Kitchen Layout Planning for Flow & Function
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, layout is everything. Cabinets, countertops, and finishes may define the look of your kitchen, but the layout determines how it feels to live in every day. A poorly planned layout can make even the most beautiful kitchen frustrating to use, while a thoughtful design can transform cooking, entertaining, and gathering into a joy.
At Lincorp Borchert, we’ve spent decades helping Southeast Michigan homeowners reimagine their kitchens to improve flow, function, and comfort. This page will guide you through the most common kitchen layouts, tips for choosing the right design for your lifestyle, and examples of how layout planning can make all the difference.
Why Kitchen Layout Matters
The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house — multiple people moving around, appliances in use, meals being prepared, and conversations happening all at once. Without good flow, this energy turns into chaos. The right layout creates natural zones of activity, smooth traffic patterns, and enough counter space where you need it most.
In fact, many of the frustrations homeowners share with us — like “no room to cook,” “too crowded when entertaining,” or “not enough workspace” — are actually layout problems, not style issues. Fixing the layout is the foundation for fixing everything else.
The Most Common Kitchen Layouts
Every kitchen is unique, but most designs fall into a handful of tried-and-true layouts. Here are the most common ones we work with in Oakland and Macomb County homes:
L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped design uses two walls to form a natural cooking area. This is one of the most flexible layouts and works especially well in open concept homes. With the addition of an island, it can create a perfect balance of workspace and gathering space.
U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen maximizes storage and countertop space by surrounding the cook on three sides. It’s ideal for homeowners who cook frequently and want everything within reach. However, it can feel enclosed in smaller homes unless opened to an adjacent room.
Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen places work areas on two parallel walls. While this design can be efficient in narrow spaces, it can also feel cramped if not planned properly. We often help Southeast Michigan homeowners update galley kitchens by widening walkways or opening one side to the dining area.
Island-Centered Kitchen
Adding an island — or even two — is one of the most popular requests we receive. Islands create more workspace, provide seating, and help with traffic flow. They also serve as the social hub during gatherings. However, islands require enough square footage to avoid creating bottlenecks.
The Kitchen Work Triangle (and Beyond)
A classic principle in kitchen design is the “work triangle” — the idea that your sink, stove, and refrigerator should form a triangle with each side between 4–9 feet. This keeps the cook’s main tasks efficient and unobstructed.
But in modern kitchens, families often need more than just a triangle. We also plan for:
- Zones: prep zones, cleanup zones, coffee stations, baking areas
- Multiple cooks: wider walkways and separate work areas
- Entertaining: spaces where guests can gather without blocking the cook
- Kids & homework: counter seating designed for multi-purpose use
Common Mistakes in Kitchen Layout Planning
- Not Allowing Enough Walkway Space – Narrow aisles create daily frustration. Aim for 42–48 inches between counters.
- Oversized Islands – A too-large island can block flow instead of improving it. Balance is key.
- Poor Appliance Placement – Fridges that block doors or dishwashers that can’t open fully are common issues.
- Forgetting Zones – Thinking only about the work triangle overlooks other needs like coffee stations or entertaining.
- Not Planning for Storage – Even the best layout fails without enough cabinets and pantry space.
Tips for Choosing the Right Layout
- Map Your Current Kitchen: Sketch your layout and note problem areas.
- Prioritize Your Lifestyle: Cooking, entertaining, or family activities — what matters most?
- Think Long Term: Consider how your needs might change in the next 5–10 years.
- Get Professional Input: Our designers use CAD software to show how layouts will look and feel before construction begins.
Southeast Michigan Considerations
Many homes in our area were built decades ago with closed, boxy kitchens. While charming, they often don’t meet today’s needs for open, multi-functional spaces. Layout planning is where the biggest transformation happens — whether it’s opening walls, adding islands, or reconfiguring appliances.
Next Steps
A great layout makes your kitchen easy to use, enjoyable to live in, and a natural gathering spot for family and friends. Once you’ve chosen the right layout for your lifestyle, the next step is to explore smart storage solutions that keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
👉 Explore the next guide: Smart Kitchen Storage Solutions That Actually Work
And when you’re ready to see what’s possible in your own home, we’d love to help. At Lincorp Borchert, we’ve been designing and remodeling kitchens across Oakland and Macomb Counties for more than 30 years, always with a focus on flow, function, and lasting quality.
📞 Call us at (586) 992-8400
