Kitchen Layouts

Smart Compact
Kitchen Layouts

Every square centimetre has a role to play. Discover the layouts that maximise flow, storage, and cooking efficiency in even the smallest kitchen footprints — without sacrificing style or comfort.

Configuration Guide

The 4 Best Layouts for Small Kitchens

Not all floor plans are created equal. These four configurations have been proven to deliver the best efficiency, ergonomics, and storage capacity in compact spaces.

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Galley

The most efficient linear layout in kitchen design. Two parallel walls of cabinetry and appliances create the optimal work triangle with zero wasted movement.

  • Parallel walls maximise storage density
  • Perfect triangulated work flow
  • Ideal for single cooks in tight spaces
  • Easy to extend with overhead storage
  • Lowest cost per sq ft of counter
Plan a galley →
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L-Shape

Corner space utilisation at its finest. The L-shape opens one end to adjacent living areas while still delivering generous counter surface and flexible work zones.

  • Corner space fully utilised
  • Flexible, adaptable work zones
  • Suits open-plan living arrangements
  • Room for dining table adjacent
  • Two-cook friendly
Plan an L-shape →
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U-Shape

Maximum storage delivered across three walls. The U-shape wraps the cook in cabinetry and counter space, minimising steps and maximising accessibility.

  • Storage on three full walls
  • Cook is surrounded by workspace
  • Highest counter space of all layouts
  • Excellent separation from living areas
  • Zoned cooking, prep and cleaning
Plan a U-shape →
⊏

Peninsula

Open-plan flow combined with substantial counter extension. The peninsula connects kitchen to living space while providing breakfast bar potential and extra prep surface.

  • Seamless open-plan integration
  • Breakfast bar seating built in
  • Additional counter surface on both sides
  • Creates natural room division
  • Extra storage beneath peninsula
Plan a peninsula →
Corner lazy susan cabinet maximising dead corner space Corner lazy susan — zero dead space
Corner Solutions

Conquering Dead
Corner Space

The corner is where small kitchens lose the most usable space. Standard cabinet layouts leave awkward, inaccessible voids — but with the right fittings, those corners become some of your most productive storage zones.

Modern corner solutions have evolved far beyond the basic rotating tray. Today's options include full-pull-out carousel systems, magic corner units, and diagonal cabinet configurations that make every millimetre count.

  • 🔄
    Lazy Susan Systems — Full-rotation shelving that brings every item within effortless reach. Available in 2-tier and 3-tier configurations to suit cabinet height.
  • ↔
    Pull-Out Corner Carousels — Swing-out hardware that pulls the entire corner contents forward, eliminating reaching and rummaging entirely.
  • ◇
    Diagonal Cabinets — Angled cabinet fronts built across the corner create a larger, more accessible opening than standard right-angle units.
  • ✦
    Magic Corner Units — Linked shelf systems that pull out in sequence, revealing deep storage with full, easy access to items at the back.
Pull-out cabinet drawer system with organised contents fully extended Full-extension pull-outs — total access
Drawer Systems

Pull-Out & Drawer
Systems That Work

Fixed shelves are the enemy of small kitchen efficiency. When you can only access the front third of a cabinet, you effectively waste two-thirds of the space you paid for. Pull-out and drawer systems change everything.

Deep drawer systems and full-extension runners allow the entire cabinet interior to come to you — no kneeling, no reaching, no forgotten items at the back. Combined with soft-close mechanisms and custom organiser inserts, these systems transform base cabinets completely.

  • 📦
    Deep Drawer Systems — Replace shelved base cabinets with stacked deep drawers. Store pots, pans, and dry goods in neat, fully visible layers.
  • ↔
    Full-Extension Runners — Undermount runners that allow drawers to travel 100% of their depth, giving complete access to every stored item.
  • 🤫
    Soft-Close Mechanisms — Hydraulic dampers prevent slamming and ensure drawers close fully, extending hardware life and reducing noise.
  • 🔲
    Organiser Inserts — Cutlery trays, knife blocks, spice racks, and pot-lid holders keep drawer contents orderly and space-optimised.
Expert Advice

Layout Planning Tips

Small adjustments at the planning stage deliver outsized results. Keep these principles in mind when designing or reconfiguring your kitchen layout.

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Respect the Work Triangle

Position your hob, sink, and refrigerator so each leg of the triangle measures between 120cm and 270cm. Shorter trips means less fatigue and faster cooking.

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Minimum Aisle Width

Allow at least 90cm between facing counters for single-cook kitchens. For two cooks, aim for 120cm. This space must remain permanently clear of appliances.

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Zone by Activity

Group prep, cooking, and cleaning into distinct zones. Store items at the point of use — knives near the chopping board, spices beside the hob, glasses near the sink.

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Go Floor to Ceiling

Extend cabinetry to ceiling height. The top 60cm above standard cabinets is often wasted — use it for rarely used items or a stepped display shelf.

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Audit Door Swings

Map every door and drawer opening before finalising positions. Conflicting swings from cabinet doors, appliances, and room doors are among the most common small kitchen frustrations.

✨

Use Light Strategically

Under-cabinet strip lighting eliminates counter shadows and visually expands the space. Light-coloured cabinet fronts and reflective surfaces amplify natural light throughout the room.

Ready to Begin?

Get a Custom
Layout Plan

Share your kitchen dimensions and we will recommend the optimal layout configuration with specific product and fitting suggestions tailored to your space.

Request Your Layout Plan
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