Galley, L Shape, or Island: Picking a Kitchen Layout That Fits Your Life
Layout is the single biggest decision in a kitchen remodel. Here is how to pick between galley, L shape, and island based on how you actually cook.
Before we talk cabinets or counters, we talk layout. Layout decides how your kitchen feels for the next 20 years. Get it right and the rest of the remodel is just material selection.
Galley
Two parallel runs of cabinets and counters. Efficient, fast to cook in, tight if more than one person is working. Best for small footprints and solo cooks.
L shape
Two adjacent runs forming an L. Opens up the far side of the room, great for a breakfast table or informal dining. Works for most IE tract homes.
Island
An L or U shape with a center island. Best for entertaining, families with kids who do homework at the counter, and anyone who wants the sink or cooktop separated from wall storage.
My rule of thumb
If you cook mostly alone and the kitchen is under 150 sq ft, galley or L. Two cooks or 200 plus sq ft, island with a good 42 to 48 inch aisle minimum.
For budget expectations, read our piece on what a kitchen remodel actually costs.
Kitchen Remodeling
Custom kitchens built for how your family actually cooks, gathers, and lives.
Explore the service
