The key to any kitchen is a balance of style and practicality. Although every room has its own shape and character, most kitchens tend to fall under one of three main shapes; l-shaped, u-shaped or galley.
Galley Kitchens
Galley kitchens are perfect for small spaces and offer the convenience and practicality of everything being close together. A well designed galley kitchen will help you to get the most from a narrow space.In smaller kitchens, the inclusion of too many wall-mounted cupboards can make the kitchen feel cluttered. For additional storage without the clutter, a tall wall cupboard could be incorporated with floor units to provide valuable extra room without taking up too much wall space.
L-shaped Kitchens
L-shaped kitchens offer plenty of workspace, ideal for showcasing stylish worktop designs. Storage is less of a problem as there's plenty of under-counter cupboard space available. Also, this design allows room for a double sink which is both practical and stylish. One disadvantage of L-shaped kitchens is that the under-cupboard space in the corner of the 'L' may be hard to reach. Thankfully, you can avoid this problem by using pull-out storage solution accessories.
U-shape Kitchens
U-shape kitchens are ideal for slightly larger rooms. Try adding a breakfast bar to one side of the 'U', to create a family area in the kitchen that will transform the room into an area for entertaining. With space to play with you can be more adventurous with chunky appliances such as range cookers and American style fridge freezers as they'll fit perfectly in this style of kitchen. You can also install an island unit into this shape of kitchen to maximise the space in the centre of the 'U'. There are some disadvantages with U Shaped kitchens. The size means that the work stations are further apart so are harder to reach in the throes of cooking. You should carefully consider where you place your appliances when designing the kitchen.
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