Despite what you may think, a bigger kitchen is not always a better one.

It’s just a matter of planning a layout that optimizes the square footage available.

Galley Kitchen

Agalley kitchenis simply two single-wall kitchen layouts running parallel to each other.

Lulie Wallace L-Shaped Kitchen

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper

The fourth wall is typically a peninsula, ideal for barstool seating.

Designing a kitchen layout depends on your workflow and the space available.

Jen and Grant Humphrey Oklahoma One Wall Kitchen with Island

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Jessica Thuston Galley Kitchen Layout

Credit: Annie Schlechter; Styling: Anne Turner Carroll

Lindsey Ellis Beatty U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

G-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Credit: YinYang/Getty Images