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  1. Kitchen
  2. Layout: U-shape

U-shaped Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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Shoal Creek Addition
Shoal Creek Addition
Jameson Design GroupJameson Design Group
By moving the exterior wall to the patio out two feet, we were able to create an open kitchen/dining/living space in perfect proportion for this mid-century style home. This extra space allowed us to transform the existing galley kitchen into a U-shape with a peninsula bar. The blue base cabinets pack a punch of color, while the white uppers and backsplash create a light and airy space that looks bigger than the actual square footage.
White cabinets and lots of light
White cabinets and lots of light
Marvista Design + BuildMarvista Design + Build
The white cabinets work well with all the natural daylight that pours into this kitchen. Everything is open and bright making for an amazing gourmet kitchen.
Under Island storage
Under Island storage
Marvista Design + BuildMarvista Design + Build
Placing storage under the over seating area on this island lets you store more without sacrificing space.
Dallas | Hillside | Kitchen
Dallas | Hillside | Kitchen
Kitchen Design ConceptsKitchen Design Concepts
In our world of kitchen design, it’s lovely to see all the varieties of styles come to life. From traditional to modern, and everything in between, we love to design a broad spectrum. Here, we present a two-tone modern kitchen that has used materials in a fresh and eye-catching way. With a mix of finishes, it blends perfectly together to create a space that flows and is the pulsating heart of the home. With the main cooking island and gorgeous prep wall, the cook has plenty of space to work. The second island is perfect for seating – the three materials interacting seamlessly, we have the main white material covering the cabinets, a short grey table for the kids, and a taller walnut top for adults to sit and stand while sipping some wine! I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend time in this kitchen?! Cabinetry With a tuxedo trend look, we used Cabico Elmwood New Haven door style, walnut vertical grain in a natural matte finish. The white cabinets over the sink are the Ventura MDF door in a White Diamond Gloss finish. Countertops The white counters on the perimeter and on both islands are from Caesarstone in a Frosty Carrina finish, and the added bar on the second countertop is a custom walnut top (made by the homeowner!) with a shorter seated table made from Caesarstone’s Raw Concrete. Backsplash The stone is from Marble Systems from the Mod Glam Collection, Blocks – Glacier honed, in Snow White polished finish, and added Brass. Fixtures A Blanco Precis Silgranit Cascade Super Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in White works perfect with the counters. A Waterstone transitional pulldown faucet in New Bronze is complemented by matching water dispenser, soap dispenser, and air switch. The cabinet hardware is from Emtek – their Trinity pulls in brass. Appliances The cooktop, oven, steam oven and dishwasher are all from Miele. The dishwashers are paneled with cabinetry material (left/right of the sink) and integrate seamlessly Refrigerator and Freezer columns are from SubZero and we kept the stainless look to break up the walnut some. The microwave is a counter sitting Panasonic with a custom wood trim (made by Cabico) and the vent hood is from Zephyr.
Bel Air Makeover
Bel Air Makeover
Palisades Kitchen & BathPalisades Kitchen & Bath
SARATOGA HILLS STUNNER
SARATOGA HILLS STUNNER
RILEY'S REMODELING + DESIGNRILEY'S REMODELING + DESIGN
Herringbone Kitchen
Herringbone Kitchen
WatchCity Kitchens LLCWatchCity Kitchens LLC
We love the contrast in this bright cheery kitchen! The mix of metals and use of black, and grey all provide pattern and texture to the space. The corner range makes an ideal cooking area flanked by the microwave, open shelving and a pull out for oils and spices.
Pastel Perfection in Memorial
Pastel Perfection in Memorial
The Design FirmThe Design Firm
Project 3408-1 Scandinavian Kitchen Remodel w/ Custom Island on Wheels
Project 3408-1 Scandinavian Kitchen Remodel w/ Custom Island on Wheels
Castle Building & RemodelingCastle Building & Remodeling
This 1901-built bungalow in the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis was ready for a new functional kitchen. The homeowners love Scandinavian design, so the new space melds the bungalow home with Scandinavian design influences. A wall was removed between the existing kitchen and old breakfast nook for an expanded kitchen footprint. Marmoleum modular tile floor was installed in a custom pattern, as well as new windows throughout. New Crystal Cabinetry natural alder cabinets pair nicely with the Cambria quartz countertops in the Torquay design, and the new simple stacked ceramic backsplash. All new electrical and LED lighting throughout, along with windows on three walls create a wonderfully bright space. Sleek, stainless steel appliances were installed, including a Bosch induction cooktop. Storage components were included, like custom cabinet pull-outs, corner cabinet pull-out, spice racks, and floating shelves. One of our favorite features is the movable island on wheels that can be placed in the center of the room for serving and prep, OR it can pocket next to the southwest window for a cozy eat-in space to enjoy coffee and tea. Overall, the new space is simple, clean and cheerful. Minimal clean lines and natural materials are great in a Minnesotan home. Designed by: Emily Blonigen. See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3408-1/
The Leisure Haven
The Leisure Haven
Bevan + AssociatesBevan + Associates
Kitchens
Kitchens
Focus BuildersFocus Builders
Custom build xCustom Home xcustom kitchen xmarble backsplash xNashville xpot filler xThermador xwhite kitchen xstainless steel hood xcustom hood xinset cabinetry x
Susan & Miguel's kitchen
Susan & Miguel's kitchen
April Case UnderwoodApril Case Underwood
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Whitewater Retreat
Whitewater Retreat
Geneva Cabinet Company, LLCGeneva Cabinet Company, LLC
GENEVA CABINET COMPANY, LLC., Lake Geneva, WI., -What better way to reflect your lake location than with a splash of blue. This kitchen pairs the bold Naval finish from Shiloh Cabinetry with a bright rim of Polar White Upper cabinets. All is balanced with the warmth of their Maple Gunstock finish on the wine/beverage bar and the subtle texture of Shiplap walls.
Modern English Farmhouse | Hillsboro, Oregon
Modern English Farmhouse | Hillsboro, Oregon
Westlake Development Group, LLCWestlake Development Group, LLC
Justin Krug Photography
Perry House
Perry House
Cabinet Designers, IncCabinet Designers, Inc
Beach Style Kitchen
Beach Style Kitchen
Knight Construction Design Inc.Knight Construction Design Inc.
When Three Become One
When Three Become One
Square Footage Inc.Square Footage Inc.
Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Addition/Renovation
Addition/Renovation
GREAT FALLS ConstructionGREAT FALLS Construction
Bob Narod Photography
Family Home in Rustic Canyon
Family Home in Rustic Canyon
D2 InteriorsD2 Interiors
Rustic Canyon Kitchen. Photo by Douglas Hill
Modern Rustic Charm
Modern Rustic Charm
Coyle Construction CompanyCoyle Construction Company
stained island, white kitchen

