Kitchen layout: which shape fits your apartment?

The kitchen is the most technical room in an apartment: plumbing, electrics, ventilation and cabinetry all meet in one space. The shape is the first decision, and it sets every other one. In detail: kitchen design.

Linear, L or U?

The width of the room and the position of the door decide:

• Linear: for a narrow room, or one wall of an open plan
• L-shape: for a corner, leaving room for a dining table
• U-shape: the most worktop in a closed room, but it needs the width

Where should the sink go?

As close as possible to the existing drain stack. Moving it far away needs a fall on the pipe, which often means raising the floor. The dishwasher goes beside the sink, on the same water and drain point.

How much room does an island need?

At least 90–100 cm of clear walkway on every side, more if two people cook together. If the room can't give that, an L-shape with a peninsula works better. In full design every one of these kitchen decisions is on the drawings before the build starts.