Product

Choosing the right kitchen layout for your home

March 11, 2025

When it comes to designing a functional and stylish kitchen, selecting the right layout is essential. The kitchen layout determines how efficiently you can work, how much storage space you have, and how comfortable and inviting the space will feel for cooking and entertaining. Here’s a breakdown of popular kitchen layouts that can fit a range of needs and preferences.

 

The one-wall kitchen layout features all cabinets and appliances placed along a single wall. This layout is perfect for smaller spaces such as studio apartments, in-law suites, or wet bars. It maximizes efficiency in tight spaces while still offering a practical, minimalist design. The one-wall kitchen is a smart solution for spaces where functionality is key without sacrificing style.

 

 

 

A galley kitchen features two parallel walls of cabinets, making it one of the most efficient uses of a narrow space. This layout is ideal for smaller kitchens where maximizing square footage is important. The galley kitchen keeps everything within reach, allowing for smooth workflow and easy traffic flow between the cooking and prep areas. It’s a great choice for compact spaces that balance both square footage and flow.

 

 

The L-shaped kitchen layout features cabinets and appliances along two perpendicular walls, forming an efficient work triangle. This design is great for smaller homes and open-concept spaces, where interaction with other parts of the home is important. The open floor plan offers flexibility, while the layout provides ample counter space for meal prep and cooking. You can also add a rolling island to increase versatility and create a flexible workspace.

 

 

Both U-shaped and G-shaped kitchens are ideal for those needing extra storage and counter space. The U-shaped kitchen provides three sides of cabinetry, offering extensive work areas and ample storage. This layout creates a natural, efficient workflow that is ideal for larger kitchen tasks or multiple people cooking. It’s particularly great for close and open-concept designs, depending on the use of upper cabinets on the third side. 

The G-shaped kitchen takes this a step further by adding an additional peninsula on the fourth side, transforming the space into something truly special. This fourth side creates an arena-like feel, bringing a professional-level design into your home. It’s perfect for large kitchens where you want to maximize counter space and create a more social, multi-functional area. Whether for meal prep, family gatherings, or entertainingthe G-shape offers more room for everyone to gather and work together.

 

 

Once you’ve chosen your kitchen’s foundational layout, adding an island is the perfect way to take your space to the next level. An island kitchen features a central island, providing additional counter space for food prep, storage, and seating. For even more flexibility, adding a second island allows you to multitask—one island for prep work and the other for seating or casual dining. With any of the foundational layouts above, an island becomes the ideal way to make your kitchen work harder for you, creating both a functional and social hub.

 


 

No matter the size of your kitchen or your cooking style, there’s a layout that will make your kitchen work for you. From maximizing small spaces with a one-wall or galley kitchen to creating a hub for entertaining with a U-shaped layout, each design serves as the perfect starting point. Once your layout is chosen, consider adding an island to increase storage, counter space, and functionality.

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel or building a new home, be sure to explore our [brands page] to find the perfect cabinetry solutions for your next project. Whether you’re looking for style, functionality, or both, we offer a wide range of options that will help bring your vision to life.

Related articles

  • Celebrating Women in Leadership: Anne Trobaugh's Impact at American Woodmark
    Celebrating Women in Leadership: Anne Trobaugh's Impact at American Woodmark Apr 10, 2024 In today's corporate landscape, the rise of women in leadership positions is a testament to their invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication. Anne Trobauch, Vice President of Quality and Customer Experience at American Woodmark, embodies this excellence and innovation, driving positive organizational change. Read article
  • Grilling During a Kitchen Renovation Aug 11, 2023 Renovating your kitchen can be a challenging process, disrupting your cooking routine and making meal preparation a hassle. However, with the weather on your side, there's a fantastic solution to make cooking easier and more enjoyable: grilling outdoors! Embrace the benefits of outdoor cooking during your kitchen renovation and savor the simple delights of grilling. Read article
  • Mike Elebash named one of Woodworking Network's 40 under 40 Jun 26, 2023 Join us in congratulating Mike Elebash for making the 40 Under 40 list for Woodworking Network! He has made remarkable contributions to the woodworking industry and American Woodmark Corp. Read article
  • AWC announces groundbreakings in Monterrey and Hamlet Feb 24, 2023 Last month, American Woodmark held a groundbreaking ceremony for their plant expansion in Hamlet, North Carolina. In addition to the Hamlet expansion, American Woodmark broke ground on their newest manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico on January 27th. Read article
  • Check out our Waypoint Brand's feature of HGTV Jan 09, 2023 Our Waypoint brand was featured on HGTV not once but twice in the last two months! Check out the shows and catch a glimpse of our cabinets in these stunning remodel projects. Read article
  • Record-Breaking Success: Sock it to Homelessness Drive Raises 65,000 Pairs of Socks! Nov 23, 2022 This year’s Sock it to Homelessness drive was a landslide success! Read article
  • American Woodmark Expands Manufacturing Footprint in Gas City, IN Feb 07, 2022 American Woodmark recently opened an auxiliary building and installed an additional assembly cell in Grant County, IN, investing in the expansion of the manufacturing footprint to 500,000 square feet and improving the main plant’s layout and capacity. Read article
  • Celebrating National Manufacturing Day at American Woodmark
    Celebrating National Manufacturing Day at American Woodmark Oct 02, 2020 The first friday in October is National Manufacturing Day, highlighting the important role that manufacturing plays in our communities and spotlighting manufacturing careers. Read article
  • American Woodmark Board of Directors Tours Monticello Plant Jun 28, 2020 Our Board of Directors headed to our Monticello, Kentucky Plant for a tour and board meeting. Read article
  • Kicking Off Fall College Recruiting Season: Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech Career Fairs Sep 06, 2019 We kicked off the fall college recruiting season the first week of September by attending careers fairs at Ohio State, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech. Read article