The five layouts
| Layout | Minimum size | Work triangle | Storage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight / single wall | 7 ft run | Compromised | Low | Studios, very narrow kitchens |
| Parallel (galley) | 7 × 8 ft | Excellent | High | Long narrow rooms — very efficient |
| L-shaped | 8 × 8 ft | Very good | Good | The default for most Indian flats |
| U-shaped | 9 × 9 ft | Excellent | Highest | Larger kitchens, serious cooks |
| Island | 12 × 12 ft+ | Good with planning | High | Open-plan homes only |
The work triangle, properly explained
Draw a line between your sink, your hob and your refrigerator. The three legs together should total roughly four to eight metres, with no single leg under 1.2 m, and no major household traffic should cross through the triangle. Too tight and you cannot work; too loose and you walk kilometres making dinner.
Design and build under one accountable roof
Indian-specific considerations
- Ventilation matters more. Indian cooking produces far more grease and steam — chimney sizing and duct routing are not afterthoughts.
- Plan for a utility zone. Washing machine, dish drying and bulk storage need a home, or they colonise the kitchen.
- Wet and dry separation. Many households prefer the sink and prep zone separated from the hob.
- Storage for bulk groceries. A tall unit for 10 kg bags is standard here and absent from most imported layouts.
- Pooja placement. Often specified relative to the kitchen; resolve it at layout stage, not later.
If the fridge door blocks the walkway when open, the layout is wrong regardless of how it looks on the plan.
Greenbox principal designer
Selected work by Greenbox Design Studio. Tap any image to enlarge.
Frequently asked questions
Which kitchen layout is best for Indian homes?+
L-shaped for most flats, because it fits typical room proportions and keeps a workable triangle. Parallel (galley) is more efficient where the room is long and narrow. U-shaped gives the most storage if you have 9 × 9 ft or more.
What is the minimum size for an island kitchen?+
About 12 × 12 ft, allowing at least 1 metre of clearance on all sides of the island. Below that the island obstructs the work triangle rather than supporting it, which is why islands rarely work in Mumbai apartments.
How much clearance is needed between two kitchen runs?+
At least 1.06 m (42 inches), and 1.2 m if two people cook simultaneously. Less than a metre and opening a dishwasher or base drawer blocks the walkway entirely.