Whether it is a small kitchen or a designer kitchen, planning a kitchen layout is a great hurdle. It requires careful planning and a big investment. Moreover, a kitchen layout helps decide the different aspects of a kitchen be it the kitchen cabinets, kitchen appliances, kitchen island, kitchen lighting, or the interior kitchen design. There are several layout ideas such as L shaped kitchen, galley kitchen, G-shaped kitchen, and more.
For effective space utilization and efficient workflow, it becomes essential to plan the modular kitchen design with great caution. Planning a kitchen involves several elements such as the kitchen word zones, golden triangle, floor planning, kitchen dimensions, lighting plan, etc.
Additionally, the positioning of the kitchen appliances, kitchen cabinet designs, and measurements, placement of doors and windows also determine the efficiency of the kitchen.
For a professional, it becomes important that they deliver the best results without committing any mistakes. A slight oversight today can result in major, permanent problems tomorrow.
Therefore, this article focuses on all the aspects of planning a modular kitchen layout. Also, the article will discuss common kitchen mistakes and their solutions.
Contents
- 1 Kitchen zones and work triangle
- 2 Kitchen work triangle- Principles
- 3 Kitchen layouts & dimensions
- 3.1 Broken Peninsula Kitchen layout
- 3.2 G-Shape Peninsula Kitchen layout
- 3.3 L-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design (Rectangle kitchen island)
- 3.4 L-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design (Square kitchen island)
- 3.5 Single Row Galley Kitchen layout
- 3.6 Two-Row Galley Kitchen Layout
- 3.7 U-Shaped Modular Kitchen Layout
- 3.8 U-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design Layout with Island
- 3.9 Kitchen dimensions- other elements
- 4 Kitchen cabinets
- 5 Kitchen Lighting Plan
- 6 Unique kitchen lighting elements to pop up your kitchen design
- 7 Kitchen design mistakes
- 7.1 Mistake #1 Lack of proper circulation or movement space
- 7.2 Mistake 2# Not giving regard to the work triangle in your kitchen design
- 7.3 Mistake #3: Wrong sized kitchen appliances and cabinets
- 7.4 Mistake #4: Improper utilization of vertical space
- 7.5 Mistake 5# Inadequate lighting in your kitchen design
- 7.6 Mistake #6 Not planning around the workflow
- 7.7 Mistake #7 Blocking thoroughfares and windows
- 7.8 Mistake #8 Having dead corners and spaces in your kitchen design
- 7.9 Mistake #9 Installing a kitchen island in a small kitchen design
- 7.10 Mistake 10# Choosing the wrong kitchen layout design
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 False ceiling design for kitchen:10 exclusive design ideas for your kitchen makeover
Kitchen zones and work triangle
Planning a kitchen always remains a challenge. Be it a smaller kitchen design or a large one, the key is to plan the layout according to the tasks performed in the space.
Moreover, a kitchen witnesses a wide array of tasks such as preparation, cooking, washing, storing, and a lot more.
So, it is important to list the main tasks and divide the kitchen zones accordingly.
Preparation
Chopping and baking need a lot of prepping space. So, your countertop must be closer to the refrigerator and also close to the sink. The prepping zone must also have space for a laptop, tablet, or a similar gadget so you can follow your recipes easily.
Washing
The sink and the dishwasher must remain close to each other. Moreover, there must remain ample space next to the sink to keep things. You also want to keep your trash can or garbage recycler near the sink.
Cooking
A flat, spacious, and bare counter space near the stove and oven is needed to keep the hot, cooked food. Space must be enough for plating so that you don’t have to carry hot pots and pans from a distance.
Storing
Every kitchen zone needs sufficient storage space. A baking zone needs space to keep the baking appliances and accessories, a countertop needs kitchen cabinet space above and below it to keep cooking items, and so on.
Additional kitchen zones for your unique tasks
Sitting zone
If you want to make your kitchen more than just a cooking space, an additional counter bar or island bar spices up everything.
