At the beginning of a renovation, maximising your space can seem like an impossible task. How will you make room for your dream kitchen island? Where should the fridge go, and what should you put in that awkward corner of the room? It’s questions like these that have us ready to throw in the towel before we’ve even started.
But layouts shouldn’t limit potential. When it comes to kitchen designs, maybe all you need is a little inspiration. Join Rehome as we talk you through our 17 kitchen layout ideas. It’s time to live in possible!
1. The kitchen triangle
What’s the best way to maximise workflow in your kitchen? The kitchen triangle, of course! The classic layout principle focuses on positioning the sink, fridge, and stove in a triangular arrangement to optimise efficiency.
By creating a clear path between key areas, you minimise the distance required to travel between them. While the kitchen triangle may not fit homes of all sizes, it is a great place to start.
Plus, the technique has evolved to accommodate new technologies and appliances. Today’s kitchens might feature secondary triangles, incorporating elements like dishwashers, secondary sinks, or additional prep areas.
2. Galley design
Don't let a small, narrow kitchen limit your design options. The galley design, inspired by the compact efficiency of ship galleys, is a game changer. It features two parallel runs of units, creating a functional corridor-like space that can work wonders in any kitchen.
By placing the key workstations – sink, stove, and refrigerator – along opposite walls, you can ensure everything is within arm's reach without feeling cramped.
Innovative storage solutions are essential to keeping galley kitchens clutter-free. Tall cabinets can provide ample storage for kitchen essentials, while open shelving can make the room feel more accessible.
3. Factor in natural light
The best way to make your kitchen renovation feel more inviting is by paying attention to natural light. Ask yourself: what window will bring the most light into your kitchen?
Is it north or south-facing, and where will this light be falling during peak times of the day? Not factoring in the placement of vital furniture (like worktops) and how they look in the sunlight may leave your room too dark.
If your current light set-up is less than ideal (and nothing can immediately be changed), consider installing a skylight. These rooftop windows are typically inexpensive, do not require intrusive installation, and can make a world of difference in both large and galley kitchens.
4. C-shaped kitchen
Creating a C-shaped kitchen involves a layout that wraps around three walls. It creates a highly efficient working triangle between the stove, sink, and fridge and can also include a kitchen island in more spacious kitchens.
It’s great for smaller homes, where it maximises storage, keeps appliances, spices or countertop tools easily accessible, and provides ample space for food prep. In C-shaped (also known as U-shaped kitchens), traffic is minimised so that homeowners can enjoy a calmer, more practical kitchen.
5. Freestanding furniture
Incorporating freestanding furniture with your custom-built cabinets is the perfect way to maximise design possibilities. These individual pieces can be rearranged to suit your lifestyle, a particular advantage for homeowners who get bored every couple of months!
Combine contemporary elements, like stainless steel islands, with vintage Welsh dressers or reclaimed wooden tables. The only limit is your imagination!
6. One-wall kitchen
Do you live in a flat or home with an open-plan kitchen layout? A one-wall kitchen leaves you plenty of room for other furniture, while still making your countertops a priority. Aligning all cabinets, appliances, and workspaces along a single wall keeps the area unobstructed, allowing for the incorporation of other furniture like dining tables and chairs.
To break up the solidity of the one-wall layout, adding open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets can prevent your kitchen from feeling too enclosed. These elements also offer a practical way to display decorative pieces or your favourite cookware.
7. Consider an island
Is your kitchen missing something, but you can’t put your finger on what it is? Maybe it’s a kitchen island! The ultimate social hub, islands offer more than just an additional countertop.
Integrate a wine cooler, a built-in hob or a sink into your kitchen island and double the amount of appliances you have without using up valuable wall space. Speaking of taking up space, kitchen islands can also be a great place to store those bulkier pots, pans and appliances.
8. Banquette seating
Transform your kitchen into an at-home diner with banquette seating. Utilising along-the-wall, booth-like couches can be an excellent solution for smaller spaces (and a great way to create a more intimate dining experience in larger rooms).
