Kitchen Cabinets Design Layout Directory For You
When deciding on your kitchen cabinet layout design, it is recommended that the area selected should be as functional as well as spacious. All the layouts have their own benefits depending on the size and design of the kitchen space. Regardless of the design goals, having an open space or accommodating as many appliances within a small space as possible, an appropriate selection of a layout will make your kitchen space more functional and more visually appealing.
1. Assess Your Needs
The first step in the process of selecting the kitchen cabinet layout and design involves the identification of the goals, which should be done based on recognizing the requirements of a kitchen. These could involve issues to do with space such as closet space, adequate counter space, or proper cooking space. Make a list of all the utensils, cooking pots, food, and appliances you wish to store, among other things. Knowing your unique requirements will assist in developing an effective working plan for the kitchen.
2. Measure Your Space
Begin with the basic measurements of the kitchen including the length, breadth, and height of each wall. This is because to be precise one has to measure from different points. Windows, doors, electrical outlets, and routes to plumbing fixtures should be specifically noted since they will affect cabinet placement and the total look of the kitchen.
3. Choose a Layout
Explore common kitchen cabinet layout designs to find the one that best suits your space and needs:
- Kitchen design for L shaped layout: Great for open spaces, offering plenty of counter space.
- Kitchen design for U shaped layout: Provides maximum storage and counter space.
- Kitchen design for Gallery layout: Efficient for smaller spaces, with cabinets on both sides.
- Kitchen design for Island layout: Adds extra workspace and storage, ideal for larger kitchens.
4. Plan the Workflow
When planning your kitchen cabinet design layout, think about how it will help with the movement flow of the room. The three major appliances that require the most use of space are the sink, stove, and refrigerator. They should be placed in such a way that they form a triangle known as the work triangle. Further subdivide sections into the dedicated cooking area, preparation, chopping area, refrigerator storage area, and washing area. Such zoning makes it possible for everything to be allocated to its rightful place and enables work to proceed efficiently.
5. Select Cabinet Types
Choose from various cabinet types based on your storage needs and kitchen layout:
- Base Cabinets: Installed on the floor, supporting countertops.
- Wall Cabinets: Mounted on walls, offering additional storage.
- Tall Cabinets: Floor-to-ceiling units for pantry or utility storage.
6. Optimize Storage Solutions
Find out how your kitchen can provide optimum storage space while still being practical and efficient. Use drawers instead of doors because several pots, pans, and utensils are usually needed and it is easier to access them when they are in drawers. Pull-out shelves help to easily access appliances located in the deeper cabinets and also ensure that stored items do not end up at the very back of the cabinet. Lazy Susans are particularly good for putting triangular empty spaces into use and slide-out or pull-out pantries are good for racking foods.
7. Choose Cabinet Materials and Finishes
Select durable and visually appealing materials and finishes for your cabinets:
- Solid Wood: Durable and timeless.
- Plywood: Strong and resistant to moisture.
- MDF: Smooth surface for painting.
8. Consider Hardware and Accessories
Cabinet hardware and accessories provide fashionable and practical enhancements for your existing cabinets. Select handles and knobs of the right design that blend with the overall styles and colors of the cabinets and kitchen. Having soft-close hinges helps to avoid reducing the life-cycle of your cabinets. Utensils and cutleries should be arranged in the drawer to create order and accessibility through drawer organizers.
9. Plan for Lighting
Learn about productive methods of lighting to optimize the ergonomic and aesthetic features of the kitchen. Task lighting and under-cabinet lighting brighten working areas, easing the food preparation process. Cabinet lighting is useful in illuminating the contents of the cabinet, especially in the glass front cabinet designs to create an aesthetic display.
10. Finalize and Install
Measures and layouts should also be meticulously checked before coming up with the final design of the structure. This step is performed to guarantee that all small details are well-managed and that all built components work as required. It would be advisable to hire professionals in installation to avoid risks like poor adjustment or complete failure. For the do-it-yourself (DIY) option it is advisable to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially when fixing the cabinets, making sure that all of them are leveled and properly fixed.
Takeaway
Deciding on a proper kitchen design layout should be an important step towards creating an efficient and beautiful kitchen. It makes sense to learn about the advantages of each layout and how it will work in your kitchen space, to design a functional and efficient kitchen.
