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Kitchens

Choosing a modular kitchen layout: L, U, parallel or island

The shape of your kitchen decides how far you walk, where you prep and how many people can cook at once. Here is how the four common layouts compare.

Ivory island kitchen

The layout is the first decision in any modular kitchen, and the hardest one to change later. It sets how far you walk between the hob, the sink and the fridge, how much counter you have for prep, and whether two people can cook without bumping into each other.

L-shaped

Cabinets run along two walls that meet in a corner. It suits most 2 and 3 BHK kitchens because it leaves the rest of the room open. Use the corner for a carousel or a blind-corner pull-out so it does not become dead space.

U-shaped

Three walls of cabinets give you the most storage and counter space. It works best when the room is at least about 2.4 m wide, so there is enough space to open drawers on opposite sides at the same time.

Parallel (galley)

Two straight runs face each other. It is the most efficient layout for narrow kitchens: cook on one side, wash and store on the other. Keep the walkway clear of tall units so the space does not feel like a corridor.

Island

An island adds a second work surface in the middle of the room, often with seating. It needs a larger open kitchen, plus planning for power points and, if the hob goes on the island, a ceiling chimney.

Questions to ask before you choose

  • Where do the water inlet, drain and gas line sit today, and can they move?
  • How many people cook at the same time?
  • Do you need a separate utility or wet area for heavy cooking?
  • Which appliances (oven, microwave, dishwasher, water purifier) need a fixed place?

Your designer measures the room during the first visit and shows the options in 3D, so you can compare layouts before anything is made.

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