7 Types of Kitchen Floor Plans with Dimensions

Kitchen Floor Plans

A kitchen is the heart of a home. Most homeowners want a state-of-the-art kitchen that still feels like home. This especially rings true if the clients have a keen interest in cooking. Designing a kitchen is a fun challenge for any designer worth their salt.

It doesn’t matter how big or small the kitchen is or how the four walls are shaped. Tiny and cramped, or massive and sprawling, boxed in or open. A skilled kitchen planner armed with an intelligent interior design layout can build out a kitchen that’s as functional as it is becoming.

When it comes to a new kitchen plan, there are a lot of behind-the-scenes preplanning and discussions. Contrary to popular beliefs, it is not just about stacking cabinets and kitchen appliances. A designer and the homeowner need to make several decisions together so that the final output is a kitchen that is not just a designer’s dream but also utilitarian.

Read also – 6 Best Kitchen Layout Ideas For Small and Large Kitchen Design

The start of a modern kitchen design or good kitchen remodels always begins with a clear view of the project. To conjure a practical kitchen design, the designer must accurately make use of every single square feet available. We have listed some critical pointers for you better measure any kitchen layout. 

• You will first and foremost need a tape measure, graph paper, and a straight edge. This will help you accurately measure all the walls and surfaces and note down the measurements to scale on graph paper.

• While taking measurements, always tackle the kitchen in a clockwise direction. Number each wall, window, and door and note down their size.

• After measuring the lengths, it’s time to take note of all the heights. Note different measurements such as the floor to the windowsill, the windowsill to the top of the window, the top of the window to the ceiling, and finally, from the floor to the ceiling.

• You must draw or show a center line for all permanent fixtures such as hob, gas range, windows, sinks, closets, outlets, and ducts.

•  Don’t forget to include the windows and door trim on the kitchen wall layout. The casing is a part of the window or door and should be considered in the overall measurement. The measurement should be taken from outside the trim to the middle of the door or window.

Read also – The Average Kitchen Size for All Types of Homes

We have gathered the most common and popular options when it comes to a kitchen layout design. The choice is made according to several factors such as the size of the room available, the number of people who are going to use the kitchen, how frequently the kitchen will be used, etc.

The most commonly recognized layout is the L-Shape kitchen layout, placed between two adjacent walls in the shape of the letter L. It also allows the user to expand the kitchen by adding island countertops for extended workspace.

Dimensions and measurements

A clearance of 3’6″ (1.07 m) is mandatory in front of an L-Shape layout. The universally recommended widths start from 4’-6′ (1.2-1.8 m). The linear counters range from 3’-9′ (.9-2.7 m) on the short side and 8’-13′ (2.4-4 m) on the longer side. L-Shape Kitchens should ideally have an area of around 111 ft2 (10.3 m2).

Pros: This is one of the most cost-efficient and straightforward designs to execute. Adding an island counter can also compliment the functionality of the kitchen.

Cons: Depending on the user, some may find it agonizing to shuffle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Moreover, if more than two cooks are in the kitchen space, it can become too crowded to work efficiently in the small space. The corner base cabinets are also impractical unless you spend more on high-tech fittings that enhance their function.

Read also – What is Kitchen Triangle?

U-shaped kitchens have a counter running unbroken along three adjacent walls. They are often accompanied by central island counters as an added workspace.

Dimensions and measurements

A clearance of 5′ (1.53 m) is mandatory in the center of a U-shaped kitchen. This zone can be maximized to have a space of 6’-8′ (1.8-2.4 m) to provide access and moving space for more than 2 people. The universally recommended width ranges between 9’-12′ (2.7-3.7 m).

The linear counters range from 3’-9′ (.9-2.7 m) on the short side and 8’-13′ (2.4-4 m) on the longer side. U-Shape Kitchens should have a footprint of around 107 ft2 (10 m2).

Pros: A chef can work smoothly with ample floor space. The design also offers an increased area for kitchen cabinets and counters on all three sides. 

Cons: The U-shaped layout is very constricting and is not ideal for placing a table, Kitchen Island, or even breakfast chairs. Workstations can end up being too far from each other if not planned correctly. There is double wastage of space in terms of corner units as compared to an L-shaped kitchen.

Read also – 50 Best Kitchen Island Design Ideas

Peninsula kitchens or G-shaped kitchens are like U-shaped kitchens, but after running along three walls, they have a short bar counter extension at one end. They are known to offer additional seating space and extra workspace. They can easily contain multiple busybodies at any given time.

Dimensions and measurements

A clearance of 5′ (1.53 m) is mandatory in the center of a Peninsula kitchen. This zone can be maximized to have a space of 6’-8′ (1.8-2.4 m) to provide access and moving space for more than 2 persons. A passage width of a minimum of 3′ (0.91 m) should be kept between the edge of the breakfast bar and adjacent cabinetry.

The universally recommended widths range between 13’-16′ (4-4.9 m). The depth of the counter ranges between 12’-15′ (3.7-4.6 m). Peninsula Kitchens should have an area of around 136 ft2 (12.6 m2).

