Photo Credit: Neil Landino Counter Top: Calacatta Gold Honed Marble Kitchen Sink: 39" Wide Risinger Double Bowl Fireclay Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray 1577 Trim Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove Kitchen Faucet: Perrin and Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet Pendant Lights: Benson Pendant | Restoration Hardware Island Cabinets: Greenfield Custom Cabinetry-Color-Eucalyptus

Pullout Butcher Block and Knife Block

Cabinet Innovations

Pullout butcher block and knife block drawer. All inset cabinets by Wood-Mode 42. Featuring the Alexandria Recessed door style on Opaque Putty finish. Flooring by Crossville.

Kitchen & Main Floor Remodel, Edina MN

Titus Contracting

Transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

French Country

Built by Krueger

Example of a large transitional u-shaped cement tile floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, colored appliances and an island

Silverlake Renovation

WAKE + LOOM DESIGN

Example of a mid-sized danish u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Green with Envy

Yancy Kitchen & Bath Design

Open concept kitchen - large traditional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Food Storage

Tenhulzen Remodeling

Small island includes eating bar above prep area to accommodate family of 4. A microwave hood vent is the result of storage taking precidence.
Mid-sized eclectic u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, red cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Modern Hudson Kitchen

Hurst Design Build Remodel

Darren Sinnett
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in Cleveland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Center of Attention - Crofton, MD

Solstice Kitchen and Bath

The Solstice team worked with these Crofton homeowners to achieve their vision of having a kitchen design that is the center of home life in this Chapman Farm home. The result is a kitchen located in the heart of the home, that serves as a welcome destination for family and visitors, with a highly effective layout. The addition of a peninsula adds extra seating and also separates the kitchen work zone from an external doorway and the living area. HomeCrest kitchen cabinets in willow finish Sedona maple includes customized pull out storage accessories like cooking utensil and knife storage inserts, pull out shelves, and more. The gray cabinetry is accented by an amazing Cambria "Langdon" quartz countertop and gray subway tile backsplash. An Allora USA double bowl sink with American Standard pull out sprayer faucet is situated facing the window, and includes an InSinkErator Evolution garbage disposal and InstaHot water dispenser in chrome. The design is accented by stainless appliances, a warm wood floor, and under- and over-cabinet lighting.

Timeless Elegant Kitchen

Drury Design

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.

eclectic green and gray washed alder kitchen

M&M Interiors

This couples small kitchen was in dire need of an update. The homeowner is an avid cook and cookbook collector so finding a special place for some of his most prized cookbooks was a must!

2025 NARI Remodeler of the Year - Residential Kitchen $100,000 to $150,000

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

This home required an inventive solution to enhance and better utilize the existing space. The current kitchen was small, dimly lit, and lacked sufficient counter space and the tiny breakfast bar felt disconnected from the work area. Homeowners wanted an updated, brighter, more open space that increased the functionality of their current square footage. The new kitchen’s open concept creates a unified feeling throughout the main floor. The design offers plenty of storage and cooking space, as well as an inviting seating area that comfortably accommodates family and guests. This space has truly become the gathering space they envisioned.

Poplar Creek Kitchen Remodel - Nashville, Tennessee

Monarch Lane Interiors

Photography by Marcie Kindred
Large farmhouse u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Ross House

Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design

Large mountain style u-shaped medium tone wood floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Village Dr Kitchen

Catalyst Construction, Inc

Plenty of natural light in this Mid-century Modern beauty!
Example of a large 1950s u-shaped light wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen design in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Alexandria, Virginia - Traditional - Classic White Kitchen

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Alexandria, Virginia - Traditional - Classic White Kitchen Design by #JenniferGilmer. http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/ Photography by Bob Narod.

Antique Farmhouse Fairfield CT

Studio Dearborn

Mid-sized elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Highland Ave

Safferstone Interiors

Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, black appliances, an island and black countertops

Transitional Kitchen Renovation with Island

Sea Pointe Design & Remodel

This kitchen island serves as a storage space, dining seating, as well as a station to prepare meals and bring the family together for inclusive interactions.

French Country Couture

Geneva Cabinet

GENEVA CABINET COMPANY, LLC., Lake Geneva, WI., -We say “oui” to French Country style in a home reminiscent of a French Country Chateau. The flawless kitchen features Plato Woodwork Premier Custom Cabinetry with a Dove White Newport style door and Walnut island. Difiniti Quartz countertops present in Viarreggio with hardware in a warm gold patina finish.

U-Shaped Kitchen Ideas

U-shaped kitchens are ideal for large homes or simply for home cooks who like lots of counter space. This type of kitchen layout consists of three adjacent segments that form a wrap-around shape, but can vary widely in shape and size. While you browse our extensive collection of photos below, consider the following U-shaped kitchen ideas and how you might incorporate them into your home.

U-Shaped Kitchen Layout Ideas

There are a number of ways you can approach a U-shaped kitchen layout, and the best solution will depend on the size of your home and how you’ll use the space. Typically, a U-shaped kitchen will have some sort of work triangle, in which your oven and stovetop are on one side, your sink and dishwasher on another side and your refrigerator on yet another side. If you’re taking on a remodel, think about the layout that will make the most sense while cooking. For example, you don’t want to have to walk a long ways from a prep zone to the stove.

In terms of dimensions, there are countless possible variations on the U-shape. You can have short tails and a long mid-section, and the tails needn’t be the same size. Especially if you’re looking for U-shaped kitchen ideas for a small space, you could install a short peninsula in an L-shaped kitchen for just a bit of extra counter space. If you have a galley kitchen that connects to a wall, you can turn it into a U-shape by installing an appliance or countertop on one side. Putting your oven or refrigerator between the two counters is a smart choice to optimize your prep space.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a large U-shaped kitchen, make use of the extra space by putting an island in the center of it. You may even be able to add bar stool seating around the island for casual eating and entertaining. If you’d like to keep the kitchen as a cooking-only zone, you can also add seating to a peninsula countertop that doesn’t back up to a wall.

U-Shaped Kitchen Design Ideas

In a U-shaped kitchen, lighting is important to keep the space feeling open and inviting. If you’re remodeling and you have the option, try to position a large window on the middle wall of the kitchen to let the light in. You can also install a bold pendant light in the middle of the space for a striking focal point. In general, U-shaped kitchens are prone to feeling cramped or overbearing, so you’ll want to find ways to lead the eye through the space. Open-shelving can actually work very well in a U-shaped kitchen to make the space feel lighter.

With all of the counter space in a U-shaped kitchen, you might also consider segmenting different sections for particular tasks. You could install butcher block on one side of the kitchen for a prep station, cool marble for a baking zone and granite or tile elsewhere. And you might even have room to install a wine fridge or a second oven within your wrap-around cabinet space.

Whether you want inspiration for planning an u-shaped kitchen renovation or are building a designer kitchen from scratch, Houzz has 295,412 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including Geneva Cabinet and Catalyst Construction, Inc. Look through kitchen pictures in different colors and styles and when you find an u-shaped kitchen design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful u-shaped kitchen photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.