If you find yourself thinking about kitchen size, then you know life can be confusing in this day and age. It’s hard with so many suggestions to choose from, but if you know what you are looking for, it makes the task just a little bit easier. If you are designing a new kitchen or just thinking about starting a new one, it would be useful to know how big the average kitchen size is. And the answer is here! Keep reading to reveal it!
~COMMON TYPES OF KITCHEN~
When you’re planning your new kitchen, you might have a few ideas about what it should look like. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of an L-shaped layout or coveting the island in the middle of your favorite cooking show. But there are lots of different unique ways to shape up your kitchen. And it’s not just about choosing between a square or a round. While some layouts can be changed later, others require more extensive remodeling work and may not be worth the investment at all. Here’s what each common kitchen layout looks like:
🟦 L-Shape Kitchen Layout
In a small space, an L-shaped kitchen is always a good option. This layout can make the most of your home and help you create a functional and practical entertaining area. It allows you to include both seating areas. Making it perfect for families with children or guests who want to be part of the action rather than watch from afar.
The L-shape kitchen design also works really well in larger spaces where you need extra room for food prep stations or additional storage options. You could even incorporate an island into this type of layout if you don’t need extra seating but would like more counter space in your cooking area.
🟦 U-Shape Kitchen Layout
The U-shaped kitchen layout is the most common type of kitchen. The U-shape looks like the capital letter “U” with an island in the middle. This layout is great for small spaces because it leaves room for open areas to make your kitchen feel larger, and it eliminates having to walk around someone who is cooking at the stove or sink.
🟦 Parallel Kitchen Layout
Parallel kitchen layouts are good for small kitchens, open floor plans, and kitchens without an island. The reason is that parallel layouts make it easier to walk between the refrigerator and oven or stove. This type of kitchen design is also great for smaller spaces as there’s no wasted space along the perimeter of your home. You’ll want to make sure your cabinetry is designed with a tight fit, so there aren’t any gaps between cabinets and walls when you install them in this type of layout.
If you have room or space in your kitchen for an island or even multiple islands, then a parallel design isn’t right for you.
🟦 Island Kitchen Layout
The island layout is a popular choice for kitchens. An island in your kitchen can serve many purposes, including:
>>Workstation
The island table provides a place to prepare food, whether it be large-scale tasks like preparing meals or smaller tasks like chopping vegetables and fruits. If you’re working on something messy while cooking (mixing batter or kneading dough), the island provides a clean space where you don’t have to worry about getting splashes all over your work area.
>>Seating Area
Island tables often include seating areas that allow you to eat at the same place where you’ve been preparing meals. This is a convenient way to make sure that everyone has enough room for both eating and cooking!
>>Socialization Space
Islands often include seating on both sides so that multiple people can sit around one table comfortably with enough room between them. This is for conversation or other activities such as reading books together or playing board games while they wait for dinner, lunch, or breakfast.
🟦 Straight Kitchen Layout
The straight kitchen layout is the most popular and common type of kitchen for homes. It can easily be adjusted to accommodate a variety of needs, but it’s well-suited for families who like to cook and entertain.
This type of layout is good for small spaces since it doesn’t have any wasted space that could be taken up by an island or peninsula. But it still allows for plenty of storage in cabinets (if you choose not to use wall units) or in drawers on a peninsula. The straight kitchen layout is also good if you like having the refrigerator near the sink so that food stays cool while being prepared.
It’s also great if you want a large workspace where cooking happens in one area while clean-up takes place elsewhere. You don’t have to concern about turning around only to find yourself face-to-face with dirty dishes!
🟦 Corridor or Galley Kitchen Layout
The corridor or galley kitchen Layout is a long and narrow kitchen layout. Picture a kitchen that runs from side to side, long but not necessarily deep. These types of kitchens can be built in any shape or size, depending on the needs of your home and family. They’re perfect for smaller homes with limited space, such as townhouses and lofts; they also work well in older houses where the original kitchen was too small to accommodate modern appliances and equipment.
