When planning a renovation, most homeowners obsess over colors and materials first. But if you ask any professional chef, they will tell you: Layout comes first.
A beautiful kitchen that is annoying to cook in is a failed renovation.
At Fatt Interior, we have measured thousands of homes in Seremban, KL, and Melaka. Whether you have a narrow terrace house or a compact condo, choosing the right layout is the key to a happy home.
This guide covers the Malaysian Wet/Dry concept and the 5 Standard Layouts you need to know.
🇲🇾 The Malaysian Rule: Wet vs. Dry Kitchens
Unlike Western homes that often have one large open kitchen, Malaysian cooking (sambal, curries, high-heat stir-fry) requires a strategic split.
1. The Wet Kitchen (The Workhorse)
This is a closed-off area, usually at the back of the house or in the yard extension.
- Purpose: Heavy cooking, frying, washing greasy pots.
- Must-Haves: Powerful hood (ducted out), durable countertops (Quartz/Tile), and large sinks.
- Best Layout: Galley (Parallel) for efficiency.
An example of a robust Wet Kitchen designed for heavy cooking.
2. The Dry Kitchen (The Pantry)
This is often part of the open-plan living/dining area.
- Purpose: Light breakfast, making coffee, cutting fruits, and serving guests.
- Must-Haves: Aesthetics (beautiful lighting), microwave/oven tower, and a fridge.
- Best Layout: L-Shape or Island for social interaction.
An aesthetic Dry Kitchen with an island, perfect for serving and light tasks.
Pro Tip: If you live in a small condo (under 900 sqft), you might not have space for two separate rooms. In this case, use a Glass Sliding Door to separate the stove area from the living room without blocking light.
📐 The "Golden Triangle" Rule
Before you pick a shape, understand the Golden Triangle. This is the invisible line connecting your three main work zones:
- The Stove (Cooking)
- The Sink (Cleaning/Prep)
- The Fridge (Storage)
The Rule: The path between these three points should be unobstructed. If your island blocks the path from the fridge to the sink, you will get frustrated every time you cook.
🛠️ The 5 Common Kitchen Layouts
1. The Galley (Parallel) Kitchen
Two rows of cabinets facing each other.
- Best For: Narrow Wet Kitchens in Terrace Houses (Seremban/Melaka).
- Why we love it: It is the most efficient layout for cooking. You turn around, and everything is within reach.
A classic Galley layout, maximizing efficiency in a narrow space.
2. The L-Shaped Kitchen
Cabinets run along two adjacent walls forming an 'L'.
- Best For: Open-plan Condos or connecting a Dry Kitchen to a dining area.
- Why we love it: It solves the "corner problem" and leaves plenty of space for a dining table in the center.
The L-Shape is the most versatile layout for condominiums.
3. The U-Shaped Kitchen
Three walls of cabinets.
- Best For: Large landed properties with a dedicated square kitchen room.
- Why we love it: Maximum storage. You will never run out of drawer space.
For maximum storage, the U-Shape is the king of layouts.
4. The Straight (I-Shape) Kitchen
All cabinets against a single wall.
- Best For: Studio apartments or very narrow hallways.
- Why we love it: It saves the most floor space, making the room feel larger.
The I-Shape is perfect for studios where floor space is premium.
5. The Island Kitchen
A standalone cabinet unit in the center of the room.
- Best For: Large Dry Kitchens.
- Why we love it: It becomes the social hub of the house. Great for kids doing homework while you bake.
- Warning: You need at least 1 meter (3-4 feet) of walking space around the island. If your kitchen is less than 12 feet wide, don't force an island—it will feel cramped.
The Island layout turns your kitchen into a social hub.
Factory Direct Advantage: Customizing Odd Corners
Standard IKEA-style cabinets come in fixed sizes (e.g., 60cm or 80cm blocks). If your wall is 235cm, you are left with a weird 5cm gap or a huge filler.
Because Fatt Interior builds everything in our own factory:
- We cut to the exact millimeter.
- We can build shallow cabinets (30cm depth) to fit tight condo walkways.
- We can create custom corner units to hide structural beams.
Ready to Plan Your Layout?
Don't just guess. Let us measure your space and propose a layout that fits your actual cooking habits.
Planning a full home makeover? Don't miss the big picture. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Custom Cabinets & Renovation in Seremban, KL & Melaka for a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process.
👉 WhatsApp us your floor plan for a free layout consultation!