“Kitchen by Kitchen” is a design philosophy that treats the kitchen as a collection of interchangeable functional modules rather than a fixed, one-piece installation. This modular approach has revolutionised how homeowners think about kitchen spaces—especially in dense urban environments where flexibility is paramount. By breaking down the traditional kitchen into independent components, kitchen by kitchen design empowers you to adapt your space as your needs change, without ripping everything out and starting over.

The “Kitchen by Kitchen” Concept: Modular Thinking in Practice

At its core, kitchen by kitchen means designing a kitchen using pre-engineered modules that can be mixed, matched, and reconfigured. Instead of a single integrated unit, the kitchen becomes a system of functional building blocks—cooking modules, storage modules, cleaning modules, and preparation modules—each capable of standing alone or combining with others.

• Standardised dimensions make kitchen by kitchen designs easier to plan and install. Common module widths such as 300 mm, 450 mm, 600 mm, and 900 mm mean you can reconfigure layouts by swapping units rather than cutting and rebuilding.
• Future-proofing is baked into the kitchen by kitchen approach. As technology evolves—induction cooktops replace gas, smart refrigerators become standard—you can replace outdated modules with newer ones while keeping the rest of your kitchen intact.
• For small spaces, modular kitchen by kitchen designs can convert restricted areas into functional culinary environments. Through clever planning and space optimisation, modular systems counteract cramped conditions and bring a sense of spaciousness .

Understanding kitchen by kitchen is essential for anyone planning a renovation in a compact apartment. The principles of modular design have been proven across thousands of successful installations worldwide.

“Kitchen by Kitchen” Layout Options for Every Space

Different kitchens require different configurations. The kitchen by kitchen philosophy supports all major layout types, each suited to specific spatial constraints.

• Single-wall (one-wall) kitchen by kitchen arrangements place all modules along a single wall. This is the most space-efficient option for narrow galley kitchens or studio apartments.
• L-shaped kitchen by kitchen layouts use two adjacent walls, creating a natural corner for efficient workflow. L-shaped designs improve flow in compact footprints and open one side to the living area—ideal for small open-plan homes .
• U-shaped kitchen by kitchen configurations use three walls, offering the most storage and counter space. This layout works best in dedicated kitchen rooms where space is not shared with living areas.
• Galley (parallel) kitchen by kitchen designs place two rows of modules facing each other. This layout accommodates multiple users and allows for additional dining or prep areas. Mixed-depth modules on each side improve circulation .

Each layout represents a different way of applying kitchen by kitchen principles. The best choice depends on your room‘s proportions and how many people typically use the kitchen at once.

“Kitchen by Kitchen” Storage Modules and Organisation

Storage is where kitchen by kitchen design truly shines. Instead of generic cabinets, modular systems offer purpose-built storage solutions for every category of kitchen item.

• Full-height pantry modules with pull-out trays keep spices and dry goods accessible without clutter. This is a classic application of kitchen by kitchen thinking—a dedicated pantry module that can be added, removed, or repositioned as needed.
• Slim pull-out units of 150-200 mm width create micro-zones for oils, baking trays, and spices. These narrow base units are particularly valuable for kitchen by kitchen designs in small apartments.
• Appliance modules integrate large cooking appliances into high cabinets, clearing valuable worktop space. The kitchen by kitchen approach allows you to mix open shelving with closed storage, handleless fronts for clean lines, and push-to-open mechanisms for effortless access [14†L19-L24].

Mix approximately 70% closed storage with 30% open niches for character. This balance keeps the kitchen feeling calm and usable while avoiding the sterile look of fully concealed storage.

The “Kitchen by Kitchen” Advantage in Small Spaces

Modular kitchens are particularly well-suited to tight urban apartments. Small spaces demand sharper thinking, and kitchen by kitchen systems deliver exactly that.

• Glass backsplashes and strategic lighting make modular kitchens feel larger. Low-iron back-painted glass enhances light bounce and expands sightlines. Combined with LED strips under wall units, the space looks bigger and cooking feels calmer .
• Handleless, push-to-open fronts reduce visual interruptions and stress. Continuous lines visually expand a kitchen by kitchen layout in small spaces, reducing visual noise and making the room feel more spacious.
• L-shaped kitchen by kitchen layouts often deliver the best balance of counter space and circulation. In one documented Hong Kong project, shaving 10 cm off cabinet depth on the window side still gained prep space while maintaining efficiency.

The kitchen by kitchen philosophy proves that spatial limits are not a punishment—they are a nudge toward smarter plans, lighter finishes, and better-integrated storage.

Real “Kitchen by Kitchen” Installations

erste has embraced the kitchen by kitchen approach across our residential portfolio. Every project is designed as a modular system tailored to the client‘s specific cooking habits and storage needs. See our kitchen by kitchen case studies: https://www.erste.com.hk/our-work/

Interested in a modular kitchen by kitchen solution for your home? Reach out to unsere design team: https://www.erste.com.hk/contact/