There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes time for a kitchen renovation. The kitchen is a popular hub in a home—not only as a place where a family and friends gather to eat but also where last-minute school projects are finished up on the kitchen table or kids sit at the counter and talk about their day.

The kitchen of the past was a place where one person prepared food to be served elsewhere, but many modern kitchens have a great deal more space in their design for other uses. Ultimately, the decision is yours: How do you want your kitchen space used?

The following five kitchen renovation ideas will help you decide.

1. L-Shaped

The L shape is a great choice for small or medium-sized kitchens because it uses the smaller space best by maximizing on the corner areas. The typical L-shaped kitchen features counter tops along two adjoining, perpendicular walls. The counters join in one corner, creating the shape of an “L.”

This design is a great option if you have a smaller kitchen area and you want to keep heavy traffic out. Constant traffic just isn’t possible in this design. It will, however, cut the kitchen off from being a social hub. Keep that in mind.

2. Galley

Galley kitchens are perfect for narrow, smaller kitchen spaces. They’re often put into areas that only have room for one or two cooks. This layout has two opposite, parallel walls and counter spaces with a walkway between them.

This is a great way to save space and create more room for storage without having to move around a lot. In today’s world of open kitchen layouts, you don’t see many galley kitchens, but this design has its uses and is still implemented in homes.

3. Island

A kitchen island is a very popular choice for many kitchen renovations. If you have the space for it, an island can create a point in the kitchen where families and friends can gather. It can also function as a food preparation area.

An island can work well in many different sizes and types of kitchens. That means your kitchen will need to have the space to accommodate it, but if it can, an island will make a great addition.

4. Two Islands

If you’re approaching a kitchen renovation and you know you have massive amounts of space to use, a two-island kitchen could be a viable option. There are a lot of ways you can divide their uses, such as:

  • One island for food preparation and one for eating
  • One island for the kids to play on and one for cooking

5. Peninsula or Horseshoe

A peninsula styled kitchen—also often known as a horseshoe shape—includes an island that is attached to the rest of the kitchen. Often this design leaves the aerial view of the kitchen appearing much like a horseshoe.

This layout works best if you want to incorporate an island to eat on or work at but lack the space to build one in the middle of the room. It could work well, for example, to enhance an L-shaped kitchen.

Kitchen Layouts and Cabinet Corner

Whatever decision you make while considering your own personal kitchen renovation ideas, don’t forget to take stock of your kitchen cabinets. If you find you’re in need of new ones, take a look at Cabinet Corner options. Our RTA cabinets make the perfect addition to any kitchen.