Kitchen layouts: galley, L-shape, U-shape, island, single-wall and peninsula

A kitchen layout is how the cabinets, sink, stove and refrigerator sit in the room. The common ones are galley, L-shape, U-shape, island, single-wall and peninsula. Keeping a layout is the simplest case. Changing one can mean moving plumbing, electrical and sometimes walls, and each of those has its own permit and license rules in Illinois.

By Ryan Nesheim ยท Published 2026-10-20

The layout is the biggest design decision in a kitchen remodel, and the one that most affects the work behind the walls. This page defines the six common layouts in plain words. It gives no costs, because we have no sourced figure for what a layout change costs.

The six layouts

Real kitchens often mix two of these, such as an L-shape with an island. The definitions describe the basic form.

Galley

Two parallel runs of cabinets and counters with a walkway between them. Everything is in a narrow corridor. There may be an opening at each end.

A narrow kitchen with cream cabinets along both walls, a patterned runner on a wood floor between them and a window at the far end
Illustration, not a photo of a listed company's project.

L-shape

Cabinets and counters run along two walls that meet at a corner. The other two sides of the room stay open.

A corner of a kitchen with a white counter and sink under a window, tile backsplash and a dining table by large windows
Illustration, not a photo of a listed company's project.

U-shape

Cabinets and counters run along three walls, forming a U with one open side. It surrounds the work area on three sides.

Single-wall

Cabinets, sink, stove and refrigerator all sit along one wall. Because it is a single run, it fits narrow rooms and open plans.

Island

A freestanding block of cabinets and counter in the middle of the room, with floor around all sides. An island can hold a sink, a cooktop, storage or seating, and it can be added to a galley, L-shape or single-wall kitchen when the room is large enough. Cost vs. Value's major midrange remodel includes an island.

A large kitchen island with a stone counter and upholstered bar stools in front of white cabinets and a wood range hood
Illustration, not a photo of a listed company's project.

Peninsula

A run of cabinets and counter that sticks out from a wall or another run of cabinets and stays attached at one end. It works like an island but connects to the cabinets, so it separates the kitchen from the next room and can hold seating on its open side.

What changing a layout involves

Cost vs. Value's major midrange kitchen remodel is a project with a new layout, and its minor remodel keeps the cabinet boxes in place. The moment cabinets, the sink or the stove move, the work behind the walls changes. These are the parts, with what the sources say.

Moving plumbing

A sink or dishwasher in a new spot needs new water and drain lines. Illinois requires plumbing to be done by plumbers licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (225 ILCS 320/3), with an exception that lets the owner-occupant of a single-family home do plumbing in that home under conditions the law sets. City pages say:

Moving electrical

Outlets, switches and lights change when cabinets and appliances move. Electrical contractors are registered or licensed by cities and villages under state law (65 ILCS 5/11-33-1). City pages say:

Moving or removing walls

Taking out a wall to open a kitchen to the next room is the largest layout change. The sources say:

Before you choose a layout

Read the permits guide for what 16 cities say, the timeline for the order of a remodel and questions to ask on the first call. For a company near you, try Chicago, Naperville or Evanston.

Sources

Every source below was checked on October 19, 2026. Official pages change, so confirm anything that affects your job with the source itself.

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