Whether you have plans to build, remodel, or just enjoy seeing the latest trends (like me!), today’s post is loaded with some absolutely incredible kitchen designs that I think you guys are going to love.
I wanted to start off with some of the biggest and most inspiring layouts that I have been seeing lately that really make a kitchen shine.
1. Efficiency and Style
I find that a U-shaped kitchen really brings together the best features of a galley and an L-shaped layout. What I love is that you get tons of counter area, and everything is so easy to reach.
Plus, these kitchens usually feel a bit more spacious than a narrow galley style.
One thing to keep in mind with U-shaped kitchens is that they can sometimes feel a little closed in. A great way to handle this is to invest in some really high-quality lighting.
Also, if you have any windows nearby, you’ll want to make the most of that natural light for sure.
If you have an open-concept home but absolutely love the functionality of a U-shaped kitchen, there’s a pretty simple way to get the look. You can just add a breakfast bar along the open side of your kitchen, and just like that, you’ve created that perfect U-shape. Such a smart idea!
2. The Heart of Your Kitchen
Let’s be real, almost every homeowner dreams of having an island in a big kitchen. While I know this feature isn’t right for every single home, it’s such a fantastic addition to any open-concept kitchen layout.
If you can, make sure your kitchen island serves more than one purpose. A really popular idea is to add bar top seating along one side, creating a simple spot for casual meals.
I always recommend going with barstools that can tuck right underneath the countertop so you don’t lose any of that precious floor space.
Before you commit to installing an island, think really carefully about where it’s going to go. You want it to be close enough to your main counter that everything is easy to grab.
At the same time, you don’t want it so cramped that you can’t open your appliance doors. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
3. Stylish and Functional Countertops
The layout of your kitchen really sets the stage for how well it functions. This is especially true for your countertop space and how it helps or hinders your whole family.
I can think of very few situations where having a smaller kitchen counter is a good thing. It’s always a smart move to make sure every appliance in your kitchen, from the sink and stovetop to the dishwasher and oven, is surrounded by open countertop area that can be used as a prep surface.
Beyond your main countertop, you can have fun with your kitchen layout by adding extra surfaces. Think about a breakfast bar or even a special workstation.
When you’re not using them for their main purpose, these spots can totally double as extra counter space, which is always a win in my book!
4. Small Space, Big Impact
Most of us know exactly what our dream kitchen would look like if we had unlimited room. But finding great ideas for smaller kitchens can be a bit more challenging.
For a small kitchen layout to really shine, you have to embrace the space you have instead of fighting against it.
Don’t be scared to break away from traditional kitchen layout ideas to find what truly works in your space. So many of those “rules,” like the kitchen work triangle, just don’t apply to a small kitchen design.
You can free up so much counter area by putting in wall cabinets or even some open shelving. I love the idea of using a rolling table or a bar cart as a temporary island when you need it.
It’s best to avoid decor that takes up too much room. Instead, you can turn to beautiful details like your kitchen’s backsplash tiles to make a statement.
5. Embrace Cozy Charm
While open-concept modern farmhouse designs were a huge kitchen trend over the last decade, you really don’t need a huge kitchen to get this look. In fact, using rustic decor in a smaller kitchen can really bring out the warm and cozy feelings of this style.
You don’t want your rustic kitchen to feel too wide open, so I always suggest including an island, even a small one, in your layout. Of course, this tip doesn’t quite work if you’re dealing with a super tiny space, like a galley kitchen.
The goal is for your rustic-inspired kitchen to be a spot where your family and friends naturally want to hang out. Make sure you leave some room in your new kitchen design for a dining table, or at least set aside some counter area for a casual breakfast bar.
6. Enhance Your Storage With These Kitchen Layout Ideas
Cabinetry is really the foundation of almost every kitchen layout. So I always think that getting the most out of your home’s available cabinet space should be your first priority in any kitchen project.
Along with trying to fit in as many cabinets as you can, you should also think about having lots of variety in your final design. I love the idea of swapping out some of your regular cabinet doors for glass ones to show off pretty china or glassware.
You can also supplement your standard-sized kitchen cabinets with smaller cupboards that can be tucked around your built-in appliances.
Fill any of those awkward gaps in your cabinetry with open shelves for even more storage. And don’t forget to use structural features, like a kitchen island, to add even more cabinets and drawers to your layout.
7. Sleek and Chic
Modern interior design is all about sleek, geometric spaces. If you’re like me and you love a modern design for your dream kitchen, it’s so important to bring those design ideas into your floor plan, not just your decor choices.
You’ll want to avoid crowding your appliances and other main features too close together. Every design element in your kitchen should have plenty of room to stand out.
I’ve found that choosing mostly white kitchen decor can really help make tight spaces feel more open and airy.
Keep your cabinetry, countertops, and appliances looking clean and simple. The same thing goes for your kitchen island if your home has one.
Instead of clutter, you can draw the eye upward in your kitchen layout with some amazing statement light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. What a beautiful way to make an impact!
8. Maximize Corner Space
Corners can be such a pain and totally ruin a kitchen layout that is otherwise super efficient. While it’s tricky to fit cabinet doors in those tight corners, you definitely don’t want to just let that space go to waste.
There are some specially designed corner cupboards out there that give you plenty of storage without the hassle of regular cabinet doors.
You can choose cabinetry that has a built-in lazy Susan or even pull-out shelves to make getting to your kitchen items so much easier. You can even find special corner drawers to match!
I also like to use my countertop corners to hold cooking utensils, a spice rack, or my cookbooks. It’s also just the perfect spot to keep small countertop appliances. They’re still within reach but nicely out of the way.
9. Efficiency and Elegance
A one-wall kitchen can feel so restrictive, especially with open-concept kitchens being so popular right now. When you’re designing a floor plan for a single-wall kitchen, it’s all about striking a balance between your work area and your storage.
Kitchen islands are great because they can add more counter area and even hold an extra appliance or the sink. But I know an island isn’t always possible for every kitchen.
A galley kitchen is a perfect example where you just can’t add an island to a small kitchen design.
To make sure your kitchen has lots of storage, install both lower and upper cabinets. You can use the upper cabinets for extra storage or to put some pretty decor on display.
Since you don’t have much open wall space to work with, you’ll want to focus on design details like your backsplash and fixtures to add personality.
