photo source: homelook.us
This kitchen layout is slightly less common these days, but if you can make it work in your given space, it is one of the most functional designs available.
About the G-Shaped Kitchen
Like it’s cousin, the U-shaped kitchen, this layout offers a ton of counter space and cabinet storage, and offers a compact, easy to navigate work triangle with counters that surround the cook on all three sides. The key difference between the U and G-shaped kitchen floor plan is that instead of simply being open on one end, the G includes a little lip, or peninsula that acts as a partial fourth wall, allowing for even more additional cabinet and counter space.
Planning Your G-Shaped Kitchen Layout
Because this design includes a partial fourth wall, it is not typically suited to smaller living spaces, where the protruding peninsula can make it feel cramped and crowded. However, in a medium to large home or apartment, the G-shape allows for some versatility that you can’t get from the traditional U-Shaped kitchen, especially when it comes to creative kitchen cabinet ideas for those extra corners. Here are some things to consider when planning your G-Shaped kitchen layout:
- Price – Just like the U-Shaped kitchen, the abundance of cabinet and counter space can make buying materials a bit pricier. If cost is a concern, look into some sleek modern rta cabinets for a clean look that won’t break the bank.
- Sink and Cooktop – When it comes to figuring out how to set up your sink and appliances, the G-Shaped kitchen is almost exactly the same as the U-Shaped kitchen, with your sink ideally placed below a window and your cooktop placed on the longer run of cabinets (if one run is longer than the other).
- Tall Units – Your refrigerator and floor to ceiling cabinets can be a bit trickier with a G-Shaped kitchen. With the U-Shaped layout, you typically have the option of placing your tall units at one of the open ends of your cabinet runs. However, in this layout, the peninsula can cause problems with the placement of your tall units. So, you essentially have two options:
- Place your tall units at the open end of the run that does not contain the peninsula
- Break up your cabinet space by slotting your tall units in the middle of one of your runs
Obviously, the first option is ideal, but if you don’t have space for it, you need to make sure that you can position your tall units in such a way that it doesn’t keep you from easily taking advantage of your available counter space.
- The Fourth Wall – This is where you can really get creative with your G-Shaped kitchen. Depending on your space constraints, this extra peninsula can be used as additional counter space, with or without additional overhead cabinetry, or it can be left open and used as a small breakfast bar, or buffet area for entertaining.
When done well, the G-shaped kitchen provides an ideal kitchen work triangle with 3 workable corners, ample storage and plenty of easy to reach counter space. Just be careful not to overstuff this design with bulky cabinets that will make the space feel closed off and crowded. It is also advisable to make sure that the open end of your G-Shaped kitchen faces a larger space (e.g. your living room or dining room) to create a flowing atmosphere and to keep it from feeling cramped.