7 Stylish & Functional U Shaped Kitchen Layouts With An Island

A U-shaped kitchen layout with an island makes a lot sense for creating a culinary hub that enhances the ability to cook and prepare meals. The extra counter space can be used for eat-in dining, laying out ingredients or even keeping your cookbook within easy reach. Below we take a look at 7 different kitchen sizes to create a floor plan that enhances workflow, maximizes usability and looks stylish in the process.

Small 10×8 U-shaped Kitchen Layout With Portable Island

This compact kitchen space make use of a portable island table to create extra prep space when its needed.

Floor Plan Details: This small u-shaped kitchen design is an effective space for meal prep with its three main countertops and appliances within short reach of each other. The range is located in the center at the top and this placement is useful for cooking with the refrigerator and sink located within easy reach. The kitchen features lower cabinetry throughout with slimmer edge-wall cupboards above the sink and range to provide additional storage.

Why It Works: The work triangle featuring the refrigerator, range-top and sink is further enhanced by a portable island table that can be brought out when an extra work surface is needed and pushed back against the wall when not in use.

Design Tips:

• Use the portable island table as a cutting/prep surface or a dining table.
• Install slim counter-depth appliances to maximize the walking space.
• Use a kitchen island measuring 24″ to 36″ wide and 24″ deep (if used for meal prep) or 36″ deep (if used for dining.)
• Each leg of the work triangle (appliance placement) should be from 4′ to 9′ apart.

10×10 Kitchen With U-shape Floor Plan With Movable Island

A mobile kitchen island that slides under the countertop is a space-saving way to create more workspace when there’s tighter room dimensions.

Floor Plan Details: This 10′ by 10′ kitchen space offers an attractive center double sink under the window for an attractive focal point that will help enhance outdoor views and bring more enjoyment while doing the dishes. This effective u-shape design keeps essential appliances close by for effective meal preparation and cleanup tasks. It uses the innovative approach of hiding its mobile island under the countertop, effectively allowing it to create an additional work surface when needed. The positioning of the refrigerator near the entrance to the room is helpful for those who want to easily have access without additional steps.

Why It Works: With its abundance of countertop space and close proximity to essential appliances this design makes for an efficient kitchen space. The movable island creates a flexible counter surface that doesn’t interrupt the normal traffic flow within the space.

Design Tips:

• Choose a rolling cart that can easily slide back into its space when not in use.
• Maintain at least 36″ of clearance for a walkway at all times through the room.
• Install additional vertical storage on the upper walls to create additional storage.
• Maintain counter space on both sides of the sink and rangetop for cooking and meal prep.

10×12 Kitchen With U-shape Layout, Corner Sink And Island Cart

Using a corner sink frees up the countertops and makes use of an area that might otherwise be underused.

Floor Plan Details: This kitchen design uses an island cart to create an eat-in dining space for entertaining friends and family. It is best used as a peninsula table pushed up against a wall for day to day use to maintain a 36″ walking corridor. However, its portability means it can be positioned next to the range when an extra surface is needed or used as a banquet table for staging food during parties. the positioning of the sink in the corner under the tow windows makes excellent use of the views and frees up more useful countertop area.

Why It Works: The corner sink placement frees up counter space, promotes the window views and creates an effective work triangle between the refrigerator and range. The addition of the movable table adds extra surface area when you need it, or acts as an eat-in dining spot.

Design Tips:

• Choose a compact cart that is narrow enough to not impede movement.
• Select a cart that has wheels and is easy to move, but can be locked down when needed.
• Make sure it has an overhang of 12″ to allow diners to sit and keep there legs underneath while eating.
• Consider a pull-out trash bin, lazy Susan or other smart storage solutions under the corner sink to optimize that space.

12×12 U-shaped Design Kitchen with Portable Peninsula Table

Using a portable table one can have a flexible worktop that serves as a place for dining or meal prep.

Floor Plan Details: The large square footage of this room means you have more choices when it comes to island sizing. However a 12′ by 12′ U-shaped cabinet kitchen space is still a little small for a permanent island in the center of the room. To remedy this situation, we have used a portable peninsula table that can extend out from the wall to act as an eat-in dining area or turned sideways with the wall to become an extra work surface.

