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Basic Kitchen
Plans
The efficient u-shape plan is versatile and usually puts
one's workstation on 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 workstation 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.
The one wall plan is normally 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. |
