Your kitchen layout is one of the most important decisions you'll make during a renovation. Get it right, and you'll have a space that's not only beautiful but also highly functional and a joy to use every day. Get it wrong, and even the most expensive finishes won't compensate for poor workflow and wasted space.
Before diving into specific layouts, it's essential to understand the concept of the "kitchen work triangle." This design principle, which has guided kitchen planning for decades, refers to the positioning of your three most-used areas: the sink, the cooker/hob, and the refrigerator.
Ideally, these three points should form a triangle, with each leg measuring between 4 and 9 feet. This arrangement minimizes the distance you need to move between key work areas, making cooking more efficient and less tiring. While modern open-plan designs have evolved this concept, it remains a useful starting point for planning your kitchen.
Perfect for smaller spaces or narrow rooms, the galley kitchen features two parallel runs of units with a walkway between them. This layout is highly efficient, keeping everything within easy reach. However, it can feel cramped if the walkway is too narrow (aim for at least 1.2 metres) and doesn't provide much space for multiple cooks or socializing.
Best for: Small to medium properties, studio apartments, or where space efficiency is paramount. We've created stunning galley kitchens across Manchester, London, and other urban areas where space is at a premium.
One of the most versatile layouts, the L-shaped kitchen uses two adjacent walls, creating a natural work triangle and leaving the remaining space open for dining or a kitchen island. This layout works well in both small and large spaces and can easily incorporate an island if you have the room.
Best for: Open-plan living, medium to large kitchens, and homes where you want to combine cooking and dining areas. This layout is particularly popular in modern homes across Birmingham, Leeds, and Bristol.
Offering maximum storage and work surface, the U-shaped kitchen uses three walls to create an enclosed cooking area. This layout provides an excellent work triangle and plenty of counter space, making it ideal for keen cooks. However, it requires a decent-sized room to avoid feeling boxed in.
Best for: Dedicated kitchen spaces, keen cooks who need maximum workspace, and larger properties with good natural light. We've installed beautiful U-shaped kitchens throughout Southampton, Newcastle, and Sheffield.
Adding an island to any layout creates additional workspace, storage, and seating. Islands work particularly well in open-plan spaces, providing a natural division between kitchen and living areas. An island can house your sink, hob, or simply serve as a prep area—the choice is yours.
Best for: Large, open-plan kitchens, homes where the kitchen is a social hub, and properties with good floor space (you'll need at least 1 metre of clearance around all sides of the island).
While the basic layout is crucial, several other factors will influence your final design:
At Dorizel Construction, we begin every kitchen project with a detailed consultation and free site survey. We'll measure your space, discuss your needs and preferences, and create a design that maximizes both functionality and aesthetics. Our experienced team has designed and installed kitchens across the UK, from compact galley kitchens in London apartments to spacious island kitchens in family homes throughout Cardiff, Liverpool, and beyond.
We'll also advise on the practical aspects—where to position sockets, how to maximize storage, which layout will give you the best return on investment, and how to work within your budget while still achieving the kitchen of your dreams.