When you are formulating your plan for your kitchen remodel, several aspects will be involved. You need to consider price and timeframe, among other things, but the most important factor will be your kitchen layout.
The layout is the shape your kitchen will take once all of the renovations have been completed. Layout does not touch issues of design or decor, but focuses solely on the flow of your kitchen as a workspace. This will be different based on the functionality of your kitchen and whether you live in a home similar to a Toronto loft or a small country Haliburton real estate cottage.
A lot of attention has been paid to kitchen layouts over the last few decades, and designing your layout is actually not as hard as you may think. In fact, most kitchens use one of four basic layout plans:
The galley style: Ideal for smaller areas, the galley style kitchen is long and narrow. All of the major parts of the kitchen are placed along two walls, with one entry and no windows. If you lived in a rental apartment in one of the Oakville homes or in another large city, this is likely what you'd have.
L-shape: The L shape is also used for small areas, but places plumbing, storage, and appliances on two intersecting walls rather than parallel walls. There are usually dining spaces included in L-shaped kitchens as well as an additional entrance. You'll see this sometimes with bachelor apartments in an open concept.
U shape: These layouts are used in larger spaces, and allow for a little bit more workspace so that a couple of people can work in the kitchen at the same time. They usually include areas for cooking, dining, an extra sink, extra cabinet space, and a counter. If you've moved from renting to owning that Toronto resale home you might see this in a standalone unit.
G-shape: The same shape as a U kitchen, but the G shape will include an island. Obviously used only with a lot of spare square footage, the G shape kitchen is the most versatile of the layouts. This you can see in larger luxury condos Toronto has for sale with areas where space is not at such a premium.
The layout style you decide on will probably be determined by the amount of floor space you have for your kitchen. Once you determine the overhead layout, you can start selecting the areas where you will put individual appliances as well as storage space.
Remember that any layout will involve building your kitchen around a triangle pattern. This pattern offers the easiest access between the three main work stations of the kitchen; the fridge, the sink, and the oven. You'll see this in kitchen designs from England to Troncones, Mexico. Additional counter space between each of these stations means more room to work and therefore can accommodate more storage and more people.
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