Kitchen appliances
Too many kitchen appliances can quickly clutter a kitchen space. So, firstly try to keep only those appliances that you actually need. Secondly, if you need some special appliances for your work, plan a zone around it.
For instance, if you like juicing, your tiny juicing zone must remain near the sink and the refrigerator.
Gadgets
If you rely on tablets and laptops for your kitchen recipes, create a space for it in the prepping zone.
Work triangle
The concept of a work triangle was devised for the first time in the 1920s. Its main purpose was to enhance the efficiency of a residential kitchen.
Basically, a work triangle creates a clear path between the three major zones or areas of a kitchen-
- Preparation area (stovetop)
- Cleaning/ washing area (sink)
- Storage area (refrigerator)
Kitchen work triangle- Principles
Kitchen work triangle
Image Source: Home Stratosphere
A perfect kitchen work triangle follows the following principles:
- The length of each leg of the triangle must remain between 1.2m to 2.7m
- The combined length of all the three legs of the triangle must be between 4m to 7.9m.
- If you add up the triangle legs, it should not exceed 7.9m.
- No appliances, cabinetry, or any other element must come in between the intersections of any of the legs.
Kitchen layouts & dimensions
The first factor to consider when planning a kitchen layout is the space available for use and the intended use. Additionally, the number of users, kitchen appliances, and required work zones also factor in.
A modular kitchen design includes small modules that form a kitchen with increased storage, space, and productivity.
Let’s go through the various layouts of a modular kitchen design and understand their significance.
Broken Peninsula Kitchen layout
Broken peninsula kitchen design
Image Source: My Domaine
This kitchen layout splits the cabinetry and fixtures along 2 parallel walls. One of the walls ends in an extended bar counter.
Moreover, this kitchen layout removes all kitchen equipment from the back wall. So, it offers greater space for passage and movement. This kitchen layout is ideal for small kitchen designs.
(image)
The central width must remain at least 5’ (1.53 m). Also, the kitchen interior design zone can be enlarged from 6’ to 8’ (1.8-2.4m). But this enlargement must be done in the short direction to offer more room for the movement of multiple people.
The cabinetry and the edge of the bar counter must maintain a minimum passage aisle of 3’ (0.91m). Moreover, the overall width of a Broken Peninsula Kitchen ranges from 10’-13’ (3-4 m) with a depth from 12’-15’ (3.7-4.6 m). The overall space required for this kitchen layout remains approximately 109 sq. ft. (10.1 m2).
Kitchen dimensions
Broken peninsula kitchen design
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Length: 12’4” or 3.76 m
Width: 10’6” or 3.2 m
Kitchen island Counter Depth: 3’4” or 1.02 m
Bar Top Depth: 1’4” or 41 cm
Clearance: 3 inches or .91 m minimum
Area: 109 sq.ft. or 10.1 m2
G-Shape Peninsula Kitchen layout
Also known as Peninsula Kitchens, this layout places the fixtures and cabinetry along 3 adjacent walls. The wall ends in a bar counter extension.
This kitchen layout is best if you want an additional seating area. Moreover, this modular kitchen design leaves space for several people to occupy the kitchen at the same time. If you do not have a very small space, you can use this layout effectively.
G-shaped peninsula kitchen
Image Source: Dura Supreme
The cabinetry and the edge of the bar counter must maintain a minimum passage aisle of 3’ (0.91m). Moreover, the overall width of a Broken Peninsula Kitchen ranges from 13’-16’ (4-4.9 m) with a depth from 12’-15’ (3.7-4.6 m). The overall space required for this kitchen layout remains approximately 136 sq. ft. (12.6 m2).
