The versatile U-shape plan.

The U-Shape Plan

This efficient, versatile plan usually puts one workstation on each of three walls.

Pros: Storage and counter space on three sides maximize efficiency, and the dead-end floor plan ensures that traffic doesn't interrupt the work triangle.

Cons: This isn't the best plan for entertaining or for accommodating multiple cooks, however.

Other considerations: An 8 x 8-foot space is the minimum needed for a U-shape kitchen; anything less won't provide the minimum 4 feet of work space recommended for the center of the room.

For maximum efficiency in a large kitchen, locate one workstation in a freestanding island.