How to Lay Out a Kitchen - Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen layout is one of the most important design considerations when renovating or building a new home. The layout greatly impacts the kitchen’s functionality, workflow, and aesthetic. Proper planning and thought into how you use your kitchen can make it much more enjoyable to cook and entertain. Here is an in-depth guide on how to lay out a kitchen for maximum efficiency and style.

Gather Inspiration and Create a Wishlist

Before drawing up floorplans, thoroughly consider how you want the new kitchen to look and function. Spend time gathering inspiration from home magazines, interior design websites, model homes, and Pinterest. Note elements you like such as:

Cabinetry style – shaker, modern, country, etc.
Countertop material – quartz, granite, butcher block
Backsplash tile design and color
Flooring – hardwood, tile, vinyl plank
Lighting fixtures
Appliances and layout
Paint colors
Hardware finishes – black, brass, nickel
Island or peninsula design

Make a wishlist of must-haves for your dream kitchen. This will help inform the layout and design plans.

Take Measurements and Create a Floorplan

Measure the overall kitchen dimensions as well as window and door placements. Sketch your existing kitchen layout to scale using graph paper.

Next, brainstorm 2-3 possible new layouts that improve work zones and flow. Consider traffic patterns through the space and where cooks tend to gravitate. Allow adequate room around appliances for opening doors and drawers.

Using your scale drawings, cut out templates for the sink, stove, fridge, island, and other key elements. Move the templates around to experiment with different configurations. Mark the placement that works best.

Finally, create a new floorplan drawing with measurements noted. This will serve as the blueprint for the kitchen design.

Plan the Major Work Zones

A kitchen is comprised of three major work zones:

Food Preparation Zone

This centers around the sink area for washing, peeling, chopping, and prepping ingredients. Allow a minimum of 36 inches of countertop workspace on both sides of the sink. Include outlets nearby for small appliances like a food processor. Position this zone close to the fridge and pantry for efficiency.

Cooking Zone

The cooking zone contains the stove, oven, and food preparation areas. Make sure the space accommodates safe clearance zones around cooking appliances as per building codes. Allow at least 15 inches of countertop space on each side of the stove and several feet for landing cooked food. Position near the sink but avoid crossing traffic flows.

Clean-Up Zone

Locate the dishwasher near the sink to minimize water splatter and allow easy loading/unloading. Include durable countertops nearby for scraping dishes and meal prep clean-up. Place recycling and garbage center stage for easy access while cleaning.

Snack Zone

For casual meals and entertaining, carve out space for a snack zone with bar-style seating. This could be at a kitchen island, peninsula, or table. Make sure there’s room for comfortable bar stools or chairs.

Storage and Pantry

Maximize vertical storage space with tall corner cabinets and pantry pull-outs. Allocate room for garbage, recycling, and compost if applicable. Leave space for brooms, mops, and other cleaning essentials.

Choose the Right Appliances

Appliance selection and placement is integral to kitchen layout. Measure existing appliances and cut templates from cardboard at the planned new sizes. Move the templates around in your floorplan to test fit.

Ensure proper clearance space around appliances:

Refrigerators – At least 15 inches on the door side to open. Allow a few inches on the hinge side.
Dishwashers – 24 inches in front for door clearance.
Stoves – 30 inches of clearance at the front and sides.
Wall Ovens – 30 inches of side and front clearance.
Microwaves – Allow 15 inches above and 3 inches clearance on sides.
Cooktops – Require 18-24 inches of counter frontage and up to 15 inches depth.

Ideally, create triangular workflow between the sink, stove, and fridge. Place noisy vent hoods away from conversational areas.

Incorporate Adequate Lighting

Well-designed lighting ensures the kitchen is safe and comfortable to use. Include:

Ambient lighting – Usually ceiling lights that provide overall illumination for the entire kitchen.
Task lighting – Under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights directed over specific work areas.
Accent lighting – Highlights architectural details or wall art.
Natural lighting – Windows and skylights that bring in sunlight.

Make sure to include switches for all lighting fixtures. Dimmer switches allow adjusting light levels.

Design an Ergonomic Island

The kitchen island is a hotspot for meal prep, casual dining, entertaining, and storage. Make it functional by following these tips:

Size it minimum 36-40 inches deep and 48-60 inches long. This allows adequate dining and workspace.
Allow a minimum clearance of 3 feet around all sides of the island to allow traffic flow.
Include at least one electrical outlet at counter height for appliances.
Incorporate roomy drawers and pull-out shelves for storing kitchen essentials.
Add a overhang or lip of at least 6 inches for seating vs. a standard counter height.
Include pendant lighting above for task lighting.

Choose Flooring That Suits Your Lifestyle

Kitchen flooring endures heavy foot traffic, spills, dripping water, and wear-and-tear. Choose materials made to withstand daily use. Consider how formal or casual your family lives in the kitchen. Low maintenance, durable options include:

Porcelain, ceramic, or stone tile
Luxury vinyl plank
Sheet vinyl
Hardwood
High-performance laminate
Polished concrete
Epoxy floors

Include anti-fatigue floor mats in key standing areas for comfort. Add area rugs to define spaces in an open floor plan.

Create an Efficient Cabinet Layout

Well-organized cabinets make items easy to find while maximizing every inch of space. Follow these tips:

Use a Combination of Upper and Lower Cabinets

Vary cabinet heights to fit both tall and short items. Place commonly used pots, pans, and serving ware in lower cabinets for easy access. Reserve upper cabinets for small or occasional-use items.

Include Specialty Storage Solutions

Incorporate pull-out shelves, lazy susans, drawer organizers, and other smart storage items. Consider a built-in spice rack, cutlery organizer, or tray divider.

