
What is the best layout for a kitchen?
One wall kitchens are great for open floor plans, galley kitchens are best for narrow spaces, u-shaped kitchens work well in rooms that are more square. How do I change my kitchen layout?
What is the best kitchen design for your space?
U-shaped designs work best in large kitchen spaces that can afford the room to have three countertop sections. U-shaped designs are another layout that work well with a kitchen island to help add more storage and prep space. An L-shaped kitchen design is one of, if not the most popular, kitchen designs.
What are the best kitchen shapes for You?
L-shaped kitchens are another popular choice for both narrow and more rectangular shaped kitchens. Both of these provide sufficient countertop space for food preparation and rely on cabinets for storage above and below. When designing your kitchen layout, there are many factors to consider.
What is a single wall kitchen layout?
A single wall layout, also known as a one wall kitchen layout, is the perfect way to maximize space in a small kitchen. Although single wall kitchen layouts do away with the traditional work triangle, they make up for it by boosting the efficiency between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

Which is the most efficient and versatile kitchen layout?
U-Shaped Kitchen Layout This is a highly versatile and practical layout that creates the perfect work triangle, with the hob, sink, and fridge on separate sides of the U-shape for easy access to all zones of the kitchen.
What is the most flexible kitchen layout?
The L-Shaped Kitchen This kitchen shape is one of the most flexible and most popular, providing a compact triangle. Very flexible layout design – Major appliances can be placed in a variety of areas – Work areas are close to each other – Can easily convert to a U-Shape with a cabinet leg addition.
Why is kitchen triangle outdated?
But - is the triangle kitchen outdated? Many designers have begun to stray from the traditional triangle design in favour of work zones. Zones allow for more creativity and more individuality — after all, these days many people have unique appliances and needs and the triangle is no longer a logical setup.
Which type of kitchen is best?
Parallel kitchens are considered to be the most efficient. Parallel types of kitchen layouts come with two counters and two sets of cabinets. As such, there is extra space for prepping, cooking, cleaning and storing.
What are the 3 main types of layouts for kitchens?
There are six basic types of kitchen layouts: Island, Parallel, Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape, Open, and Galley. The L-Shaped kitchen is most suited to homes that do not need too much worktop spaces while the galley shaped kitchen is suitable for small homes.
What style of kitchen layout is the best and why?
The U-Shape Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.
What are the 6 types of kitchen layouts?
The 6 Most Popular Kitchen Layout TypesThe One Wall Kitchen. Usually found in smaller kitchens, this simple layout is space efficient without giving up on functionality. ... The Galley Kitchen. ... The L-Shaped Kitchen. ... The U-Shaped Kitchen. ... The Island Kitchen. ... The Peninsula Kitchen.
What is corridor kitchen layout?
A galley kitchen design layout (also known as the corridor kitchen layout) consists of a three to five foot corridor or walk-way situated between two parallel walls or runs of cabinetry.
What is the best kitchen layout?
The best kitchen layout for your home depends on the size and shape of the area you're working with. One wall kitchens are great for open floor plans, galley kitchens are best for narrow spaces, u-shaped kitchens work well in rooms that are more square.
What is the best layout for a narrow kitchen?
If your kitchen is more narrow, a galley layout is the best choice. L-shaped kitchens are another popular choice for both narrow and more rectangular shaped kitchens. Both of these provide sufficient countertop space for food preparation and rely on cabinets for storage above and below.
What is a galley kitchen?
A galley design is defined by having two walls or two parallel countertops opposing each other. This type of layout is great for efficiency, as it creates a seamless work triangle if your appliances and work areas are positioned correctly. If you have a large kitchen space, consider creating a galley layout with the use of a kitchen island.
How tall is a countertop?
Standard countertop dimensions guarantee that you will have adequate working surfaces when prepping and cooking. It also prevents you from being forced into uncomfortable postures and working conditions. The standard countertop height is 36 inches, but about 3 inches below your elbow will work as well. Your bar top height should be 42 inches. The standard countertop depth is 23 inches.