Kitchen dimensions
G-shaped kitchen design
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Length: 12’4” or 3.76 m
Width: 13’ or 3.96 m
Island Counter Depth: 3’4” or 1.02 m
Access Clearance: 5’ or 1.53 m minimum recommended
Passage Clearance : 3’ or .91 m minimum
Area: 136 sq.ft. or 12.6 m2
L-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design (Rectangle kitchen island)
The L-shaped modular kitchen design layout (rectangle) uses 2 adjacent walls in an L configuration to arrange the various fixtures of the kitchen around a rectangular island countertop. This layout offers flexibility for several variations of lengths and depths. If you want an increased tabletop surface and workspace, this kitchen layout is ideal for you.
L-shaped kitchen design
Image Source: i.pining
A minimum clearance aisle of 3’6” or 1.07 m is required in front of an L-Shape kitchen layout, and the recommended width ranges from 4’-6’ or 1.2-1.8 m. moreover, L-Shape Kitchen Rectangle Islands have long linear lengths ranging from 8’-13’ or 2.4-4 m and short lengths of 3’-9’ or .9-2.7 m. The overall area remains approximately 115 sq. ft. or 10.7 m2.
Kitchen dimensions
L-shaped rectangle island
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Width: 13’ or 3.96 m
Depth: 8’10” or 2.69 m
Clearance (Working): 3’6” or 1.07 m
Island Counter Depth: 3’4” or 1.02 m
Kitchen Island Counter Width: 7’6” or 2.29 m
Island Bar Stool Spacing: 30” or 76 cm
Area: 115 ft2 or 10.7 m2
L-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design (Square kitchen island)
The L-shaped kitchen layout (square) uses 2 adjacent walls in an L configuration to arrange the various fixtures of the kitchen around a square island countertop. This L-shaped kitchen layout offers flexibility for several variations of lengths and depths. If you want an increased tabletop surface and workspace, this L-shaped kitchen layout is ideal for you.
L-shaped kitchen design
Image Source: HGTV
A minimum clearance aisle of 3’6” or 1.07 m is required in front of an L-Shape kitchen layout, and the recommended width ranges from 4’-6’ or 1.2-1.8 m. Moreover, L-Shape Kitchen Square Islands have matched lengths of 11’ or 3.35 m. The overall area for an L-shaped kitchen remains approximately 121 sq. ft. or 11.2 m2.
Kitchen dimensions
L-shaped square island
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Width: 11’ or 3.35 m
Depth: 11’ or 3.35 m
Clearance (Working): 3’6” or 1.07 m
Island Counter Width: 5’6” or 1.68 m
Kitchen island Bar Stool Spacing: 30” or 76 cm
Area: 121 sq.ft. or 11.2 m2
Both Rectangle and Square L-Shaped Kitchens need a minimum clearance aisle of 3’6” or 1.07 m.
Single Row Galley Kitchen layout
This modular kitchen design layout is space-efficient and ideal for small kitchen designs. So, it combines all the kitchen fixtures into a single optimized linear bar.
Single row galley kitchen
Image Source: Live Enhanced
Moreover, this modular kitchen design needs a clearance width of 4 inches to 6 inches in front of the kitchen. The linear length ranges from 7 inches to 122.5 inches or 2.1 to 3.8 meters. The overall area remains approximately 75 sq. ft. or 7 m2.
Kitchen dimensions
Single row galley kitchen dimensions
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Length: 12’6” or 3.81 m
Counter Depth: 2’ or .61 m
Total Depth: 6’ or 1.83 m
Clearance: 4’ or 1.22 m minimum
Area: 75 ft2 or 7 m2
Two-Row Galley Kitchen Layout
If you have slightly more space than required for a single-row galley layout, this kitchen design remains ideal for you. It is also space-efficient and suitable for small kitchen designs. So, it combines all the kitchen fixtures into two linear bars. Also, it needs an interior centralized zone for user access on each side.
Two-row kitchen galley
Image Source: Anipinan kitchen
This kitchen design needs a clearance width of 4 inches to 6 inches in front of tween the 2 linear bars of the kitchen. Moreover, the length of the linear lengths ranges from 7 inches to 12.5 inches or 2.1 to 3.8 meters. The overall area remains approximately 108 sq. ft. or 10 m2.
