This week at Kitchen Design Centre, we’re continuing our series on the most popular kitchen shapes, and giving you ideas to make your kitchen work for you. Today it is the turn of the useful and adaptable U shaped kitchens.
As you might expect, U shaped kitchens have three sides, allowing for maximum work space and storage! It is a versatile and open kitchen shape, and can suit rooms of most sizes. U shaped kitchens frequently include a peninsula- an extension from an existing counter or wall, giving you even more space to work with.
This shape of kitchen is ideal for serious cooks! There’s no through traffic, so it’s easier to not be disturbed while you work. Lots of counter space means you can divide the kitchen into separate work areas, too.
It’s important to remember that with all that space, you still need to have an efficient work triangle – the space between your refrigerator, stove and sink. At Kitchen Design Centre our experts can make sure your kitchen design really works for you. Why not book a FREE home design visit with us to see what we could do with your space?
U shaped kitchens can have lots of cupboard storage at both floor and wall level. It’s worth noting that corner cupboards can sometimes be deep and difficult to reach into, making your essential kitchen equipment hard to get at; one solution is to use pull-out wire drawers, which will ensure smaller items don’t get lost.
One thing with U shaped kitchens is the potential to feel “boxed-in”, if you have wall cupboards on all three sides. To give your kitchen a sense of being more open-plan, why not go with a functional peninsula? This will ensure your kitchen work space feels less restrictive. You can also use clever design elements such as high gloss units and quality stainless steel kitchen appliances to reflect light and give a feel of spaciousness.
If you have a large room, U shaped kitchens mean you can keep everything within easy reach, and gives you lots of storage options. If the room is large enough, a U shaped kitchen can work well with an island too! Take a look at our portfolio of beautiful customer kitchens for some ideas to inspire you.
Having more counter space can mean scope for a breakfast or dining area, a place for the kids to study, or for you to sit and read the paper. This shape of kitchen lends itself well to family mealtimes: if you have enough room, you can also add a dining table in the centre of your U shaped kitchen.
We’re confident that homeowners can find their inspiration at Kitchen Design Centre. We’ve got tonnes of experience creating kitchens in all kinds of spaces. Book a free kitchen design visit and talk to our talented team! We’re in easy reach for people across the North West, with three fabulously appointed kitchen showrooms in Manchester, Blackburn and Colne.
Our Summer Sale is officially ON! ✨
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. From timeless designs to modern family spaces, now is the perfect opportunity to save on the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Visit our showroom or link in bio to get in touch to find out more.
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Kitchen Design Centre is proud to feature on George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds which features Katherine and Andrew’s Manchester build this Thursday 11 June , 8pm, CH4
We can’t wait to watch it!
Book A Free Design Appointment
