Getting the right kitchen layout is one of the most important factors in ensuring a functional yet practical kitchen area as this might break or make the room. While your floor-plan might determine the layout that your kitchen, it is possible to optimise the area to work better.
Ergonomics has a huge role to play as well. Getting the heights right, adequate aisle space and positioning of appliances are all going to factor in your enjoyment of the room.
STEP 1: SELECT A SHAPE
The first and foremost important step is deciding your choice of kitchen layouts.
• One-wall-kitchen
• Galley Kitchen
• L-Shaped Kitchen
• U-Shaped Kitchen
• Island Kitchen
• Peninsula Kitchen
STEP 2: CALCULATE THE WORK TRIANGLE
You could gauge the efficiency of a kitchen layout by calculating the work triangle. It is a theory that states a kitchen’s three main work areas should form a triangle. The sum distance of the triangle should not be less than 13 or more than 26 feet. Specifically, the total length of the three sides of the work triangle (food preparation area, sink and range)
STEP 3: CONSIDER OTHER FEATURES
You could incorporate other options when choosing a kitchen layout. For example, opting for built-in appliances, setting up a counter or bar, or an island in the centre of the kitchen. Therefore, it’s important to take your lifestyle into consideration when choosing your kitchen layout. Some of the other factors to consider:
• Storage
• Lighting
• Flooring
• Ventilation
STEP 4: CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
After all is done with the layout, it’s time to choose the kitchen material. Your choice of material should be made as the top priority when planning for your kitchen renovation as this will affect the cost-efficiency, durability, appearance, and the amount of maintenance needed.
The 6 most popular kitchen layout
THE ONE WALL KITCHEN
The one wall kitchen is suitable for smaller houses and kitchens or even for the open space kitchen. Generally, it means “kitchens on one wall”, where all appliances are arrayed along one wall. The layout is compact and great for saving space.
THE GALLEY KITCHEN
The name “galley kitchen” is derived from the kitchens on ships, in which two parallel bench top incorporate a free space in between. It is suitable for kitchen space which is narrow, long rather than wide.
THE L-SHAPED KITCHEN
The L-shaped kitchen has cabinets along two perpendicular walls. This layout is popular nowadays cause it provides a lot of design flexibility. It is ideal for both tiny or larger space.
• Great for corner space
• Not efficient for large kitchens because appliances are too spread out
• Bench tops and cabinets can be adjusted to the length
• Not as easy for multiple cooks
• Minimal through traffic
• Perfect for open plan designs
THE U-SHAPED KITCHEN
If you have a larger kitchen space, the U-Shaped is probably the most practical and ideal layout. It’s the perfect example of the “work triangle” , thus it is regarded as the most efficient kitchen layout. You can easily move between your sink, cook-top and refrigerator.
THE ISLAND KITCHEN
A kitchen island is a freestanding combination of cabinet and countertop, where it might be suitable for the one-wall, galley or L-Shaped Kitchen. Incorporating a kitchen island is useful in many ways, as a cooking area (benefit for family members to cook together), as a washing area or as an interactive place where family members or guests to get together.
THE PENINSULA KITCHEN
This layout is practical. Generally, kitchen peninsulas are attached to one wall and offer an extension of the countertop. Therefore, Peninsulas take up less space than islands, while maintaining the same functionality.
Material
Carcass
Our modular kitchen body is made up of cabinet boxes. They are constructed using engineered wood, which is particle board coated by melamine. This is the most affordable material option. This material is made out of wood chips that have been soaked and bonded by synthetic resin that is later compressed to form boards. The strong solid surface of the material makes it resistant to scratches and shock but high humidity levels can cause the wood to swell and chip.
Material
Door
We have wide range of kitchen doors in variety styles and finishes. We also offer matching trims, plinths and panel which are of same materials to go with the doors.
a) Melamine
Melamine is a widely used material for home cabinetry due to its extensive variety, availability and affordability. It is a particleboard covered with layer of melamine coating.
- It provides durable and low maintenance surface. However, the inner layer compressed wood is susceptible to water damage.
- Available in a wide range of colours and designs
- Easy maintenance
- Ideal choice for homeowners on a budget
b) Plywood Laminate
Plywood material offers higher durability compared to melamine. Laminate is glued on the fused pile of thin layered plywood offering wide range of designs and colours as finishing.
c) Spray-painted Glass
It consisted of glass as the front of the door, which is supported by thin plywood at the back. The frame is made of an aluminium channel.
- Easy to maintain and clean (stains can be wiped off easily without any scratches)
- Scratch and water-resistant
- Lightweight material
d) Acrylic
Door Panels are made of non-toxic material that gives a high gloss finish to your kitchen cabinets. Smaller kitchen space seems bigger and more open with the light reflected from the glossy cabinet doors.
- Durable and impact resistance
- Lighter than Spray-painted Glass
- Shatter resistant
- Does not crack and chip easily,
- Available in wide range of colours
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
e) Nyatoh spray paint/shellac
Nyatoh doors are made up of solid nyatoh timber or it could be comprised of wood panels which are glued and joined together to create different designs. This classic piece of timeless design would never go out of style. They are usually varnished to preserve the natural woodgrain design. Some would prefer spray-paint finishing where they get to choose the coating of their preferred colour. However, it may require high maintenance to protect the coating of panel.
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