Galley Kitchen or L-Shaped Kitchen?
The kitchen layout is important in planning since it will determine the users’ ability to move around, while preventing ‘direct contact between warm and cold areas” (Pereira, 2020) and how it will be used (“How to Correctly Design and Build a Kitchen”, 2016). The concept of a work triangle is introduced here wherein there is supposed to be a limited distance between the stove, sink, work area and storage area for work efficiency and easy circulation.
Furthermore, its connection with other spaces in the home is also vital. Do you want yours directly connected to the dining room and living room providing fluidity between the three primary spaces in your home? Or do you want it to be isolated from those other main spaces? In this post, we will dive into the differences between two popular kitchen layouts – the U-shaped and the Galley Kitchen. Which do you have in your home, and which would you like to see in your dream home?
The Galley Kitchen
Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
Also known as a two wall kitchen or a corridor kitchen, it is advisable for the galley kitchen’s layout to have the stove and refrigerator be on opposite walls to prevent damage to the refrigerator (Pereira, 2020; “Can a Fridge”, 2022).
Advantages
- This configuration is very advantageous and effective for constrained spaces.
- Since it can be secluded from the main areas, smell can be contained in the kitchen.
- Offers great storage and preparation spaces
Disadvantages
- It might be secluded from the rest of main spaces such as the dining and living room for the more social at heart.
- More focused on the storage and preparation areas instead of circulation, possibly leading to congestion if many users are using it.
The L-Shaped Kitchen
Advantages
- Similar to the galley kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen is also efficient and applicable for small spaces while also applicable to large spaces.
- Unlike the galley kitchen which can have difficult circulation, this kitchen configuration provides a bigger space that can comfortably cater to a group of users and for the social ability.
- More open, with visual and physical connection to other main rooms of the home
Disadvantages
- According to Donald A. Gardner Architects (“Kitchen Layout Planner”, n.d.), it might still feel like a separate space from other main rooms if the L-shape kitchen doesn’t include an island.
- If not planned correctly, the corner space might be used inefficiently
With that, which kitchen configuration do you think best works for you? Of course, there are many considerations in choosing a layout, but also keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of both. Happy cooking!
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References
“Can a Fridge be Next to a Stove?”. (2022). Temperature Master. Retrieved from https://temperaturemaster.com/can-a-fridge-be-next-to-a-stove/
“Kitchen Layout Planner”. (n.d.). Donald A. Gardner Architects Inc. Retrieved from https://www.dongardner.com/SEO_Campaigns/donald-gardner-v3.pdf
“How to Correctly Design and build a Kitchen.” (2016). Archdaily. Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/789894/how-to-correctly-design-and-build-a-kitchen
Parkes, J. (2021). Fourteen Space Efficient Galley Kitchens with Plenty of Storage. Dezeen. Retrieved from https://www.dezeen.com/2021/05/29/fourteen-space-efficient-galley-kitchens-with-plenty-of-storage/
Pereira, M. (2020). Tips for Designing Residential Kitchens, Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/936432/8-tips-for-designing-residential-kitchens