Corridor kitchens are often referred to as galley kitchens because they resemble ships’ galleys (the dining area where sailors eat aboard large boats). In fact, you might have seen this type before if you’ve ever watched cooking shows on TV!
~AVERAGE KITCHEN SIZE~
The most common size for a kitchen is about 12 feet by 20 feet (120 square feet). But if you look at the range of sizes for a typical home, which is around 1,200 square feet, that’s actually pretty big!
But what does it all mean? Well, for one thing, it means that if you want to measure your own kitchen and compare it to the average size, you’ll have an accurate idea of how much space you really have to work with when buying appliances and furniture for your kitchen. For example: if there are two people who will be cooking in your kitchen at once, then there should be enough space between the sink and the stovetop so that both people won’t feel crowded while preparing meals together!
~THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING KITCHEN~
Your kitchen is the soul of your home. It’s where you prepare food, enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, and unwind after a long day. Your kitchen should be functional and comfortable. It can also be stylish and beautiful! But what does that mean exactly? What are some things to consider when building your kitchen? We’ve put together a list of items that will help you design a functional and comfortable space that matches your lifestyle.
🟦 Cabinetry
When it comes to putting cabinetry, there are many things to consider. Will you opt for custom cabinets or stock cabinets? How will you use your kitchen island? What style of countertop do you want? What height and material should your countertops be?
These questions and more will help determine the overall look and feel of your new kitchen. And the quality of your cabinetry will determine how long can your cutleries and kitchen tools will last.
🟦 Countertops
Countertops are a big part of the kitchen design process. If you’re going to be cooking and cleaning up in the same area, it makes sense to make sure it’s a space that will withstand the test of time.
The countertop material is one of the most important factors in deciding which countertop to choose for your kitchen. Some materials are more durable than others. So if you have kiddies or pets or just don’t want your countertop looking like this by the time you’re ready to sell your house, choose wisely and consider how often you plan on using it.
In addition to durability, there are aesthetic considerations as well. How does it look? Is it going with your decorating style? Will you be happy with this choice five years from now? And what about the cost? While some options may seem affordable upfront but require frequent maintenance down the road (like granite), other options may seem less expensive but require less upkeep (like laminate). You’ll want all these factors considered before making any final decisions about which material will work best for you!
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🟦 Appliances
As mentioned, your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. So it’s important to take time to consider what appliances you need. What is the purpose of each appliance? How much counter length do you have available for each appliance? How much storage space are you going to need for pots and pans, spices, and food items? What is your budget for each appliance? And finally, how often will this appliance be used by different family members, and what kind of maintenance does it require? Keep in mind that the more often an appliance is used or cleaned, the higher the quality piece you want to buy.
🟦 Noise Level​
One thing that can make a massive difference when planning out your kitchen design is how noisy an appliance might be while running its cycles or when heating up foods in high heat settings. Think about how often this noise level might become annoying while preparing meals within close proximity of one another, such as dinner table conversations.
🟦 Lighting Fixtures
When considering lighting fixtures for your kitchen, think about the amount of light you need. Do you feel like a minimalist or a maximalist? Do you want to feel like an astronaut in space? If so, then consider Halogen and LED light fixtures with brightness settings that can be adjusted from 0 to 100 percent.
However, if the light is too bright for you, consider getting a dimmer switch installed on any fluorescent lights and ceiling fans in your kitchen. You can also opt for LEDs which use less energy than incandescent bulbs but provide almost as much light intensity as fluorescents do at full power.
🟦 Kitchen Sink
The size of your sink is a very important factor to consider when building a kitchen. It needs to fit snugly beneath your faucet and be big enough to wash the dishes you intend to wash in it.
In addition, the depth of your sink can affect how many dishes you’ll be able to fit in at one time. If you’re tall enough or have a high ceiling above your kitchen space, then installing a deep sink may be beneficial for you. However, if storage space is an issue, then having less depth would probably work better for you since it will allow more space on top for bowls and plates that need drying after washing them off.
