Page 44 - April 2023

EXPERT ADVICE
The pros and cons of
kitchen layouts
The kitchen is a multifunctional room in the home and creating a
space that is a place to prepare meals but also functions as a dining
room, daytime office or homework area for kids will allow you to make
the most of the room.
uring the last two years, the phrase
‘the kitchen is the heart of the home’
Dhas never been more true. With
so many people working from home and
everyone spending so much more time in the
house, the kitchen has reaffirmed its position
at the heart of home life - a space where
families come together to work, study, cook,
dine, entertain and relax.
The kitchen has evolved from a single-
purpose room to a multifunctional space that
needs to accommodate various activities
throughout the day. You might want to
combine cooking and prep areas with dining
and living zones and have a designated
office or homework space too. Whatever the
requirements for your new kitchen are, it is
essential to understand the basic principles
of common kitchen layouts.
The kitchen triangle is a design rule based
around the three main appliances in the
kitchen: the fridge, the hob and the sink. The
aim is to place these on the three points of
a triangle to minimise effort and walking
distance between them.
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The kitchen is the central hub of all home activity so
there’s a real opportunity to create a space that truly
enhances your day-to-day life.
Ruth Lavender, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens
Ruth Lavender, design expert at Benchmarx the other, but make sure there is adequate
Kitchens, says: “The kitchen is the central hub workspace between these elements. This can
of all home activity, so when it comes to a be an efficient layout for one cook, but two may
redesign there is a real opportunity to create a find themselves under each other’s feet – you
space that truly enhances your day-to-day life. may want to include an extra prep sink to ease
the pressure.
“While starting the design process can feel
a little daunting if it’s your first project of this A U-shaped kitchen
type, breaking down the key elements will If you have a medium-sized room which is
make it feel easier – empowering you to create squarer in shape then consider a U-shaped
the kitchen of your dreams.” kitchen. For a practical layout, try and locate
the cooker and hob in the centre and the sink
So what are the best kitchen layouts? and fridge at either end of the U to create the
perfect working triangle. A U-shaped layout
An L-shaped kitchen can feel a little overpowering if there are a lot
This is the most flexible layout and will of wall units, so consider the current trend for
comprise two runs of cabinets at right angles a tall bank of floor-to-ceiling units on one wall
along adjacent walls and often include an and open shelving on another. If the space
island to provide prep and dining areas. The allows, incorporate a separate dining table
best ergonomic kitchen layouts place the leading onto a living area, outwith the U layout
hob on one wall with the sink and fridge on to keep that for cooking.
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