Kitchen Layout and Planning
Standard Kitchen Layouts
L-Shape
Best For
Open-concept homes, medium to large kitchens
Key Characteristics
Two perpendicular walls of cabinetry; leaves room for a dining table or island
Minimum Room Size
Approximately 10ft.x 10ft.
U-Shape
Best For
Larger kitchens, serious cooks, multiple users
Key Characteristics
Three walls of cabinetry surrounding the cook; maximum storage and counter space
Minimum Room Size
Approximately 10ft. x 12ft.
Galley
Best For
Small to medium kitchens, apartments, condos
Key Characteristics
Two parallel walls of cabinetry; highly efficient work triangle; compact footprint
Minimum Room Size
Approximately 7ft. x 12ft.
One-Wall
Best For
Studios, lofts, very small kitchens
Key Characteristics
All cabinetry and appliances along a single wall; simplest and most space efficient
Minimum Room Size
Approximately 8ft. linear wall
Island
Best For
Any layout with sufficient floor space
Key Characteristics
Adds a freestanding cabinet run for prep, seating, or storage; requires 36 to 42 inches of clearance on all sides
Minimum Room Size
Existing layout + at least 4ft. x 2ft. island footprint
Layout Planning Tips
The Work Triangle
Set sink, fridge, and cooktop so any two are 4 to 9 feet apart, with the three legs adding up to no more than 26 feet. That’s enough room to work without wearing out your feet.
Traffic Flow
Keep the work triangle out of the main walk-through. If your kitchen connects two rooms, an island or peninsula can steer foot traffic around the cooking zone instead of through it.
Storage Zones
Group cabinets by what you do where: dishes near the dishwasher, pots near the cooktop, food near the fridge. Spice pull-outs and drawer bases keep everyday things in reach.
Counter Space
Give yourself at least 15 inches of counter on each side of the cooktop and 24 inches on one side of the sink. Those landing zones make cooking safer and a lot less cramped.
