Choosing the right modular kitchen layout for your home
L-shaped, parallel, or island — how kitchen shape and traffic flow should actually drive your layout decision, not trend photos.
Most modular kitchen regrets trace back to one decision: picking a layout because it looked good in a photo, not because it fit the room's traffic flow.
L-shaped layouts work best for small-to-mid kitchens with one clear "wet zone" wall — sink and hob on adjacent arms keep the work triangle tight.
Parallel (galley) layouts suit narrow kitchens (under 8ft wide) where two people rarely need to pass each other at once — a common regret in real installs.
Island layouts need at least 42 inches of clearance on every side of the island to stay usable, not just photogenic — measure before you commit.
Talk to a verified modular kitchen fitter about your room's actual dimensions before choosing a layout off a mood board.