Kitchen layout ideas for UK homes

Start with the working triangle

Most good kitchen layouts are built around the sink, hob and fridge. Keeping these three close together, without people having to walk through the triangle to get elsewhere, makes everyday cooking quicker and safer. Plan worktop space next to each one: somewhere to put food down by the fridge, to prepare by the hob and to drain by the sink.

Galley kitchen layouts

A galley kitchen has units along two parallel walls. It's very efficient for one cook and is common in flats and terraced homes. Keep at least 1.2 metres between the runs so doors and drawers can open, use light colours and handleless doors to make the room feel wider, and run wall units to the ceiling for extra storage.

L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens

An L-shaped kitchen uses two adjoining walls, leaving the rest of the room free for a table or an island. It suits most medium-sized rooms and open plan spaces.

A U-shaped kitchen wraps around three walls, giving the most worktop and storage space. It works best in larger rooms. Corners are the weak spot in both layouts, so plan for carousel or pull-out corner units rather than losing that space.

Kitchen islands and peninsulas

An island adds worktop, storage and seating, but needs space. Allow at least 1 metre of clear walkway around an island, and ideally 1.2 metres where people will be cooking. Breakfast bar seating needs around 60 centimetres of width per stool and about 30 centimetres of knee space under the overhang.

If the room isn't quite big enough for an island, a peninsula, which is attached to the wall or a run of units at one end, gives many of the same benefits in less space.

Small kitchen layout ideas

Small kitchens benefit most from careful planning. Ideas that work well:

• Run wall units to the ceiling and use the top shelves for things you rarely need
• Choose deep pan drawers instead of base cupboards
• Use a slimline dishwasher or integrated appliances
• Fit lighting under wall units so worktops feel brighter and bigger
• Pick light, reflective doors and keep handles minimal
• Consider moving the washing machine into a utility space

Open plan kitchen design ideas

Open plan kitchens join cooking, dining and living space. Zone the room with flooring, lighting or an island, and think about noise and cooking smells: a quiet, powerful extractor is worth the investment. Tall units and appliances work best grouped on one wall so the rest of the room stays open.

Shaker or handleless?

Shaker kitchens, with their framed doors, suit traditional Scottish homes and look just as good in modern ones, especially in painted finishes. Handleless kitchens use integrated rails or push-to-open doors for a clean, contemporary look and suit smaller rooms where protruding handles get in the way. Both work in any layout, so choose the style you'll be happy living with for years.

Planning your kitchen layout in Glasgow

If you're planning a new kitchen and want help with the layout, we design kitchens for homes across Glasgow. If you're searching for kitchen design near you, we'll visit, measure the room and plan a layout around how you cook, with samples to try in your own light.