A kitchen layout is a shape made by the arrangement of kitchen appliances like countertops, cabinetry, refrigerator and other kitchen appliances. The layout and floor plan create the primary work triangle you make along with the refrigerator, sink and cooking place.
WHAT IS A PARALLEL KITCHEN LAYOUT
A gallery kitchen layout is also known as parallel/ corridor layout is a 2 single-wall layout that runs parallel to each other. It is long and narrow and it consists of two parallel walls of countertops, cabinetry, refrigerator, sinks and other kitchen appliances.
A gallery kitchen is sometimes called a corridor kitchen because its main traffic lane is a long narrow aisle.
Origin Of The Parallel Kitchen
The gallery/ parallel kitchen was first used in ships and sailboats as a perfect layout for kitchens in sail ships. It has since then been taken on by homes all over the world.
The parallel kitchen layout has also been adopted by professional settings like restaurants because this design offers the most productive and reliable perfect work triangle. The work triangle between the sink, refrigerator and the cooking place create and define the functionality of a kitchen.
Advantages Of The Parallel Kitchen Layout
AMPLE COUNTERTOP SPACE
The gallery kitchen has got two countertops parallel to each other. This gives the user ample space for cooking and preparation of ingredients and recipes.
EASE OF NAVIGATION
The simple parallel design of this kitchen provides the most perfect work triangle between the sink, refrigerator and cooking place. Navigation around the kitchen is much easier and ergonomic in this layout.
SPACE SAVING
The parallel kitchen uses/ occupies a small space setup compared to other kitchen designs without compromising on the functionality of the kitchen. This saves space for other rooms in your house.
- It is ideal for small and narrow spaces
Disadvantages Of The Parallel Kitchen Layout
Narrow spacing allows for the flexibility of one person at a time in the kitchen. This may not work for a person who loves to socialize as they work.
HOW TO DESIGN A PARALLEL KITCHEN
Maintain The Basics
Due to space challenges don’t get excited about adding an island or dining inside your parallel kitchen.
Limit The Size Of Your Sink
An exaggerated size of your sink will consume a very large area of the counter space of your kitchen. Your sink should most preferably be a drop in under mount so that the countertop can extend all the way to the sink.
Use Light And Neutral Colours
Lighter Coloured tones of your cabinets, tiles, counters, appliances and wallpapers will help you to create an illusion of added space in your kitchen.
PARALLEL KITCHEN LAYOUT FAQ
Is A Parallel Kitchens Good?
Parallel kitchens are known to offer the most efficient workflow layout compared to other designs.
Ample Countertop Space
The gallery kitchen has got two countertops parallel to each other. This gives the user ample space for cooking and preparation of ingredients and recipes.
The simple parallel design of this kitchen provides the most perfect work triangle between the sink, refrigerator and cooking place. Navigation around the kitchen is much easier and ergonomic in this layout.
Space Saving
The parallel kitchen uses/ occupies a small space setup compared to other kitchen designs without compromising on the functionality of the kitchen. This saves space for other rooms in your house.
- It is ideal for small and narrow spaces
What are the disadvantages of a corridor kitchen?
Narrow spacing allows for the flexibility of one person at a time in the kitchen. This may not work for a person who loves to socialize as they work.
Where do I place my appliances in a gallery kitchen?
It is advised to put the cooking place at one extreme end and the refrigerator on the other extreme end of one line of your gallery kitchen. The sink should be on the other side of the line. This creates a perfect triangle in your kitchen
What are the 6 types of Kitchen Layouts
There are six basic types of kitchen layouts: Island, Parallel, Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape, Open, and Galley.