G-Shaped Kitchen Layout

This layout uses nearly every square foot of available floor space by adding a peninsula or partial fourth wall of base cabinets to a U-shaped layout.

• Adding a short return on the open side of U-shaped layout minimizes traffic flow in and out of the work zone.
• There are plenty of places to set up specialized zones.
• This layout features the most corner base cabinets. Use corner storage solutions in your design plan to maximize utility in these awkward spaces.
• Usually best for larger kitchens. (The narrower entrance into the work zone can make a cook feel claustrophobic.)

U-Shaped Kitchen Design Layout

A U-shaped kitchen has cabinets along three walls with open access on the remaining side.

• Continuous countertops and ample storage surround the cook.
• A U-shaped kitchen has potential for more upper cabinets than other layouts.
• If your room is large enough, set up multiple work zones on different sides of the “U” so two people can use the kitchen without getting in each other’s way.
• When three perimeter walls aren’t available, add a peninsula to an L-shaped kitchen to form the third side of the “U.”

L-Shaped Kitchens

Placing cabinets along two perpendicular walls forms an L-shaped layout.

• L-shaped layouts adapt well to a variety of spaces, making them the most popular option.
• This layout is the most cost-effective and efficient way to create a work triangle.
• Typically, one side will feature your sink, while the stove goes on the other. Your refrigerator can go on either side, the longer one if available.
• L-shaped layouts are great for kitchens that open to a dining or living room. With no barrier between the kitchen’s work space and adjacent room, both areas feel larger.
• If your kitchen is large enough, add an island or small table near the middle of the “L” for an additional countertop area or seating.

Galley Kitchen Design

Think of a galley kitchen as a hallway with cabinets on both sides.

• Galley kitchens pack a lot into a small space. That’s why you’ll often find this layout in smaller homes, condominiums and apartments.
• A compact work triangle is formed from two work zones that face each other on parallel walls. Everything is within close reach.
• There’s only room for one cook in this tight space. And it can become congested if the kitchen also serves as a corridor to an exterior door or connects to other spaces of the home.
• Consider adding a pass-through to adjacent living or dining areas to open up the kitchen, while still maximizing the number of wall and base cabinets you can have.

Single-Wall Kitchens

Single-wall kitchen layouts line up all your cabinets and appliances along one wall.

• This layout is often the best (or only) choice for small or narrow spaces.
• Single-wall kitchens are among the most affordable because they often feature the fewest number of cabinets.
• Pairing a single-wall kitchen with a large central island adds functionality without cutting into the traffic flow or open-concept sight lines.
• Available storage and counter space is the most limited among all layout options.
• When square footage is limited, a small table or island on casters can be moved in and out of the space when needed.