When you’re getting a new kitchen fitted, the most important part of the process is deciding on which layout you’re going to have. Some houses have very limited options and are stuck between a single wall layout and a U-shaped layout whilst some houses have large open spaces that allow for more elaborate layouts. Not all homes are made equal and there’s a variety of kitchen layouts that each have their own pros, cons and suitable uses.
Before we begin, many of the suggestions we’ll cover will be related to kitchen styles and colours, it might be useful to regularly refer back to this article on using bright colours in your kitchen.
Here are some of the main kitchen layouts that might bring you some inspiration when designing your own area.
1. Single Wall Kitchen
The Single Wall Kitchen is a compact and practical layout that lines up all your kitchen essentials along one wall. This setup works well in spaces like small apartments, terraced houses, cottages, bedsits, or any area where space is at a premium. If your main priority is to conserve space, a single wall layout is probably the one that’ll suit you.
Pros
- Space-efficient design that fits snugly into smaller rooms.
- Affordable due to the reduced need for cabinetry, worktops and multiple appliances.
- Easy to clean, with fewer surfaces and no awkward corners to reach.
Cons
- Provides basic functionality – don’t be expecting multiple ovens and large fridges.
- Limited storage and counter space, which might not suit those who love to cook elaborate meals and host big dinner parties.
- Less practical for multiple cooks as the layout can feel cramped.
Kitchen Size
As we’ve established, the single wall kitchen is best suited for small kitchens. Whether it’s a small apartment or a cosy cottage, this layout ensures that you maximise the available room whilst having a functional kitchen.
Styles
Minimalist, modern, and industrial styles are ideal for single wall kitchens. These designs keep the space feeling open and uncluttered, making the most of every inch.
Gallery
2. Galley Kitchen
The Galley Kitchen, named after the narrow cooking spaces on ships, is a highly efficient and functional layout that (similar to the single wall kitchen) is all about preserving space whilst providing basic functionality. With two parallel walls housing appliances, cabinets, and worktops, this design is perfect for really small, cramped areas.
Unlike other kitchen layouts on this list, there’s very few areas where a galley kitchen is necessary.
Pros
- Highly efficient for cooking, thanks to its easy-to-reach, ergonomic design.
- Maximises use of limited space, providing ample storage and work surfaces.
Cons
- Can feel cramped, especially when used by more than one person.
- Restricted movement as you’re working right in between worktops.
Kitchen Size
The galley kitchen is great for small kitchens. It’s commonly found in small apartments and compact homes or as secondary kitchens in larger houses. Some other places you’d find a galley kitchen are:
- Boats and ships (obviously, given the name)
- Motorhomes and RVs
- Caravans and mobile homes
- Old terraced houses
Styles
Contemporary, Scandinavian, and transitional styles are quite perfectly suited to galley. To really make the most of it, make sure to feature bright lights and lighter colours to make the space look more open.
Gallery
3. L-Shaped Kitchen
L-shaped kitchens are a more contemporary, modern style kitchen layout that feature cabinets and appliances arranged along two adjoining walls – literally making an L-shape. These are great for making the most of a medium-sized space and will offer you a little more counter space than traditional kitchen layouts.
Pros
- The open layout is ideal for integrating a dining area or a small breakfast nook.
- Encourages an efficient workflow, with the work triangle naturally formed between the sink, stove, and fridge.
Cons
- If the two walls are too far apart, the layout can become inefficient and require extra movement.
- Corner storage can be tricky, often needing custom solutions like pull-out shelves or lazy Susans to maximise usability.
Kitchen Size
L-shaped kitchens are best suited to medium-sized spaces, offering an excellent balance between openness and functionality. Having an L-shaped layout in a large kitchen can work, but can also lead to a lot of dead space and inefficiency.
Styles
Traditional, coastal, and modern styles work particularly well with L-shaped kitchens. Decorative cabinetry, bold backsplashes, and creative finishes help make this layout visually striking while maintaining its practicality.
