The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Layouts: Expert Tips from Roundhouse Design

Without a doubt, kitchen layout is the most important element of every successful kitchen design. While stylish metallic cabinet doors and a striking stone worktop add to the aesthetics, getting the kitchen layout right is the first step towards creating a truly functional and beautiful space. A well-planned layout ensures a seamless flow, usability, and efficiency, while a poorly considered design can lead to awkward spaces with limited practicality.

Understanding how to arrange kitchen cabinets and position appliances is key to achieving a well-balanced luxury kitchen, regardless of its size or shape. But how familiar is the average homeowner with common kitchen layout ideas? From galley kitchens to G-plans, Roundhouse suggests five tried-and-tested kitchen layouts to help homeowners choose the right option.

And since no space is perfect, bespoke kitchens from Roundhouse can be tailored and refined, ensuring that the kitchen layout becomes the ultimate blueprint for the home.

Download the Roundhouse brochure to explore beautiful bespoke kitchen designs.

Look at L-Shaped Kitchen Ideas

The L-shaped kitchen layout is a classic and versatile choice. With two runs of units positioned at right angles, this layout works for both large and small luxury kitchens. It is also a practical workhorse, offering ample worktop space, smart storage solutions, and opportunities for integrating kitchen dining ideas.

One of the biggest advantages of L-shaped kitchen designs is that they naturally follow the kitchen triangle rule, ensuring that the sink, fridge, and oven are positioned efficiently for ease of movement.

Roundhouse advises to consider floor-to-ceiling storage on one side, combined with base cabinets on the other to avoid overwhelming the space. For added functionality, a bespoke kitchen island can introduce extra storage and a central space for gathering and entertaining.

Consider a U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen layout is one of the most efficient designs, maximising storage and workspace. With cabinets and appliances fitted on three sides, this layout is hardworking and practical, making it a popular choice for bespoke kitchens.

Worried about hard-to-reach corners? Today’s modern solutions, such as glide-out shelving and full-height cabinetry, ensure that no space is wasted. For smaller U-shaped kitchens, open shelving can help maintain an airy feel without sacrificing storage.

For those seeking an upgrade, Roundhouse suggests a U-shaped+ or G-shaped kitchen layout, which incorporates an extra peninsula or breakfast bar, adding both style and functionality.

Tip: A well-designed G-shaped layout creates a natural divide between the cooking area and the dining or living space, making it an excellent choice for open-plan homes.

Go for a Galley Kitchen

Inspired by the efficient ship kitchens, the galley layout remains a simple yet highly effective design for the modern home. Featuring two parallel runs of cabinetry with a walkway between, this layout offers a streamlined workflow, making it an excellent choice for compact bespoke kitchens.

One of the key benefits of a galley kitchen is easy access to worktops, storage, and appliances, without any awkward corner spaces. While galley layouts are ideal for smaller kitchens, they can also be adapted for larger spaces by incorporating an open-plan design with a bespoke kitchen island.

Roundhouse advises minimising traffic flow in a galley kitchen by placing fridges and tea/coffee stations near the entrance, ensuring that the main cooking area remains uncluttered and efficient.

Explore galley kitchen designs in the Roundhouse brochure for more layout inspiration.

Optimise Kitchen Island Layouts

A kitchen island is one of the most popular features in a Roundhouse bespoke kitchen. However, simply placing an island in the centre of the room isn’t enough—thoughtful planning is essential to maximise function and space efficiency.

Before deciding on a kitchen island layout, Roundhouse suggests considering the following:
– How will the island be used? Should it provide extra storage, appliances, or seating?
– Is there enough space around the island? The surrounding layout must allow for comfortable movement.
– Does it work within an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen? If not, would a freestanding table or butcher’s block be a better alternative?

Since bespoke kitchen islands offer endless possibilities, visiting a Roundhouse showroom is a great way to explore tailored solutions and see how different layouts work in real-life settings.

Book a showroom visit to discuss the best kitchen island layout for your space.

Plan a Peninsula Kitchen

For homes where a full kitchen island isn’t feasible, a peninsula layout is a fantastic alternative. This design features a bank of units extending from one wall, often paired with a run of cupboards behind it.

A peninsula kitchen provides:
– Additional storage and workspace
– An informal seating area for dining and socialising
– A clever way to zone large, open-plan kitchens

Roundhouse suggests using a peninsula layout to create a natural divide between the cooking space and living or dining areas, without losing the open-plan feel. A well-designed peninsula layout helps define different areas within a luxury kitchen while keeping the space open and functional.

Choosing the right kitchen layout is essential in creating a space that is both beautiful and functional. Whether it’s the efficiency of a galley kitchen, the versatility of an L-shaped design, or the storage potential of a U-shaped layout, Roundhouse provides expertly crafted solutions tailored to individual needs.

For further inspiration, readers can download the Roundhouse brochure to explore a range of bespoke kitchen designs. Those looking to start their project can book a design consultation with a Roundhouse expert to discuss their vision in detail.

To stay updated on the latest kitchen trends, expert insights, and planning advice, subscribing to the Roundhouse newsletter is recommended.

Roundhouse also welcomes visitors to experience its craftsmanship firsthand at one of its seven design showrooms, located in Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford, and Cheltenham.