U-shaped kitchens are an increasingly popular layout for modern and trad homes alike, with a plethora of pro features making them a worthy choice for many. They work well in open-plan spaces, but are a practical shape for smaller homes too, as they max out storage and work surface area to create a remarkably efficient cooking space.
If you're starting from scratch and researching different kitchen layout ideas, to understand what will work most efficiently for you, a U-shaped configuration is definitely one to consider. Style yours right and it could be the perfect 'fit' for your household.
Experts at Omega kitchens explain, 'The U-shaped layout is generally considered to be the most practical kitchen layout, as it’s ideal for the ‘golden triangle’ concept of positioning your fridge, cooker and sink within reachable distance of each other, while still allowing each appliance its own space.'
Design A U Shaped Kitchen
Tom Howley, design director, Tom Howley Kitchens, comments: ‘A U-shaped kitchen allows the space to feel more open plan. Strategically divide the kitchen into zones for optimal functionality. To add more space consider adding an island with the hob positioned overlooking so you can socialize whilst preparing dinner for friends and family.’
Keith Myers of The Myers Touch mentions how the kitchen triangle approach is still a must in U-shaped kitchens. 'According to the rule, these should be laid out to loosely form a triangle, enabling you to perform day to day tasks with ease and without any obstruction. Each side of the triangle should measure no less than four feet and no more than nine feet and, ideally, the perimeter of the triangle should be no less than 13 feet and no more than 26 feet. Not too small and not too large!'
So adding a kitchen island to your space will keep your space functional and gorgeous. 'This will ensure that your working area is practical, comfortable and large enough – but not so large that much of your time is spent walking between one point and another’, continues Myers.
Advantages Of A U Shaped Kitchen Layout
To prevent your U-shaped kitchen from feeling too enclosed or boxy, consider a light kitchen color scheme and bright palette of modern neutrals or soft pastels for a subtle color hit. Soft shades reflect the light in any space, and can be especially effective in smaller kitchens or spaces that lack natural light.
Howley comments: ‘To keep an open feel choose light paint colors and reflective materials such as bright quartz or a mirrored backsplash. Utilize every inch of space from the full height, awkward nooks and the use of islands if you have room.’
By the nature of its shape, a horseshoe layout creates a cozy space. With kitchens now serving as multi-functioning hubs where families cook, socialize, entertain and work remotely, homeowners are looking to utilize every inch of space in any which way possible. Consider reconfiguring one side of your U-layout as a peninsula with bar stools where friends and visitors can perch at all hours.
Kitchen Layout Ideas To Help You Take On A Remodel With Confidence
Howard Miller of H.Miller Bros, comments: ‘I love one wall kitchen with an island or U shape with one of the arms of the U being a peninsular so that you can look out into the rest of the space from - ideal for engaging with the kids whilst making something for them in the kitchen, or if you've got friends over you can talk to them whilst getting dinner ready.’
Narendra Karnani, managing director, Heritage Brass, agrees: ‘A U-shaped kitchen is ideal for smaller spaces, as it allows for social areas to be integrated into a design where a kitchen island wouldn’t otherwise fit.’ The question is, kitchen peninsula vs island... Which would you choose?
Not only does a U-shape kitchen provide a balanced aesthetic and pleasing flow, but it allows space for storage on all levels with a variety of cabinet options. For a cohesive scheme, choose one style for both base and wall hung storage units, or try open kitchen shelving on higher levels to display a beautiful collection of kitchenalia. Think wooden platters, glass mason jars filled with natural grains, and favorite artisanal crockery all on show rather than hidden away at the back of the cupboard!
Why Should You Consider A U Shaped Kitchen Layout For Your Dream House?
Leslie Murphy, CEO and creative director of Murphy Maude Interiors, comments regarding U-shaped kitchens: ‘In this light and airy kitchen, the U-shape provides a ton of kitchen cabinet space and beautifully opens up to the rest of the home for an easy, functional flow. Since the client didn't want to update the cabinets, we creatively decided to modify them by building boxes on the top of the existing ones, adding glass, painting and adding new hardware for a beautiful and affordable option and even more space without compromising the layout.’
