Getting your kitchen layout right is the most important factor in ensuring a functional and practical kitchen area. Whether your kitchen is small and cramped or large and expansive, a clever layout will make all the difference in helping you to get the most out of the space. Especially in a kitchen, there is a lot more to layout than just placing furniture and cabinetry.

Note: You need to measure your space accurately, and put the measurements into a design program to create a layout (you might look at Sketch Up or Room Styler). Start by laying out the main stations for your kitchen. The basics are the range/cooking area (plus your microwave), the fridge, and the sink/dishwasher area.

This floor plan creates the kitchen's work triangle – the path that you make when moving from the refrigerator to the sink, to the range to prepare a meal.

The One Wall Kitchen - In a one-wall kitchen layout, all of the cabinets, countertops, and major work services are arrayed along one wall. The other three sides of the kitchen are open and often face living areas. Major work services include the refrigerator, sink, and stove or oven. A dishwasher is often included as a major service.

Top 3 Benefits of a Single-Wall Kitchen

• Conserves Space. Single-wall or one-wall kitchens are excellent space savers. ...
• Provides Efficient Storage. One-wall kitchens are enhanced by the amount of additional storage they provide. ...
• Inexpensive to Construct.

The L-Shaped Kitchen - L-shaped kitchens are tucked into corners and usually have two open ends which allow for different entries and exits. This means traffic can flow freely through the space. A free-flowing kitchen can be really beneficial when entertaining because fewer traffic jams mean more room and less stress when preparing food!

L-shaped kitchen advantages

• Great for corner space.
• Efficient for small and medium kitchen spaces.
• Benchtops and cabinets can be adjusted to length.
• Minimal through traffic.
• Easy working triangle.
• Perfect for open plan designs.

The U-Shaped Kitchen - A U-shaped kitchen contains an arrangement of different kitchen units positioned on three adjacent walls that makes it appear to form the shape of the letter u. Known for their versatility, U-shaped kitchens can be enhanced by adding up a kitchen table or an island.

Pros/Advantages of U Shaped Kitchen Layout

• Great for Big Family. A U-shaped kitchen is efficient for large or medium-sized kitchen. ...
• Well Organized. Three-sided working tops can easily divide the kitchen into multiple work sites.
• Free Traffic Flow. ...
• Plenty of Counter or Platform Space. ...
• Flexible Kitchen Layout.

The Galley Kitchen –This efficient, “lean” layout is ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook kitchens. The galley kitchen also called a walk-through kitchen, is characterized by two walls opposite of each other—or two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them.

Galley kitchen advantages

• Great central kitchen design for larger spaces.
• Easy to divide galley kitchens into multiple working areas.
• Everything is easily accessible.
• Plenty of storage - galley kitchens usually have ample storage space.
• Benchtops on each side can be any length.
• Quick to clean!

The Island Kitchen - A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet that can either match your existing kitchen design or compliment it. A kitchen island can have kitchen stools around it, for extra seating and include integral storage drawers or cabinets, and can be used to house your cooking appliances.

Pros of Kitchen Islands

• Increases counter space for small appliances and prep space. 
• Offers additional storage for cooking utensils and specialty tools. 
• Adds seating options with bar stools or dining chairs along one or more sides.
•  Creates defined space in an open concept home.

The Peninsula Kitchen - A peninsula is basically a connected island, converting an L-shaped kitchen layout into a horseshoe or U-shape. In many kitchens that have this layout, the peninsula serves as a room divider that separates the kitchen from a dining or living room area, as seen in this design. In kitchen terms, a peninsula is similar to an island in that it's a unit with a worktop, but instead of standing free in the middle of your kitchen, one end is attached to the wall.

NOTE: 3 Cons of Peninsula Kitchens

• Peninsula kitchens can be prone to traffic jams. One of the biggest drawbacks to peninsula kitchens is that they can be prone to traffic jams, especially around the lower or corner cabinets. ...
• They can have tight corners. ...
• Peninsula kitchens can be less efficient for larger kitchens.

A well-planned kitchen will make the "heart of the home" flow well and create an efficient, happy space that can save you lots of time and frustration. More than any other room in the home practicality is of utmost importance when it comes to designing your kitchen. Adhering to this principle not only keeps the kitchen clean and food safe but also eliminates confusion and ensures a well-organized and orderly system.