Kitchen Design
Remodeling Guides
How to Plan Your Kitchen's Layout
Get your kitchen in shape to fit your appliances, cooking needs and lifestyle with these resources for choosing a layout style
U, I, C, G or L — figuring out what layout to use for your kitchen is almost like learning to speak a new language. Luckily, Houzz's kitchen layout guides can help you find the right translation for your kitchen remodel, or even help you learn how to make your current layout work just a little bit better.
Check out these seven guides to see which layout might suit your house and the way you like to cook.
Check out these seven guides to see which layout might suit your house and the way you like to cook.
I-Shaped Kitchens
So simple that it's often forgotten, the single galley kitchen (also known as the I-shaped kitchen) is a great solution for small spaces. For open lofts and small apartments, this layout is often the only available solution. Others love this single-wall setup for its simplicity and affordability.
Read the guide: Single-Wall Kitchens Catch the 'I'
So simple that it's often forgotten, the single galley kitchen (also known as the I-shaped kitchen) is a great solution for small spaces. For open lofts and small apartments, this layout is often the only available solution. Others love this single-wall setup for its simplicity and affordability.
Read the guide: Single-Wall Kitchens Catch the 'I'
U-Shaped Kitchens
Best for busy cooks, the U-shaped kitchen keeps everything within easy reach. Also called the C-shaped kitchen, this layout includes a peninsula. Many times these kitchens also have the refrigerator on a wall outside the U, keeping it inside the work triangle but out of any potential counter space.
Read the guide: Ideas for U-Shaped Kitchens
Best for busy cooks, the U-shaped kitchen keeps everything within easy reach. Also called the C-shaped kitchen, this layout includes a peninsula. Many times these kitchens also have the refrigerator on a wall outside the U, keeping it inside the work triangle but out of any potential counter space.
Read the guide: Ideas for U-Shaped Kitchens
Galley Kitchens
Most galley kitchens stick to a simple and efficient pattern — the sink, prep and range stand in a single line, with the prep area equidistant from both cooking and cleaning spaces. However, today's galley can be more flexible for modern lifestyles. Adding a kitchen table, taking out walls and adding seating can all make this style work for today's homes.
Read the guide: A Vote for the Good Old Galley
Most galley kitchens stick to a simple and efficient pattern — the sink, prep and range stand in a single line, with the prep area equidistant from both cooking and cleaning spaces. However, today's galley can be more flexible for modern lifestyles. Adding a kitchen table, taking out walls and adding seating can all make this style work for today's homes.
Read the guide: A Vote for the Good Old Galley
Island or Peninsula?
While some want an island right off the bat, sometimes a peninsula is a better choice — and sometimes you need both. Learn what setup makes the most sense for your kitchen.
Read the guide: Island or a Peninsula?
While some want an island right off the bat, sometimes a peninsula is a better choice — and sometimes you need both. Learn what setup makes the most sense for your kitchen.
Read the guide: Island or a Peninsula?
Appliance Layout
The kitchen work triangle is often touted as the ultimate design consideration for kitchen layouts. But while it's important to reference the work triangle in a kitchen remodel, it isn't the solution to every layout problem. Instead, focus on what works best for you and making sure the route between your work centers — cooking, prep and cleaning — is direct.
Read the guide: Determining the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen
The kitchen work triangle is often touted as the ultimate design consideration for kitchen layouts. But while it's important to reference the work triangle in a kitchen remodel, it isn't the solution to every layout problem. Instead, focus on what works best for you and making sure the route between your work centers — cooking, prep and cleaning — is direct.
Read the guide: Determining the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen
Universal Design Kitchen Layouts
The guiding principle of universal design is simple — a space should be comfortable and easy to use for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This is particularly true in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Taking simple things like counter height and door sizes and types into account can make a dramatic difference in who will be able to access and use your kitchen.
Read the guide: Optimal Space Planning for Universal Design in the Kitchen
More: Houzz's Kitchen Workbook
The guiding principle of universal design is simple — a space should be comfortable and easy to use for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This is particularly true in a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Taking simple things like counter height and door sizes and types into account can make a dramatic difference in who will be able to access and use your kitchen.
Read the guide: Optimal Space Planning for Universal Design in the Kitchen
More: Houzz's Kitchen Workbook
One of today's more popular kitchen layouts, the L shape with a central island is great for today's multipurpose kitchens. Although this layout works best with plenty of space, its variations makes it an easy fit for almost any style.
Read the guide: Ideas for L-Shaped KItchens