How much space do you need for a kitchen island?
Kitchen islands work great as a designated prep area. For a landing area next to your cooktop, give yourself at least 12 inches of counter space. And for a landing area next to your sink, give yourself at least 18 inches.
What is a U-shaped kitchen?
U-shaped kitchen designs, also referred to as horseshoe designs, are characterized by three walls or sections of countertop that create a semi-circle, or 'U' layout. U-shaped designs work best in large kitchen spaces that can afford the room to have three countertop sections. U-shaped designs are another layout that work well with a kitchen island to help add more storage and prep space.
How wide should work aisles be in a kitchen?
Work aisles, the spaces used when cooking and cleaning, should have a minimum clearance of 42 inches. Walkways, any other space that is used to navigate the kitchen, should have a minimum clearance of 36 inches. These minimums ensure that your kitchen will be able to handle sufficient traffic.
How to prep a kitchen?
Most of the time, the prep process looks like this: Gather ingredients from fridge and pantry / cabinet. Rinse in your sink if they need washing. Get out your prep tools. Chop and measure out ingredients.
Where to prep for a cooktop?
Designate a place to prep that’s near your cooking zone (i.e., your range). That way, you don’t have to move things far when it comes time to cook. My plan is to have my prep zone right next to my rangetop.
Why is the sink and dishwasher in the cooking zone?
Your sink and dishwasher make up this zone. Ideally it’s close to your prepping and cooking zone because you can easily clean-up as you prep and cook.
What are the tools you need to prepare for a sandbox?
Keep your prep tools near this space. For me this includes: prep bowls, sheet pans *, baking pans *, salad spinner / colander, knives, peelers, can opener, measuring cups, spoons, cutting board, kitchen towels (tip: place a folded kitchen towel underneath your cutting board to keep it from slipping).
What are some pantry essentials that can be used for prepping?
For me this includes items that would go into making a dressing or marinade: vinegars, sauces (like soy, fish, worcestershire), oils, spices, salts and sweeteners.
Can you situate appliances in a larger kitchen?
If you’re working with a larger kitchen, you’ll have a lot more options for how to situate your appliances. In the case of our small kitchen, there weren’t too many variations, which is just fine by me.
What are the three areas of a kitchen?
A traditional kitchen design consists of three areas: storage, cooking, and cleaning/prep. Normally, these areas are arranged in a triangle to aide workflow, but that isn't the only way to arrange these stations.
What is the U shape of the kitchen floor plan?
The U-shaped floor plan of the kitchen in House Plan #3352 is an efficient and compact design.
What is L shaped kitchen?
The L-shaped kitchen floor plan places two workstations on one wall and the third on an adjacent wall. This layout is more space-efficient than a U-shaped plan, but may not work as well in kitchens with a small footprint.
What is a galley kitchen?
The Galley kitchen plan is a perfect design for small spaces, providing extra room and a more open feel. Workstations on parallel walls allow the chef to switch quickly from one task to another by simply turning around.
What is a kitchen?
The kitchen is more than a space for cooking. Modern kitchens are a place where your family can social and entertain as well. When you are designing your new home, you want to make sure that your kitchen's floor plan fits into your life and the way you work. A traditional kitchen design consists of three areas: storage, cooking, and cleaning/prep. ...
What is a peninsula kitchen?
The G-shaped (also known as a Peninsula) floor plan is designed with one end of an island attached to a wall or line of cabinets. The Peninsula kitchen contains the versatility of an island kitchen, with a bit less floor space.
What is the island floor plan?
The Island Floor Plan provides a traffic-free environment with an abundance of counter space. The galley kitchen in House Plan #5311 is elegant and efficient. ,
What is the difference between a U-shaped kitchen and a L-shaped kitchen?
