There is a reason why the saying goes “the kitchen is the heart of the home.” As a high-traffic, multifunctional space, kitchens are the heartbeat of everyday life. Preparing for each day, crafting meals, socializing, and so much more occur in the kitchen, especially in this modern era. Unfortunately, many traditional kitchen layouts often don’t reflect real-life use today, so if you have been considering a kitchen remodel and actively searching “kitchen remodeling near me,” you’re in the right place.
At JLS Consulting and Contracting, we help clients redesign their kitchens to be functional, beautiful, and customized to their daily lives. Today, we are here to help you rethink your kitchen layout to better reflect how you actually use the space.
Recognizing the Needs of Real-Life Living
When designing a kitchen, people often get caught up in the magazines; they see the Pinterest picture-perfect layouts and spotless countertops. Unfortunately, this doesn’t meet the day-to-day realities of how people actually use their kitchens. Kitchen remodels should be designed with the messy, multitasking, bustling life of a modern household in mind.
When designing a kitchen remodel with real life in mind, here are the four aspects we suggest you consider.
#1: Family Traffic
Kitchens are a hub for family traffic. From parents’ meal-prepping to kids grabbing snacks and pets getting underfoot, easy movement is critical. We suggest considering the flow of movement in your kitchen to prevent bottlenecks.
#2: Cooking Habits
Every family has different cooking habits, from cultural tendencies to personal preferences. Whether you lean towards gourmet cooking or are more likely to pop something in the microwave, you need a kitchen that reflects your cooking preferences.
#3: Entertaining
Kitchens attract people, especially during social events. If you enjoy hosting family, friends, or guests, having a design layout that allows for kitchen workflow and socialization should be a priority, especially if you don’t want “helpful” guests in your space while you cook.
#4: Work from Home Overlaps
Whether you are a remote worker, a crafter, or have little ones who use your countertops as a homework station, if your kitchen doubles as a work-from-home space, you can include that in your kitchen remodel design. Power outlets, comfy seating, and work zones separate from meal prep spaces can make your kitchen a hub of productivity of all sorts.
Key Kitchen Layout Types
When designing your kitchen remodel, the first step is to consider the layout. Here are the five most common ones you will see.
#1: Galley Kitchens
Galley kitchens feature two parallel walls with a narrow walkway in between. As a no-nonsense kitchen style, this kitchen layout is excellent for smaller homes and serious cooks who prioritize functional cooking over everything else.
#2: L-Shape Kitchens
L-shape kitchen layouts are when two adjoining walls form an “L,” often with one side being longer than the other. This versatile design offers plenty of counter space and a natural work triangle ideal for small to medium-sized homes. Additionally, this style pairs well with open-plan home designs and families that need multi-purpose space.
#3: U-Shape Kitchens
U-shape kitchen layouts are when three connected walls form a “U,” wrapping the user in continuous counter space and cabinetry. Suited best for larger homes with designated kitchen spaces, this design allows multiple people to easily move about the kitchen with various prep zones. However, if the space is its own room, it may not be ideal for social gatherings or multi-purpose tasks.
#4: Island-Centered Kitchens
Island-centered kitchens include a central island for added prep, storage, or seating, although they are most commonly found in L- or U-shaped kitchens. Kitchens with an island as a center space create a natural gathering spot and can be customized with sinks, cooktops, or built-in seating.
#5: Open-Concept Kitchens
An open-concept kitchen flows into adjoining living and dining spaces with little or no dividing walls. Open-concept kitchens support connectivity and visibility across multiple zones, making them ideal for social families or those who frequently entertain. Additionally, they work well with multitasking lifestyles; for example, parents can supervise homework in an adjoining dining space as they prepare dinner.
Modern Layout Solutions & Space Planning Tips
Depending on your chosen kitchen remodel layout, you can utilize various solutions to increase the functionality of a busy kitchen. Here are a few ideas we suggest:
- Extended Prep Space: Oversized islands and extended countertops make meal prep, cooking, and other activities feasible in a shared space.
- Double Islands: One for food prep, the other for seating or serving. This is especially useful in open-concept homes where the kitchen is part of a larger entertainment space.
- Appliance Garages: No one has time to take out and put appliances away after every use. Appliance garages hide away toasters, blenders, and other countertop clutter while keeping them easily accessible.
- Dedicated Beverage Zones: Built-in coffee bars or wine fridges on the edges of a kitchen design create functional hubs that keep traffic away from the main cooking areas.
- Extra Storage: Hidden cabinets, multi-functional islands, and high-up shelves provide extra kitchen storage. Ideal for infrequently used small appliances, holiday dishware, or long-term food storage, this extra storage keeps items securely stored and out of the way of daily use.
- Walk-In Pantries: Walk-in pantries don’t have to be just for food storage. They can organize bulk items, hide infrequently used appliances, or even include a hidden coffee station or secondary fridge.
- Charging Stations & Tech Integration: Need to be wired in? USB outlets, bright lighting, and even built-in tablets or speakers can support multi-tasking, at-home work, and connected living.
Kitchen Remodeling Near Me – Custom Design Approach with JLS
As a full-service design-build contractor based in Tri-Cities, Washington, we specialize in high-end residential remodeling, especially kitchens. We focus on crafting customized design-forward renovations using 3D renderings to bring a client’s vision to life.
In collaboration with our designers, you can create a personalized, future-proof space that meets your aesthetic ideals and your day-to-day life requirements. With us, you can emphasize functionality without sacrificing style!
Ready to rethink your kitchen layout? Let’s design a space that works for the way you actually live. Contact JLS Consulting and Contracting today!