ᐅ Small Kitchen – Need Help with the Layout

Hello,

We have a small kitchen and need to provide the installer with connection details soon, so we are forced to start thinking about the kitchen layout. Attached is our concept – honestly, we don’t see any other arrangement. That’s why I’m asking here for advice, criticism, and maybe even alternative options.

A few details:
- The kitchen is open to the dining/living area
- The refrigerator is already in place
- The wall behind the refrigerator is extra narrow to recess it by 10cm (4 inches) and save space
- A pull-out pantry would be nice
- A built-in oven is a must
- The passage between the refrigerator and the counter is 1.00m (39 inches)
- Access from the hallway through a sliding door on the hallway side

Questions:
- Is there a more practical way to arrange the oven, cooktop, sink, and dishwasher?
- Would it be better to choose an L-shape instead of a U-shape, or is the passage between the refrigerator and the counter too narrow? The U-shape would have the advantage of allowing drawers to be accessed from outside, i.e., from the dining table side.

Preferences:
- Induction cooktop
- A carousel for pots under the cooktop
- Stone countertop (budget is the main reason this might be the first item to reconsider)

Budget: 10,000 - 12,000 €

Thanks in advance!

Normally, you go to the kitchen showroom and have the design done. They, in turn, will need the electrical plan from you.

Is there no plan at all?

Has the plumbing already been installed?

We also plan to design and order the kitchen at a kitchen studio soon. I thought that "kitchen layouts" were discussed here as well. Sorry if I’m mistaken.

Well, the placement of electrical and plumbing installations depends on the planning, right? Currently, only the water pipes are on the floor, and the electrician hasn’t started work yet.

My understanding is that the plumber and electrician need the building plan as input, not the other way around. Am I wrong?

No, I don’t think you’re wrong.

That’s actually the great thing about a new build—you can design everything exactly the way you want. That’s why I would (as we did) plan the kitchen according to personal preferences first, and then base the electrical and plumbing layout on that.

Regarding your layout:

I would arrange it differently:

Instead of the tall cabinet used as a pantry (which adds cost), I would add a second tall cabinet.
Then I would swap the two tall cabinets with the side-by-side refrigerator.

Advantage: The passage to the dining and living area won’t be blocked as often, since people probably don’t linger in front of the oven as much as in front of an open refrigerator. Also, I’m not sure how the refrigerator would be affected if the wood-burning stove next to it is running at full power.

I would also swap the sink and dishwasher, since this would enlarge the most important work surface (between the sink and cooktop).

Oh, I thought it was the subforum "Kitchen".

I’ll look for it, thank you.

Yes, you can start by doing some research.