When it comes to kitchen design, it seems as though anything goes right now, but there is a style that will always be in vogue, thanks to how timeless, practical and aesthetically pleasing it is. Ask any kitchen planner and they'll tell you that U-shaped kitchens offer the best of every world, as counter space is maximised, storage is a doddle and the finished look never fails to impress, but you might be thinking that your home simply won't be able to accommodate such an installation. You're wrong, as any size or shape of kitchen can be transformed into a U-shaped haven and today, we're going to prove that to you!
If you like a touch of tradition in your home, U-shaped kitchens can work for you! Just look at how timeless and elegant this all-wood installation is and it's even been managed in a small space! The white counter really makes the room feel bigger!
Speaking of elegant finishes, monochrome kitchens are really popular right now and we think you'll love this contrasting space! Just drink in all that preparation area and think about all the extra cabinet potential!
This large, open and wide U-shaped kitchen is fantastic for a number of reasons but the use of a marble worktop has really bolstered the design. So opulent and luxurious, this would be great in ANY home.
If you need a little more convincing as to why U-shaped kitchens are so practical, how about the fact that they give you an easy way to include a breakfast bar? Food prep and dining, all in one!
If eclectic or unique touches permeate your home, you might be thinking that a U-shaped kitchen is a bit too 'safe' for you, but wait just a minute! This amazing curved cut-out has totally changed up the feel of this space and offers extra floor space too!
U-shaped kitchens naturally have a lot of worktop space and if that sounds like an expense that you don't want to deal with, consider something like this example! Cast from concrete, this counter won't have cost the earth but still looks modern and interesting.
Here's something a bit different! A U-shaped kitchen that has a freestanding extra slice of space included! It's almost an O-shaped space! The black counters add a glossy and contemporary look too, which we always love.
We think U-shaped kitchens are pretty special already, but if you want to give them some extra pizazz, we just know you'll love this example! The use of glittering mosaic tiles has helped to make the U-shaped niche so much more glamorous.
Clean and unfussy, this fabulous kitchen is everything we love about the U-shaped design! We particularly like that the lion share of the worktop has been placed underneath a window, to offer good light and a pleasant outlook!
By adding a carefully placed island here, a false U-shape has been created and we love the ingenuity! With one wall needed for appliance housing, this was the only logical way to get access to more counter space and we love how social it feels, with all those chairs lined up!
Would you believe us if we told you that this whole kitchen was simply cast concrete? Well it is! It just goes to prove that you can really cut the costs and still get all the surface space you need. The central island really emphasises the U-shape as well!
Maybe this should be called a wonky U-shaped kitchen, but it's great, as it shows how adaptable this style of design in. Working with uneven and non-straight walls, your U-shaped installation simply adapts and still maximises how much worktop you have to play with. Clever stuff!
A little bit modern and a little bit traditional, this U-shaped kitchen is fully practical and we have a lot of admiration for it! The chunky worktops look amazing and as ever, there is a fantastically handy breakfast bar.
Do you love being surrounded by bright and vivacious colour? Then a bold U-shaped kitchen is definitely for you! We are obsessed with how luxurious and unique this space is and just look at all that surface area! So jealous!
Gorgeous, isn't it? With a large and open U-shaped design in place, there is so much scope for sociable elements, such as a 4-person breakfast bar here. The understated colour scheme of the cabinets and worktop really lend themselves to some funkier accent shades too! Wow!
For even more kitchen inspiration, take a look at this Ideabook: Ideas for an organised kitchen.