Kitchen dimensions
Two row galley dimension
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Length: 12’6” or 3.81 m
Depth (Overall): 8’8” or 2.64 m
Counter Depth: 2’ or .61 m
Clearance: 4’ or 1.22 m minimum
Area: 108 ft2 or 10 m2
U-Shaped Modular Kitchen Layout
These continuous kitchen layouts locate fixtures and cabinetry along three adjacent walls in a U-shape. You can plan the lengths and depths in multiple variations.
U-shaped kitchen design
Image Source: Pinterest
The minimum aisle width required remains 5’ or 1.53 meters. However, for better access and movement space, the aisle should remain between 6’ to 8’ or 1.8 to 2.4 meters.
U-Shape Kitchen Islands should be planned with an overall area of roughly 107 sq. ft. or 10 m2.
Kitchen dimensions
U-shaped kitchen
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Width: 10’6” or 3.2 m
Depth: 10’2” or 3.15 m
Clearance: 5’ or 1.53 m minimum recommended
Area: 107 ft2 or 10 m2
U-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design Layout with Island
These continuous kitchen layouts locate fixtures and cabinetry along three adjacent walls around one centralized kitchen island countertop.
U-shaped kitchen with island
Image Source: HGTV
The minimum aisle width required remains 3’6” or 1.07 meters. However, for better access and movement space, the aisle should remain between 4’ to 6’ or 1.2 to 1.8 meters.
U-Shape Kitchen Islands have widths that range from 15 inches to 18 inches or 4.6 to 5.5 meters with overall depths and island dimensions. U-Shaped Modular Kitchen Design Layout with an island should be planned with an overall area of roughly 155 sq. ft. or 14.4 m2.
Kitchen dimensions
U-shaped kitchen island
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Width: 15’ or 4.57 m
Depth: 10’4” or 3.15 m
Clearance (Working): 3’6” or 1.07 m
Center Island Depth: 4’10” or 1.47 m
Center Island Width: 4’ or 1.22 m
Area: 155 ft2 or 14.4 m2
Kitchen dimensions- other elements
Other than the kitchen layout, there are several elements in a kitchen design that determine its efficiency or the lack of it. Let’s go through the dimensions and proper placement of these elements in a modular kitchen.
Kitchen aisle dimensions
Kitchen dimensions for a row of kitchen units opposite a wall with no other circulation
This kitchen design, ideal for small kitchen designs have one wall with no kitchen cabinets, kitchen appliances, or fixtures. So, an ideal aisle width remains 40 inches or 102 cm. This width allows the user to move and cabinets to open.
However, if you have space crunches you can squeeze the aisle width to 36 inches or 92 cm for a small kitchen. But 36 inches width cannot accommodate a dishwasher.
Additionally, you can install a 4 inches shelf along the wall with a sliding door if your aisle width is 36 inches.
A minimum aisle width of 40 inches or 102 cm offers a run of units on both ends of an island.
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen dimensions for two rows of facing units with one cook
If your kitchen will have only one occupant, you need a clearance of 42 inches or 107 cm between two runs of units.
image
However, if you choose to install 24 inches base cabinets, the door swings will clash. Moreover, with a dishwasher, the problem will increase exponentially. So, decide the size of your cabinet doors in advance if you go for a 42 inches aisle width.
Kitchen dimensions for two rows of facing units with one cook
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen dimensions for two rows of facing units with two cooks
A clearance of 48 inches or 122 cm remains important between two runs of kitchen units if you have two cooks.
Kitchen dimensions for two rows of facing units with two cooks
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen dimensions for eating zones
Eating counter
The kitchen eating counter has the same height as the countertop. So, the ideal height remains 35 inches or 90 cm. a width of 24 inches or 61 cm, and a depth of 15 inches or 38 cm remains ideal for a person to eat properly.
