When creating the layout for your kitchen, you must take into consideration that this space is much more than just a place to cook or store your food. It is where your family and friends come together. It is where your kids will do homework and last-minute science fair projects. It is where you and your spouse will have a nightcap long after the kids are in bed. And, it is where you will nourish those you love with food and good talks.

All this means that when you are creating your layout, you must make sure it is the perfect space to house everything you do – or hope to do – in your kitchen. While your kitchen layout will be all your own, we’ve got 10 of the best kitchen layout ideas to get you motivated.

1. The L-shaped Kitchen Layout

This kitchen layout is rightly named, as it is shaped like the letter L. It makes the best use of space for those kitchens that are located in a corner. Small and mid-size kitchens work the best with this layout.

In design, either side will have cabinet and countertop space. The curve of the L can also contain the same. Or, it opens up the opportunity for adding an island, a dining space, or another such area within the kitchen. A benefit to the L-shaped kitchen is that its curves and perpendicular walls reduce the amount of traffic, as it is not an easy, slide-through space.

2. The One-wall Kitchen Layout

If you live in a home that has wide open spaces, such as in a loft or studio-type space, then you may benefit from a one-wall kitchen layout. This is an open kitchen, with all the cabinets and countertops along one wall.

For those seeking to more clearly define a space for the open kitchen, often adding an island can do just that.

3. The U-shaped (Horseshoe) Kitchen Layout

Like the L-shaped kitchen layout, the U-shaped looks just as it is described. It may either have three walls that contain countertops and cabinets. Or, it may be in an L-shaped layout with an island in the middle, giving it a horseshoe shape.

This space is roomy, allowing multiple people to be in the kitchen without feeling crowded. Plus, it provides you lots of prepping, cooking, and storage space.

4. The Store-it-up-high Layout.

If you find yourself with minimal space for a kitchen, you may not necessarily have all the cabinet space you need to store your items. Choosing to store your items up high can reduce the need for islands, extra walls, and additional storage. Simply create shelving – and stack it up. You can even hang pots and pans above the head, too.

This allows you to keep a wide-open kitchen and still have a place for everything. 

5. The Galley Kitchen layout.

When you hear the word galley, a ship or an aircraft may come to mind. Perhaps that is because when, for instance, you are on a ship, the kitchen is referred to as the galley. So, when it comes to designing the layout for the kitchen in your home, a galley kitchen is one that is efficient and makes the best use of a small space.

Typically, a galley kitchen has countertop (or wall) on either side and has a straight walk-through. There is no island and no turns. Rather, it is a simple layout that uses every inch of available space.

6. The G-shaped Kitchen Layout.

Moving on with the letter layouts, the G-shaped kitchen contains three walls and the look of a horseshoe. However, the difference comes in with the addition of a partial 4^th wall or a peninsula. While this brings the kitchen more space for storage and cooking, it also can make the area feel a bit cramped.

Before considering the G-shaped kitchen, be sure you have enough space to do so.

7. The Island Kitchen Layout

Adding an island to a current kitchen layout can bring many great benefits. You can add appliances to it or simply leave it as an open prep space – or add bar stools and make it a great place to eat. They can be as big or small as needed for the space. However, it is important to note that not every kitchen can benefit from an island. Some kitchens are simply too small for one and adding an island will only make the space feel cramped and unfunctional.

8. The Two-island Kitchen Layout.

If an island is so wonderful, why not add two? If your kitchen is large and has a lot of open space, it may seem too empty. While you don’t want it to look cluttered, adding two parallel islands can create a great use of space.

These islands can contain appliances – or not. However, both can be designed to serve its own functional purpose.

9. The Peninsula Kitchen Layout.

A peninsula kitchen layout is an addition to either an L-shaped or a U-shaped layout. Rather than adding an island to the space, these kitchens add on an extension to a current counter space. It leaves the area with a peninsula that is functional and beneficial to the kitchen, but more open and freely designed.

10. The Right Design just for You

Every kitchen is different. And, for some, none of the typical kitchen layouts may apply to your space. If you find yourself in this situation, then it is time for you to let your creativity flow and begin designing the perfect kitchen space for you.

While you are free to design your kitchen however you see fit, you do want to avoid obstructing the kitchen triangle. Haven’t heard of this yet? The kitchen triangle is a phrased used to refer to the flow of your kitchen between the three main points: the refrigerator, the range, and the sink. Designing your kitchen in any way that places obstacles in the middle of this triangle may eventually get the best of your nerves.