Kitchen Layouts That Serve Multiple Purposes

When creating your dream kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is regarding the layout. And this will largely depend on the size and shape of your kitchen space. These days kitchens are not just a space for cooking, they’re often a place to socialise, entertain and much more.

Here we discuss the various kitchen layout ideas so you can decide on the perfect one to suit your needs.

U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

A U-shaped kitchen contains an arrangement of various kitchen units positioned on three adjacent walls. This makes it appear to form the shape of the letter U. U-shaped kitchens are great for larger spaces, allowing you to maximise storage and establish a great work triangle.

One major benefit of a U-shaped kitchen is that two or more people can cook at the same time. This is good if you’re entertaining, or simply have one person doing the meal preparation and one doing the cooking. The U-shape kitchen design also lends its hand to less traffic flow which makes food preparation easier and safer.

The three-sided layout of a U-shaped kitchen means that you can include plenty of base cabinets, wall units and drawers. This gives you maximum capacity for storing dishes, cookware and grocery items while keeping clutter to a minimum.

To give your U-shaped kitchen a modern and airy feel, use lighter colours like white or cream and accent with darker or brighter colours. A light or pale colour scheme will expand the space and reflect the light, making your kitchen feel larger.

L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

An L-shaped kitchen layout is formed by two adjacent walls and cabinetry, often referred to as the “legs” of the L. The length of the legs of the L can vary based on the available space, making it ideal for both small and large kitchens. Appliances can be spread out to create clear zones and there’s lots of floor space to walk around in. The L-shaped kitchen is the most common design for homes and the ergonomics of it make it a sensible choice.

One of the main advantages of L-shaped kitchens is its efficient use of space and corner utilisation. The L-shape layout ensures that different cooking zones such as the stove, sink and refrigerator are easily accessible, making multitasking more convenient.

This design is also a versatile option for any size space and allows for the incorporation of a kitchen island in the middle. With the addition of an island, you’ll have extra storage space, workspace or breakfast bar seating, but it’s not necessary if you don’t need it. Some homeowners opt for a longer “L” and forgo the kitchen island for a more open plan feel.

Galley Kitchen Layout

Galley kitchens consist of two parallel counters with a walkway down the middle. A galley kitchen has efficient countertop space with generally long, narrow layouts. This can be ideal to maximise space and storage in smaller kitchens but it is also a really sleek way to organise your layout in a larger kitchen as well. For instance, you can incorporate a galley kitchen layout into an open floor plan by introducing an island that makes up one side of the galley.

A galley kitchen provides easy access between worktops, storage areas and appliances. The setup and layout is designed to be functional and efficient with everything you need to cook within reach. So there’s no need to run all over the kitchen just to prepare a meal!

There are various storage solutions and design options available for galley kitchens. A pull-out pantry is perfect for narrow spaces with its slim, vertical design, making it ideal for the compact layout of a galley kitchen. Pull-out drawers and ceiling mounted pot racks are also innovative ways to keep essentials out of the way.

Need more kitchen layout ideas?

Choosing a kitchen layout is not an easy decision to make – you need to consider the space available, how you use your kitchen and your future lifestyle changes. However, with some careful planning and a bit of help from a kitchen planner, you can create a beautiful multipurpose kitchen that works for you.

Visit our kitchen showroom for inspiration and ask our experts for advice on your kitchen layout.