Choosing the Right Kitchen Layout for You
From L-shaped to galley, let Houzz help you find the perfect kitchen for your home and lifestyle
U, I, C, G or L – figuring out what layout to use for your kitchen is almost like learning to speak a new language. Luckily, Houzz’s kitchen layout guide can help you find the right translation for your kitchen renovation, or even help you learn how to make your current layout work just a little bit better.
Check out these kitchen layouts to see which one might suit your house and the way you like to cook.
Check out these kitchen layouts to see which one might suit your house and the way you like to cook.
I-shaped kitchens
So simple it’s often forgotten, the single galley kitchen (also known as the I-shaped kitchen) is a great solution for small spaces. For open lofts and small apartments, this layout is often the only available solution. Others love this single-wall set-up for its simplicity and affordability.
So simple it’s often forgotten, the single galley kitchen (also known as the I-shaped kitchen) is a great solution for small spaces. For open lofts and small apartments, this layout is often the only available solution. Others love this single-wall set-up for its simplicity and affordability.
U-shaped kitchens
Best for busy cooks, the U-shaped kitchen keeps everything within easy reach. Also called the C-shaped kitchen, this layout includes a peninsula. Many times these kitchens also have the refrigerator on a wall outside the U, keeping it inside the work triangle but out of the way of any potential benchtop space.
Best for busy cooks, the U-shaped kitchen keeps everything within easy reach. Also called the C-shaped kitchen, this layout includes a peninsula. Many times these kitchens also have the refrigerator on a wall outside the U, keeping it inside the work triangle but out of the way of any potential benchtop space.
Galley kitchens
Most galley kitchens stick to a simple and efficient pattern – the sink, prep and range stand in a single line, with the prep area equidistant from both cooking and cleaning spaces. However, today’s galley can be more flexible for modern lifestyles. Adding a kitchen table, taking out walls and adding seating can all make this style work for today’s homes.
Most galley kitchens stick to a simple and efficient pattern – the sink, prep and range stand in a single line, with the prep area equidistant from both cooking and cleaning spaces. However, today’s galley can be more flexible for modern lifestyles. Adding a kitchen table, taking out walls and adding seating can all make this style work for today’s homes.
Island or peninsula kitchen
While some want an island right off the bat, sometimes a peninsula is a better choice – and sometimes you need both. Learn what set-up makes the most sense for your kitchen.
While some want an island right off the bat, sometimes a peninsula is a better choice – and sometimes you need both. Learn what set-up makes the most sense for your kitchen.
Appliance kitchen
The kitchen work triangle is often touted as the ultimate design consideration for kitchen layouts. But while it’s important to reference the work triangle in a kitchen renovation, it isn’t the solution to every layout problem. Instead, focus on what works best for you and make sure the route between your work centres – cooking, prep and cleaning – is direct.
The kitchen work triangle is often touted as the ultimate design consideration for kitchen layouts. But while it’s important to reference the work triangle in a kitchen renovation, it isn’t the solution to every layout problem. Instead, focus on what works best for you and make sure the route between your work centres – cooking, prep and cleaning – is direct.
Universal design kitchen
The guiding principle of universal design is simple – a space should be comfortable and easy to use for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This is particularly true in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Taking simple things like benchtop height and door sizes and types into account can make a dramatic difference in who will be able to access and use your kitchen.
TELL US
What kitchen shape do you like best? Tell us in the Comments section.
MORE
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: G-Shaped Kitchens
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: 10 U-Shaped Kitchens
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: Single-Wall Kitchens
The guiding principle of universal design is simple – a space should be comfortable and easy to use for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This is particularly true in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Taking simple things like benchtop height and door sizes and types into account can make a dramatic difference in who will be able to access and use your kitchen.
TELL US
What kitchen shape do you like best? Tell us in the Comments section.
MORE
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: G-Shaped Kitchens
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: 10 U-Shaped Kitchens
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: Single-Wall Kitchens
One of today’s more popular kitchen layouts, the L shape with a central island is great for multi-purpose kitchens. Although this layout works best with plenty of space, its variations make it an easy fit for almost any style.