The difference between the L-shaped kitchen layout and the U-shaped layout can be seen in the shape of the letter – with the L-shape you are losing one wall of counters and storage. This is great for single occupants with small, separate kitchens as it makes the most of the space available while still maximizing the corner space. This dead end approach is great for those wanting to cook in privacy but if you don’t want the family shut out and like the idea of kids wandering through to check on dinner, the next option could be for you.
Why are island kitchens so popular?
Island Kitchen: Island kitchens are incredibly popular because not only do they provide a whole host of new design options for new builds and renovations, they can enhance the layouts mentioned above.
Why do people use galley kitchens?
To be honest, this approach to kitchen design has gone out of fashion in recent years because the strict shape and closed-in feel doesn’t suit open plan living. There are plenty of advantages to galley kitchens in the right home, however. Firstly, they can provide a two-walled approach to storage and facilities in a small space. Everything that a home cook needs is available on both sides but it is still a great way to save space in kitchen with minimal room to move. Secondly, the long walkway between the two work areas can open up the space on either side, allowing for a constant stream of traffic between the back yard and the dining area and a communal feel.
What is a U shape kitchen?
U-shaped Kitchen: If you have a massive kitchen and a need for space, storage and a place to eat, the U-shape is perfect as it offers counters and workspaces on 3 walls and there is still the option of adding an island in the middle. Essentially, the U-shaped kitchen can offer the best of both worlds.
What is a peninsula in a kitchen?
As the name suggests, when you add a peninsula to a kitchen, you are really adding an island that is just connected to the rest of the kitchen. The result is often referred to as a horseshoe shape but it is also a little like having the counter space of the U-shaped kitchen layout, just without the wall behind it.
Why do you need an island in a kitchen?
An island can give great depth and opportunity to an L-shaped kitchen and a new purpose to a galley kitchen, as long as both spaces are wide enough to accommodate them. Galleys are typically narrow but in a larger room, an island gives a stopping point in the middle for families to sit at.

U-Shaped Layout
G-Shaped Layout
- A G-shaped kitchen has all of the same benefits as a U-shaped layout, with a little extra room added by a peninsula to create that "G" shape. This layout is typically found in large open concept homes with a kitchen area that's at least 10 feet by 10 feet. If you're looking for a kitchen to accommodate a busy household and multiple chefs at a time, choose this layout to maximize st…
L-Shaped Layout
- An L-shaped kitchendesign is one of, if not the most, popular kitchen designs. This kitchen layout is characterized by two adjoining counters that create a right angle in a corner of the kitchen. If you want to streamline prep, cooking, and cleanup, L-shaped kitchens offer a great work triangle when executed properly. An L-shaped layout provides gr...
Galley Layout
- A galley kitchen layout, sometimes called a corridor or parallel layout, is most often seen in small kitchens, but it can be a great layout for medium- and large-sized kitchens, too. A galley design features two parallel countertops with a walkway between them. This type of layout offers a seamless work triangle if your appliances and work areas are positioned correctly. However, thi…
One-Wall Layout
- A one-wall kitchenlayout, also known as a single-wall layout, is another functional design option if you're working with a small space. This layout places prep areas, appliances, and cabinets along one wall, leaving the other three sides of the kitchen open to the living area. It doesn't get more open concept than that. Although single-wall kitchen layouts do away with the traditional work tr…
Island Layout
- Island kitchen layouts feature a freestanding countertop that can either match your existing design or be a focal point. If space allows, a kitchen islandcan add additional storage, seating, and workspace to: 1. U-shaped kitchens 2. L-shaped kitchens 3. Single-wall kitchens Although kitchen islands offer more working space, they're not the best option for small kitchens. These bulky, ex…
Other Layout Considerations
- Your kitchen is the busiest area of your home, and more than anything you want it to be functional. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building a new home, there are a few essential layout considerations you should keep in mind.
Kitchen Layout FAQs
- Still deciding which kitchen layout will work best for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of the most frequently asked kitchen layout questions.