The Functional Placement of Kitchen Cabinets

One-Wall Kitchen

• The one-wall or galley kitchen is an ideal option for long, narrow areas and is widely used in apartments and town homes. In this setup, cabinets are arranged in one of two ways, along one wall or along two walls that are parallel to each other. It is a simple, cost-effective design that maximizes small areas and leaves little wasted space. The length of the galley is adjustable, making it ideal for just about any size home. If space allows, both base and overhead cabinets should be used for added storage.

L-Shape

• An ideal design for homes with an open floor plan, or those with a corner kitchen, is the L-shaped kitchen. In such spaces, the L-shaped design allows for easy movement of the cook and visitors and is adjustable for just about any space. The arrangement is accomplished by mounting cabinets on walls that are perpendicular to each other. In this type of kitchen, the triangle is usually based at the corner of the L, a setup that allows for free movement throughout the space, plenty of uninterrupted countertop and as little wasted space as possible.

U- or G-Shape

• The U-shaped cabinet layout is among the most diverse options and is adjustable for large or small kitchens. This style utilizes three walls for cabinets, both base and overhead, creating a layout that resembles a U. Both ends of the U are adaptable in length to fit most areas, but too much space means extra movement between work zones. The G is a slight variation on the U and adds cabinets along a fourth wall, which most often uses just base cabinets and a countertop, providing additional work and storage space. The G has limited use in modern homes as it tends to feel confining in small kitchens.

The Kitchen Triangle

• The kitchen triangle is a design technique that maximizes the efficiency of the kitchen. It references the placement of the work stations -- sink, range and refrigerator -- which are organized in relation to each other. These appliances represent a point on a triangle and are, ideally, within equal distance of one another. Using this technique eliminates wasted movement from one section to another and makes for smoother movement during food preparation. The angles of the triangle are adaptable depending on the size and shape of the kitchen.