How to beat the kitchen blues with an U-shaped layout

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Dom - okolice Krakowa, stabrawa.pl stabrawa.pl Cuisine scandinave
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kitchen layout is determined by the arrangement of the counter spaces, appliances and storage spaces. A U-shaped kitchen layout has always been one of the most preferred forms of kitchen layouts that make use of clever design. Such a layout is not just convenient but extremely multipurpose in nature too. 

Normally, a U-shaped kitchen layout comprises of work space on three adjacent walls, or two parallel walls which are perpendicular to a common third wall. The advantages of a U kitchen layout are manifold. For example, the kitchen can be divided into several work zones easily so that a lot of platform space is created. A U kitchen layout can effortlessly support a kitchen island as well as a peninsula. The work space does not face any disruption. It becomes easy to move from the refrigerator to the sink or the stove.

It might interest you to know that the U shape can be applied for both small and large spaces and can provide ample and smart storage provisions. So, even if more than one individual is helping out in the kitchen, there is no dearth of space or sense of clutter. The U shape is particularly a perfect layout when there is a big family to feed or guests to entertain. This layout also allows guests to sit on benches and chat with the host while the latter continues cooking. A kitchen island is often set up in such layouts to demarcate the cooking and dining area, and to increase the versatility of the space. Naturally your efficiency and productivity as a chef is enhanced and cooking becomes a pleasure! Take a closer look at what a U layout can do for you.

A U layout is ideal for small to medium sized kitchens

Dom - okolice Krakowa, stabrawa.pl stabrawa.pl Cuisine scandinave

The kitchen is typically the most used room in any house, and a resourceful kitchen is naturally the key to a happy and contented life. Efficiency in a small to medium sized kitchen can be augmented by creating more space for work, storage, and an area for family and friends to spend quality time together.

Sometimes a peninsula is a better solution than an island. It has circulation on three sides, while the island has four, with one end usually attached to a wall. Homeowners who don't have space for an island should consider a peninsula layout, which creates space and storage area affixed to a wall, rather than a separate island. A favourite expression of the peninsula is the one that's attached to a vertical wall that doesn’t feature cupboards. The only difference will be that there is no path on one end.This is a great solution for smaller kitchens.

The peninsula also serves as a room divider and can separate the kitchen from a dining or living room area. Another idea to make a great space with the peninsula is by fixing the sink in it, which would leave you with a long empty counter.

The work triangle

homify Cuisine rurale

What is the kitchen work triangle? It is essentially a way of planning the kitchen space intelligently to utilise its full potential. It demands that the right distance should be maintained between the sink, the oven, and the refrigerator. A U layout ensures that this principle is complied with to minimise the number of wasted steps. 

The kitchen work triangle is perhaps the most explored and functional ergonomic principle. The objective of a good kitchen work triangle is also to place the three most common work locations within an efficient distance from each other, so that it minimizes traffic through the work area. This will help you cut down on distractions while cooking too.

You can have multiple work stations

The U kitchen layout is the most versatile layout for both big and small kitchens, because it offers continuous counter space and large storage areas. When a kitchen is regularly used by multiple people, it is a good idea to integrate different work stations into the design. 

Work stations are areas of a kitchen which are committed to specific chores. They are planned according to the particular equipment or ingredients essential for a particular task. An elegantly styled kitchen would also feature comfortable seating arrangement along with dining chairs or added folding chairs. This helps in increasing the number of seats when there is limited space. A chic bench can also be used for entertaining guests. By placing the bench in a small nook, multiple seats can be created for an eat-in kitchen.

Guests can hang out on the other side of work zones on benches

Sam Pedro - Guarujá - SP, Infinity Spaces Infinity Spaces Cuisine moderne

U kitchen layouts are not just great for cooks, but are also suitable for guests who want to enjoy a chat with the host while the cooking is in progress. It enables high efficiency cooking, as it keeps the guests on the other side of the peninsula. It also helps people to use the kitchen without getting in each other’s way. This way cleaning becomes easy and guests can converse with the host while sticking to the other side of the peninsula. 

The medium sized modern kitchen pictured above features a kitchen island and dining table in the middle of the room. This design works amazingly well in bringing together guest and host because the kitchen has sufficient space. This U-shaped kitchen was designed by Infinity Spaces, interior architects from Brazil.

Keeps traffic away from work zones

A U kitchen layout consists of work zones which do not allow any disruption. The design is such that there would be no extra traffic flowing through the work area.There are commonly four zones: food preparation, baking, cooking, and cleaning.The work zones within the refrigerator, the sink and the oven can be easily accessed by the persons handling them, without bumping into each other. 

In larger kitchens, this plan is spacious enough to be divided into multiple work stations or work zones for multiple cooks to easily whip up a meal or a banquet together, without getting in each other's way.

Tons of counter space

Contemporary Kitchen in Huddersfield at Bradley, Twenty 5 Design Twenty 5 Design Cuisine moderne

With a U kitchen layout, lots of counter space can be created. Logically, the refrigerator, sink, and oven with enough counter space between each other would create the most comfortable and efficient kitchen. You can take the food out of the fridge, move down to the sink to wash it, chop and prepare between the sink and stove, and then cook it. To maximize storage and keep counter space clutter free, microwave can be concealed in a wall cabinet and cooking essentials can be stashed away in corner cabinets.

So if you are getting your kitchen remodelled or going for a brand new kitchen, make the most out of U-shaped layouts. Consult an architect, builder or interior designer if you have doubts. Here is another ideabook to inspire you - 5 simple small kitchen ideas.

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