Your day most likely starts with a cup of coffee made in the kitchen and ends with a quick midnight snack right before bed. You deserve to start and end every day in a peaceful and convenient space. However, the kitchen almost always involves activities that are exhaustive and hazardous. Therefore, unlike any other room in a home, the kitchen requires plenty of attention to detail when it is designed. So, you have to choose the best one from the many types of kitchen out there.
There are different types of kitchen layouts for different homes and spaces. And there are those that differ based on construction. We have covered them all in this guide. Read on to find out which one is best for you.
Based on the Type of Kitchen Layout
#1: Straight Kitchen

A straight kitchen or a one-wall kitchen has a single counter with one set of wall and base cabinets. It is linear and runs along the wall of the kitchen. The most important aspect to keep in mind is the golden triangle of a kitchen.
The hob/stove is at an equal distance from the fridge and sink, making it the most convenient layout for an easy cooking process. Lastly, we recommend not having a counter over 12 to 15 feet as it might make moving around a bit tiresome.
Great for:
Small and studio homes as they have the most space-efficient design.
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#2: L-shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is the most common layout found in Indian homes. With ample counter space for many hands working in a cooking session, this layout is sure to derive the most productivity from it. This layout has very clear work zones. The hob, fridge and sink are in close proximity to each other. It ensures that you don’t have to walk too much between zones.
Great for:
Large families with multiple people cooking and a small kitchen space.
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#3: Parallel or Galley Kitchens

When there is ample space, a parallel kitchen can turn out to be an extremely productive layout. With two counters and two sets of cabinets, these kitchen types can have multiple work zones. Besides, the hob, fridge and sink are in an ideal golden kitchen triangle making it an extremely convenient cooking process.
Great for:
A nuclear family with a medium-sized kitchen.
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#4: U-shaped Kitchens

For more counter space, go one step further from a parallel kitchen and opt for a U-shaped kitchen. Moreover, this layout is ideal for large amounts of storage with three sets of base cabinets and two or more wall cabinets. This layout works best for individual work zones. Giving the fridge, stove and sink a counter space for each zone.
Great for:
Joint families with a medium-large kitchen
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#5: Island Kitchens

A kitchen island is a trending element that can be added to any layout. This multipurpose counter can serve as a prep zone, a breakfast counter or even a cook zone. We suggest getting an island counter only if there is enough space for movement.
Great for:
Families with kids and a large kitchen with plenty of space
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#6: Peninsula or Breakfast Counters Kitchens

A favourite among our Livspace homeowners is the breakfast counters. A breakfast counter is an island attached to a wall thus giving the kitchen extra counter space while adding seating to it. This layout is an example of the ideal golden triangle, where the hob is in the middle with the sink and fridge on either side. Furthermore, making it a convenient and spacious cooking area. Another way to style it up is to add a bar cabinet and some lighting to make it into a breakfast cum bar counter.
Great for:
Small families and ideal for both spacious and minimal kitchen space
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Kitchen Layout | Area | Family Type |
Straight | Small | Small |
L-shaped | Small/Medium | Large |
Parallel | Medium | Small |
U-shaped | Medium/Large | Large |
Island | Large | Small (with kids) |
Peninsula | Small/Medium/Large | Small |
Based on the Type of Kitchen Construction
#1: Modular Kitchen

A modern home with a kitchen is almost always modular. A modular kitchen is completely dismantlable and is made up of modules of cabinets. Therefore, this kitchen is ideal for homeowners who move around and would like to carry their kitchen with them.
The neat construction and layout of a modular kitchen give it a sleek look. Consequently, these high-quality factory-made kitchens can break the bank. They are also high maintenance and require a considerable amount of effort to clean.
Great for
High budget homes that require a completely new kitchen
#2: Carpenter-made Kitchen

A carpenter-made kitchen is completely built from scratch by locally available carpenters. Subsequently, it is not dismantlable and the countertop is always fixed to the kitchen. A civil kitchen can be customised at every step, unlike a modular kitchen. However, quality and finish is always a concern since it is handwork.
Great for:
Low budget renovations
How can Livspace help you?
We hope you found our guide on the types of kitchen useful. Whatever kitchen layout you choose, Livspace can help you build it. Book a consultation with our expert designers. With safety as our top priority, we deliver quality interiors. You can learn more about our COVID-19 safety standards here.
Take our 9 Questions to Help Design Your Kitchen quiz to get started.
Send in your comments & suggestions at editor@livspace.com
