The best kitchen layout for your Calgary home depends on the space: galley and L-shapes suit smaller or narrow kitchens, U-shapes maximize storage and counter space, and open-concept island layouts work well when you're removing walls for flow. Most full kitchen renovations in Calgary land between $80,000 and $150,000 as a fixed-price quote, with appliances a separate purchase you make and we install. Jonathan Edwards is involved on every project, with one point of contact so there are no surprises.
Your Layout Is the Foundation of Everything
The cabinets, counters, and finishes get all the attention, but the layout is what makes your kitchen actually work. Here’s how the major layouts compare for Calgary homes.
L-Shape Kitchen
Two walls of cabinets in an L. The most common layout in Calgary because it fits in almost any home and leaves room for an island.
Pros
- Flexible — fits most spaces
- Allows for an island
- Open feel
- Good work triangle
Cons
- Corner cabinets can be awkward
- Less counter space than U-shape
U-Shape Kitchen
Three walls of cabinets. Maximum storage and counter space. Great for cooks.
Pros
- Tons of storage and counter space
- Excellent work triangle
- Everything within reach
Cons
- Can feel closed-in
- Two corner cabinets to deal with
- Harder to fit an island
Galley Kitchen
Two parallel walls of cabinets with a walkway between. Common in Calgary townhouses and older bungalows.
Pros
- Efficient for one cook
- Great work triangle
- No wasted corners
Cons
- Can feel cramped
- Hard for two cooks
- Usually not open-concept
Single-Wall Kitchen
All cabinets on one wall. Common in Calgary condos and basement suites.
Pros
- Minimal footprint
- Modern look
- Lowest cost
Cons
- Limited counter space
- Long walks between zones
Island Kitchen
An L-shape or single-wall with a freestanding island. The most popular choice for Calgary renovations right now.
Pros
- Social — people gather around it
- Extra prep, storage, and seating
- Defines the space in open concept
Cons
- Needs a minimum of 12’x14′ kitchen
- Adds cost
Open Concept Kitchen
Walls removed to connect kitchen with living/dining. Standard in new Calgary builds and most renovations we do.
Pros
- Social and bright
- Feels huge
- Modern aesthetic
Cons
- Cooking smells travel
- Kitchen is always on display
- Structural work if removing load-bearing walls
Which Layout Suits Your Home?
| Home Type | Best Layout |
|---|---|
| Calgary bungalow | L-shape with island or open concept |
| Two-storey (1990s-2010s) | L-shape with island |
| Townhouse/condo | Galley or single-wall |
| Estate home | U-shape with double island |
| Basement suite | Single-wall or small galley |
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⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.
Layout Change Costs in Calgary
- Keeping existing layout: No added cost
- Relocating sink or stove: $800-$2,500 (plumbing/gas/electrical)
- Removing non-load-bearing wall: $1,500-$3,500
- Removing load-bearing wall: $6,000-$15,000 (beam, engineering, permit)
- Full layout reconfiguration: $15,000-$40,000+
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Frequently asked questions
The classic work triangle — sink, stove, fridge — is easiest to achieve in U-shape and L-shape layouts, which is why they remain the most efficient and popular in Calgary homes.
A small kitchen typically runs $50,000-$80,000, a full mid-range kitchen $80,000-$150,000, and a large open-concept or luxury kitchen $150,000-$250,000+. Your fixed-price quote will vary based on your selections and square footage, and appliances are a separate purchase.
Yes — if the wall is load-bearing, you'll need a building permit and often a structural engineer's involvement, both of which we manage as part of your renovation.
It depends on clearances — you generally want about a metre of walkway around an island. We'll assess your space and tell you honestly whether an island or a peninsula works better.
Related reading: How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Calgary? (2026 Update) · Kitchen Renovation Before and After: Calgary Transformation Stories · Kitchen Cabinet Paint: Should You Paint Your Calgary Cabinets?