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Types of kitchen and design ideas

Reading Time: 4 minutes | Article from 11.8.2026

There is an array of kitchen styles, but we can also make a distinction between the different types and shapes of kitchen. Here, we tell you what they’re call and the different advantages they offer.

Kitchen types

From compact kitchenettes to spacious open-plan kitchens, there are many ways to design your kitchen. The right choice depends on your space, your cooking habits and how you want to use the room. Whether you prefer a cosy kitchen with a dining area or a separate fitted kitchen, each style offers different possibilities for creating a kitchen that suits your home and everyday life.

Modern kitchen corner unit with a white sink on a red cabinet. Utensils, a coffee cup and food can be seen on the worktop.

Small kitchen

A single household doesn’t have the same requirements for a kitchen as a family. The cooking facilities often have to be built into a small room. A kitchenette is very popular choice in this case. The aim is to make optimum use of the space. The same applies to the galley kitchen. Only the essentials are accommodated in this type of mini kitchen. There is no worktop.

More about small kitchens

A modern kitchen with marble island, wooden floor, dark-coloured cabinets, built-in oven and large window. The furnishings include a vase with flowers, kitchen utensils and a houseplant on the windowsill.

Open-plan and eat-in kitchens

Do you enjoy chatting with family or friends while you cook? That's no problem with an open-plan kitchen! The eat-in kitchen and the open-plan kitchen combine living, cooking and eating. If you value good company and conversation while cooking more than having your kitchen appliances and used cooking utensils hidden from view, the eat-in kitchen is a practical and modern kitchen solution.

More about open-plan kitchens

More kitchen types

Fitted kitchen

The classic kitchen

Kitchen shapes

Before you choose a new kitchen, it is also important to consider which kitchen shape is best suited to your space.

L-shaped kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen can be integrated into both a closed and an open-plan room. L-shaped kitchens are made up of two kitchen lines positioned at right angles to one another other. This is why they can also be called corner kitchens. This is the classic fitted kitchen, which can be implemented in almost any floor plan. It is available in many different designs. An L-shape is also suitable for an open-plan kitchen, where it becomes an elegant and easy way to divide the room. When planning your kitchen, also consider how to best use the corner areas.

Kitchenette

Do you want to modernise your kitchen but don't want to spend a fortune? Then a kitchenette fitted with appliances is an affordable alternative. It is also a good solution if you only have a small space available for the kitchen. A kitchenette including electrical appliances is also ideal for a first home, as the kitchen can be fully equipped even on a small budget. However, the room needs to lend itself to this. The kitchenette requires a long wall with sockets, power supply for the electric cooker, and connection to the water supply. Individual preferences can certainly be accommodated with this type of kitchen, but this can significantly increase the price.

Kitchen with a cooking island

A kitchen with a cooking island is a popular contemporary solution. The cooking island is frequently found in a kitchen combined with living room. It is usually positioned so that the chef can look towards the dining table when preparing food. An extractor hood is usually installed above the cooking island. Another option is to place the cooking island in front of a window. This can then be used for ventilation while cooking. Kitchens with cooking islands fit into both L-shaped and U-shaped layouts, and in G-shaped kitchens. They can be accessed from all sides, offering great freedom of movement in the kitchen and fostering a sense of togetherness.

U-shaped kitchen

Do you have a large room in which to create your kitchen? Then a U-shaped kitchen may be the right option for you. This is ideal for square rooms and large kitchens. U-shaped kitchens are modern and offer plenty of storage space. The kitchen modules can have different lengths and shapes: short legs, long legs, or asymmetrical legs, one side free-standing in the room or all cabinet sides against one wall. It also depends on the layout of the room in question. It is important leave enough space between the individual modules (at least two metres) so that you can move around the kitchen easily.

A Siluet kitchen sink in a bright, spacious kitchen in a maisonette flat

A Subway Style Shower solid stainless-steel kitchen tap in a black kitchen with shelves and sink.

A Finera Square kitchen tap on a grey kitchen island in a bright kitchen with grey kitchen units

A modern kitchen with two white kitchen sinks, built-in kitchen cabinets and counter with stools.

More individuality

Kitchen products from Villeroy & Boch

You can achieve greater individuality in your dream kitchen courtesy of the wide collection of kitchen essentials available from Villeroy & Boch. The beautifully designed kitchen taps, ceramic sinks, and other accessories are remarkably versatile so will fit perfectly with your other kitchen equipment.