In C or U shaped kitchens, the counter top, overhead cabinets and base cabinets run around three adjacent walls. This kitchen gives the most efficient work triangle. Also called as the horse shoe kitchen, this layout ensures that users do not have to walk around a lot between cabinets and appliances. This kitchen can easily be converted into a peninsula kitchen by extending one end counter as another adjacent breakfast table or one land counter connected from one wall. To maximize storage conceal the microwave in a base or wall cabinat and store large cooking essentials in a corner swing.

The G shaped layout is a variation of the U shaped one, with a addition of a peninsula or a partial fourth wall which can be used for extra counter top and storage space. Do not get confused between islands and peninsula. A peninsula is nothing but an island attached to the wall which means it is not a stand alone block. Peninsulas can create a seating area. The only difference is that it does not allow much free movement as in an island kitchen.
One can turn the peninsula into a breakfast counter or a home bar.

The Parallel kitchen is the most efficient layout for a narrow space. It consists of work spaces on two opposing walls with a single traffic lane in between and it is also called a Galley kitchen. It provides a lot of counter space and storage options without having to deal with hard-to-reach corners. This layout is especially suitable for longer narrow kitchen. Placing the cook top on one side of the kitchen & refrigerator and sink on opposite wall allows for easy work flow. The ideal width for a galley kitchen is 7 to 12 feet and works particularly in a rectangular space. This kitchen has a possibility to convert into a Linear kitchen by removing one wall.

The Linear kitchen floor plan is ideal for smaller homes. The work triangle in this kitchen layout is less like a triangle and more of a work line with all three kitchen zones along one wall.
A savior when it comes to compact spaces, this kitchen occupies only one wall. Since everything needs to be accommodated in that space, it typically consists of a linear counter with cabinets. It is a good option for single users/bachelors and small nuclear families with limited requirements.