Put Items Close to Where They’ll Be Used

Position dinnerware near the dishwasher and everyday glasses by the sink drinking area. Keep pots and pans by the stove top. Place baking sheets and cooling racks near the oven.

Maximize Corner Cabinet Storage

Use cabinets with lazy susans or diagonal shelving. You can also opt for blind corner pull-outs with removable trays.

Mix Open and Closed Storage as Needed

Closed cabinets hide clutter while open shelving displays decor. Use a balance of both throughout the kitchen.

Choose Countertops to Match Your Style

The counters endure heavy-duty daily use. Choose surfaces that are durable, easily maintained, and stylish. Popular options include:

Quartz – Non-porous, scratch-resistant, and heat tolerant but can stain.
Granite – Durable and heat-resistant but requires yearly sealing.
Marble – Elegant but can stain, etch, and scratch. Needs yearly sealing.
Soapstone – Heat-tolerant and develops a patina over time. Annual sealing needed.
Butcher Block – Provides a wood look but requires maintenance. Not heat resistant.
Laminate – Budget-friendly and extremely durable. Seamless look.
Solid Surface – Non-porous and seamless but prone to cuts and scratches.

Coordinate your counters with your cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash. Include an accent countertop like marble on a kitchen island.

Select a Backsplash That Protects and Accents

The backsplash safeguards the wall behind cooking and cleaning zones. It also provides design flair. Consider:

Ceramic tile – Provides a sleek, seamless look in endless colors and textures. Grout requires maintenance.
Glass tile – Adds brilliance and depth. Grout-free installation available but prone to breakage.
Natural stone – Elegant and durable with unique veining but requires resealing grout.
Metal – Adds modern style but prone to scratches and dents.
Mosaic – Small tiles create artistic impact but require grout maintenance.

Choose a backsplash color that pops against cabinetry or match it to the counters or flooring for a cohesive look.

Carefully Select Finishes and Hardware

Finishes and hardware add stylistic flair and visual harmony. For a cohesive design:

Match cabinet hardware finish to other metals and fixtures in the space like lighting or faucets.
Repeat backsplash colors or textures through small accents like tilted open shelving.
Incorporate glass cabinet doors to break up an all-wood look.
Consider mixed metals and finishes for an eclectic style.

Create a Layout That Suits Your Style

Kitchen layout follows your sense of style. For example:

Contemporary:

Focused on clean lines and functionality. May feature a minimalist, sleek design.

Traditional:

Classic elements like dovetail drawers, carved details, and glass-front cabinets.

Farmhouse:

Vintage-inspired with open shelving, butcher block, and apron-front sinks.

Transitional:

Blends traditional and contemporary with timeless mix-and-match elements.

Industrial:

Exposed pipes, metals, concrete floors and utilitarian light fixtures.

Smart Tips and Tricks

Keep these extra pointers in mind when laying out your kitchen:

Allow space for recycling, compost, and garbage center stage.
Incorporate a message board or family command central for papers and mail.
Include a desk area or homework zone if needed.
Accommodate pet food and water bowls in a low-traffic spot.
Make sure upper cabinets are not too high for the users.
Include a beverage station with coffee maker, mini-fridge, and glassware storage.
Allow open shelving for frequently used entertaining and serving pieces.
Incorporate smart home technology like voice assistants.
Accommodate small appliance storage.
Allow for future flexibility or changes in kitchen usage.

Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid

Some layout decisions can sabotage functionality. Be sure to avoid:

Placing the stove, sink, or fridge too far apart from each other.
Not allowing enough clearance space around appliances.
Hampering important traffic lanes like back door, pantry, and dining room.
Making the kitchen too small to accommodate multiple cooks and helpers.
Neglecting lighting – especially task lighting over key workspaces.
Forgetting accessible power outlets throughout.
Sacrificing too much cabinet storage for other elements like windows.
Putting the dishwasher or sink too far from the eating area.
Not planning for recycling/garbage workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laying Out a Kitchen

How big should a kitchen island be?

The ideal kitchen island size is 36-40 inches deep and 48-60 inches long. This provides ample room for meal prep and dining. Be sure to allow at least 3 feet clearance on all sides.

What is the standard size for a kitchen sink?

Standard kitchen sinks range from 20-30 inches wide and 16-23 inches front to back. Depth ranges from 5-10 inches. Apron-front sinks are often larger at 33 inches wide or more.

How much space should be around a fridge?

Allow at least 15 inches clearance on the door side of the fridge to open properly. Several inches should separate the fridge from walls or other appliances.

What is the minimum aisle clearance in a kitchen?

At minimum, allow for 42 inches of clearance for aisleways in work areas and 36 inches for traffic elsewhere. This enables multiple cooks to pass through.

What is the standard height for kitchen countertops?

The average countertop height is 36 inches. Island and bar countertops are often slightly taller at 40-42 inches high.

What should you not put above a stove?

Avoid placing anything flammable over the stove. Also skip frequently used items that would involve reaching over hot burners. Opt for a vent hood, microwave, ambient lighting or decorative items.

How far should upper cabinets be from countertops?

Upper cabinets should be 18-24 inches above countertops for comfortable reach. The exact distance depends on the user’s height. Those over 5’7″ can use a 24 inch height.

How much space should be between kitchen cabinets?

Allow 15-18 inches between countertops and upper cabinets. For uppers over the sink or cooktop, increase to 20-24 inches clearance. Cabinet makers suggest 12 inches minimum between tall cabinets.

Conclusion

Thoughtfully laying out a kitchen requires considering traffic flow, work triangles, storage, appliances, and personal style preferences. Spending time on the floorplan can greatly enhance functionality and livability. Keep user habits and heights in mind to maximize comfort. With smart planning, you can craft a kitchen layout that meets your needs for years to come.