Home Downloads Contact us Site map Concerto Français

Our advice for planning your kitchen

A kitchen’s tone depends upon its particular shape. To organize this space, many basic shapes are offered to you.

First, planning greatly depends on the type of kitchen: is an open or closed concept? An open concept kitchen combines elements of both culinary activities and family social life. If it is partially opened, it requires an intermediate solution. As for a closed kitchen, it essentially keeps the food preparation activities separate from other household activities, making it a special and exclusive meal preparation site.

Kitchen planning can therefore lend itself to a variety of configurations.


I-shaped kitchen

I-shaped kitchen plan with island (Cucina)

I-shaped kitchen plan 

An I-shaped kitchen is a kitchen that is entirely laid out on a single wall.  Usually found in narrow areas such as apartments, it can restrict design possibilities. It is crucial to thoroughly plan this space for optimal use.

Double I-shaped kitchen plan

Formed from two facing kitchen plans, the double I-shaped kitchen maximizes the space contained between two walls. Additionally, it creates a single corridor that facilitates circulation.  However, when planning your kitchen, it is strongly recommended that you take into account the placement of appliances and the “activity triangle” formed by the locations of the sink, stove, and refrigerator.


U-shaped kitchen (CuisiID)

U-shaped kitchen plan (CuisiID)

U-shaped kitchen plan

Perfect for more rectangular or even open spaces, this allows for numerous designs that can incorporate a wealth of possibilities and placements. Foot traffic is filtered to the central area, which minimizes the distance between the various kitchen zones.


L-shaped kitchen with island (CuisiID)

L-shaped kitchen plan with island (CuisiID)

L-shaped kitchen plan

Arising from the angle between two walls, it is the most commonly seen type of kitchen planning. It adapts to almost all room sizes, makes it easy to adhere to the activity triangle concept and efficiently blend the various work stations.


G-shaped kitchen (CuisiID)

G-shaped kitchen plan (CuisiID)

G-shaped kitchen plan

This configuration favors the inclusion of a dining area. Much more family-oriented, the G-shaped kitchen plan optimizes the space set aside for the kitchen while having the feel of an open area, yet entirely preserves its functionality.

Planning a kitchen with an island

The advent of the island brought with it a new definition kitchen work stations. Its ability to be used as either a station for preparation, cooking, cleaning, or even as a dining area, it forces you to reconsider space. As it can be added to many varied traditional kitchen plans, it increases the number of design possibilities the integration of occupational functions. 

Design advice for kitchen planning

It is critical that you create your kitchen space with your family’s needs in mind. Certain aspects cannot be ignored, however, as they apply to your kitchen plan.

It is therefore advised that you take advantage of quality materials and select finishes that appeal to your personal tastes. Maximizing use of vertical space and respecting the limits of your area by paying close attention to overloading the area will allow you to optimize the space.  Incorporate a dining area, island, breakfast nook, or a table can change the look of your kitchen y accenting its functionality. An effective and elegant plan will enhance the look of your cabinetry. Your choice of materials and layout will have a direct impact on how challenging your kitchen clean-up will be.

Lastly, our final piece of advice is to dare to dream. Choose a well-planned and functional design, but have faith in your style instincts. Customize your space, have fun with it, and reap the rewards of all the changes you’ve made to your kitchen!