However, even without serious renovations and sky-high budgets, you have options.
It’s possible to make even the worst kitchen layouts feel functional anddare we saystylish.
Just ask the experts.
Gladiathor / Getty Images
While they’re common, there are a handful of reasons why they rank so poorly.
“It bottlenecks traffic and makes meal prep feel chaotic.”
Sometimes galley kitchens have an opening on both ends, which makes it feel less enclosed.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Want more design inspiration?
Single-Wall Kitchens
Another kitchen format that seems to offer up more problems than solutions is aone-wall kitchen.
Of course, there is a reason for every kitchen style.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Single-wall options are more affordable, easy to build for DIYers, and work with limited square footage.
However, the issue of organization and functionality makes them difficult.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
One wall usually equates to one countertop and one set of cabinets.
Alyssa Vela
If you have lower cabinets, consider installingopen shelvingto create more room for plates, cups, and cookware.
Although this doesn’t change the shape of the kitchen, it does add much-needed storage.
Corner Kitchens
Almost all kitchens have corners, of course.
Getty Images /YinYang
But not all kitchens havethosecornersyou know, the sneaky areas that truly aren’t cut out for functional purposes.
“For storage, invest in smart pull-out organizers elsewhere so youre not constantly battling impossible cabinet spaces.”
Kitchens with Oversized Islands
It’s always worth waxing lyrical about the belovedkitchen island.
Angelo Pantazis / Unsplash
Well, perfectly-placed and right-sized islands, that is.
“It becomes an obstacle instead of a gathering spot,” explains Peterman.
Think about movement and how to make it beneficial for how you use your kitchen.
If you need more prep space, dedicate it as your prep station.
If it’s too out of the way, designate it as a small dining nook instead.
“Function firstthen layer in the design to make it feel like it all belongs.”
Closed-off cooking spaces often do the reverse.
“A closed-off kitchen can isolate the cook and can make the space feel smaller,” explains Moszczynski.
One easy solution is bringing in a table or small seating area.
This gives an area where people can chat and relax if they’re not part of the recipe-making.
If you have room to make more permanent changes, there are suggestions for that too.
“Regardless of any layoutdeclutter daily, use smart storage solutions, and get good lighting.”