Sink material depends largely on personal preference but also factors in with what kind of budget you have available for such things as countertops or cabinets. You might decide one day that granite countertops are too costly, so opting out entirely wouldn’t make sense either way
🟦 Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands can serve as a prep area, an entertaining station, and a storage solution. If you’re planning to have your kitchen island double as a breakfast bar or dining area, think about how you’ll use it. Will people be sitting on stools while they eat? Will they stand? Consider the altitude of your island and choose stools that will work well with it.
If you’re choosing cabinet doors for your island, consider size carefully so that they line up properly with the existing cabinetry in the room. If you’ve got tall cabinets along one wall and low ones along another wall, consider a taller island that will allow for more storage space below or vice versa.
Kitchen islands are typically located near counters or appliances like the sink. So make sure there’s enough space in front of it for someone to walk around comfortably without bumping into anything else in their path. And remember not just for yourself but also for guests who might come over!
🟦 Backsplash
Backsplashes come in many different styles, from traditional to modern. The style of your cabinets and countertops will dictate what type of backsplash you want for your kitchen.
If you are installing new cabinets and countertops, then choose a backsplash based on the color palette of those items. If they are white or light gray, then consider a dark gray or black backsplash. While if they are dark, look for lighter colors such as whites and grays that won’t overpower them. But if they are wood-grain or other patterns that aren’t easy to match with tile or stone tiles, then stick with neutral tones like taupe or beige instead of bright whites or metallics that would clash with the overall design scheme of the room.
Costs for different types run anywhere from under $20 per square foot for plain subway tiles up to hundreds per square foot for natural stone finishes (marble and slate). Installing them yourself will cost less than hiring someone else. But if this is too much work for one person alone, then consider paying someone else who has experience doing these kinds of projects beforehand, so it goes smoother next time around.
🟦 Color
The color scheme of your kitchen is also an important consideration. You can choose from many different options, including neutral palettes featuring white cabinets or darker hues with wood accents for a more traditional look. Whatever style appeals most to you, keeping these things in mind will help ensure that your new space has everything you need!
~WHAT MAKES A KITCHEN DESIGN FAIL?~
Kitchens are a big deal. The kitchen is often the room in your home that you spend the most time in, so it needs to be well-planned, designed, and functional. It should also reflect your style and taste. But that can be tricky when you have to take into account what everyone else thinks as well! Here is some guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls when designing your new or remodeled kitchen:
🟦 Not having a place to put everything.
A good design is one that has a place for everything. Your kitchen should be no different. A well-designed kitchen should have a place for everything you need to use it efficiently and provide adequate space and storage for those things.
To make sure that your kitchen has the right amount of storage space:
- Measure the height of your cabinets. This will disclose to you how tall they are (and thus how much stuff they can hold).
- Take inventory of all the things that will go into your cupboards, drawers, fridge, and freezer. Then, measure their size together with any packaging or other materials around them. This can help give an idea of how much space each item needs on average when laid out flat. Though some items may have specific storage requirements.
🟦 Forgetting about trash and recycling.
If your trash and recycling bins are buried in a cabinet that’s too small to fit them, it can be a pain in the neck. Your kitchen is likely the most visited room in your home, so you want to make sure it’s as manageable as possible for everyone to use. If you’ve got a smaller kitchen, consider moving your trash and recycling bins into an easily accessible spot near the door where they’ll be more visible. It’s also helpful if they’re placed out of reach of children. If kids can’t reach them, they won’t try!
Suppose you already have built-in cabinetry that doesn’t accommodate large garbage or recycling receptacles well. In that case, there are other prospects available depending on the size of space available inside those cabinets. If none exist already, then get creative by making some yourself! You could also switch out metal bins for plastic ones. These tend not only to take up less space but also look more stylish, thanks mostly due to their wide variety of colors and patterns available today compared to traditional metal ones, which only come in black or silver color options available today (plus made from stainless steel material).