Eating counter top view
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
The counter stool’s ideal height remains 24 inches or 62 cm. Moreover, it should have a leg space of a minimum of 15 inches or 38 cm.
Eating counter side view
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Bar seating
The standard bar height remains 42 inches or 107 cm. Also, the width needed for a person remains 24 inches or 51 cm and depth 15 inches or 38 cm to eat properly.
Bar eating side view
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
The kitchen bar stool’s ideal height remains 30 inches or 76 cm. Moreover, it should have a leg space of a minimum of 12 inches or 30 cm.
Bar eating side view
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen doorway area
The doorway of every kitchen design must remain at 34 inches or 86.5 cm in width. Moreover, the door swing should not come in the way of kitchen appliances or work areas.
Kitchen doorway guide
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Overhead kitchen cabinet designs
The wall cabinets must be designed according to the user’s height. Moreover, the loft space should be used to keep the items that seldom come in use.
The standard depth of overhead cabinets remains 32 cm.
Overhead kitchen cabinets
Image Source: Livspace
Countertops
Countertops and kitchen islands have the same height. The standard height of a countertop is 72 cm and a depth of 56 cm.
kitchen countertop
Image Source: Pinterest
Kitchen backsplash design
Backsplashes add more than beauty to the modular kitchen design. The kitchen tiles protect the wall and base cabinets from oil splashes, water, and dirt. Thus, the ideal height of a backsplash must remain 60 cm.
Kitchen backsplash
Image Source: Pinterest
Kitchen sink clearance
The standard kitchen sink should have a depth of 56 cm. Moreover, the clearance on one side of the kitchen sink must be 36 inches or 92 cm, and on the other side, 18 inches or 46 cm.
Kitchen sink clearance
Image Source: Blanco
The 18 inches side should have a draining board integrated into the sink.
Kitchen sink clearance
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Dishwasher
The dishwasher must be placed near the kitchen sink. The door should be at least 21 inches or 54 cm away from any cabinet or cupboard perpendicular to it. Thus, you get enough standing room near it.
Kitchen dishwasher
Image Source: Pinterest
Kitchen ceilings for a unique kitchen design
Most kitchen ceilings come in a flat design and regular height of 8 feet. However, you can also invest in stylish kitchen false ceilings to add a little jazz to your modern kitchen design.
Today, many modern kitchen designs have ceilings with a height of 9 or 10 feet too.
Some common kitchen ceiling designs are vaulted ceiling, drop ceiling, tray ceiling, coffered ceiling, groin vault ceiling, and more.
Additionally, if you have a small kitchen (70 sq. ft. or less), you can install two-tier kitchen ceilings, exposed wooden beams, glass ceilings, etc. to make the area look spacious.
Kitchen false ceiling
Image Source: Pinterest
Kitchen cabinets
A beautiful modern kitchen design has a mix of different cabinet sizes and dimensions. However, not using the correct dimensions results in an aesthetically unpleasant and dysfunctional kitchen.
Let’s understand some important kitchen cabinet design types and their measurements.
Base kitchen cabinet design
These kitchen cabinets are installed directly on the kitchen floor. Countertops are laid on these cabinets. Moreover, we install sinks within them and place dishwashers in them too.
Base kitchen cabinet
Image Source: JCMHG
| Height, without countertop | 34 1/2 inches |
| Height, with countertop | 35 to 36 inches |
| Depth (front to the wall), without countertop | 24 inches |
| Depth, with countertop | 24 to 26 inches |
| Standard widths | 12, 18, 24, 30, 33, 36, 48 inches |
Base kitchen cabinets
Image Source: Pinterest
Wall kitchen cabinet design
These kitchen cabinets store food and lightweight kitchen items. They remain fixed to the wall with screws. Sometimes they are also suspended from the ceiling.
This visible cabinetry serves functional as well as aesthetic purposes.
