A U-shaped kitchen is defined by three adjoining walls of cabinetry (to create a U-shape) with an open space in between for accessibility. Typically, U-shaped kitchens are known for being economic, efficient and easy-to-use. People love them for their usability and the amount of potential they offer both for storage and surface area. However, they are most often only spacious enough for one user at a time.
Here we share our top tips for designing the perfect U-shaped design for your dream kitchen.
1. Logical Design
One of the key bonuses of a U-shaped design is that they give rise to functionality and accessibility. So, when designing the kitchen you need to think about the most logical positioning for crucial kitchen items such as the kitchen sink and the hob.
It is advisable to think about your kitchen behaviours and the most common routes (for example, to the fridge, the stovetop and the sink). As much as possible, try and ensure a continuous and logical flow.
2. Make the Most of your Corner Storage
U-shaped kitchens facilitate multiple storage opportunities due to their three runs of cabinetry. However, it is also true that the shape gives rise to two corner units which can be tricky.
Think about what would be the best use for your corner cabinets and whether you would prefer to have open storage or implement features such as a Lazy Susan or pullout shelving. These help you maximise your space and ensure you can have easy access to items stored in the corner cabinets.
3. Clean Design
To achieve the cleanest design for your U-shaped kitchen, make sure to keep any of the less attractive or cumbersome elements of your kitchen behind closed doors or out of the way. The design lends itself to hiding items such as sinks, microwaves and draining boards, that you may not want to be the stand-out feature of your kitchen upon entrance.
Another way to achieve a clean design and to create a feeling of spaciousness is to streamline your space. By introducing implemented handle cupboards, it negates the need for any additional hardware meaning that there is less clutter in your kitchen space and works towards a more minimalist look, elongating the layout.
4. Light & Colour
Using high-gloss or reflective materials when designing your u-shaped kitchen can help to create a brighter and illuminating effect and open up space.
If there is any natural light in your kitchen, using a window as the centre point of your u-shaped kitchen will help to bring light to all areas of the space. Putting a key feature, such as the sink, under the window, will create a focal point bringing lights to other areas and freeing up space for things like kitchen appliances and food preparation.
5. Incorporate Curves
Using curves rather than square edges for the corners of your U-shaped kitchen can help create a stylish flow effect and can soften the severity of sharp edges.
If opting for this design, bear in mind that it can impact the use of the corner spaces for storage so will depend on how much additional storage you have and the size of your kitchen overall.
