What a Design Consultation Covers
Common Kitchen Layouts
The right layout depends on the shape of the room, how many people cook at once, and the storage you need. The most common configurations:
- One-wall: All cabinets and appliances on a single wall. Works well in small spaces and open-plan apartments.
- Galley: Two parallel runs of cabinets with a walkway between. Highly efficient for a single cook.
- L-shape: Cabinets on two adjacent walls. Flexible and one of the most popular layouts for medium-sized rooms.
- U-shape: Cabinets on three walls. Maximum storage and counter space but needs a wider room.
- Island: An L or U layout with a freestanding island. Great for prep space, casual seating, and households where multiple people cook.
See our blog for more on choosing the right layout.
Design Principles We Apply
- Workflow first. Sink, cooktop, and refrigerator should be easy to move between without obstacles.
- Storage where you need it. Pots near the cooktop, dishes near the dishwasher, prep tools near the prep surface.
- Aisle clearance. At least 42 inches around an island, more if two people cook together.
- Layered lighting. Overhead, task, and accent lighting planned together avoid dark countertops and harsh shadows.
- Sightlines. Where you stand most often should have a pleasant view, not a wall of appliances.
- Future-proofing. Outlets, accessibility, and durable finishes that age well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a kitchen design consultation include?
A consultation typically includes a walkthrough of your current kitchen, a conversation about how you cook and entertain, measurements, discussion of layout options, recommendations on materials and finishes, and a rough budget framework. The goal is to give you a clear plan before any work or ordering begins.
What is the kitchen work triangle?
The work triangle is a long-standing design principle that connects the three primary work zones — sink, cooktop, and refrigerator. The idea is that the path between them should be unobstructed and not too long or too short. It's a useful guideline, but modern kitchens often use a zone-based approach instead, especially for islands and multi-cook households.
What are the most common kitchen layouts?
The most common layouts are one-wall, galley (two parallel walls), L-shape, U-shape, and island layouts. Each has trade-offs in workflow, storage, and how many people can work in the kitchen at once. The best layout depends on the room shape, traffic flow, and how you use the space.
How much space do I need around a kitchen island?
A common guideline is at least 42 inches of clearance around an island, and 48 inches if two people will be working back-to-back or if appliance doors open into the aisle. Less than that and the kitchen feels cramped during cooking.
How should kitchen lighting be planned?
Good kitchens use three layers: ambient (overhead, general illumination), task (under-cabinet lighting and pendants over work surfaces), and accent (lighting that highlights features or interiors). Planning all three at the design stage avoids dark countertops and harsh shadows later.
Do I need a designer if I'm only doing a small remodel?
Not always. A simple cabinet refacing or countertop swap usually doesn't need formal design. But any project that changes the layout, moves plumbing or electrical, or involves significant material decisions benefits from a design consultation — it's much cheaper to fix mistakes on paper than in installed cabinets.
How long does the design phase take?
Design typically takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the scope. Simple updates are quick. Layout changes, custom cabinetry decisions, and material sourcing add time. Most cost overruns and timeline problems come from rushing this phase.
Start With a Plan
Schedule a free design consultation. We'll walk through your space, your goals, and your budget — and help you make decisions in the right order.