Need advice for kitchen layout

[Gemmy]

Needing help with which design works please! Walls are approx 2.8mtr each

With island or without. In the U shape design there is 1.2 metre space between fridge and bench.

thanks!

 

 

  

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Gemmy. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about kitchen layouts.

Both U-shaped kitchens and kitchens with an island can work well in a space that’s around 2.8m x 2.8m, but they each come with different benefits and drawbacks.

A U-shaped kitchen is very efficient for cooking because everything is within arm’s reach, creating a natural “work triangle” between the sink, stove and fridge. With continuous benchtops and plenty of cabinetry, you gain more storage and prep space. The main drawback is that if the space between opposing benches is too narrow, it can feel cramped, especially if more than one person is working in the kitchen. In your case, 1.2 metres between fridge and bench is workable but on the tighter side. It's enough for one person, but it might feel a little congested with two.

A kitchen with an island opens up the space more visually and creates a social hub, as people can gather around while you cook. It also allows for seating on one side if that suits your lifestyle. The downside is that in a smaller kitchen, the island can make the area feel crowded if there isn’t enough circulation space around it. Ideally, you’d want at least 1 metre clear space on all sides of the island to move comfortably.

In short, a U-shape generally maximises storage and bench space, while an island layout is better for openness and entertaining. The “best” option often comes down to how you use the kitchen most, whether you value having extra cabinetry and prep space, or you’d prefer a more open feel with a spot to gather around.

Let me tag some of our members that have shared wonderful kitchen renos: @diy_hausdesigns, @Renowayoflife, @2Belindas and @daniknight4.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[diy_hausdesigns]

Hi @Gemmy 

@MitchellMc has shared some good pros and cons for both which are agree with. It does come down to how much you plan to use the sauce. The U shape definitely works better for a busy kitchen. The continuity of bench space never fails. In my opinion, the U shape is a more traditional design compared to the island set-up.

I'd encourage you to consider how the rest of the house responds to both designs and the greater flow of the house too.

Warm regards 

[Jason]

Let me tag some other experienced kitchen renovators to see if they can share their opinion on what layout they prefer @Gemmy.

@Acewoodhome, @homeinmelbourne, @LizzieCro, @Dons-Glenno, @RenovisionAU, @probus69, @redbournreno 

Jason

[Gemmy]

Thank you . This is very helpful information!

[LizzieCro]

Hi @Gemmy ,

I don't think this will be much help really but here goes. I've had numerous kitchens over 40 years (as an adult), three of which were U-shaped. My current house has a U-shaped. I wouldn't want another one, unless there was just two of us living in the house. From a storage point of view, given your diagrammes, the U-shaped is obviously superior, and bench top space is a definite plus. No-one can argue with that. But from an access point of view U-shaped are clumsy and restrictive. Will more than one person be using the kitchen at once? If so, avoid the U-shaped. I find when anyone else is in the kitchen it's just congested and, frankly, annoying. 

Unfortunately, if you go for the island bench, you'll lose a lot of storage and a lot of bench space which is not ideal. I made that mistake myself many years ago. I tried to eradicate the congestion in the U-shaped kitchen and replaced it with a small island (similar to your diagrammes) and found the loss of bench space really wasn't good. I could handle the reduction in cabinet storage, but the loss of bench space proved a problem.

Any chance you could orientate the island bench parallel to the wall where the oven is, and make it longer, and carry the wall cabinets further along? 

[Gemmy]

Hi @LizzieCro  thank you for taking the time to respond with your experience. There is 4 of us and we al seem to want to be in the kitchen at the same time! Our current U shape does get congested and difficult. The island did have me concerned about lack of storage. Unfortunately the island of 1.5 x 1.2mtr is all we fit and we can’t turn the island as there is an opening to the loungeroom along the wall with the stove top.

[LizzieCro]

Is there any chance you could move the opening to the lounge room to the opposite end of that wall, then run an L-shaped kitchen in the corner, or galley style?

[Gemmy]

Unfortunately no as it’s load bearing. Any changes to the wall were quoted very expensive and not worth the cost