Not everyone has the luxury of owning a kitchen that has enough space for you to be comfortable in. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to make our small kitchens as efficient and as comfortable as large ones. Sometimes we’ll have to deal with what we have and make the best out of it.

From incorporating peninsulas to U-shapes, to L-shapes, and even a way to make an island fit, we’ll be listing down 5 of the best layouts available for small kitchens that you should try to emulate. 

 

Peninsula Layouts

The peninsula is one of the most underrated and often forgotten ways to make the most out of space. A peninsula is often used as a room divider instead of a fully concrete wall. Essentially, a peninsula is basically a connected island that takes a horseshoe shape.

The peninsula layout is often used in small spaces and housings in areas where space and living are the most expensive, and one can definitely see why. It’s a wall, but not really a wall, an extended workspace, and opens up the entire room. This is also a less expensive method of adding more space to your kitchen and dining area or living room.

 

Double Galley

A double galley is less popular by a wide margin than the peninsula, and we can understand why. A double galley is less aesthetically appealing. Just two countertop spaces on two sides of the kitchen walls. Sometimes it looks great when there are two doors on both sides, but most houses don’t have that design.

However, this shouldn’t mean that a double galley should be left out as an option. A double galley is one of the most practical layouts for kitchens out there. It’s probably second, compared to L-shaped layouts, but it has its own perks. There will be no stopping traffic because of the linear flow, and there are no space-wasting corner cupboards that aren’t actually necessary.

 

U-Shaped Layouts

A U-shaped layout is able to provide the most prepping space compared to all the layouts. There are three sides worth of countertops you can place appliances, your sink, cupboards, and cabinets in. For U-shaped layouts in really tight places, it is a must to thin them out and utilizing the spaces above and below!

Spaces under the countertop should be filled with things that aren’t used that much, like large pots, cleaning agents, and tools. The space above can be used for cupboards or open shelves where you’ll be placing your plates, utensils, and commonly used cooking ware and ingredients.

 

L-Shaped Layouts

An L-shaped layout is sometimes preferred over U-shaped layouts because they balance storage and floor space. Compared to a U-shaped layout where all three sides are filled with items and countertop workspaces, an L-shaped layout only uses two and provides breathing room.

You wouldn’t want to make it feel cramped in a small kitchen. There’s nothing worse than working in a kitchen where you feel like you’re being suffocated. Cabinets and shelves are a must-have to make up for the working space that a U-shaped layout can provide. Avoid dust-gathering gaps, use geometric tiles to add depth, and contrast colors.

 

Kitchen Island Layouts

People have the impression that kitchen islands are only for large kitchens with spaces for them. However, almost all kitchens (yes, even the small ones) do have space for it. Of course, it’s necessary to adjust to whatever space is available, so this is where we’re going to make up for it in creativity.

A kitchen island is often seen as an immovable workspace, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes a kitchen island can just be a solid table that you can move to one side if you aren’t using it. Or even just a small moveable kitchen island that has storage space underneath it.

 

So What Should You Choose?

The answer to this question totally depends on you. Kitchen layouts are decisions that should be made on a case-to-case basis. Not everyone has the same practical and aesthetic needs, and not everyone has the budget to buy or renovate to their liking. Just make sure to consider both practical needs and whatever fits your heart, and you’re sure to be contented with whatever you decide on.