Philadelphia has an impressive stock of rowhomes, and each one is different. So, how do you figure out the best kitchen layout for your city townhouse? After designing hundreds of kitchens in Philly’s rowhomes, our interior design team has discovered creative solutions to the problems that often are found in this urban home type.
Philly Rowhome Layout Issues
Lack of light, especially at the center of the home
Essential flow from front to back
Noise control between spaces
Below, we review eight common styles of Philly rowhome and explain the best kitchen layout for each.
Galley Kitchen / Street Facing
This wide galley kitchen is functional for multiple cooks. See more of this kitchen here.
We start at the front of the house. Historically, kitchens were not placed here, but it’s not unusual to find today. After considering multiple layouts, including a peninsula version, the homeowners of this rowhome in East Passyunk decided to prioritize light, views, and flow with an open galley kitchen. They also decided to open a passthrough to the front hallway to add light and connection while maintaining privacy. Original pocket doors were restored for additional privacy and noise control.
L Shape Kitchen with Island / Street Facing
A front facing kitchen greets guests with ample space and seating.
Also street facing, this open plan L shape kitchen is just off the front entry door, making sight lines a priority. Upon entry, the range and island are prominent, and a theme of cooking and conversation greets guests. The sink area, which is typically messier, was placed behind the entrance for lower visibility. The island layout offers flow where guests move freely to the sink, refrigerator, the front entrance, and the rest of the home without crossing through the work space. Crisp White cabinets and quartz counters reflect light and window boxes outside offer privacy.
Single Wall Kitchen with Island / Rear Ell
Many rowhome kitchens are located in a rear addition with a setback on one side (rear ell). Usually this room comes with side facing windows that offer extra light, but views that are unappealing and lack privacy. In this South Philly home, an island layout maximizes workspace without blocking access to the rear garden. The single wall kitchen allows for larger appliances and drawers by avoiding bulky corner cabinets.
A custom steel and glass cabinet allows light to enter this kitchen while blocking a bad view.
To hide an ugly view and maximize natural light, we installed a custom steel cabinet over an alley facing window. Glass doors are partially frosted to hide small appliances.
U Shaped Kitchen / Rear Ell
Colorful cabinetry and tile create focal points in the U shaped kitchen. See more of this kitchen here.
In this Fairmount row home, the owners loved the natural light, but didn’t want their sink facing nosy neighbors. Here we took advantage of the outside wall to create a U shaped layout that maximises storage. We created focal points with tile and a cast iron fireback to make the windowless walls more desirable. At the side windows, glass shelves and cafe curtains offer privacy without blocking light.
Galley Kitchen with Passthrough / Rear Facing
A passthrough creates a vintage detail in this historic home. See more historic home ideas in our blog ‘10 Vintage Style kitchens in Historic Homes.’
Here in NW Philly, the Airlite style of rowhome dominates with its narrow rear kitchen. These small vintage kitchens often include entrances to the dining room, basement, and rear deck. At this Mount Airy rowhome, a galley layout utilizes a large windowsill for extra storage space. Locating the sink in a corner allows the user to enjoy the window and opens up central space for prepping and cooking.
Peninsula Kitchen / Rear Facing
A peninsula kitchen layout offers connection and conversation between rooms. See more of this Chestnut Hill Shaker Modern Kitchen.
Similar to the previous home, this small kitchen in Chestnut Hill has limited workspace. Here, a doorway was widened to create a peninsula layout that enhances connection between the kitchen and dining room.
Open Concept Kitchen / 2nd Floor Parlor
Designer appliances are more valuable and beautiful in an open concept kitchen. See more of this Delancey Street project including the golden back bar.
This grand townhouse on famous Delancey Street has a rear parlor that was turned into a great room. An L shaped kitchen with an island matches family room built-ins flanking the hearth. Here, designer appliances offer a luxurious backdrop in a room that’s always visible. Using tall cabinetry in our Warm White paint color helps to keep the kitchen neutral and classic.
Back Kitchen / Rear Facing
Love green kitchens? See our favorite green kitchen design ideas.
Some rowhomes present quirky or awkward spaces like the small rear addition of this Queen Village home. Our clients loved the idea of creating a working kitchen with their fridge and (rarely used) range. Similar to a walk-in pantry, the back kitchen offers storage and open counters for small appliances. With these hard-working appliances tucked away, the front kitchen stays clean and ready for entertaining. Our designers used Oyster Green cabinetry to create a defined kitchen zone inside the larger space.
Weighing Your Kitchen Layout Options
Every home holds different challenges and every homeowner has different needs. After seeing these kitchen layouts, you are probably considering what layout will work best in your home. It’s important to address flow, light, views, privacy, and noise when deciding on your kitchen layout. Working with a professional kitchen designer will help you create long term enjoyment, utility, and resale value in your rowhome. If you’d like to schedule a visit with an Airy Kitchens designer, click below.