At Papilio Bespoke Kitchens, we have worked with many spaces of varying shapes and sizes to design handmade kitchens. As an expert bespoke kitchen company with over twenty years of experience, we have designed, built and installed numerous kitchens, each unique. One thing we always consider first when chatting with our clients about their new dream kitchen is the layout. We investigate how they navigate in the space, whether they entertain much, and how they cook and function in the space, which will all influence how we design their new handmade kitchen.
With kitchen layout in mind, let’s look at some popular options.
Kitchen Island Layout
The kitchen island has become a coveted element in contemporary kitchens. It offers extra prep space, storage solutions, and a casual dining area all rolled into one. A kitchen island layout can incorporate seating for multi-use day or night and become a focal point in a larger space.
However, not all kitchen islands are created equal. A well-designed island layout can make your kitchen the envy of your friends, while a poorly planned one can create a cluttered obstacle course.
For our Richlite Kitchen project, we chose the kitchen island layout because of the lavish proportions of the large country manor house. The ample space allowed us to design a stunning contemporary kitchen that embraced the space and made it a feature. Central to the layout was a sensational island. More of a sculpture than a piece of furniture, it was cut by hand from a single section of oak, allowing the grain to weave along the entire length naturally. It featured exposed finger joints, resin-filled naturally occurring cracks and hand-cut brass ties as a feature, and topped with the ultra-modern black Richlite for the worktop. The result was a stunning feature and a perfect kitchen island layout for the space.
L-Shape Kitchen Layout
The l-shaped kitchen layout is a timeless classic for a reason. This versatile layout maximises space, promotes efficiency, and adapts to various styles. Whether you have a cosy cottage or a modern new-build, the l-shaped kitchen can work beautifully in a smaller-to-medium space or one where a dining table is to feature.
The L-shaped kitchen layout is similar to a U-shaped kitchen, but it takes up less space, offering more creative thinking options.
For our Contemporary Kitchen in Bath, we designed an L-shaped section because the entire south-facing elevation of the property was glazed with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, allowing for natural light to flood into the kitchen area and allow for spectacular views. Our client wanted an honest, efficient, contemporary kitchen with a nod to mid-century design, so the l-shaped kitchen layout allowed us to play with modern and traditional materials. We selected an engineered material called Fenix for the floor-to-ceiling cupboard fronts, utilitarian stainless steel for the sink runs, birch-faced ply for the kitchen island, and accentuated the design with hexagonal terracotta floor tiles. The L-shaped kitchen (with an island) was perfect for the contemporary kitchen in Somerset.
Single-Wall Kitchen Layout
A single-wall kitchen layout is also known as a one-wall or galley kitchen if there are two usable sides. The design is streamlined to maximise functionality in a compact space, creating a stylish and efficient kitchen. The single-wall kitchen is ideal for smaller properties, apartments, or unusual spaces. If space is tight, stacking high with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or wall-hung cabinets can offer more floor space in a small but busy area. There is a feeling of modernity with a single-wall kitchen, especially for city-dwellers who enjoy entertaining.
We created a single-wall Scandinavian Kitchen in Bristol with beautiful natural timbers matched with vibrant yellow tones. The handmade kitchen space had lots of natural light, and our client wanted a colourful, social space that was also functional. We also incorporated a kitchen island with a gas hob and stainless-steel worktop, doubling up as a small breakfast bar.
No matter what layout you choose, your new bespoke kitchen should be functional and innovative and offer space for dining and entertaining. Engaging experienced kitchen designers will undoubtedly help you create the perfect kitchen.
