Kitchen Layout Ideas

This list of kitchen layout ideas will help you create a plan for the busiest room in your home. Having a plan is a good way to ensure you keep things put away. From your mixing bowls to your spatulas, homes will help to keep a kitchen streamlined and organized.

How to organize with a plan that gives a home for all the tools you use routinely throughout the day.

When my boys were younger, our kitchen was the heart of our home. So many things happened there: homework, cooking, playing games, having heavy discussions, or just taking time to sit down with a cup of coffee.

When so many things happen in one room on a daily basis, it is important to have a plan. A specific area where things belong so there is no chaos and mess on the counters and table.

Whether you are building a new home now or have been living in your home for years, you can benefit from this guide.

We will look at kitchen layout ideas that you can use when planning out a new kitchen. We’ll also map out a few organizing options to streamline what you have now and update tips to give you the best workplace space.

Keep it where you use it.

If you have ever seen the back of a restaurant, the area is laid out in stations. Stations are areas where a specific task takes place, such as prepping the salads or cooking the dishes.

In each area are the tools needed to do that task. By keeping things close, the work can be done quickly and efficiently.

If we take that concept into our kitchen, it will help you to create a layout that works specifically for you.

What tasks happen in a kitchen

Most kitchens center around cooking, making that the starting point for your organized layout; however, there are other things that take place in this space that you will want to consider when planning.

• Cooking
• Baking
• Food prep
• Eating
• Homework
• Entertaining
• Food Storage
• Extra tasks such as canning, soap making, freezing meals, etc.

By identifying all the tasks in your kitchen, you will see where things should be located for easy access and use.

Have a Plan

Before you choose a kitchen layout, know what you have to work with now. The key points in a kitchen are the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

Make a map of what you have to help.

1. Look at your kitchen from above; this will give you a better idea of where things are now.
2. Use grid paper, or grab our free planning pages below to help.
3. Draw a rough outline of the counters.
4. Mark where the sink, stove/oven, and refrigerator are located.
5. Note any other key points, such as an island or open counter area.

Kitchen Layout Ideas

If you are setting up a new home or remodeling your kitchen, there are a few common layouts to consider.

Classic Triangle

The most common layout used by many homeowners is the classic triangle. This design has the stove, sink, and refrigerator positioned so they form a triangle shape. This layout allows for easy movement between these three main areas while cooking.

L-Shaped

In small or open kitchens, an L-shaped layout can be the most efficient use of space. One side can have all cooking elements while the other side has the sink and refrigerator, leaving a clear path to move between them.

Galley

For narrow kitchens, a galley layout is an ideal choice. Two parallel counters create a workspace with everything within reach. This design also works well for open-concept homes as it keeps the kitchen contained in one area without blocking views or creating barriers.

U-Shaped

A U-shaped layout maximizes storage and counter space by using three walls of your kitchen. It creates a central work area with easy access to appliances and plenty of room for food prep.

Extra Work Space

If you have the room and the budget, you may consider adding more workspace to your kitchen layout. You can do this with a rolling cart that gives you more counter space.

Island

Adding an island to your kitchen layout can increase counter and storage space, as well as provide a central gathering place for family and friends. It can also function as a separate workspace for meal prep.

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Peninsula

Similar to an island, a peninsula is a countertop that extends from one of your existing counters. It can add additional counter space while also creating a visual separation between the kitchen and adjacent rooms.

Layout each station

Having a layout is only part of an organized kitchen, next, you will want to streamline each area to be more efficient.

The goal is to be able to work without having to move around constantly to get tools. Keep it close so you can stay put.

The Cooking Area

Near the cooking area, you will want to have the following:

1. Cutting board
2. Knives
3. Spatulas and other utensils
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Spices and cooking sprays
6. Pots and pans
7. Mixing bowls and other items

Tip: Be sure to have open counter space in your cooking area to give you room for cooking and prepping.

The Refrigerator Area

Near the refrigerator, you will want to have the following:

1. Dry-erase board or notepad for grocery lists
2. Airtight containers for food storage
3. Counter space for setting items down
4. Paper towels for quick cleanups
5. Organizers in the fridge will help to keep this essential appliance more efficient.

By having these essential items within easy reach of each designated station, you can minimize time spent moving around the kitchen and maximize

The Sink Area

Near the sink and dishwasher, you will want to have the following:

1. Dish soap and other cleaning supplies
2. Dish rack
3. Towels and sponges
4. Trash can and bags
5. Pullout drawers to keep the area below the sink more organized.

Tip: Store dishes, glasses, and silverware near the sink area to help you put clean dishes away more quickly.

Make Any Updates

Once your layout is decided, and each area is organized, you may want to do a few updates to ensure each station is easy to work in.

#1. Lighting

Having efficient lighting in a kitchen is helpful, especially as we get older. Look at your current lights and try a brighter bulb to see if that helps. If not, you may want to invest in additional lights for each work area.

#2. Counters

You can add things to your counters to make the area more efficient. Things like a butcher block for cutting vegetables, pullout shelves to hold heavy appliances, or a counter extender to give you more workspace.

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#3. Flooring

Invest in mats for the floor that are slip-resistant and padded to help your back when standing.

#4. Organizers

Finally, organize each area to help hold the tools needed.

1. Crock – Can hold cooking utensils near the stove.
2. Magnet shelf – Can hold cooking oils or spices.
3. Pot rack – Can hold pots and pans.
4. Rolling cart – Can hold extra appliances for cooking.
5. Floating shelves – Can hold cookbooks or baking dishes.

Having an efficient kitchen can help you love cooking again. Take the time to look at your space with fresh eyes and set up one of these efficient kitchen layout ideas.

Finally, make your space one you love to be in. Add a pop of color, a pretty floor rug, and a window herb garden, and transform this busy room into an inviting and enjoyable one.

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