If you have granite worktops in your kitchen, our guide on pairing granite worktops with different cabinet styles might give you some inspiration.
Gallery
4. U-Shaped Kitchen
The U-shaped kitchen is a solid choice for those who love to cook, offering tons of storage and workspace. With cabinets and counters arranged along three walls, this layout is perfect if you enjoy cooking with a fair bit of space and a good amount of room for multiple appliances.
Pros
- Provides a good level of storage and counter space, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
- Supports multiple work zones, allowing more than one person to cook or prep at the same time.
Cons
- Can feel enclosed in smaller kitchens, particularly if the layout isn’t well-lit.
- May require additional lighting to brighten up the corners and avoid a dark, boxed-in feel.
Kitchen Size
The U-shaped layout works best in medium to large kitchens where there’s enough space to balance functionality and openness. Although a U-shaped layout can work in a small kitchen, it can feel quite cramped and might feel more like a galley kitchen than an actual U-shaped.
Styles
This layout pairs well with traditional, coastal, and modern styles. Bold backsplashes, decorative cabinetry, and creative lighting designs can add personality while maintaining its practical charm.
Lighting can have dramatic effects on the whole look and personality of your kitchen, have a look at our lighting guide for some ideas on how you can use lighting in your kitchen.
Gallery
5. Island Kitchen
The island kitchen layout combines practicality with a hint of luxury. Featuring a central island, this design adds extra prep space while also offering a spot to be used as a breakfast bar, casual dining area or just a place to sit and chill.
Pros
- Provides additional prep space for cooking and baking.
- The island can double as a seating or dining area, making it a versatile addition to the kitchen.
- Adds a luxury factor to almost any kitchen, especially when marble worktops are applied.
Cons
- Requires significant floor space, making it totally unsuitable for small kitchens.
- If poorly placed, the island can disrupt workflow and make the space feel cluttered.
- Additional surfaces to clean.
Kitchen Size
The island kitchen is best suited to large kitchens where there’s enough room to accommodate the island without sacrificing movement or functionality. Medium sized kitchens can also sometimes accommodate an island and can pull it off well depending on space and style. Small kitchens are a no-go for islands, even small-medium kitchens where much space would have to be sacrificed.
Styles
Modern, contemporary, and industrial styles typically work well with island kitchens. The central island is perfect for showcasing sleek finishes, bold colours, or raw industrial elements like exposed metal or concrete.
Gallery
6. Peninsula Kitchen
The peninsula kitchen layout functions quite similarly to a U-shaped kitchen with the same U-shaped layout, the difference is that peninsula kitchens aren’t in enclosed spaces and one or more sides of the U-shape can be used like an island (as a breakfast bar or dining area as discussed before). These are great for large, modern kitchens and large families.
Pros
- Provides additional prep space for cooking, baking and even hosting.
- Helps to define open-plan spaces, creating a clear boundary between the kitchen and adjoining areas.
- Can double as a seating or dining area.
Cons
- Can feel cramped in smaller-medium sized kitchens, limiting functionality..
- There can be a lot of dead space/dead zones due to the amount of workspace.
Kitchen Size
Peninsula kitchens work best in large kitchens or open-plan spaces. They offer a practical alternative to an island in smaller areas where floor space is more limited.
Styles
Peninsula kitchens complement Transitional, Rustic, and Coastal styles. The connected layout works beautifully with warm and inviting designs, particularly those that aim to define open-plan spaces.
Gallery
7. G-Shaped Kitchen
Like the Peninsula layout, the G-shaped kitchen is also an evolution of the U-shaped layout only this time offering an extra leg of worktop space. It’s perfect for those who need maximum storage and functionality, making it ideal for large kitchens and open-plan designs.
Pros
- Maximises counter and storage space, providing plenty of room for cooking, prep and general organisation.
- Separates the kitchen from living areas, creating a defined space within an open-plan layout.
Cons
- Can feel claustrophobic in smaller spaces.