🟦 Not having enough outlets.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is how many outlets your kitchen needs. It’s not as superficial a question as it seems since the answer depends on what appliances you have and how many people will be using them. If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some general rules of thumb: One outlet per appliance as much as possible.
🟦 Too much dark paint in rooms without good natural light.
Dark, filmy colors can make a room look smaller and feel more closed off. The same goes for rooms that aren’t well-lit, especially if they’re painted in dark colors, to begin with. If you have a small kitchen or one that feels smaller because of its layout, it’s important to balance out any sense of being confined by adding natural light wherever possible.
Open shelving and windows are both great ways to bring in sunlight without sacrificing storage space or privacy. The same goes for larger kitchens: consider using lighter paint colors on the walls (or shiplap) so as not to detract from your open floor plan and brighten up the space overall!
🟦 Not planning for your family’s needs.
If you have a big family, think about how many people need to gather in your kitchen at one time. Some kitchens are simply too small for this. And for your children, think about how often they will be using the kitchen and what they might need in terms of space and function.
If you like to entertain or if your family often has guests over, then strategically plan where extra seating should go so that it’s easy for people to take their seats without bumping into things or getting in each other’s way. You may also want to consider adding an island or bar area where guests can wait for their food while still remaining part of the conversation happening in other parts of your home. This sort of design decision can really help promote good flow throughout a kitchen and make it feel more cohesive as well as comfortable for everyone involved!
🟦 Wrong choices of finishings.
When choosing the right materials for your kitchen, you need to make sure they are durable, easy to clean and maintain and look good. You should also avoid expensive materials that are difficult to repair or maintain.
Choose durable finishes that won’t wear out easily after regular usage or accidental scratching from sharp objects like knives or spatulas when cooking! If you’re looking for something practical and functional but still stylish, then consider porcelain tiles as they have not only a long lifespan but also come in various textures, so there’s something for everyone!
🟦 Not thinking about what it will be like to cook in the kitchen.
The kitchen should be a functional space, but it’s also one that you want to enjoy. You should want to spend time in it, cook in it and entertain guests there. If you don’t have room for your favorite cookbook on the counter (or know where you’re going to put it), then maybe your new kitchen isn’t right for you.
🟦 Choosing dated, cheap cabinets and countertops.
Cheap cabinets and countertops can be a problem for your kitchen design if you choose them for the wrong reasons. They’re often not durable enough to stand up to daily use. This means that they will likely get damaged easily or require more frequent repairs. They’re also more difficult to scrub and maintain than real wood cabinets because they don’t allow moisture to escape as easily as real wood does. You may have to use harsher cleaning products on them because of this lack of breathability in general. Lastly, cheap cabinets don’t offer much investment value if you ever decide to sell your home someday!
🟦 Failing to plan for remodels down the road.
Planning for future remodels, or even just deciding to redo your kitchen’s design in a few years, is another important aspect of a successful renovation. If you don’t factor these kinds of things into your decision-making process, you could end up with a design that doesn’t serve you well now and will be difficult to change later on.
- Make sure the space is flexible enough to accommodate new appliances and last-minute additions like an island or additional storage units.
- Consider how big your fridge should be, where it should go, and how many drawers or cabinets will be needed (and where) in order to accommodate it all.
- Think about how many people are likely going to live in the house over time (so make sure there’s enough room for them!)
~BOTTOM LINE~
The space available for the kitchen will depend on how big the house is, and there are also numerous other factors that might convince you to change your kitchen size. Some houses are going to have a bigger kitchen than others, and that’s because some kitchens need to be a certain size to accommodate people’s everyday lives. But, if you have space, think about upgrading the essentials first, like the fridge or dishwasher, or even replacing your poor countertops. You don’t need the biggest house in the neighborhood, but you do need a kitchen that will work for you.