Independent homes

Kitchen Floor Plan for Independent homes

Draw three layers on the measured plan: fixed points, activities and movement. Move the activities around before moving any walls.

Explore the ideas
Parallel kitchen with teal cabinets, a pale backsplash and profile lighting
Kitchen inspiration: two opposing work runs in a compact plan.

Plan in this order

  1. Start with columns, windows, door swings and service points on a single measured drawing.
  2. Place the highest-frequency activity first. Put the equipment or storage it uses within the same zone.
  3. Trace the longest everyday trip and any crossing routes. Show both with furniture and doors in use.
Worked example

In a narrow apartment kitchen, the refrigerator door opens across the only route from the sink to the dining table.

Draw the door swing and grocery landing first; test a hinge change or a shorter return before adding storage.

How to test it

Ask someone unfamiliar with the plan to walk through a normal visit and point out where they would hesitate.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Separate hot cooking, wet cleanup and pantry access; keep the yard route clear of the work zone.
Detail
Use robust counter surfaces, task lighting and a ventilated pantry for dry goods.
Trade-off
An open kitchen improves connection but carries cooking noise and smells into living space.
  • Trace grocery and waste routes
  • Check daylight and exhaust outlet location
L-shaped kitchen with pale green lower cabinets, white upper cabinets and a tiled backsplash
Kitchen inspiration: a light palette and continuous counter run.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Straight kitchen with sage base cabinets, white wall units and under-cabinet lighting
Kitchen inspiration: a single-wall arrangement with task lighting.
White L-shaped kitchen with gold-tone handles, under-cabinet lighting and a chimney
Kitchen inspiration: an L-shaped work surface and integrated lighting.

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