- Requires a large area to prevent overcrowding and maintain functionality.
Kitchen Size
Best suited for large kitchens, where its expansive layout can be fully appreciated and utilised. Smaller kitchens will probably feel cramped with a G-shape.
Styles
Works well with Traditional, Luxurious, and Transitional styles. The additional space is perfect for showcasing detailed cabinetry, premium materials, and high-end finishes.
Gallery
8. Open Plan Kitchen
These are definitely one of the more well known kitchen layouts. The open plan kitchen seamlessly integrates with adjoining living or dining spaces (if done well), making it perfect for modern lifestyles. This design encourages social interaction and creates a light, airy environment that works well in various kitchen sizes.
Pros
- As mentioned, encourages social interaction by connecting the kitchen with living or dining areas.
- Creates a spacious and airy feel, ideal for modern homes.
Cons
- Less defined workspace, which may lead to disorganisation.
- Can be noisy and harder to contain mess or odours.
Kitchen Size
Suitable for any sized space with a connected living area. The flexibility of this design allows it to work in compact apartments as well as expansive homes – it all depends on how well it’s integrated.
Styles
Best suited for Contemporary, Minimalist, and Bohemian styles. Open layouts thrive on uncluttered, cohesive designs that flow effortlessly into adjoining spaces, creating a harmonious look.
Gallery
9. Two-Island Kitchen
The two-island kitchen is the pinnacle of luxury and functionality, featuring dual islands to provide separate zones for cooking, prepping, and entertaining. This layout is great for very large kitchens and adds an impressive statement to any home – but if you thought you’d need a large kitchen for a standard island layout, this will need a whole lot more.
Pros
- Offers dedicated zones for prep, cooking, and dining, enhancing organisation and efficiency.
- Ideal for entertaining, with one island serving as a social or dining hub and the other reserved for cooking tasks.
Cons
- Requires significant space to ensure the layout doesn’t feel cramped.
- Involves higher costs due to additional materials, appliances, and customisation.
Kitchen Size
Best suited for very large kitchens, where the space can accommodate dual islands without sacrificing flow or functionality. The double island layout might be the only kitchen layout that is completely exclusive to extremely large properties.
Styles
Perfect for Luxurious, Modern, and Industrial styles. The grandeur of this layout pairs well with high-end finishes, bold designs, and premium materials, making it a dramatic focal point.
Gallery
10. Zone Layout Kitchen
The zone layout kitchen is different to anything else on this list. It isn’t exactly one type of layout that is visually distinct as much as it is an approach to your kitchen layout. A zone layout could potentially lend itself to both a U-shaped kitchen or even a single wall kitchen.
The point of the zone layout kitchen is that it divides the space into specific areas tailored to different tasks like cooking, prepping, and storage. This flexible design can be customised to suit individual needs, making it a versatile option for various kitchen sizes.
Pros
- Provides a clear division of tasks, enhancing organisation and workflow.
- Highly customisable, allowing for specific zones to meet unique needs, such as a baking area or coffee station.
Cons
- May require more space to maintain functionality and avoid overcrowding.
- Demands careful planning to ensure zones are positioned for maximum efficiency.
Kitchen Size
Zone layouts can work with kitchens of all sizes. Typically though, the bigger the kitchen is, the more space you’ll have to divide into sections. So ideally, you’d want a medium to large sized space for this layout.
Styles
Complements Functional, Modern, and Eclectic styles. The customisable nature of this layout allows for a blend of styles, with each zone reflecting its purpose and character.
So in choosing a kitchen layout for your house, make sure to really factor in all the different pros and cons associated with each layout. Figure out what it is that you need from a kitchen and figure out what layout works seamlessly with the space you’re given. Keep practicality at the forefront of your decision and choose a kitchen layout that works with what you need.
For more support in designing your kitchen, feel free to contact our team of designers and kitchen fitters who can give you all the advice that you need.
Alternatively, you can check out some more of our resources to help you decide on what materials to use for your worktops:
