Different Kitchen Layouts

A kitchen has three major work centers: the storage center (refrigerator), the cleanup and center (sink), and the cooking area (stovetop). Utilizing these workspaces efficiently requires arranging them in a proper kitchen layout. Learn the basic kitchen layouts to familiarize yourself for options, in case you’re thinking of remodeling or building your own house.

1. One-wall kitchen

1. One-wall kitchen

A one-wall kitchen places all work centers in one counter, with the sink placed at the center. These three must not be placed directly beside one another to free up countertop space in between them. The cabinets and all appliances are placed in a single wall. This layout is ideal for those houses where space is minimum, like in a studio-type apartment or a one-bedroom unit. Since this oftentimes, it can’t provide enough space for preparation, using a dining table or a moving island can help.

2. Galley kitchen

Also known as the parallel kitchen, galley kitchen layout places three work centers on two counters opposite each other with a walkway in between. This type of layout is ideal for narrow and rectangular-shaped rooms, like in apartments, condominium units and townhouses. If it is placed in a large room, you can even install an island in the center. Having a galley kitchen is also a great way to design cabinets, since you don’t need to deal with troublesome corner cabinets. Though this design is efficient for space, there is no room for dining, so cooks would be disconnected from guests when cooking.

3. L-shaped kitchen

As the name suggests, L-shaped kitchens occupies two walls that form an “L.” It’s a great option for small family homes with small to medium floor space. This layout provides an efficient design to integrate three work stations with ample space. It even provides extra floor space to put up a dining space, and gives the cook a chance to mingle with guests and family while cooking. However, if there is a large space allotted for the kitchen, it’s best to choose other layouts to maximize the space.

4. U-shaped kitchen

Also called horseshoe kitchen layout, the U-shaped kitchen distributes the three work centers on three adjacent walls forming a “U.” This design is perfect for those cooks who want everything to stay within easy reach at all times. It also offers more storage and countertop space than the previous mentioned kitchen layouts. This works for larger kitchen spaces with at least eight feet in width and length. If there’s plenty of floor space in the middle, an island or a small dining nook can be placed.

5. Island kitchen

Island kitchens have no definite forms – it simply includes a working kitchen island. It may be a one-walled kitchen with a working kitchen island to transform it into a galley, or an L-shaped kitchen with a kitchen island in the center of the floor space. A working kitchen island includes cabinetry and additional work surface for the kitchen. It may be where the sink or stove/oven is located. It can be a kitchen bar with storage and stools opposite it. Or it may simply have a power source to serve as a space to use small appliances like the toaster and blender. Island kitchens are ideal for large, square kitchens in spacious houses and condominiums, or in open-floor plan homes.

6. Peninsula kitchen

A peninsula kitchen has a connected island or counter perpendicular to the existing counter. Unlike an island, the additional work space can be accessible from three sides only. It can convert an L-shaped kitchen into a U-shaped layout, or a U-shaped kitchen into a G-shaped design. The island may be used to house the stove or sink, or a dining nook.

7. G-shaped kitchen

G-shaped kitchens extend the U-shaped layout by adding another countertop space. It may use four walls of cabinets, or simply a U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula. This space is perfect for those looking for more storage, and the additional countertop space works great as a breakfast bar for open plan kitchens.