U-Shaped Kitchens: Maximum Storage and Workspace

Keen cooks and large families benefit most. Three walls of cabinets give the most storage and the longest continuous worktop of any layout.

The space between the arms must allow two people to work and doors to open. A U that is too narrow feels cramped; too wide and you lose the efficiency.

Use open shelving or glass fronts on one arm, or lower one arm to counter height as a breakfast bar, so the kitchen does not feel boxed in.

One wall for preparation, one for cooking and one for washing keeps the kitchen organised and lets more than one person cook comfortably.