Why It Works: Moving the peninsula table to extend away from the wall or parallel with it is useful for those who may want extra counterspace for daily tasks. Either position maintains at least 36″ of clearance through the room.

Design Tips:

• Place two bar stools at the peninsula for eat-in dining.
• Make sure the table is at a height for seating, and has a minimum of 12″ of leg space underneath.
• For comfortable seating with enough arm and leg room, ensure 24″ per chair.
• Using a different color for the peninsula table than the countertops and cabinets creates a focal point.
• Ideally have at least 15″ to 18″ of space between the fridge and sink.

12×13 U-shaped Floor Plan Kitchen with Breakfast Bar Island

A center island breakfast bar is perfect as it adds style, visual appeal, and acts as a casual dining space or food prep area.

Floor Plan Details: The large kitchen layout provides a useful center island with elevated breakfast bar for eat-in dining. The larger dimensions of the space means there’s plenty of clearance on either side for a permanent fixture that doesn’t impede movement throughout the room. The sink is positioned against the top wall under a window for natural light and to appreciate the views. The range is placed several feet away to ensure adequate counter space in-between and maintain an effective work zone. The refrigerator is positioned near the entry where it can more easily be accessed when needed.

Why It Works: the design is great for entertaining due to its central area for gathering and dining. The breakfast bar enhances social interaction and is ideal for those who want to entertain or have conversations while cooking.

Design Tips:

• A distance of 3ft is recommended between the sink and range for a basic prep space and to avoid water splashes.
• Maintain a minimum of 18″ to 24″ of countertop between the sink and range top.
• If you plan on have a refrigerator against the wall and cabinets on the other side your island will be on the smaller side.
• Consider 24″ of clearance between seat at the island.
• Using a two-tone color scheme with a light countertops and a darker island can create and interesting focal point.
• Add pendant lighting above the island to enhance the design aesthetic.

12×13 U-shaped Style Kitchen with Corner Pantry

This U-shaped kitchen layout uses a slim profile island with easy reach to the sink, refrigerator and range.

Floor Plan Details: By positioning a compact island in the center of its U-shaped cabinetry there is additional space for mixing ingredients or chopping vegetables. The positioning of the appliances around the worktop creates an effective prep zone and reduces unnecessary movement. The fridge, sink and range are all in close proximity of each other and the addition of the corner pantry means that all the food staples needed are nearby and easily accessible.

Why It Works: this design creates a good traffic flow with its center island that facilitates an effective work zone for easier food prep. The large pantry and countertop combination helps when it comes to laying out the ingredients needed.

Design Tips:

• Maintain 36″ on all sides of the island for ease of movement throughout.
• Use a slider or bi-fold door for the pantry to save space.
• Place the sink under the window to better appreciate the views while doing dishes or cleaning up.
• Add bar stools to the island if you want to encourage others to dine-in.
• Use adjustable shelving with dividers and bins to maximize pantry storage and enhance productivity.
• Consider a counter-depth refrigerator to maintain a low profile design and keep the appliance from protruding into the walkway.

Narrow 10×13 U-shape Layout Kitchen With Island

With a slim-profile island this kitchen design offers extra functionality and a stylish look.

Floor Plan Details: With a narrow room size this space just fits a small island and still allows the minimum clearance for movement. the range is places against the top wall with plenty of countertop space on either side and is in-between the pantry and sink for an efficient workflow. The double basin sink is located within easy access to the refrigerator with some counter space in between for placing items and ingredients.

Why It Works: The island placement maximizes the narrow space and allows for extra functionality while keeping the area from feeling cramped. the appliances are positioned to reduce movement, but far apart from each other to facilitate effective productivity. 

Design Tips:

• The slim island can be designed to contain extra storage for pots, pans and small appliances.
• Consider a movable island that can provide added flexibility and tucked in a corner if needed.
• A narrow island measuring 24″ wide and 4′ to 5′ long should allow room for walking clearances of 36″ on all sides.
• Get an island that is 36″ high to match the standard counter height, or 42″ if it will be a raised seated bar surface.