Wall kitchen cabinets
Image Source: Pinterest
| Standard heights | 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 inches |
| Standard depths | 12, 15, 18, 24 inches |
| Standard widths | 9 to 48 inches, in 3-inch increments |
Wall cabinet and base cabinet- difference
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Tall kitchen cabinet design
We often call the tall modular kitchen cabinets installed alongside the refrigerator in an alcove, pantry cabinets, or utility cabinets. Sometimes, they remain extended from floor to ceiling.
Tall kitchen cabinets
Image Source: Pinterest
| Height | 84 or 96 inches |
| Depth | 12 or 24 inches |
| Width | 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 inches |
Tall cabinets
Kitchen Lighting Plan
A proper kitchen lighting plan makes the kitchen more than just a cooking space. On the contrary, the area becomes an exceptional social space, cooking hub, transit zone, and the highlight of the house.
Just like a good, balanced diet, your kitchen lighting also needs a balance of different types of lights in the right amount and location. The veritable workhorse in the home, your kitchen, needs a proper mix of lights that fit all purposes.
To begin with, there are three layers of lights:
Ambient lights
The main source of light in addition to natural light.
These are soft lights that illuminate the kitchen walls and kitchen floors.
Moreover, the lights include- ceiling lights, flush-mount, and semi-flush mount lighting fixtures. Chandeliers, and lanterns.
Ambient lighting
Image Source: Pinterest
These lights offer direct illumination evenly across the modular kitchen. Hence, the following positions remain ideal for ambient lighting:
- Plan a chandelier, semi-flush mount, flush-mount fixture, or lantern directly above the kitchen island or right at the center of the kitchen ceiling.
- Leave half the height of the ceiling between recessed lights.
For instance, a 10 feet ceiling height must have recessed lights spaced 5 feet apart.
- To avoid shadows on the countertop, set the recessed lights a few inches back from the countertop’s front edge.
- Ensure that these lights remain placed without any obstructive objects such overhead cabinets, fans, etc.
- If you have a large kitchen design, consider installing two lighting fixtures at the opposites ends instead of one central light.
Task lights
Allow you to navigate through the shadows left by the ambient lights. Primarily used for specific tasks.
These lights offer brighter illumination to the kitchen islands, countertops, and other work zones of the kitchen. Moreover, these lights allow better precision during prepping, cooking, washing, and other tasks.
Additionally, pendant lights, LED strips, under-cabinet lights, LED tapes, etc. allow task lighting.
Task lighting for kitchen
Image Source: Irene George
Task lights aim to cast light down onto the work area. So, these should be positioned in the following manner:
- Place the pendant lights directly above the sinks, dining table, chopping station, and other activity areas.
- However, avoid placing them directly above the kitchen appliances that have their own built-in lightings like ovens and refrigerators.
- For minimized glaring, the pendant must be installed at least 2.5 feet from the surface.
- Place the LED strips on the underside of the upper cabinets. This allows a direct spotlight over the kitchen items kept on the countertop.
- For easier storage of kitchen items, place the LED lights on the underside of the base cabinets.
- However, to avoid glaring, ensure that these lights are 1-3 inches away from the front of the cabinet.
Accent lights
Generally, these kitchen lights cross over into task and ambient lights.
These lights highlight the architectural features and kitchen interior design. Moreover, the lighting fixtures include cove lights, puck lights, low profile lights, etc.
Accent lighting for kitchen
Image Source: blogub
In order to show off the details of your designer kitchen, position them in the following manner:
- To give the look of decorative ceiling lights, install cove lights in the ledges of the ceiling.
- Install puck lights on the underside of your upper cabinets for a clearer display of countertop décor.
- To give an elegant backlit effect, install the puck lights 1-2 inches from the back of the shelves.
- Use multi-temperature LED lights to cast a beaming effect of light onto the surface. However, go for LED strips with frosted covers so that you get minimized glare on shiny surfaces.