U-shaped Kitchen Ideas and Designs

Want to discover beautiful kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of kitchen designs and ideas; from kitchen islands and storage units, to all sorts of kitchen lighting ideas, such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you want inspiration for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, some small kitchen ideas or maybe just some tips for improving your kitchen decor, there are tons of photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.

What kind of kitchen design should I go for?

With so many kitchen ideas and photos to look at you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking your own kitchen design. If you are updating your kitchen you know what a big and important decision it is to get the design right – the kitchen can be the hub and heart of the home, and it’s unlikely that you would invest in renovating your kitchen again in a few years. But fear not, focusing first on the important elements like layout, cabinet style, worktops and appliances will help you to bring together your dream kitchen design. Additional elements like kitchen lighting, cupboard storage and decor can come after in the kitchen planning process. A kitchen designer or fitter can help you to decide the layout of your kitchen in terms of where to place your kitchen units, appliances and island (if you’re having one), but if you prefer to handle this yourself you can focus on where you want your key elements of your kitchen to be – the oven, hob, sink and fridge. Of course you might be constricted by space, but try to envisage the easiest and most efficient layout based on how you usually like to cook and prepare your food. If you’re fed up of always having to carry dirty pans and pots across the room to the sink, place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Once you have the core elements sorted, consider extra layout considerations, such as where your bins will be stored, where the cutlery draw should be and where small kitchen appliances can be installed.

Should I include a kitchen island?

Kitchen island ideas are abundant these days; it seems most kitchen designs include a kitchen island, if not multiple islands. However, if the layout doesn’t work, especially if you have a small kitchen, then there’s no necessity to add in a kitchen island. You can add a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units, or stick with a good old-fashioned dining table if you don’t need the extra work surfaces. That said, if you do have the room, take a look at some kitchen island ideas to see if the designs inspire you for your kitchen. There are a huge variety of island designs to cater to different needs – you can have sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage and all sorts of drawers and organisers built-in, you can have separate bars and counters that extend from your island, or you could go for a kitchen island on wheels to make your kitchen layout more versatile.

