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The average kitchen remodel ranges from about $12,500 to $35,000. The actual amount you'll spend depends on your location, your appliances, and the finishes you choose.

One of the biggest impacts on a renovation budget is the kitchen layout. If you need to move a wall or build an island, it will add to your budget.

The real question is, how do you decide which kitchen layout is right for your home?

The first step is to learn what your options are. Read on to learn about some of the most common layouts so you can decide how to make your kitchen work for you.

Galley Kitchen

A common feature in older homes and apartments, the galley kitchen is a good layout for those working with minimal space. This design features kitchen cabinets and appliances on two walls that run parallel to one another.

With a galley kitchen, you'll get plenty of storage and workspace but they can feel a bit closed in. If you don't mind a cozy kitchen and you have a small family, a galley kitchen might work for you.

This layout also features one walkway that goes the length of the kitchen. You can use this to your advantage to create a clear path between the living room and the backyard. Just keep in mind that heavy traffic through the kitchen can feel chaotic when someone's cooking.

One-Wall Kitchen

Think of the one-wall kitchen as a one-sided galley kitchen. It has all of the cabinets and appliances on one wall. In some cases, you'll even find the sink on this wall.

While the one-wall kitchen is a popular layout in studio apartments and very small homes, you can also adapt the concept for larger spaces. To add more workspace, consider adding a large island that runs parallel to the wall. Many homeowners choose to install the sink in the island.

The one-wall kitchen with an island is a great choice if you're working with an awkward layout. It can also save you money in your renovation budget. Since the appliances are all on the same wall, your kitchen footprint is smaller which can save money.

Peninsula Layout

The peninsula layout has become a popular choice in recent years. Rather than a large freestanding island in the middle of the kitchen, the peninsula layout gives you the feeling of an island with more connected workspace. That's because the island connects to the wall.

It's a nice option for homeowners who like an open concept but don't have room for a full island. You can also use one side of the peninsula as a bar table. This comes in handy when you're entertaining.

While the peninsula layout is most common in corner kitchens, you can use it in more spacious kitchens too.

L-Shaped Kitchen

If you're looking for a more open concept kitchen that's perfect for entertaining, consider an L-shaped kitchen. This layout has a similar feel to a peninsula kitchen with a bit more space to move around.

An L-shaped kitchen has cabinets and appliances on two perpendicular walls. They usually have an island in the middle of the room, but not always.

L-shaped kitchens offer more storage than a peninsula kitchen and more flexible space than a galley kitchen. That's what makes this such a popular layout in mid-sized homes.

U-Shaped Layout

If you're really looking to make a big impression, you can't go wrong with a U-shaped kitchen layout. Unlike an L-shaped kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen has three walls of cabinets instead of two. This is an ideal layout for those with large families and lots of kitchen appliances.

It will offer plenty of space for eating, cooking, and prepping. This is a dream kitchen if you love to cook and entertain large groups of friends and family.

While it's not always a part of the layout, many homeowners decide to add a large island in the center. It creates usable workspace, storage space, and eating space in the center of the room. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you might also have room for a large dining table.

If your kitchen isn't large enough for an island, you can include a peninsula in a U-shaped layout. It will add some visual interest as well as more usable counter space.

Island Kitchen

If your home's layout doesn't quite fit any of the above plans, you can always turn to an island kitchen. While the rest of the kitchen can look many different ways, this design always features an island.

If you have a galley kitchen with a very wide walkway in the center, consider adding an island for extra workspace. Even if you're starting from scratch with a new floor plan, you should think about adding an island if space allows.

Keep in mind that an island should be at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. If you're not sure if there's room for one, talk it over with your contractor.

You can also decide if you want to use your island for food prep, cleanup, cooking, or eating. This will help you decide where to install your sink, dishwasher, and cooktop. Many homeowners use one side for active cooking or cleanup and the other side for eating.

What's Your Dream Kitchen Layout?

Deciding your kitchen layout is one of the most important steps in your renovation. It will decide the flow and usability of your kitchen. It's also one of the most difficult parts to change, so make sure you choose what's right for your needs.

If you're ready to take the plunge and build your dream kitchen, we can help. At Cabinet Wholesalers, we offer full contracting and design services as well as custom cabinets.