Kitchen Ideas · 5 min read
Straight, L, Parallel, U or Island: Choosing a Kitchen Layout
The right layout depends on the shape of the room, where the doors and windows are, and how many people cook at once.
Before finishes and colours, a kitchen is a layout. It decides how far you walk, where you prepare food and how much storage you get.
Straight
Everything on one wall. Best for narrow kitchens and studio apartments. Storage goes up — tall units and overhead cabinets matter most.
L-Shaped
Two adjoining walls with a natural working corner. A good fit for many apartment kitchens; plan the corner so its storage stays usable.
Parallel
Two facing counters. Very efficient for one cook — often wet work on one side and cooking on the other. Allow enough clearance between counters for doors and drawers to open.
U-Shaped and Island
A U-shape wraps three walls and gives the most counter and storage, with room for two people to work. An island needs clear circulation on every side but adds a social, open feel.
Measure first, decide second. The best layout is the one the room can actually hold.
