6 Popular Kitchen Layouts Explained: L-Shape, U-Shape, Galley, Single-Wall, G-Shape, and Island Kitchens
Choosing the right kitchen layout is one of the most important decisions in any kitchen remodeling project. The layout impacts daily workflow, counter space, storage capacity, and how well your kitchen fits your home’s size and lifestyle.
At South Bay Design Center, we’ve been helping homeowners design and remodel kitchens across the South Bay since 1992. Our 10,000 sq ft showroom in Lomita, CA features full-size kitchen displays in a wide range of layouts and styles, allowing homeowners to walk through, compare, and truly feel the difference between layouts before making a decision. Learn more about all our offerings on our Services page.
Below, we explain the most common kitchen layouts found in South Bay homes—and when each one works best.
L-Shaped Kitchens: Perfect for Open Living
An L-shape kitchen uses two adjacent walls, forming a natural and efficient workspace. This layout is extremely popular in modern South Bay homes with open floor plans.
Why L-shaped kitchens work so well:
Efficient workflow and flexible work zones
Open sightlines to dining and living areas
Easy to add an island or seating
Makes medium-sized kitchens feel larger
Best for:
Open or semi-open homes
Entertaining-focused households
Kitchen remodeling projects in Torrance and Manhattan Beach
You can explore multiple L-shaped kitchen setups in our showroom to see how cabinet height, corner solutions, and island placement affect the overall feel.
U-Shaped Kitchens: Maximum Storage and Function
A U-shape kitchen surrounds the cook on three sides, making it one of the most efficient and storage-rich layouts available.
Benefits of a U-shaped layout:
Exceptional counter space
Maximum cabinetry and storage
Everything within easy reach
Ideal for serious home cooks
Best for:
Medium to larger kitchens
Homes where storage is a top priority
Palos Verdes kitchen remodels, where custom cabinetry is common
Our showroom displays demonstrate how U-shaped kitchens can feel open and luxurious when designed correctly.
Galley Kitchens: Smart and Space-Efficient
A galley kitchen features two parallel walls with a central walkway. While compact, this layout remains one of the most efficient designs for cooking.
Why galley kitchens still make sense:
Highly efficient work triangle
Lower renovation costs
Minimal wasted space
Easy to modernize with new cabinets and lighting
Best for:
Smaller homes, condos, and townhomes
Older South Bay properties
Homeowners prioritizing function over footprint
Seeing a galley kitchen in person helps homeowners understand how lighting, finishes, and cabinetry can prevent it from feeling narrow.
Single-Wall Kitchens: Clean and Minimal
A single-wall kitchen places all cabinets and appliances along one wall, creating a streamlined and modern look.
Advantages of single-wall kitchens:
Ideal for tight or open-concept spaces
Clean, minimalist aesthetic
Lower construction complexity
Works well with dining or living areas
Best for:
Condos and lofts
ADUs and smaller homes
Open floor plans where the kitchen blends into the living space
Our showroom includes single-wall layouts that showcase how storage and functionality can still be maximized with smart design.
G-Shaped Kitchens: Storage Without Sacrificing Space
A G-shape kitchen is similar to a U-shape but includes a partial fourth wall or peninsula, offering additional counter space and seating.
Why homeowners choose G-shaped kitchens:
More storage than a U-shape
Defined zones for cooking and seating
Excellent for families
Great balance between openness and function
Best for:
Larger kitchens
Homes needing extra storage and seating
Remodels where walls remain but space is optimized
Walking through a G-shaped kitchen display helps homeowners understand how the peninsula affects traffic flow and openness.
Island Kitchens: Function Meets Gathering Space
A kitchen island isn’t a standalone layout, but an enhancement commonly paired with L-shape, U-shape, or G-shape kitchens.
Benefits of adding an island:
Additional prep and storage space
Seating for casual dining
Visual centerpiece of the kitchen
Improves workflow for multiple cooks
Best for:
Medium to large kitchens
Entertaining households
Open-concept South Bay homes
Visit our Lomita showroom Our showroom features multiple island configurations so clients can compare sizes, seating options, and work zones in real life. Check out our Portfolio page for full kitchen transformations, and design inspiration straight from our showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Do kitchen layout changes require permits?
Often, yes. Layout changes may involve:
Relocating plumbing or gas lines
Electrical upgrades
Removing or modifying walls
Structural adjustments
As a licensed and insured general contractor, South Bay Design Center manages all necessary permits and inspections for kitchen renovations in Torrance, Palos Verdes, and surrounding South Bay cities.
2- Why visit the South Bay Design Center showroom?
Photos are helpful—but nothing compares to walking through real kitchens.
In our Lomita showroom, you can:
Experience different kitchen layouts side by side
See how layouts affect movement and storage
Compare cabinet styles, finishes, and appliances
Make confident design decisions before construction begins
This hands-on approach helps homeowners choose a layout that truly fits their lifestyle.
South Bay Design Center is open to public Monday through Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
1- Which kitchen layout is best for small spaces?
Galley and single-wall kitchens are often best for small spaces. L-shaped kitchens can also work well if the room allows for an open corner.
2- Can SBDC redesign my current layout?
Yes. We specialize in redesigning existing kitchens and improving layout efficiency while aligning with your home’s structure and your lifestyle. Schedule your free consultation today.
3- Do layout changes require permits in South Bay cities?
Many layout changes do require permits, especially when plumbing, electrical, or structural elements are involved.