Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building one in your new home, the first and most important step is sifting through all the kitchen layout ideas to find the most optimal one for your space and budget.
Throughout this guide, we will explore the pros and cons of the most common kitchen layouts and provide tips for building an accessible kitchen.
The kitchen work triangle is formed by the three main work areas of your kitchen–the food preparation zone (your counters or fridge), the washing zone (sink or dishwasher), and the cooking zone (stovetop or oven). Essentially, when your kitchen is finished, you should be able to draw metaphorical lines between the zones in the form of a triangle.
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The work triangle is all about efficiency. Each of the three zones should be no more than three or four feet from each other so you can move easily from one zone to another in just a few steps.
The most important part of the work triangle is the relationship between the sink and the stovetop. We recommend keeping them in the same stretch of counter so you can easily bounce between your meal and the dishes while you cook.
Though they aren’t required in a kitchen layout, the work triangle will almost always naturally occur as you design your space. Paying close attention to your work triangle will help increase efficiency and better enjoy any kitchen layout you choose.
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Now that you’ve considered the practicality of implementing the work triangle into your kitchen, it’s time to choose the right layout! No matter the size of the space you have to work with, you will find the right design for your kitchen with one of these 6 common kitchen layouts.
A U-shaped kitchen layout is arranged just like it sounds. Cabinets and appliances are arranged along three separate walls to create a U-shape that is open on one end. This kitchen layout is best in big spaces and can accommodate the needs of large families.
U-shaped kitchens have ample counter space and kitchen storage, making it easy for the whole family to help prep multiple aspects of a meal all at once. It’s also one of the easiest layouts for creating an efficient work triangle.
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Many U-shaped kitchens are closed, separating the clutter of the kitchen from your dining room. It defines the space you have for eating and entertaining.
Some homeowners like to incorporate an island into their U-shaped kitchen if their space is big enough, but this tends to interrupt the flow of the kitchen.
L-shaped kitchens are very similar to U-shaped kitchens, except that they are arranged in an L-shape and have cabinets and appliances installed along two walls instead of three.
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L-shaped kitchens are great for maximizing efficiency with the work triangle. Because working stations are set up on just two walls, it's easy to move between working stations in just a few steps.
Since L-shaped kitchens are usually tucked into corners where walls meet at a 90-degree angle, they have two open ends for easy entrances and exits. This is great for busy families or entertaining guests–it’s unlikely that you will get in each other's way!
Open plan living is a popular homestyle right now, and L-shaped kitchens fit perfectly in this concept. Arranged along only two walls, L-shaped kitchens naturally open into the surrounding rooms. Ideally, your kitchen will open into either the dining room or living room.
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If you're looking for a kitchen with ample storage and counter space, an island kitchen is the best choice! Suited especially for large kitchens, island kitchens are typically arranged in a U-shape with a freestanding section of counterspace (also known as an island) in the middle of your kitchen.
Kitchen islands are ideal for adding counter space and storage. Most islands include base cabinets on one side to store kitchen essentials. On the other, many islands have extended countertops to accommodate seating. Add just a few stools and you will have a great casual dining space!
In addition to installing a kitchen sink against a wall, some homeowners choose to install a sink in their island instead. You can also put your cooking station in your island by installing a flat stove stop in it.
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Whether your island becomes a washing zone, a prep zone, or a cooking zone, you can create an efficient working triangle very easily in an island kitchen. You will want to make sure there is at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of your island to prevent crowding and inefficient traffic flow.
Of all the kitchen layouts, island kitchens are the best for socializing. If you have a large family or love entertaining, this may be the best layout for you!
Peninsula kitchens are popular because they have some of the same functional properties as an island kitchen but are better suited for smaller spaces.
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Like an island kitchen, peninsula kitchens feature an additional worktop, but it’s attached to the wall instead of standing in the middle of the kitchen. This saves space because you don’t need the 3 feet of clearance on one end.
Peninsula kitchens create a U-shape, but differ from U-shaped kitchens because the third side is completely open and accessible from three sides. Usually, one side of the peninsula piece opens into another room.
The peninsula worktop usually includes base cabinets for extra storage. Like an island, you can extend the opposite side of the countertop to accommodate stools and create casual seating.
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Looking for an efficient use of space? A galley kitchen might be your best fit! This kitchen layout arranges counter tops and appliances on parallel walls with a walkway that opens into other rooms on both ends.
Galley kitchens eliminate space that is sometimes wasted with inconvenient corner cupboards. To maximize the efficiency of the work triangle, place the sink, dishwasher, and stove on the same wall with the fridge and additional counter space on the opposite wall.
A clear and ample walkway is critical for galley kitchens. Make sure there is at least four feet of space between the cabinets and appliances on each wall. Be careful to accommodate for open oven, fridge, or cabinet doors if possible, since they can block the walkway and prevent your family’s movement throughout the kitchen.
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In single-wall kitchens (also known as single run kitchens or one wall kitchen layouts), the counter space and appliances are arranged in a single line against one wall. This arrangement is great for small spaces when other kitchen layouts are impractical.
It’s recommended to have counter space on either side of each major appliance. Because less counter space is needed next to the fridge, it’s often placed at the end of the row in single-wall kitchens. Just be sure that the fridge door opens away from the wall!
The most important consideration to remember with this layout is the amount of storage you need. With only one wall to place cabinets, you will have to get more creative when storing all your kitchen items and food. Think vertical! Install cabinets that are floor to ceiling to make the best use of your wall space.
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Open kitchens are meant to have easy access and open into the dining or living room space in your home. In some concepts, the kitchen is part of a “great room, ” which can encompass the dining space, living room, and kitchen in one completely open concept. This is great for homeowners who like to integrate the majority of their family’s activities into one common space.
The disadvantage is that open kitchens can make your home look cluttered and unkept if not cleaned regularly. Smells from food prep, cooking, or trash can more easily travel throughout the rest of your home.
In contrast, closed kitchens are kept completely separate from the rest of the home. For chefs who value their privacy, this type of kitchen can become a cooking or baking sanctuary! It also separates the mess and smells from the rest of your home.
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Closed kitchens are more formal and may limit the amount of socialization you have while preparing meals and entertaining guests. They also have more limited openings, which can lead to traffic bottlenecks. It may also be more difficult to have multiple cooks in the kitchen at once.
You may be interested in universal and accessible kitchen design if you have a family member with a disability, are caring for elderly family members, or are planning ahead for staying in your home as you age.
The great thing is that universal kitchens follow the same principles of a standard kitchen so you can choose any layout you love and make adaptations as needed.
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Now that you’ve learned all about the six most common kitchen layouts and tips adapting to special needs, it’s time to determine which layout will be best for your home. Here are some questions to answer that will help you narrow down your choice.
As you design your kitchen, it’s likely that you will come across 10x10 and 12x12 kitchen layouts. The 10’x10’ layout is considered the standard dimensions of a medium-sized kitchen while the 12’x12’ layout is a standard large kitchen.
Most kitchens will require
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