Basic Kitchen Plans
The efficient u-shape plan is versatile and usually puts
a workspace alongside each of three walls. The pros of
this are great storage and counter space on three sides
that maximize efficiency but this is not the best plans
for entertaining or for accommodating multiple cooks.
Major traffic jams in the kitchen! Another thing to
consider is you have to have the basic 8x8 foot space
and anything less won't provide the minimum 4 feet work
space that is recommended for the center of the room. In
a large kitchen for maximum efficiency, locate one
workstation in a freestanding island.
The L-shape plan allows two workstations on one wall and
the third on an adjacent wall. This layout is much more
efficient concerning space than the U-shape plan
especially if the main workstations are located close to
the bend of the L. The L-shaped plan is not well suited
for small kitchen spaces and you need to allow enough
open counter space between the two workstations that
share the same wall. This is at least four feet. Other
things to consider is the arrangement of the
workstations which are critical. The work needs to flow
from the refrigerator to the sink and then to the stove
cooktop and serving area. An ideal eating nook is the
area opposite the bend of the L.
The island plan is a popular design because it features
a freestanding workspace usually including the sink or
stovetop. This is a wonderful plan for large kitchens
where the work triangle exceeds the twenty-six foot rule
that dictates that for maximum efficiency. Island plans
are not well suited in kitchens where two work stations
must be on opposite walls. The island is a convenient
location for specialty countertops such as butcher block
for chopping veggies or marble for rolling out those
delectable desserts. Another idea is a rolling island
which can roll outside to your patio or deck when
entertaining guest. When one end of the island is
anchored to a wall or line of cabinets, this is called a
peninsula plan. The peninsula kitchen packs all the
versatility of island but does not require as much
space. Like islands, the peninsula plan gives the cook a
workstation and a view into another room rather than
just toward a wall. After meal preparation, a peninsula
can double as a serving buffet or bar.
In conclusion, the one wall plan is most often seen in
smaller homes, vacation homes and apartments. This floor
plan is definitely the most space saving but is least
efficient for the cook. Normally there is a door at each
end which translates into lots of through traffic. This
can create quite a few problems as well as frustration
for the cook. One wall kitchens work better when the
sink is in the center beside the refrigerator and the
stovetop. If you have the space, allow four feet of
counter space on each side of the sink.
Back to San Diego downtown real estate article index |
