5 Steps to Create the Perfect Kitchen Floorplan Layout So That You Save Money, Time, and Stress While Achieving a Stunning Result

We’ve all been there, standing in our outdated kitchens, dreaming of the perfect makeover or remodel.

But did you know that common kitchen floorplan layout mistakes can turn this dream into a nightmare? A kitchen remodel holds the power to save you money, time, and stress while delivering a jaw-dropping transformation.

Below, I’m going to reveal crucial steps and mistakes to avoid like the plague. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a kitchen floorplan layout that’s not only visually stunning but also a haven of efficiency and functionality.

light oak and white kitchen cabinets in a modern Kitchen Floorplan Layout

Access As-Is Situation

To kickstart a kitchen remodel start by understanding what you’re working with. Examine existing kitchen floorplan layout and visit the site if needed (perhaps it’s for a new home purchase or new build). If no floor plans are available, take accurate measurements and create digital drawings. Before diving into the design phase, make sure to address these key questions:

– What’s currently in the space? Take note of existing appliances, fixtures, plumbing and electrical outlets as well.

– What elements can you alter?

– What needs to remain as is? This means any structural elements which can’t or shouldn’t be moved due to structural, budget or functional constraints. This can be plumbing locations or load bearing walls.

– Are there any structural constraints? Think about the structural integrity of the space. For example if you’re thinking of a basement bar, you’ll need to account for support beams and potential water drainage systems.

Programming

Programming essentially represents a comprehensive written guide that outlines the essential elements to be incorporated into the kitchen floor plan designs. These elements are determined based on the your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget. The program provides a detailed description of the rooms and spaces that should be integrated into the floor plan for example the living room along with specific details and requirements for each area. Additionally, it encompasses other parameters, such as square footage utilization and the potential for adding extra space.

Let’s take a closer look at the elements specified in the program for the kitchen redesign:

– A large kitchen area designed to accommodate sizable gatherings.

– Large range with a prominent hood

– Double ovens

– Large refrigerator

– Microwave or warming oven

– Single-bowl sink

– Dishwasher

– A dedicated coffee/beverage bar

– Pantry/Scullery

– Island

– Additional countertop space for food prep

Preliminary floor plans

The next step is to check the existing plan and create different initial kitchen floorplan layout ideas. I personally begin by being careful, trying designs that need fewer changes to plumbing, walls, and windows but yet incorporating all the needs as outlined in the programming. Usually this creates the most cost efficient floor plan without needing too many structural changes. Afterward, I explore bolder ideas, especially ones involving open spaces where the kitchen is adjacent to the dining area as well as great room. (If you prefer to read this later, feel free to download this guide with additional points.)

Kitchen Floorplan Layout which has been thoroughly considered

Finalize floor plan

During initial presentations, on occasion, certain clients make a quick decision about the kitchen floorplan layout they prefer. However, I always recommend that clients take their time, thoroughly evaluating all available options to determine the best fit for their needs and lifestyles. I also discuss the possibility of customization, where we can blend elements from different floor plan options to craft a completely unique kitchen layout.

Appliance and Fixture Selections

Once the floor plan is chosen, schedule meetings with a sales representative at nearby showrooms to select appliances and fixtures. In this phase, the floor plan acts as a reference, helping us determine the appropriate sizes for appliances and other items you need to shop for.

Floor Plan Issues to Look Out For

Island should be inside the footprint of the kitchen. This might mean reducing the width of the island and moving it as much as possible towards the range wall to move it within the kitchen footprint. Moving it towards the range wall but maintaining the minimum circulation will also create more room for the counter stools.
Consider knee space in island, it should not be too deep otherwise it will make cleaning underneath a nightmare. Lessening the knee space in the island and creating shallow cabinets can give additional storage.
Make sure that the circulation is not crowded and doesn’t create pinch points in the flow of traffic. This can be done by reducing the depth of the island and moving it closer to the range wall.
Check the width of the kitchen island – it should not be too wide. In well-designed kitchens, islands are visually supported by the perimeter cabinets. In order to achieve this, the island should be equal too, or better yet, slightly less long than the wall cabinets parallel to the longest, working side of the island. This change also contributes to reducing the congestion with circulation.
Upper cabinets should almost always match each other in width to create symmetry this can be done by either reducing the width of the wall cabinets or eliminating some of the narrow cabinets and keeping some while widening the remaining ones so they have better proportions
Monitor how close exterior doors are in relation to nearby cabinets, it might make it difficult to fit door trim. To solve this move the exterior door away from the cabinet thus creating plenty of room for door trim.
Note the direction of swing of doors – when doors are opened they should not swing against cabinets. Besides the likely chance of the door damaging the cabinets, it also would create a potential hazard with someone opening the door and banging against someone else who might be standing in front of the cabinet.
Avoid having a long uninterrupted cabinet wall, that would be a missed opportunity to do additional storage and use panel ready appliances. By including things like appliances, tall cabinets and a sink it would increase the practicality and function of the space immensely, as well as the aesthetics.