Finding Your Fit: Kitchen Layouts Made Simple

Your kitchen layout is the foundation of how your kitchen looks, feels and functions. Before you choose colours, worktops or tiles, you need to get the flow, structure and planning right – because it’s these early decisions that shape how well your kitchen works for years to come.

From compact apartments to large open-plan extensions, different spaces lend themselves to different layouts. In this guide, we walk you through four of the most common kitchen types – highlighting the strengths, potential challenges, and design considerations of each. We also explore ways to make each layout work harder for your needs – from enhancing storage to making the best use of lighting, zones and features.

Galley Kitchens 

Galley kitchens are ideal for long, narrow spaces – often found in flats, smaller homes, or extensions. With cabinets and appliances on one or both sides of a central walkway, galley kitchens can be compact powerhouses when designed well.

Design tips:

• Ensure a minimum walkway of 1 metre for comfort

• Use one wall or both depending on space – double runs offer more storage but require more clearance

• Place the sink and hob on the same side to avoid crossing traffic in tight quarters

• Consider full-height storage at one end to keep sight lines open

• Use lighting creatively – natural light at the end of the run is great, or add under-cabinet LEDs to brighten worktops

  
  

Galley kitchens work best when clutter is minimised, storage is smart, and appliances are placed to support a clear workflow. If you’re short on space, wall-mounted shelving and integrated appliances can also help streamline the look.

L-shape Kitchens 

L-shaped kitchens are one of the most flexible layout options and can work well in a variety of properties, including those with more awkward or compact footprints. They provide generous worktop space and promote natural movement, making them a great starting point for most kitchen redesigns.

Design tips:

• Great for making the most of corner space – especially with pull-out corner storage or carousel units

• Natural zoning – one leg of the L can house the hob and prep zone, the other the sink and clean-up area

• Ideal for incorporating a dining table or even a small island, especially in open-plan spaces

• Works with or without wall units depending on your storage needs and preference for a minimal look

  
  

L-shapes offer great flow and adaptability. Think about how the layout relates to traffic flow in adjacent areas – do you want it to feel self-contained or completely open?

U-shape Kitchens 

If you want to maximise storage and worktop space, a U-shape layout may be the answer. With cabinetry along three adjoining walls, U-shapes offer efficiency and enclosed zones perfect for serious cooks.

Design tips:

• Maintain at least 1 metre of walkway in the centre to avoid a cramped feel

• Don’t place tall units directly opposite each other in narrow spaces

• Use the corners well – Le Mans or carousel units help prevent dead space

• Ensure the hob, sink and fridge are positioned for easy transitions – the classic work triangle works well here

  
  

U-shapes can feel cocooning and practical – just be mindful of not making them too enclosed. One solution is to open up one end of the U to create a breakfast bar or pass-through to another space, increasing sociability and light.

Open-Plan Kitchens with Island 

Open-plan kitchens are a modern favourite – connecting kitchen, dining and living spaces into a cohesive whole. When combined with an island, they offer a social hub perfect for family life and entertaining.

Design tips:

• Use the island to separate zones – cooking on one side, socialising or seating on the other

• Consider noise and smell management – install good extraction and use sound-absorbing materials if needed

• Make storage part of the island – include deep drawers, wine racks or even a microwave unit

• Plan lighting carefully – task lighting over work zones, ambient lighting for the dining/living area

  
  

Open-plan doesn’t mean chaotic – with thoughtful planning, it can feel both spacious and organised. Think about how the kitchen connects to outdoor space, too – if you’re planning bi-fold doors or a patio, ensure the flow between indoor and outdoor cooking and eating is seamless.

Choosing Your Layout 

Each kitchen layout has its own strengths and ideal scenarios. At Greenwood Kitchens, we help clients identify what’s right for their space, lifestyle and budget.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or working within the footprint of an existing kitchen, you’re not locked into what you’ve already got. If your current layout isn’t working, we can help you explore new options and find creative, workable solutions. Sometimes that means moving appliances or knocking through walls, other times it’s about making small changes to dramatically improve flow.

Not sure what layout is right for you? That’s where we come in. From first ideas to the final fit, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that functions beautifully and feels just right.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation and let’s start planning your perfect kitchen.