Why do some kitchens seem so easy to work in while others seem like hell? Kitchen layout can completely decide how much you will love or hate working in your kitchen. Yes, the layout can either work wonders or simply double the workload of your kitchen work.
Selection of layouts and where U-shaped layout scores
There are a few layouts that can be implemented depending on the space your kitchen has. G shape, L shape, U shape and island layout are commonly used layouts. The AU-shaped kitchen layout is useful in kitchens with good space and when more than one person needs to cook. With a U-shaped kitchen design, you can freely use enough space in the form of a countertop area, a basin or sink area and the worktop area. It also comfortably accommodates appliances such as a fridge, microwave etc.
The arrangement in a U-shaped kitchen design: Tips and ideas
The AU-shaped kitchen design actually works like a triangle, practically. Basin or sink and work areas are usually parallel to each other while the countertop area is the middle portion. This allows ease of function as the three sections are almost equidistant.
Placing the cabinet high on the walls you can also follow the same arrangement, although it is better to keep cabinets only on the cooking area, where most of your handy stuff can be accommodated.
The work area it should be kept relatively free of any kitchen items so that it can be used conveniently while preparing food and also serves as a temporary service area in case you wish to self-service. The cabinets under the sink must be guarded against the spillage of water that occurs during dishwashing and used to keep more cleaning tools than food items. Preferably arrange your sink parallel to the worktop area so that after washing cut vegetables or fruit, you can use them directly in the cooking area.
Cutlery and arrangement of regularly used utensils it can create some difficulties with so many U-shaped cabinets, since you may have to move from one cabinet to another to place or find the desired cutlery or utensils. To avoid that you can have a vertical cabinet next to the sink so that once they are washed and dried, they can be easily placed in that cabinet. Cutlery or other utensils that are used sparingly can then be safely stacked in other cabinets under the cooking area or worktop area.
Ingredients normally used in cooking they should be kept either in the work area or right in the cabinet under your cooking range to avoid too much running and bending around the cabinets.
Refrigerator and microwave positions they are crucial as they are used most often while cooking. Therefore it is ideal to place the refrigerator and the microwave on parallel U-shaped legs. This is a convenient placement since one often needs reheating of refrigerated food. Be sure to arrange these two devices at the end of these two parallel legs so that the space in the middle is not cluttered.
On the island: While the U shape is a classic layout for most medium and large kitchens, one can also introduce a small leg in the middle or at the end of one of the legs if there is enough space in the kitchen. This serves as a small island and allows you to create a dining space and make serving snacks or meals easier. So, what you get is a U-shaped kitchen design with an island.
Ventilation is another important aspect while designing a U-shaped kitchen. While the cooking range should ideally occupy the middle leg of the U shape, keep in mind the ventilation factor before doing so. Otherwise this shape can cause a claustrophobic condition in the kitchen. Keeping a chimney fan on the cooking range is useful. Also, if you have a window on the U-shaped base leg, it will be very helpful and make cooking easy. In case there is no window, be sure to keep a chimney fan.
Online kitchen modeling can be done with the help of some sites, which helps in planning where and what of the design of your U-shaped kitchen. Before fixing it permanently, try designing your layout online to check the feasibility of your kitchen. With a U-shaped kitchen design, things are definitely easier to plan around. And since more than one person can easily work together without causing disruption in any of the areas you can definitely persuade your partner to work together! What’s better than that?
What are your thoughts on U-shaped kitchen designs?
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