A layered approach that incorporates all these types of lights is ideal for a perfect modular kitchen design. Moreover, the following chart will help you select the right bulb type for each space:
Lumen chart for kitchen lighting
Natural light in the kitchen design
Natural light remains an important source of lighting in every big or small kitchen design. Incorporate natural light in your kitchen design in the following manners:
- A small window in the middle of the kitchen backsplash.
- Narrow and long windows in the gaps between the upper kitchen cabinets.
- Install clerestory windows (these are short wide windows placed above eye level).
- Small and round porthole windows are placed high on the wall.
- Install a nice skylight.
- Place a glass pane on the door.
Unique kitchen lighting elements to pop up your kitchen design
Modular kitchen cabinet lights
- Adding cabinet lights over the top of the overhead cabinets gives a soft glow.
- For a beautiful light and shadow look on the ceiling, use spotlights.
Upper cabinet lighting
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen backsplash and panel lights
- A lit-up backsplash needs 1 inch more space (depth) than tiling. Therefore, calculate this space before installing the light.
- Moreover, panel lighting in the kitchen island with space for chairs in front must be fixed with great care so as to avoid wear and tear from the feet of the occupants.
Kitchen island panel lighting
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen floor lighting
- Install spotlights in the toe kick to add a startling vibe to the kitchen floor.
- Another great idea is to light wash the floor with a bright glow from the toe kick.
- Moreover, install rope lights near the floor. You can install them in the drywall or in the skirting board.
Kitchen floor lighting
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen island lighting
- Traditional pendants in a general setting of three in a row look appealing to the eyes.
- Alternatively, you can go for a longer decorative light that covers the island.
Kitchen island lighting
Image Source: Houseplanshelper
Kitchen design mistakes
Designing a kitchen is more than just attractive countertop designs and dazzling lights. For a professional, it becomes important that the kitchen, in addition to looking aesthetic also serves the needs and purpose of the client.
Moreover, the kitchen is a completely functional space at its core. So, if your modular kitchen design remains flawed in terms of functionality, the beautiful looks of it won’t matter at all.
Here are some of the most common kitchen layout errors that most people make:
Mistake #1 Lack of proper circulation or movement space
Having inadequate circulation space in the kitchen makes the space feel cramped. Moreover, it restricts the number of people who can work in the kitchen at the same time.
Solution #1
For sufficient circulation space, have at least 4 feet of space between the countertops. But if you have a small kitchen design, 39 inches of space must remain the minimum amount of space between your countertops. Also, choose the kitchen layout- L-shaped kitchen, U-shaped kitchen, G-shaped kitchen, etc.
Mistake 2# Not giving regard to the work triangle in your kitchen design
The kitchen work triangle or the golden triangle, as mentioned earlier, includes the hob, the sink, and the refrigerator. All these elements must create an equidistant triangle for the kitchen to become convenient. If you fail to do so, you’ll end up wasting a lot of time and energy in the kitchen.
Solution #2
Keep the thumb rule of the work triangle at the core of your modular kitchen design. However, if you are just remodeling a kitchen, you obviously cannot move the sink closer. That said, you can move things around a little bit such as the job or the refrigerator, and come as close to the triangle as possible.
Mistake #3: Wrong sized kitchen appliances and cabinets
This remains one of the most common kitchen design mistakes. Oversized or undersized appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, overhead cabinets, dishwashers, and more are a common sight.
Solution #3
To avoid these issues from arising, measure the designated space carefully and choose the appliances accordingly well in advance. Don’t shy away from double or triple checking the measures. Also, don’t forget to include additional space for these appliances when they are in use. For instance, a refrigerator, an oven, or cabinets need space for their doors to open as well. So, it must be taken into account as well.
Mistake #4: Improper utilization of vertical space
Not using the vertical space of the kitchen remains another common mistake. This space can offer valuable storage space for your clients.
Solution #4
Take your kitchen cupboards right up to the ceiling. You can also set up open shelving in your modular kitchen. Furthermore, using the minimum clearance rules, position the wall cabinets over a cooktop.
