Design Basics with DKOR: Kitchen Layout Options

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s certainly a puzzle for many people looking to remodel. Kitchens have come a long way from their humble beginnings in basements, evolving in many aspects, including the materials used and the kitchen layout options available.

By the 1950s, they shifted from purely functional cooking areas to spaces of pride, with statement-making appliances like pink and yellow ovens taking center stage. Once hidden away, they are now often at the very center of our homes.

From open-concept layouts to secondary kitchens, the way we use kitchens today has redefined their location, importance, and design. Whether you’re remodeling or designing from scratch, the layout of your kitchen plays a role in how you enjoy your home. Let’s dive into the different kitchen layout types so you can decide which is right for you and your family!

Kitchen Triangle

When kicking off your kitchen design, the first thing to consider is the kitchen triangle. What’s that, you ask?

The kitchen triangle is a concept used by interior designers and professionals to ensure that a kitchen is fully functional. It places the kitchen’s three main workstations (sink, fridge, and range) at each of the three points of a triangle. You can identify a good kitchen design based on the blueprint having a condensed triangle, as these workspaces should never be too far apart from each other.

It is only once you have a kitchen layout selected that you can finalize your triangle.

Kitchen Layout Options

There are five main kitchen layout options, and each can of course, be customized. They can look very different, but most kitchens designs start from one of these five.

L-Shape Kitchen Layout

With a floor plan in the shape of an L, this type of kitchen is very practical because it’s usually easy to get from one workstation to another. An L shape typically makes the kitchen feel more open. We’re big fans of that!

U-Shape Kitchen Layout

Much like the kitchen layout above, this U-shaped floor plan is known for its practicality and ease of use. If it suits your space, placing the sink at the center of the U is a great design choice, positioning it at the heart of your kitchen.

Galley Kitchen Layout

If you’ve ever lived in a big city, chances are you’ve encountered one of those narrow “hallway” kitchens with counters on both sides. This layout can be challenging, as it often doesn’t create the open, airy kitchen vibe we all love (and you know we’re all about spacious, grand kitchens!).

Straight Kitchen Layout

With all kitchen appliances and cabinets on one wall, this layout is recommended for smaller homes and apartments. It’s not the most practical layout, as it’s impossible to achieve the kitchen triangle. However, it’s efficient for restricted spaces.

Island Kitchen Layout

A kitchen with an island is definitely our favorite layout! It’s also one of the most popular. If a kitchen has room for an island, it’s typically a large, open space. Islands are practical because they create extra storage and counter space. However, it has to fit in your particular kitchen. You don’t want a cramped room because you shoved an island in there…

Surrounding the island, a minimum of 44 inches of clear space is recommended. The cabinetry walls may be arranged in various ways.

Island Layout Options

If you’ve decided to have an island, the next question is how to arrange it. Here are some of our favorite completed kitchen projects that feature islands in different orientations.

This kitchen, from a residential project in Canada, is really interesting for a couple of reasons: the cooktop, the lighting, and the seating. First, the cooktop is located on the island, with a concealed downdraft extractor, or hood, that rises from the work surface. While an island is pretty standard, it’s uncommon to have table-height (rather than counter-height) seating around an island. Also, we’ve hung a cluster of lights off-center above the island, rather than spaced out over the seating.

Notice the kitchen triangle? Hint: The lights are in between two points of the triangle.

Similar in many ways to the Canadian kitchen, the kitchen design in this contemporary waterfront project inverts the placement of the range and sink. We’ve also added a task lighting element above the sink, centered on the island, for some interest and precise illumination. The fridge is behind the camera, so those three workstations form a near-perfect isosceles triangle.

This kitchen, from one of our residential projects in Miami, features a fun element: double islands. In order to create more usable storage and counter space, we split the island in half, accentuating the smaller island (the further one) with a chandelier.

Spy the second sink in front of the ovens; that’s one peak of the triangle, with the others not far from it.

How to Divide an Open-Plan Kitchen

Open-plan kitchens are beautiful, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little separation between the kitchen and dining area. We have completed a condo interior design project where the homeowners wanted a kitchen they could open up when entertaining, but also close off when needed. So, we added a wall with sliding doors that they could adjust depending on the occasion.

If you’re thinking about adding a divider between your kitchen and dining space, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Sliding or pocket doors: Open them up for a big gathering, or close them for a cozy dinner.
• Glass partitions: Keep the light and open feel while still creating a clear boundary.
• Built-in shelving or cabinetry: Acts as both storage and a subtle room divider.
• Half walls: Define the space without fully closing it off.

Common Kitchen Design Questions

What appliances should I put on my island?
Some people prefer a clean, clutter-free island with nothing on it except a beautiful decorative element. If you love to cook in front of guests, another option is placing a cooktop on the island instead.

Should I put a sink on my island?
This is a popular choice, but be aware that having a sink in the island means water can splash onto the countertop. Consider adding a raised edge or bar-style water guard.

Should I install one or two sinks?
Two sinks can be a game-changer if you host frequently. You can place one on the island for drinks and prep, and one by the appliance wall for dishes and cleanup.

How can I make my kitchen look sleeker?
Both concealed or paneled refrigerators are a great way to keep the kitchen looking sleek and cohesive. You’ll also need to plan exactly where to house your appliances so that they don’t create clutter. We recommend creating an ‘appliance wall’ so that all your appliances are in one place.

Designing Your Perfect Kitchen with DKOR

At the end of the day, the best kitchen layout is the one that fits your lifestyle, your home, and the way you love to cook, entertain, and gather with family and friends. Whether you’re working with a galley kitchen, dreaming of a spacious open-concept design, or considering a secondary utility kitchen for hosting, organized planning makes all the difference. A well-designed layout is not only about aesthetics but also about creating a space that feels intuitive and easy to use.

Stay tuned for more blog posts and designer tips coming your way, and if you’re ready to start planning your dream kitchen, we’d love to help. Reach out anytime to schedule a design consultation!