In the latest blog post in our kitchen design series, we take a look at the ever-popular rectangular kitchen. While you may think they’re similar to the square kitchens, the subtle change in shape adds a whole range of design possibilities to your cooking space. We look at some of our favourites as well as sharing our tip tips for designing the perfect rectangular kitchen.

Rectangle Kitchen Layouts

With its constant use, the kitchen arguably the most important room in the home (although we may be biased) and as such its design is of paramount importance. The “Golden Triangle” of the hob, fridge and sink is important. Take a look below at some popular rectangular kitchens.

Similar to a galley kitchen, a corridor kitchen is simply longer. This seamless symmetrical style is smart and efficient, saving you time and space which is all too valuable in small kitchens.

Slightly different, the one wall kitchen works well by keeping everything from appliances to ingredients in close proximity allowing you to save space. For this reason it is a great choice whether you are short on space, or looking to create an airy, open plan kitchen. In a one wall kitchen, the sink is often located in between the oven and fridge as a convenient middle ground for cleaning.

Lastly, if you want maximum flexibility when it comes to your cooking space, an L-Shaped kitchen with stylish breakfast bar may be the way to go. The big difference here is that the L-Shape is more geared to a zoned kitchen approach rather than the work triangle. It has three distinct zones. Two rectangular legs of the “L” make up cooking and cleaning areas, while the breakfast bar makes a perfect places for casual dining and drinks.

Other possibilities for a rectangular kitchen

So you've seen some of the typical configurations of rectangular kitchens. By using these as a base, you have hundreds and hundreds of possibilities for redesigning your rectangular kitchen.

Typically you should make use of one of the longer walls in the room to place furniture. Use the other smaller side - where there aren't windows or doors - to place the appliances (for example the fridge).

If you have the space for one, a work table can be a great asset to any kitchen.

If your kitchen is suitable you could consider placing a working table in the middle of room. This kind of solution is incredibly helpful for the overall efficiency of your room. If you haven't got enough space in the middle of the room you could place a breakfast bar at the end of the worktop (especially in an L-shaped kitchen). Alternatively, if the room is even larger, you could put a dining table with seats.

Things to consider with your design

Once you have settled on your rectangle kitchen layout, you also need to consider the following:

• What elements do you want to be close together, such as the fridge and the oven, so you don’t have to make so many trips around the kitchen?
• Where do you want the most worktop space? Next to the oven, above the fridge perhaps?
• How much storage will you need? Think about what your current kitchen has and if you need more or less?
• Have you got kids to accommodate? Do you need a table nearby or is a separate dining area sufficient?
• Where will you keep the equipment you use most?
• Are you a lover of kitchen gadgets? Do you want to keep them all out or will they need storage space?
• What appliances do you want?

These are some of the most common aspects designers take into account when creating a kitchen, rectangular or otherwise. When it comes to rectangle kitchens, there’s not much you can really do wrong. Just remember the basics, and the chances are your gut feeling will be right. If you’re still not sure, we work with a number of talented, experienced kitchen designers across the country, so check out our dealer locator to find one near you.

Got a rectangle kitchen? We’d love to see it. Email us at hello@kitchendoorworkshop.co.uk or call us 01825 765041.