Clerkenwell Super Matt Charcoal EKES U Shaped Main Set Shot

Kitchen Layout Ideas

U-shaped Kitchen Ideas

Using three adjoining walls to span wall and base cupboards, u-shaped kitchen ideas are popular among homeowners as this layout can often improve the storing potential of a room. Achieving the best arrangement of cabinetry and integrated devices can also mean a u-shaped kitchen design is more ergonomic, making daily tasks easier and more accessible. From deciding on a fitted style to adding the finishing touches, this u-shaped kitchen inspiration will demonstrate how to adopt this space-saving floorplan in any home.

Small u shape kitchen with grey gloss kitchen doors, full height fridge freezer led lighting and beech kitchen worktop.

1. Go sleek with slab

U-shaped spaces often feature a lot of cabinetry, so opting for pared-back slab doors will provide a simple and open look. The frameless design works well in modern homes, for a contemporary style that reduces visual distraction for a function-first interior. The one-piece construction is also great for family homes with children around, as it is easy to clean and will contribute to a clean home.

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2. Streamline your space

A small u-shaped kitchen idea that makes a room feel more spacious is to add integrated handle cupboards. This eliminates the need for additional hardware, reducing visual clutter. The in-built handgrip also offers a minimal aesthetic that complements modern schemes and features a horizontal line that draws the eye through a room, elongating a u-shaped layout.

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White shaker kitchen with oak worktop and range cooker in an L shape kitchen layout from the Chelford range.

3. Stick with shaker

Where you have space to play with, a shaker u-shaped kitchen idea will make a layout feel warm and welcoming. The framed doors add a cosy ambience, as the traditional look draws the room in to create a homely feel that attracts friends and family alike. Opting for shaker drawers maximises storage and will make the design more accessible for all ages and stages of life.

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White u-shaped kitchen design with integrated handle, gloss cupboards that are completed with a grey stone-effect worktop.

4. Gleam with gloss

When preparing food, cooking or dining, a bright environment is key. Small u-shaped kitchen designs can often lack natural light when packed with cabinetry top and bottom, so a gloss finish will create a gleaming look. Combining a reflective surface with a soft, neutral shade, just like @reconstruct.ltd has created, will bounce light across the space for an open and illuminating effect.

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Grey shaker kitchen in a u-shaped design, with a matt finish, black cup handles and white quartz worktops.

5. Muted and matt

Cooking areas can often be hectic spaces, so creating a design that relaxes the mind is key. Sheen-free surfaces offer a blank canvas that is easy on the eye, which is great for a busy u-shaped design with both base and wall cupboards. Opting for a muted colour, like @hanwellhaven, will also add to the non-reflective finish, creating a soothing spot to cook and dine in.

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White u-shaped kitchen idea with slab doors, silver bar handles, white subway tiles, black hob and a neutral quartz worktop.

6. Think minimal

Dedicating a u-shaped floorplan to a full white look will create a clean and simple canvas that will complement any interior. This palette can also be customised with statement features to add style in a small way. Double up on bright features by combining white cupboards with matching tiles and work surfaces, just like @supremeplasteringsw.

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U-shaped kitchen with navy kitchen doors, wooden worktops and glazed wall units

7. Dial up on dark tones

A bold colour palette can still be achieved within a u-shaped layout, with careful planning and clever cabinetry. @thehawkes_victorianrenovation has used glazed wall units and open shelving to break up banks of colour within their navy space, to ensure that the room is not overpowered and instead looks sophisticated and on-trend.

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Fairford slate grey kitchen with copper handles, an oak chevron floor, white countertops and white subway tiles.

8. Upgrade to grey

For a fresh alternative to white, consider a grey u-shaped kitchen idea. The neutral tone is versatile, pairing well with a wide range of decors, while offering a long-lasting scheme that is easy to customise with statement handgrips. @_numbereleven’s grey design has revamped their u-shaped layout for a look that will last for years to come.

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White u-shaped kitchen design with shaker style cupboards, gold handles and tap, white worktops, and a white Belfast sink.

9. Sink into the light

When planning a u-shaped kitchen layout, consider centring the design around a window to allow the light to fill the space, making compact areas feel bright and inviting. Adding a sink below an opening, like @ctc_home, will create a focal point within the room, leaving longer lengths of counter space available for devices and food preparation.

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U-shaped kitchen design with navy integrated handle cupboards, a white worktop and a breakfast bar with two white seats.

10. Add a spot for stools

Make the most of a u-shaped space by adding in a breakfast bar onto the edge of a work surface, for valuable seating that will create a multi-functional design. @our_tiny_cobblestones_home has incorporated a white quartz counter, that will double up as an area for entertaining, dining or working - great for busy lifestyles.

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Internal Storage Drawer with Cutlery Tray

11. Within arms reach

Keeping kitchenware hidden from plain sight is a smart way of organising a u-shaped design, with cutlery drawers offering a prime place to store essentials. In a smaller room, internal drawers will also add to a fuss-free look offering sought-after storage without interrupting the cupboard exterior.

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12. Maximise space

Transform the tricky corners of a u-shaped floorplan with pull- out storage, that maximises every inch of space. This is especially important in smaller layouts where room for pots and pans is at a premium. The pull-out mechanism ensures that nothing is forgotten about and will enable you to explore the depths of a cupboard with ease.

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U-shaped kitchen design with green shaker cupboards, a dark oak-effect worktop, white subway tiles and a hob in the centre.

13. Create a centre stove

Creating a hub along the middle wall will help to form a functional workflow when cooking. @stirlingpropertyhants has positioned their devices in the centre of the design, leaving plenty of counter space either side for prepping food. It also offers additional floor space that will make rotating dishes feel less cramped and simple to navigate.

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A cream u-shaped kitchen idea with gloss slab doors, grey concrete-effect worktops and black bar handles.

14. Select statement fixtures

Accentuate a u-shaped layout with statement handgrips that will create a carefully curated space. @new_leaf_carpentry has added on-trend matt black bar handles to cream gloss doors for a contemporary design that adds character to the three-wall look. Opting for this stylish addition will also form linear lines, elongating the room for an open ambience.

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Dove-grey shaker kitchen design with white quartz worktops, silver knob handles, a white Belfast sink and cabinet lights.

15. Illuminate a layout

Where cabinets are used to span the walls of a u-shaped layout, this can lead to shadows along the counter space, making it difficult to prepare food and cook with ease. To combat this, add well-placed lights beneath wall units, like @my.home.sanctuary, to ensure work areas are always illuminated and to create an inviting environment.

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