Kitchen Redesign: Basic Floor Plans

There are several floor plan you can utilize in the redesign of your kitchen. You should look at pictures of each and note how each may function for you and your family in your kitchen redesign.

The basic floor plans are:

• U-shape
• L-shape
• Island
• One wall

U-Shape

The U-shape plan is efficient and versatile. You will have workstations on each of three walls. This gives you a lot of storage and counter space on all three sides. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining or if there are two people cooking at the same time, this may not be the best option for you. If you have the space, you can locate a free-standing island workstation in the center of the room.

L-Shape

In an L-shape kitchen design, you have two workstations on one wall and a third one on an adjacent wall. The main workstation should be located close to the bend of the L. This type of kitchen plan is not suited for small kitchen spaces. You have to allow at least four feet of open counter space between the two workstations that share the same wall. You should also be aware of the flow of work in the kitchen. The flow should be from the refrigerator to the sink to the stovetop and then to the serving area. An eating nook should be in the area opposite the bend of the L.

Island

In recent years, the most popular kitchen floor plan has been the island because it features a freestanding workstation which will house a sink or stovetop. The island concept works well in a large kitchen. It does not work well if there are two work stations on opposite walls. The island is also a workstation. it can be covered with a special countertop such as butcher block so that you can use it for chopping vegetables. Marble countertops are great for pastry cooks.

The island does not have to be stationary. If your island is used only as a workstation in the kitchen, it can be utilized as a workstation on your deck or patio. Another type of island is the peninsula island. It can be anchored to a wall and when not used as a workstation it can be used as a buffet table.

Wall Plan

The wall plan is a space saver. It is found in small homes, vacation homes, and apartments. However, it is not the most efficient space for a person who does a lot of cooking. With this type of plan, you should have the sink between the refrigerator and the stove. Ideally, you should have four feet of counter space on each side of the sink.

When you are thinking about your kitchen redesign project, you may have to move walls or create walls to accommodate the plan you want. Plan your workspace carefully and you will be pleased with the results of your kitchen redesign.