What’s the Right Kitchen Layout for Your Floor Plan?
Your kitchen is the heart of your home — but only if it works. A beautiful design means nothing if the layout makes cooking or moving around a hassle.
Here’s how to choose the right kitchen layout for your home’s existing floor plan, especially if you’re renovating in Melbourne’s quirky, often tight, house shapes.
1. Galley Kitchen: Best for Narrow Spaces
Perfect for: Long, slim areas or apartments
Pros: Ultra-efficient, everything within arm’s reach
Cons: Can feel tight with more than one cook
Pro tip: Open one side to the living area to make it feel bigger
2. L-Shaped Kitchen: Best for Open Plan Living
Perfect for: Corner zones or homes with dining/living nearby
Pros: Flexible, great flow, easy to add an island
Cons: Limited bench space without an island
Pro tip: Add upper cabinets on the short side only to reduce bulk
3. U-Shaped Kitchen: Best for Dedicated Kitchen Zones
Perfect for: Medium to large kitchens with defined rooms
Pros: Max storage and prep space
Cons: Can feel boxed in if too small
Pro tip: Go open on one end for easy traffic flow
4. Island Kitchen: Best for Entertainers
Perfect for: Open plan homes with enough space around
Pros: Social, stylish, adds storage
Cons: Needs minimum clearance space
Pro tip: Use the island for prep or seating — not both if it’s tight
5. Peninsula Kitchen: Best for Small-Open Plan Homes
Perfect for: Compact spaces that still want the island feel
Pros: Adds function without extra room
Cons: Creates a more fixed layout
Pro tip: Integrate storage on both sides of the peninsula
How to Choose?
Start with your existing floor plan, then ask:
Where are the windows, doors, and plumbing?
Do you cook solo or with family?
Do you want to entertain or keep it functional?
What’s the natural traffic flow?
Let Bluestone Help You Nail It
The best kitchen layout is the one that fits your space and your life. We design with your real layout in mind — not just what looks good in magazines.
👉 Book your design consultation and we’ll guide you through every option.
