Countertops, appliances, a sink, and cabinetry are the essential components of a great kitchen plan. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to kitchen design.
As you examine Houston apartment floor plans and read property descriptions, you may get curious in the various kitchen designs and what your preferences are for apartment kitchens.
Here’s your guide to kitchen design, with a few amusing kitchen statistics thrown in for good measure.
FIVE ESSENTIAL KITCHEN DESIGNS
One wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, and G-shaped are the five fundamental kitchen layouts. Other phrases used to describe the kitchen, such as “island kitchen,” may appear as you search. This draws attention to an element of the design.
If there’s enough room, any layout might contain an island. The names “chef’s kitchen” and “gourmet kitchen” may also be used. These words suggest that the kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and finishes fit for a chef.
Kitchen floor designs, with the exception of the one-wall floor plan, are meant to create a work triangle in the kitchen. For maximum flow, the refrigerator, stove, and sink are usually arranged in a triangle layout.
The Kitchen Floor Plan with One Wall
The one-wall kitchen floor plan, often known as a Pullman kitchen, is popular in lofts and studio flats. It’s known as a Pullman kitchen after the famed passenger trains of the 1800s. From the mid-nineteenth century through the early twentieth, the Pullman Car Company produced train cars. These railroad cars’ kitchens were often long and narrow, similar to a one-wall or Pullman kitchen.
What’s nice about a kitchen with only one wall: One-wall kitchens are popular in studio and loft apartments because they take up very little floor space. The benefit of this design is that everything is located along one wall, making it simple to access all work areas. This style of kitchen is ideal for folks who do not cook frequently. If you only need the essentials and aren’t planning on hosting lavish dinner parties, this kitchen layout will suffice.
The drawbacks of a one-wall kitchen layout include: This kitchen floor plan often does not give much counter or cabinet space because they only run the length of one wall. This might be difficult if more than one person is in the kitchen at the same time.
Floor Plan for a Galley Kitchen
The galley kitchen is named after a ship’s kitchen, much as the Pullman kitchen is named after a train car. These kitchens are also constructed for a compact area, but instead of lining one wall, the pathway runs down the middle of the galley kitchen.
What’s wonderful about a galley kitchen: A galley kitchen is popular among professional cooks because it makes effective use of space and is typically safer than other kitchen designs. Everything is close at hand in the kitchen, no matter where you are. A galley kitchen is a popular apartment type that is excellent for compact areas.
The disadvantages of a galley kitchen include the fact that it is frequently open on one or both ends and flows into the living or dining room, making it a high-traffic space. This isn’t an issue if you live alone or with one roommate, but it might make cooking more difficult if you have multiple housemates or children running around the kitchen. Because of the structure of the galley kitchen, which has cupboards and countertops on both sides, it tends to seem blocked off from the rest of the apartment. While some individuals prefer the isolation, it might be difficult to entertain with it.
Floor Plan for an L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped kitchen is made up of two neighboring, perpendicular walls, one of which is shorter than the other (thus the “L” form). Because of its utility and efficient use of space, the L-shaped kitchen is highly popular in apartment floor designs.
What’s nice about an L-shaped kitchen: Because there’s nowhere to go, foot traffic through the kitchen is practically impossible. Because this floor layout naturally fits to the work triangle, cooking will be a breeze. Although an L-shaped kitchen layout is good for smaller kitchens, it does not function well in bigger floor plans because appliances may be too far apart.
The disadvantages of an L-shaped kitchen include restricted counter and cabinet space. Due to the nature of the space, cooking with another person in an L-shaped kitchen may be tricky.
Floor Plan for a U-Shaped Kitchen
The U-shaped kitchen contains cupboards and countertops along three walls, making it one of the most typical kitchen floor designs. The U-shaped kitchen can sometimes be more of an L-shaped kitchen with an island as the third wall. The doorway going into the kitchen is at the top of the “U” form.
