Designing a U-shaped kitchen

It’s often the case that the size of our kitchen determines the type of layout we can plan for. Whilst anything goes in a large, open-plan space, when you’re dealing with a smaller scale, you need something that’s practical, functional and easy to navigate.

U-shaped kitchens are one of the most popular layouts in today’s modern homes and the clue to the formation lies in its name – the cabinetry is laid out in a traditional U shape but where you position the sink, appliances and any dining zones is completely up to you.4023 Topus Concrete. A peninsular creates a great division between the cooking and dining spaces without shutting the areas off completely – perfect for preparing food while still being involved in conversations, as shown in this West Sussex home.

Working triangle

The premise of the working triangle still exists within a U-shaped kitchen, albeit not strictly to the letter when a compromise is called for. The usual set-up of the cooker, sink and fridge positioned within a triangular shape is still something to aim for as it provides the most ergonomic way of getting from one zone to the other, so think about which element works best in which spot.

Ideally, you’ll have plenty of workspace in between so make sure there is enough of a worktop run to allow for food prep and serving up at mealtimes. Where space permits, having one end of the U-shape longer than the other allows for a casual breakfast bar that can be used for coffee, brunch and supper – simply pop a couple of bar stools underneath the worktop overhang and you have an instant dining area.

1141 Pure White worktop in the kitchen with an added breakfast bar. Photo credit: Official Design Amy Laveno

Cook’s corner

The key to a U-shaped kitchen’s success lies in careful planning. Make sure you have all the appliances you need and that they are well spaced. You might not want to, for instance, position the oven next to the fridge freezer and you don’t want the dishwasher getting in the way of an undercounter oven door.

On the other hand, having all the appliances at one end makes sense if it’s a bank of built-in designs that offer easy access in one area. If there’s room, you can include an island within U-shaped kitchens; just make sure there is sufficient room to walk around the island with ease and that no cupboard doors will clash into each other when opened. A distance of 42 inches, or just over a metre, is generally sufficient.

Ways with worktops

For a seamless finish, choose the same worktops throughout – this is especially useful in a smaller space as it will help to bring the look together and maintain consistency. Many U-shaped kitchens form part of a larger open-plan room, so having quality surfaces that extend into the dining or living area in the form of tabletops or shelves is a good solution that ties the whole space together.

504 Lumena worktops and island in a large U-shaped kitchen

Quartz worktops are certainly one of the most popular materials, especially as you can extend the worktop into a higher than normal splashback to help create a feeling of extra space. Versatile, resistant to scratches and stains, and easy to clean, Caesarstone’s quartz surfaces come in all sorts of styles and colours to complement your scheme. A pale neutral such as 6141 Ocean Foam or an off-white like 5121 Layalite will lighten the look and can be teamed with a darker flooring or cabinetry for contrast, or go dark and moody with the deep brown of 6338 Woodlands or 3100 Jet Black.

Porcelain worktops are an excellent choice for modern kitchens, offering durability and elegance in equal measure. Their slim profile and sleek finish create a contemporary aesthetic, while their durability make them ideal for busy households. Caesarstone’s porcelain surfaces are available in a range of striking designs, from the dark sophistication of 514 Emprada and the industrial feel of 413 White Ciment  to the dark grey veining over 504 Lumena’s pearl-white backdrop. Pair them with metallic accents or natural wood for a stylish and balanced look.

5171 Arabetto used as worktops and splashbacks in this light and airy U-shaped family kitchen in London

Mineral worktops are a standout surface in any kitchen thanks to their beauty and resilience, making them a standout option for any kitchen. Like all Caesarstone surfaces, they are resistant to stains, scratches and heat, ensuring long-lasting performance without compromising on style. Mineral worktops, like the textured appeal of 5171 Arabetto (as pictured above from this case study of a calming family kitchen), the smooth finish of 1001 Riverlet or the intoxicating luxuriousness of 5100 Vanilla Noir, offer endless design possibilities. Combine them with minimalist decor or bold statement pieces to personalise your space effortlessly.

Store and order

U-shaped kitchens can sometimes feel cluttered, particularly if you have a lot of appliances or other kitchen accoutrements out on your three worktops, so clever storage can be a real boon in these horseshoe spaces. Deep pan drawers can be very useful in the kind of space they offer and you can use smart storage ideas for crockery, utensils, knives and spice racks for convenient access. If space is really limited, forget wall cabinets and go for open, floating shelves instead. As well as organising your kitchen tools and essentials, it’s a good idea to have a good clear-out of your kitchen kit every now and then, and recycle, sell, donate or bin anything you haven’t used in a year – just like you would with your wardrobe.

For additional smart storage, look for corner base cabinet solutions such as Magic Corners and other pull-out wirework interior fittings. And to soften the overall effect, choose curved cabinetry at either end, finished beautifully with a carefully crafted premium surface.

If you’d like help in designing your U-shaped kitchen, you can use our visualiser to try out new kitchen design ideas. Or, you can arrange a visit to one of our studios in London, Manchester and Dublin, where you’ll be able to see our worktops in an immersive and tactile setting