How To Choose The Right Kitchen Layout For A Tiny Cottage Space

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A kitchen's layout can make or break the whole space. Cooking can instantly go from effortless to a cramped mess that makes creating even a two-ingredient homemade pasta challenging, depending on the way you utilize the area. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be all that hard. Cara Woodhouse, author of "It's a Mood: Your home. Your vibe.," told Chowhound all about choosing the right kitchen layout for a tiny cottage space. "I usually lean toward galley or L-shaped layouts because they make the most of a tight footprint while allowing for flow and function," she said. Plus, galleys, in particular, are cheaper to make due to their smaller scale, which uses less flooring. With more cash left for other kitchen essentials, this allows for a more flexible budget. L-shaped layouts, on the other hand, provide a breezy design for improved workflow. Usually seen in open kitchens, they also create an illusion of a bigger space. Maintaining this appearance is an unspoken rule of styling a cottage kitchen that doesn't feel cramped.

Woodhouse, who recently partnered with Monogram to share home design tips, highlighted the versatile appeal of Monogram's appliances and how they can provide ample storage without compromising on luxury features. As such, with the right planning, even a tiny cottage space can be equipped with a fully functional space — frills and all — like a bigger-sized kitchen.

Much like with any design, galley or L-shaped layouts can also have their limitations. For one, limited counter space means neither is optimal if you're firing up a meal with a helping hand. In L-shaped designs, for instance, there's only a single entrance and exit, which makes navigating the kitchen tough if there are two or more people. The existence of corner cabinets might also mean that you have to step up your storage game, as these areas can be tougher to reach. Meanwhile, a galley isn't the prime choice if you like hosting dinner parties, as it makes it hard for guests to move around. It's also easier for mess to accumulate in these layouts because there's less storage space to work with. 

With that said, since you're already working with a smaller space, sacrifices are bound to happen. As such, before going forward with the renovation, it's important not to shy away from storage spaces to really maximize your revamped layout. On the plus side, there are chic kitchen storage hacks that will free up your counter space, so you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. You can totally have the best of both worlds.