What kind of kitchen does your home have — and what do you wish it had? If you're remodeling your kitchen sometime soon, choosing the right layout can help improve your experience in your house. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and designing a kitchen that works for your household can make all the difference.
Hiring the right Connecticut contractor for this project is important. Choosing a contractor with kitchen remodeling experience can help ensure that your kitchen will deliver value when the remodel is complete. Here's what you need to know about different kitchen layouts and how they perform in Connecticut homes.
Galley kitchens have two parallel walls with cabinets and appliances on both sides, and a walkway between them. Galley kitchens are known for their efficient layout. They're narrow, but easy to navigate while cooking. This is a common kitchen style found in older Connecticut homes.
Many older homes in Connecticut come with galley kitchens that are specifically designed to fit the space. While homeowners may want to update their kitchen for a more modern feel, not all homeowners are prepared to pay for or plan a major renovation.
To create a more open space, consider opening up the galley kitchen at one end or installing a pass-through doorway into another room that will open the kitchen up slightly and provide more space for two people to navigate.
L-shaped kitchens use two walls that meet at a 90-degree angle to form an L-shape. Often, the rest of the room is an open floor where an island can be incorporated into the space.
L-shaped kitchens are increasingly popular in Connecticut homes because they allow for an open-concept, often provide space for dining, and are helpful for entertaining. If you're designing a new construction home, an L-shaped kitchen may be a suitable long-term option that can meet your needs for years.
An island kitchen is a freestanding kitchen with an open floor plan, including a central island with cabinetry and space for seating. In an island kitchen, the island provides a focal point for social interaction, cooking, and more.
Island kitchens remain a trending feature in modern Connecticut homes. If it's important to you to have an island kitchen, work with your contractor to ensure that your kitchen has adequate space for an island, keeping in mind that a large walkway is often required around the island to ensure safe flow through.
Adding an island to an existing kitchen can increase its value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers, if you're planning to sell in the next few years.
Galley layouts make sense for smaller homes where space for the kitchen is limited. Work with your contractor to open up the galley at one end or add a pass-through to make your kitchen easier to navigate.
In medium-sized homes, the L-shaped kitchen can create a balance between openness and an efficient workspace. L-shaped kitchens can incorporate an island for a modern style.
In a larger home, an island kitchen can boost your home's value and make entertaining easier.
No matter what kind of kitchen you choose, it's important to work with a contractor who will help you design an effective kitchen triangle. Having a workspace for cooking will make your kitchen a place that you can enjoy.
Get your kitchen remodel off to the right start. Download the Litchfield Builders Guide to Choosing a Professional Remodeling Contractor, or call today to schedule an in-home consultation.