Pros: Using all three sides gives ample cabinet space for storing food supplies and small appliances. Should you wish to embrace an open floor plan, you also have the option of knocking down a wall overlooking the living or the dining room.

Cons: The kitchen can feel slightly overwhelming due to the sheer extent of the cabinets built over the Peninsula. The corner spaces are often wasted or require additional storage fittings to work. Creating this style in a small area can restrict necessary movement for cooks and guests and make them feel cramped.

Read also – 80+ Beautiful Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

A Two-row galley kitchen layout or the parallel kitchen is a wildly popular space-efficient system, perfect for small kitchens. They consist simply of two parallel counters fixed on opposite walls. Both counters are managed from a central access zone.

Dimensions and measurements

A clearance of 4’-6′ (1.2-1.8 m) is mandatory between the two linear counters. The universally recommended lengths range between 7’-12.5′ (2.1-3.8 m). Parallel Kitchens should have an area of around 108 ft2 (10 m2).

Pros: The best part about a galley kitchen is that everything is within reach, making it one of the most functional layouts. It is an excellent proposition for tiny homes. They efficiently execute the work triangle system with designated work zones and maximized storage and shelving space.

Cons: They will have limited counter space compared to other kitchen layout ideas. It can also become slightly constricting, depending on the available width of the kitchen. It may be challenging for more than one person to use the kitchen simultaneously.

Read also – 20 Best Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

The P-shaped peninsula kitchen is the same as a traditional peninsula kitchen but follows the “P” shape rather than “G.” This style is best suited for large kitchens or open kitchen plans with more than enough space and work areas.

Dimensions and measurements

A 5′ (1.53 m) clearance is mandatory in the center of a P-shaped kitchen. This zone can be maximized to have a space of 6’-8′ (1.8-2.4 m) to provide access and moving space for more than 2 persons. A passage width of a minimum of 3′ (0.91 m) should be kept between the edge of the breakfast bar and adjacent cabinetry.

The universally recommended widths range between 13’-16′ (4-4.9 m). The depth of the counter ranges between 12’-15′ (3.7-4.6 m). P-shaped Kitchens should have an area of around 136 ft2 (12.6 m2).

Pros: Additional workspace can be attained by adding a peninsula or an island. The kitchen triangle workflow is maintained impeccably. You can also convert your kitchen into a multi-purpose communal space by including a breakfast bar.

Cons: similar to the G-shaped kitchen, this style too can feel a bit clogged with the extensive use of cabinets on all three walls and above the island. Corner spaces are again underutilized unless you invest in blind corner cabinets.

Read also – 20 Best Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas

This is a popular choice among tiny houses, studios and bachelor pads, where the kitchen is a part of the living room or the dining room. This layout is best suited in homes with one or a maximum of two residents. Everything from the cabinets, backsplash and appliances is clubbed and placed effectively on the single wall. 

Dimensions and measurements

A clearance of 4’-6′ (1.2-1.8 m) is mandatory in front of the counter. The universally recommended lengths range between 7’-12.5′ (2.1-3.8 m). Parallel Kitchens should have a footprint of around 75 ft2 (7 m2).

Pros: Considered to be highly efficient and cost-effective compared to other kitchen designs. If space permits, you also have the freedom to place an island or a table in front of the counter. This type of kitchen needs only one wall and is frequently seen in studio apartments with smaller kitchens.

Cons: Storage solutions must be planned meticulously, considering the minimum space availability. The lack of a work surface or kitchen table can also result in longer cooking times. 

Read also – 10 Best Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Kitchen islands are a common add-on that can be made to L, P, and U layouts. They are a chic addition to the kitchens. 

Dimensions and measurements

A clear space of 3’6″ (1.07 m) is required on all open sides of an island kitchen. The island can be placed along specific layouts, namely L-shape, G-shape, and U-shape.

Pros: Kitchen islands are a popular design idea that provides a different platform and counter space. They are often used as a breakfast bar or serving counter. Stylish bar stools further add to their splendour. By adding a stove top to it, it is also possible to exclusively reserve the island for food preparation. 

Cons: One of the main issues with kitchen islands is that it’s hard to maintain an efficient exhaust system if you have a cooktop on the island. The hot surface can also be a peril for homes with children. 

Read also – 28 Best Outdoor Kitchen Ideas and Designs

Most clients defer to their designers when choosing the perfect kitchen layout to comfortably fit their space and requirements. Maybe the kitchen is a little too small for the conventional structure. Or maybe, they need an open island kitchen to better address their social commitments.

Whatever the case, as a designer, it makes your job easier to demonstrate to your clients exactly how each option may or may not suit their needs. The solution lies in utilizing a powerful 3D rendering software like Foyr Neo.

The best part of using Foyr Neo as a kitchen floor plan designer is that you don’t need to know anything about 3d modeling. The learning curve is very user-friendly, and you can start achieving instant results with the click of a button.

You can create a 3D model of the existing space as per the measurements taken and make an accurate visualization of your proposed kitchen design.

You can choose to explore real-time renders for a life-like portrayal of your ideas. With the learning curve set so low, you can start achieving instant results with just a few clicks. Sign up for the 14-day free trial to get started today!