13 Kitchen Layout Ideas to Make the Most of Your Space

Optimize Placement for Utility

If you have a compact kitchen, then you might have to make a few rule-breaking layout decisions in order to maximize the space. This could mean going against the kitchen work triangle, and thinking about what works best for the way you cook.

“Rather than sticking to a conventional layout, we embraced creative problem-solving,” says interior designer Kate Harman of the above example. “The the trash pull-out sits just left of the range for easy access while cooking, while the dishwasher is tucked into the island to the right of the sink for seamless cleanup.”

Try an Updated Galley Layout

A galley kitchen is a retro solution for a small space, but it can also look modern with the right design touches.

“We designed custom alcove niches integrated into the range hood surround, optimizing wall space without sacrificing valuable drawer storage,” says Josh Goldsberry, construction administrator at Third Street Architecture, of this project. “We also incorporated a countertop rollout appliance garage, allowing the clients to maintain a clutter-free prep area.”

The small breakfast bar creates a cozy nook, adding unexpected seating to a smaller space.

Go Oversized for a Center Island

An oversized square island can completely change a kitchen, and can function as an eating, entertaining, and storage space.

In this project, the extra real estate was essential. “Cooking, paired with the owners’ shared love of hosting family gatherings, meant a kitchen with a large island was imperative for meal prep and serving,” says Andrea DeRosa, CEO, co-founder, and principal designer at Avenue Interior Design.

Opt for a Peninsula

It’s not uncommon to go straight to a kitchen island when designing an open kitchen, but a peninsula can sometimes be a more functional solution.

In this kitchen, interior designer Susie Novak says that the homeowner wanted an island, but they also wanted to maintain a division of space. “A peninsula opens the space, while keeping rooms their own,” she says. “It acts as an island with kitchen storage and also seating.”

Use a Dining Table in the Center

A U-shaped kitchen is a common layout, particularly in smaller spaces, and can be challenging to design around. Fortunately, you can adapt it into a dining area, like in this kitchen by interior designer Sarah Montgomery.

“It was important to create an area that could serve guests without overwhelming the flow of the home,” she says. “The solution was a long, narrow extension table that tucks neatly into the kitchen zone for daily use, but can be pulled out when entertaining.”

Go for a Floating Island

When you have minimal floor space, then opt for a smaller, more flexible prep spot.

“Consider a floating island on casters,” says Alexa Ralff, founder and principal designer at AHR Designs. She maximized the layout in this small kitchen by also stacking upper cabinets.

Use a U-Shape in a Small Kitchen

It’s important to make every inch of a small kitchen count, and a U-shaped one maximizes storage and efficiency.

“The layout centers around a simple galley style with a large peninsula that doubles as prep space and seating, which is perfect for entertaining in a tighter floor plan,” says Sonia Chauhan, founder and principal designer of Studio Sonia Interiors.

Incorporate Two Islands

Large kitchens can feel daunting—especially if you don’t know how to fill them. Misty Gray, founder and principal designer of Grayscale Design, suggests incorporating various storage options, which creates a more functional layout.

In this example, she incorporated two kitchen islands. “The fixed [one] creates a seamless transition between the kitchen and the dining room,” she says. “Its split storage design offers storage on each side, maximizing functionality.”

Create a Chef-Oriented Layout

When mapping out a kitchen, interior designer Mattye Dewhirst recommends thinking about the chef’s order of operations.

“You get the vegetable from the fridge, wash it at the sink, cut it by the trash, and transfer it to a pan on the stove,” she says. “It would be easiest to do this if you can move from one task to the next without backtracking or walking all the way across the room.”

An L-shaped kitchen and an island like this one creates a work zone for the chef, as well as a buffer so that guests also have easy access to the trash, refrigerator, and microwave.

Put the Sink Under a Window

Placing the sink directly under a window is a timeless kitchen layout choice that has a certain nostalgic charm.

“This kitchen strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and character,” says Carly Shafiroff, creative director and founder of Carly Jane Design. “It’s proof that even the most compact kitchens can feel expansive, layered, and inspiring when every choice is intentional.”

Center the Kitchen on the Range

The range is the heart of the kitchen. This is where all the everyday cooking and holiday baking take place, so it can be the centerpiece of the room.

“I love a kitchen that has the range as a focal point, with the island parallel looking out to the rest of the space,” says Alexis Elley, founder of Textures Interior Design.

Build Seating Into the Island

You can use a long kitchen island to create an unconventional, functional seating layout.

“A velvet-patterned bench defines the breakfast area,” says Kelly Otero, owner and principal designer of Ovation Interior Design. “Nestled between the backlit display cabinets of the breakfast area is a cozy bench for lounging.”

Tweak the Classic Layout

Small tweaks can make a big impact on the efficiency and circulation of a kitchen.

The above is a perfect example. “I strategically relocated the refrigerator so the open doors would not interfere with the island,” says Amanda Hickam, owner of Harper Harris Design. “The former location created a terrible pinch point and a bottleneck.”

Also, make sure there’s 36 inches between countertop surfaces or up to 42 inches if there’s an appliance. “This allows for someone to walk past you when you’re cooking or washing dishes without side shuffling,” she adds.