A Complete Guide to Kitchen Layouts

Choosing a new kitchen layout or making some changes to your kitchen design is an exciting project with endless possibilities. However, choosing the right design elements can be overwhelming.

There are several distinct types of kitchen layouts and lots of important considerations to keep in mind. In this kitchen layout planning guide, we’ll break down each of the basic floor plans. You’ll also find out how to choose the right one for your home. If you’re ready to get started today on redesigning your kitchen, contact Reborn Cabinets today to schedule your free design consultation!

Kitchen Layout Types

First, let’s take a look at the different kitchen floor plans you can choose from:

L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen layout is the most common design, and for good reason. This floor plan is simple, spacious, and makes for an efficient kitchen.

As the name indicates, L-shaped kitchens use two perpendicular walls that come together in an L shape. Each wall typically has countertop space along its length. This floor plan is ideal for medium and smaller kitchens, as large kitchens can become too spread out with the L shape.

U-Shaped Kitchen

U-shaped kitchen layouts, also called horseshoe kitchens, have three walls connected in a U shape. In some cases, the third length of counter space may be an island you can use as a breakfast bar.

As with L-shaped kitchens, you don’t want a U-shaped kitchen to spread too far. However, a small kitchen with a U-shaped layout can be too tight to move in. For the right-sized kitchen, though, a U shape offers a ton of counter space.

G-Shaped Kitchen

G-shaped kitchens are like a U-shaped kitchen, except with an island that connects to the third wall. The resulting shape resembles the letter G, and you may hear this layout called a peninsula kitchen layout as well.

G-shaped kitchens are among the most complex layouts and are ideal for larger spaces. The connected island can serve as an extra food prep station, dining area, or buffet for entertaining. A large enough G-shaped kitchen can even accommodate features like a double oven or extra cooktop.

Kitchen Island Layout

One of the most popular kitchen layouts is the coveted kitchen island. This layout includes a detached island that offers another countertop and extra storage space. Depending on the style of your kitchen, you can outfit the island with cabinetry or open shelving.

During your kitchen remodel, you can have installers equip a kitchen island with a cooktop, extra sink, or power outlets. If there’s enough space, almost any of the other layouts can accommodate a freestanding island.

Single Wall Kitchen

The most simple kitchen layout is a single wall. Although it’s a space-efficient choice that works well for small spaces, it can also work in a large home with an open kitchen space.

A one-wall kitchen layout uses just one length of countertop with no corners rather than wrapping around a room. As a result, it is easy to install and tends to be a less expensive project.

Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen layout uses two parallel walls that don’t connect. It’s like two single-wall kitchens across from each other.

This layout is ideal for maximizing usable space in a small kitchen. However, galley kitchens generally can’t accommodate two cooks at the same time.

How to Choose the Best Kitchen Layout for You

Here are some of the factors to keep in mind when considering kitchen layout ideas:

Intended Use

The first thing you should think about for your kitchen is how you use it. For large families, a G-shape or kitchen island may be ideal for the extra foot traffic. If you don’t cook a lot at home, you may prefer a simpler, more open layout.

Kitchen Size

You can’t change the size of your kitchen except by tearing out an exterior wall. As such, it’s best to choose a layout that suits your kitchen.

A one-wall or galley floor plan can help you optimize the space you do have. For a larger kitchen, it may be best to opt for a layout that wraps around multiple walls like a U-shape or G-shape.

Work Zones

In kitchen layout design, there is a concept called the “work triangle.” The term refers to the distances between your kitchen’s three work areas: the cooking surface, the refrigerator, and the sink.

When designing your kitchen layout, keeping your workstations as close together as possible without cramping the space is essential for its functionality and efficiency.

Create Your Dream Kitchen With Reborn

Whether you want a modern kitchen with an open feel, or a cozy, traditional interior design, the kitchen layout is a key part of the remodeling process. If you aren’t sure which design ideas will work best in your home, Reborn Cabinets can help.

We specialize in custom kitchen cabinets and cabinet refacing. Contact Reborn Cabinets today to schedule your free design consultation!