easy traffic flow and workflow. A narrow U-shape is sometimes considered a galley kitchen, but keep in mind that adding too much space between the walls can reduce the efficiency between the work areas.
GALLEY
LAYOUT PHOTO: COURTESY CAMBRIA
A narrow walkway with cabinets and appliances lining opposite walls, a galley kitchen (the name is derived from those on ships) offers efficiency and utility. It’s perfect for the practical homeowner who separates cooking from socializing. To open up the space, consider replacing one of the runs with a parallel island allowing for flexibility.
GALLEY PHOTO: DAVID LAND, COURTESY VERN YIP’S DESIGN WISE: YOUR SMART GUIDE TO A BEAUTIFUL HOME.
For more tenets of kitchen and bathroom design, check out season 1 of Cambria’s podcast, “Beyond the Surface.”
