In the olden days, there were variations in kitchen and cooking styles based on the different regions of India. For example, in North India, cooking was carried out in a Clay-Oven, popularly known as Chulha. Wood, dry cow dung, and coal were the indigenous natural fuel used to fire the Clay-Oven.

The advancements to date have drastically changed the kitchen and cooking styles of most Indians, from Gas to Electric Stoves, to the introduction of Microwaves and Ovens, Biogas and Solar Energy as fuel, and the unfolding of the Modular-Kitchen concept. Mostly, residents of the Middle and Higher-Income classes have followed these advancements. Though the Lower-Income class group yet practices older forms of kitchen styles, some have already started adopting the modern ways.

This article briefly explains the modern types of Kitchen layouts.

4 Types of Kitchen Layouts

It is a classic and ergonomic Kitchen-type. The setup is long and narrow, with cabinets and appliances compactly set and an aisle of the same length. Preferable for small and medium-sized kitchens.

There are two types of Galley Kitchens:

• One Row (Single Wall)
• Two Rows (Parallel)

Advantages

• Less space occupancy and more functionality as all the elements are placed clustered together.
• The least amount of floorings, fittings, gadgets, and cabinets required, substantially saving your costs.
• Smoother traffic flow.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable when all the walls are enclosed, which makes one feel confined.
• It tends to be narrow in size, which leaves limited movement and storage.
• Lack of kitchen-work triangle in the case of Single Wall Kitchen.
• It has a lower resale and social value unless it's an open kitchen.

2. L-Shaped Kitchen

As the name suggests, this layout uses two adjacent walls resembling the letter L to efficiently organize the fixtures and services, making functionality even better. Preferable for small and medium-sized kitchens, unless you add an island or a peninsula, it will require a larger space.

There are 5 Types of L-Shaped Kitchens:

• Regular L-Shaped.
• Double L-Shaped
• L-Shaped Kitchen with an Island
• L-Shape Kitchen with a Peninsula (almost resembles a U-Shaped Kitchen)
• Broken L-Shaped (almost resembles a broken U-Shaped Kitchen)

Advantages

• Better synchronization with the Work Triangle which eases the traffic movement between the fridge, oven/cooktop, and sinks.
• Unlike Galley, the placement of each zone of the L-Shaped kitchen is separated, which makes work more comfortable.
• It provides more space as it requires the two walls to be adjacent.
• The broken L-shaped layout provides a buffer space for miscellaneous storage or activity.

Disadvantages

• Though the layout is optimal for small houses/kitchens, it lacks scope for extra space and storage.
• The intersectional corner of the layout wouldn't be ideal for storing any item as accessing them would be difficult.
• The regular L-Shaped isn't suitable for larger kitchen spaces, except if one opts for an island or peninsula alongside them.

3. U-Shaped Kitchen

It is one of the most popular Kitchen Layouts among homebuyers looking for a larger kitchen and maximum functionality. As the name suggests, this type of kitchen occupies three adjacent walls with all the services, forming the letter U. Preferable for medium-sized kitchens, unless you add an island, it will require a larger space.

There are 2 Types of U-Shaped Kitchens:

• Regular U-Shaped
• U-Shaped with an Island

Advantages

• It accommodates more people or cooks without compromising the traffic movement, making it family-friendly.
• One can substitute a row of the layout for a peninsula to save space and money on an island.
• Designated rows and cabinets for a specific work area increase functionality and comfort.

Disadvantages

• Only suitable for homebuyers with a high budget and medium to large kitchens.
• Working in a large U-shaped layout can be inefficient and exhausting.
• Lack of ventilation can make one feel enclosed unless it's an open kitchen or more ventilation facilities are incorporated.
• The problem of corner cabinets in the U-Shape layout doubles as this layout has two intersectional corners.

4. G-shaped Kitchen

G-Shaped is a U-Shaped Kitchen with a Peninsula attached to it, forming the letter G. It is best when one wants to maximize the use of the Kitchen to the fullest and increase storage and workspace. Preferable for large-sized kitchens only.

There are 2 Types of U-Shaped Kitchens:

• Regular G-Shaped.
• Broken G-Shaped

Advantages

• With the peninsula, G-Shape benefits you with the most storage and work space.
• It provides better flexibility and access to all corners of the kitchen.
• As the peninsula is attached to the existing layout, an island is needless at the center.

Disadvantages

• Best when you have a lot of appliances, cutlery, and food to store. Otherwise, given the amount of space and storage it provides, it is needless when it lacks utilization.
• The access to the G-Shaped Kitchen is narrower than that of Two Rows Galley U-Shaped Kitchens. Traffic is affected if, at a time more than two people or cooks maneuver in and out.
• Planning and executing a complicated Kitchen layout like G-Shaped requires critical thinking and analysis. Neither you want it simple, nor do you want it overstuffed. Also, do not forget the ventilation!

Kitchen add-ons - Island and Peninsula

An Island is a freestanding installation at the center or corner of the kitchen for additional storage, kitchen activities, or dining purposes. A Peninsula is similar to an island but is attached to the existing layout, creating an extension.

Islands v/s Peninsulas

Both are popular classic add-ons among homebuyers and those who look to revamp their kitchen. Here are certain features to know the difference and to help you decide the best in case you wish to integrate the add-on.

• Compared to Peninsulas, an Island occupies more space as it is a freestanding platform. It creates obstructions to the work triangle if placed at the center. Lastly, the installation is quite costly.
• Compared to Islands, a Peninsula is the least versatile in terms of being designed. The traffic movement is not smooth as accessing a peninsula is a task.