What a U-shaped kitchen has going for it: A U-shaped kitchen is likely to have the greatest counter space and cabinets, making it a popular design choice. On one side of an open version of this floor plan, rather than a closed wall, there will be a breakfast bar. A U-shaped kitchen is good for productivity because of its symmetry (it creates a seamless triangle from sink to stove to refrigerator).
The difficulties of a U-shaped kitchen: A U-shaped kitchen must cope with two sets of corner cabinets. Because of their 90-degree angles, corner cabinets are difficult to reach (or even see) what’s within. In these cabinets, you could discover a lazy Susan to assist make the area more useful.
A lazy Susan is a rotating spherical shelf that makes it easy to arrange and keep everything in reach. It’s possible that the lazy Susan began life as a spinning table in 1313. While some attribute the invention of the modern-day lazy Susan to Thomas Jefferson, its exact origins are unknown.
Floor Plan for a G-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula is known as a G-shaped kitchen. This part loops around to the rear, giving it the shape of a “G.” The peninsula is frequently utilized as a breakfast bar since it provides more storage and counter space.
What a G-shaped kitchen has going for it: G-shaped kitchens offer the greatest cabinet and counter space of any design, as well as additional seating if the peninsula is used as a breakfast bar. Another alternative for the G-shaped kitchen is to replace the peninsula with another wall. More top cupboards are available, and the kitchen is separated from the rest of the unit. Because of all the cupboards and counter space, the G-shaped kitchen may be excellent if you enjoy cooking and entertaining. Guests may sit at the breakfast bar as you prepare the meal, so you won’t feel alone when entertaining.
The disadvantages of a G-shaped kitchen: The peninsula need a larger kitchen to accommodate the additional counter space and cabinets. As a result, G-shaped kitchens are unlikely to be seen in smaller apartment floor designs. In a G-shaped kitchen, there is a restricted opening to the rest of the flat, which may make the area feel cramped. You won’t need as many cabinets and counter space if you don’t cook frequently. The corner cabinets will be an issue in the G-shaped kitchen as well, because it is really a U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula.
IN APARTMENT KITCHENS, WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The kitchen, according to statistics, may be a dangerous area. Cooking is the primary cause of house fires, according to FEMA. Cooking was the cause of more than half of all house fires in 2018. Look for the smoke detector while viewing apartment kitchens. Inquire with your landlord or property management about the frequency of smoke detector testing. If it’s powered by batteries, find out when they were last replaced.
In the kitchen, look for a fire extinguisher as well. There will most likely be some lettering on the fire extinguisher. These letters denote the type(s) of fire for which the fire extinguisher is intended. The letter “A” indicates that it will extinguish flames caused by domestic objects such as fabric, paper, or wood. The letter “B” indicates that the fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish flames caused by combustible liquids such as frying oil. The letter “C” indicates that the fire extinguisher is intended for use in the event of an electrical fire. Many fire extinguishers have all three letters on them, allowing them to be used on any of the three types of flames. The letters may be accompanied by digits. These figures indicate how successful the fire extinguisher is at putting out the flames (the higher the number, the more effective it is). Consider the size: a five-pound extinguisher is best for the kitchen, while smaller stovetop extinguishers are frequently put on the range hood above the stove.
Check out the kitchen ventilation system while we’re on the subject of the stove. You can choose between ducted and ductless ventilation. A ducted ventilation system is highly good at eliminating smoke and humidity since it leads outdoors. They’re pricey, and they sometimes involve a lot of ducting.
A ductless ventilation system is a closed system that filters the air and retains it in the room instead of venting it outside. These are popular since they are practical and can be used anywhere, especially in apartment complexes.
The ventilation hood, range hood, and exhaust fan are all possibilities for ventilation. If none of these are available, make sure your kitchen has a window that you can open to remove any smoke or cooking odors.
Even if the kitchen isn’t the first thing that comes to mind while looking for an apartment, it’s useful to be aware of the various layouts and how they could fit you. After all, the average individual spends about three hours in the kitchen each day. Try to locate a kitchen that is a cut above the rest since you will be spending about 12% of your time there.