Banquette seating is slim enough not to feel bulky in a compact kitchen, and can be carefully slotted into any awkward corner. Yet, in a bigger environment, it can be a visual divider that separates the main cooking area from the dining space.
9. Minimise hardware
Lovers of simplicity can keep their kitchens looking clutter-free by keeping hardware to a minimum. By hardware, we mean handles, knobs and even taps. Get your hot and cold water all through one efficient mixer tap, like the Francis Visio Chrome Mono Basin Mixer Tap.
Or, increase the inches around your cabinets by opting for handleless units. With push-to-open doors, you can get easy-to-open storage without compromising aesthetics: the best of both worlds!
10. Put the stove on an exterior wall
Placing your stove on an exterior wall can simplify the installation of ventilation systems. This configuration can make it easier and less expensive to expel cooking fumes and smoke directly outside. By implementing this layout from the off-set, you can minimise grease build-up on your cabinets and prevent odours from sticking.
11. Open floor plan
Not a fan of segregated spaces? If you’d prefer a kitchen where each area flows into the next, an open floor plan will not disappoint. One of the main things we love about open-plan kitchens is the social element they bring. By removing barriers between the kitchen and living areas, family and friends can mingle freely around the rooms.
It’s the perfect set-up for entertaining!
12. Add a bar
Speaking of entertaining, why not serve your guests on arrival at your very own kitchen bar? Whether you’re mixing cocktails or mocktails, a dedicated bar can double up as an additional dining area or even as a workspace! For a highbrow feel, consider adding wall lights nearby.
13. Backsplash
Kitchen backsplashes were an iconic feature of the 90s/2000s UK kitchens, and they’re still popular with homeowners today. While originally designed to prevent water, grease and oil from damaging your walls, backsplashes are now a low-cost way to bring style and colour into the kitchen.
One trend that’s currently taking off is the ceiling-height backsplash. By extending the backsplash from the worktop all the way to the ceiling, you can create a dramatic effect. It’s particularly effective when paired with open shelving or minimal upper cabinets, as the vertical interest can make your kitchen feel more expansive.
14. L-shaped kitchen
Kitchens with an L-shaped layout feature two perpendicular worktops, forming an 'L' that optimises the work triangle (sink, stove, and refrigerator). It’s all about making meal preparation less hectic and more enjoyable.
However, it’s also about making sure kitchens with corners don’t feel overly cramped: this can even be the case in larger kitchens. By pairing the L-shaped kitchen layout with clever storage solutions like pull-out shelves and lazy Susan's, you can ensure every inch of space is utilised effectively.
15. Incorporate a pantry
Pantries are a timeless feature that adds considerable value to your kitchen and property as a whole. Space is a commodity, and homes with a pantry mean families can stay stocked up on all the grocery essentials. They come in all shapes and sizes and can range from a simple set of shelves to a full walk-in room.
If you have the room, a walk-in pantry is particularly luxurious. Store anything from dry goods to kitchen appliances: you can even include a small worktop for additional preparation areas.
For those working with limited rooms, a well-designed small pantry can be just as effective. Consider using narrow spaces or alcoves next to your refrigerator or between cabinetry for pull-out pantry shelves.
16. Consider vertical storage
Sometimes, storage solutions can be integrated into the most unusual corners of your kitchen: all it takes is a little imagination! Vertical storage, like open shelving and pegboards, can help manage cupboard overflow. Open shelves placed at various heights on empty wall space can keep your countertops clutter-free while still being easily accessible.
Pegboards are similarly versatile and can be customised with hooks, baskets, and shelves. They’re the perfect way to clear out those drawers bustling with pots, pans, and utensils. With a pegboard, they’re now out in the open for easy access.
17. Factor in lighting features
One of the best and most practical of our kitchen layout ideas relates to the lighting scheme. After all, how are you going to showcase your hard work if it’s kept in the dark? Layered lighting schemes help create a more dynamic environment, particularly when you combine ambient, task and accent lighting.
Choose cool-toned overhead lighting to enhance concentration, and when it’s time to relax, turn on your under cabinet LEDs and enjoy their soft glow. If you’ve got a dining area, draw attention to it with a selection of beautiful, dangling pendant lights.