How do I choose my kitchen units and cabinets?

When picking out kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, you’ll first want to consider the more practical questions – how many units do you need? How many cupboards and drawers do you need? Do you need extra kitchen storage built into your units? It’s always best to overestimate how much kitchen storage you’ll need as we all tend to have a habit of filling up whatever current space we have to the maximum. Next you can consider kitchen cabinet style and colour. Shaker style cabinets and raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a more traditional kitchen cabinet look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to lend more to the modern and contemporary style. However, going for raised or recessed panel work in a striking colour such as dark blue, green or black can still work with contemporary kitchen ideas. White kitchens can give a sleek and clean feel, but remember you may have to do a bit more cleaning of those cupboard doors if you want everything to stay shiny and fresh. Of course, grey kitchens are the neutral colour choice du jour and can be paired with pale and rich shades alike if you want your fitted kitchen cupboards to contrast with your worktop, splashback, floor, or all of the above. Exposed shelving and storage is also popular for eclectic, Scandi and industrial-inspired looks, so you could opt for glass-fronted cabinets or no wall-mounted cabinets at all. Remember that this will require more restraint in what you can store and more effort in keeping it looking presentable compared to what is stored away hastily behind cupboard doors. The kitchen cupboard handles are also another element to decide upon – do you want traditional round knobs, modern metal bars, country kitchen cup handles or maybe to go ultra sleek with a completely handleless kitchen?

What kitchen storage ideas should I consider?

If you want to keep your kitchen well-stocked and well-equipped but don’t want it spilling over with clutter, then you’ll need to rely on good kitchen storage. Apart from the usual fitted kitchen cupboards and drawer space, there are many other ways of keeping your kitchen tidy. Whilst a large kitchen pantry is the dream of most homeowners, it can’t always be a reality. However, there are now lots of pull out compartments and drawers with trays and shelving that can act as mini kitchen pantries, and you can install handy cupboard organisers that fit onto the inside of the door to make the most of your cupboard space. You can also look at corner drawers and cupboards that open up to reveal lots of extra storage. Rails or small shelves along your kitchen walls or splashback can help with hanging utensils or pans, or storing small items like herbs and spices in an usually empty space. Buy extra kitchen storage products for your home on Houzz

Are there small kitchen ideas for small spaces?

If you’re working with a galley kitchen, a one-wall kitchen in an open plan space or just a pretty small kitchen, there are some small kitchen ideas that can help you get the most out of your cooking and dining area. If you find that you don’t utilise the back of your cupboards (maybe they become the graveyard for out-of-date tin cans), you could decide to go with shallower kitchen units to free up some extra floor space in front of your cabinets. As mentioned, open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a popular trend and they should make the space feel more open and less boxed-in. However, if you have the capacity for it, cupboards and kitchen units that maximise the floor-to-ceiling space you have will mean you can use all of that for valuable kitchen storage. Wall or ceiling racks could be a useful solution for hanging pans and pots if you’ve run out of cupboards in which to store them. Kitchen ideas and accessories such as baskets, trolleys and storage jars are both aesthetically pleasing and practical as they give you extra storage space. Kitchen appliances like a fridge or dishwasher can be tucked away in built-in units in fitted kitchens so they blend into your layout and don’t make the space look crowded. Discover all the small kitchen ideas you could need by taking a look at photos of compact kitchens.

What sort of kitchen lighting should I go for?

In the kitchen you need to have practical lighting – no one wants to chop, cut and cook in a dingy room. Kitchen ceiling lights are probably the best way to go, but should you opt for recessed spotlights or traditional hanging ceiling lights? While spotlight LED kitchen lighting will give you excellent light, they may not fit with a design that’s not contemporary. Traditional chandelier lights could work for other kitchen styles, and of course, kitchen pendant lighting comes in all sorts of styles, colours and designs. While the popular choice is to go with one or two pendant lights over your kitchen island, you could also opt for a single pendant light over your dining space, or a few spaced out across your kitchen. Of course, if you want good lighting for your worktops, under-cabinet lighting is the way forward. Speak to your kitchen supplier about having this pre-installed, or there are a number of easy-install options you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician. In the market for your kitchen lighting today? Once you’ve found some inspiring kitchen lighting ideas here, take a look at our kitchen lighting products to find the new lights for your kitchen project.

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