Like a magpie attracted to shiny things, in smaller kitchen spaces, it’s the thoughtful details that really make a difference. Inject some personality into your space, and update your kitchen scheme in a Jaffa Cakes jiffy with extra special hardware that adds a luxe finishing touch. From beautiful brushed metallic drawer pulls, to patterned ceramic door knobs, it really is the little touches that make all the difference!
‘When designing for smaller kitchens the finishing touches such as the power outlets and cabinet handles become even more important. With less space available the eye is naturally drawn to the details within the room. These details can elevate a small room into an opulent space so should not be overlooked, ’ advises Narendra Karnani, managing director, Heritage Brass.
Kitchen Design 101: What Is A U Shaped Kitchen Design?
Turn your U-shaped kitchen into a sensory-awakening feature area with a statement kitchen wallpaper design. Depending on style preference, either choose a wallpaper design that picks out a color in your cabinets, for a harmonious look with added depth; or take a two-tone kitchen approach with a contrast shade that wows and dares with color blocking tenacity.
If your home has an open-plan feel (or you want it to), opting for a U-shaped layout in an open plan kitchen space can be an effective means of defining a large square footage. Positioned in a corner with one side of the U forming a peninsular unit, it creates a clear distinction between the kitchen and dining or living areas.
This is achieved effectively with this Fusion White Kitchen from Magnet, which is positioned effectively in the corner of a larger, open plan space. The addition of a breakfast bar and stylish bar stools helps create the link between zones.
U Shaped Kitchen Design, Layout, Ideas, And Benefits
Opting for a U-shaped kitchen layout is effective in making a small space seem larger and lighter, while making the most of storage and work surface opportunities. Choosing flush-fronted, handleless cabinetry dials down the fussy detail to enhance the feeling of space further.
White kitchens, as well as those with grey tones, work a treat if maximizing the light and bright feel of your space is a priority. We love this combination of sleek and contemporary white and grey toned cabinets with retro features – hello Smeg Fridge – and bold brass fittings from Norsu Interiors.
In a U-shaped space, pendant kitchen lighting lighting is a great option, especially if one side of kitchen cabinets opens out onto an open plan space.
Advantages Of A Horseshoe Kitchen Layout
We love the idea of glass pendant lights, which create the design impact required without sacrificing the light and open feel of the kitchen.
While a major perk of the U-shaped kitchen is its ability to offer abundant kitchen storage potential, opting for kitchen cabinets both above and below counter level can result in the room feeling crowded and therefore smaller, especially if you're working with darker woods or colors.
Experts at Omega explain more, 'If your kitchen is large or wide and you need the cupboard space, it should be fairly straightforward to fit top and bottom cabinets around the whole ‘U’, with just one break at the bottom.'
U Shaped Kitchen Ideas
'However this can make your kitchen feel a little boxed in, so it’s worth maximizing corner cupboards and thinking outside the box a little more to arrange your units.'
To counter this, consider opting for a combination of kitchen cabinets and open shelving units, which will make your space feel larger and more open. Style with your prettiest kitchenware.
Specially designed corner storage systems are worth the investment in a U-shaped kitchen, while your ratio of deep drawers to cupboards to shelving units should be carefully calculated to suit your storage needs.
U Shaped Kitchen
We love the way this J Pull Kitchen from Wren Kitchens uses a shelving unit to create extra storage at the end of a row of kitchen cabinets; perfect for storing cook books.
Choosing the best kitchen tiles is an important design aspect and can make all the difference in terms of the final feel of a space. If you're dealing with a small, U-shaped kitchen, working with light colored tiles is a well known design trick that will make the space feel larger and lighter.
Choosing the right size tiles for a small kitchen is easier than you might think. And, a slightly lesser known design trick is to lay tiles diagonally – this take on a herringbone effect is a great example – as it fools the eye into seeing a space as
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