If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, you may be interested in adding more than just new cabinets, countertops, and appliances—you may also want to rethink the room’s layout. If you’re tired of having inadequate counter space or an inefficient workflow, the trick is to relocate the sink and appliances to structure the room more effectively.

As you think about your new kitchen layout, keep the “work triangle” in mind. This concept positions the refrigerator, stove, and sink at three points of a triangle. For efficiency, each leg of the triangle should be 4 to 9 feet, and the path between each one should be unobstructed.

Here are the best kitchen layout designs that accomplish the work triangle:

• L-shaped kitchen layout: Maximize corner space with this smart design for small- to medium-sized kitchens. The L-shaped layout consists of countertops on two perpendicular walls, leaving plenty of room for foot traffic or a table if you want an eat-in kitchen.
• Island kitchen layout: Depending on how spacious your kitchen is, there might be room for an island. This addition drastically increases your storage and counter space while creating a place for people to sit. Open-concept kitchens benefit most from this layout.
• Peninsula kitchen layout: If a full island isn’t practical for your space, a peninsula kitchen layout may be ideal. This adds an attached island to an L-shaped kitchen for additional storage and counter space, plus optional seating with barstools.
• U-shaped kitchen layout: Horseshoe or U-shaped kitchens have three walls with cabinets and appliances on them. There may even be room for an island, making this kitchen layout ideal for large gatherings and multiple cooks.
• G-shaped kitchen layout: This design adds an extra leg to the U-shaped kitchen to maximize storage space. The layout closes off the kitchen more than other design options, so only choose it if storage space is more important than having an open floor plan.
• Corridor kitchen layout: Also known as a galley or walk-through kitchen, this design features countertops running parallel to one another with openings into the kitchen from both ends. This layout utilizes every square inch of space, with no pesky corners to work around.
• Single-wall kitchen layout: While this design technically doesn’t follow the work triangle rule, it’s a great option for studio apartments or lofts. All cabinets and appliances are located along one wall. Most modern single-wall kitchens also have an island to increase the workspace, creating a galley-style, walk-through kitchen.

Selecting a layout is just the first step in the kitchen design process. A well-planned kitchen also incorporates high-end materials, beautiful finishes, and functional features. At Capitol Design Build, we make sure you don’t miss a single detail. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust our knowledgeable team to deliver a gorgeous kitchen that serves your family’s needs flawlessly for years to come. Give us a call at 703-436-6919 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation kitchen design estimate today.