Mistake 5# Inadequate lighting in your kitchen design
People often use insufficient or wrongly-placed lighting fixtures in kitchens. Even the most perfect designer kitchen fails to deliver optimum productivity if the lighting remains imperfect.
Too many dark spots and the use of just one type of light are some common mistakes that must be avoided.
Solution #5
Add a mix of task, accent, and ambient lighting in your kitchen. Use pendant lights above the kitchen island, install undercabinet lights for better visibility. Do not stop yourself from installing spotlights and recessed lights on the ceiling.
Mistake #6 Not planning around the workflow
Would you like to run to and fro between the different zones and parts of your kitchen every time you prep, cook, or wash?
This is exactly what happens if you don’t plan around the workflow. So, decide the kitchen layout whether it is an L-shaped kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen, or something else according to your workflow.
Solution #6
To avoid this mistake from occurring, consider your workflow in the initial stages of planning and plan it accordingly. There are several smart solutions such as tailored inserts, wider drawers, and high-functioning storage spaces. Include them in the right places in your kitchen layout.
Mistake #7 Blocking thoroughfares and windows
A professional worth their salt will always tell you that they ensure never to block windows and any other openings. A kitchen needs ample natural lighting. So, blocking windows and thoroughfares definitely hampers the efficiency of the space.
Solution #7
Opt for wall-to-wall windows and French windows to ensure that the ventilation and natural lighting do not get obstructed.
Mistake #8 Having dead corners and spaces in your kitchen design
Dead spaces are essentially the corners in the kitchen cabinets that do not remain fully accessible. These spaces do not serve any purpose and simply become a waste of space.
Solution #8
A simple solution to this problem would be to install a carousel unit. This revolving kitchen accessory gives you access to the otherwise waste dead space by making its storage space.
Mistake #9 Installing a kitchen island in a small kitchen design
Kitchen islands are great but they consume a lot of space. So, do not get swayed away from the whims and fancies. Installing a kitchen island in a kitchen design with insufficient circulation space will cause a lot of problems.
Solution #9
Rule out a kitchen island if you have a parallel or straight kitchen. Additionally, use kitchen islands only in an open kitchen. Unless your closed kitchen has a very large space, do not consider having a kitchen island.
For a good traffic flow, you need at least 40 inches of space on both sides of the island. A kitchen island can be as wide as 47 inches and as narrow as 24 inches.
Mistake 10# Choosing the wrong kitchen layout design
A kitchen layout plays an extremely important role in determining the productivity and efficiency of the kitchen. Moreover, it also has a say in the storage space you get. A wrong layout becomes a major and generally irreparable challenge.
Solution 10#
To avoid this blunder from happening, you need to analyze the demands of your client from the kitchen beforehand. However, if you are past the planning stage, you can increase your storage space by losing out on floor space. Convert your L-shaped kitchen into a U-shaped modular kitchen simply by adding a slab.
Conclusion
To overcome the challenges of designing a small kitchen design or a designer modular kitchen, accurate and careful planning becomes important. Without the right knowledge of the available area, the number of users, work zones, and add-ons, even the best professional can fail to deliver optimal results.
In addition to these prerequisites, the correct floor plan- be it an L-shaped kitchen, U-shaped kitchen, or a galley kitchen, lighting layout, modular kitchen cabinet design dimensions, types and sizes of the kitchen appliances, etc. must also be taken into careful consideration.
Failing to take into account the important aspects can cause great havoc later. So, it is advisable to tread carefully while planning your modern kitchen design layout.
Moreover, the scope of errors is not less even in simple kitchen designs. Simple twists and changes in the lighting plan, or design can completely transform the look and functionality of the space.
So, everything should be systematic and organized and planned with great precision.
All the information given in the article related to the design of modular kitchens aims to help the professionals make the right decisions in the most effortless and time-efficient manner.
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