L Shaped Kitchen with Island

It’s no surprise that the L-shaped layout is one of the most popular residential layouts. The L-shaped kitchen layout can make a medium or small kitchen functional for a large family, no matter the size of the kitchen.

You can choose from a variety of layouts for an L-shaped kitchen. Our guide will show you how to design an L-shaped layout that is most efficient for your home.

You might want to replace your existing cabinetry if you are interested in remodeling your home in an L-shaped layout. Check out our wide selection of kitchen cabinets that are ready to assemble.

DESIGNING AN L-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUT

The L-shaped layout is a great way to maximize your space without sacrificing functionality. This ergonomic layout is made up of two adjacent walls of cabinetry or runs, which are often called the “legs” in the L.

The L-shaped layout is best for:

• Improves traffic flow thanks to their open-concept design
• offers a great deal of flexibility no matter the size of your room
• Promoting efficient workflows by dedicating food preparation, cooking, and cleaning stations
• Combine the kitchen, dining, and living spaces to make entertaining easy

The space between the sink, stove, and refrigerator in an L-shaped kitchen is also a great place to create a kitchen work triangle. Work triangles are a great way to plan your kitchen’s workspaces and traffic routes. For optimal kitchen efficiency, each leg of the triangular shape should be between 4 and 9.

When choosing where to place your appliances, you should consider the fact that most L-shaped designs have limited countertop space.

CLASSIC L-SHAPED KITCHEN

In the classic L-shaped layout, two adjacent legs of the countertop form a triangle, with one leg being longer than another. L-shaped kitchens are usually formed by two walls at an angle, with counters against each. The layout can be created with one countertop against the wall and the other countertop extending outward to create a peninsula.

DESIGN TIPS FOR CLASSIC L-SHAPED KITCHENS

L-shaped floor plans can be found in any style or size of home. But you can make this layout work for your space by using a few L-shaped kitchen tricks and ideas.

• Customize the triangle of work: The placement of the triangle of work in an L-shaped kitchen is a challenge. You will spend more time cooking if you put your sink, refrigerator, and stovetop at a distance. A small triangle can lead to a crowded and cramped workspace. If you are designing your layout, make sure that each side of the triangular shape measures between 4 and 9.
• Hide countertop appliances: If you choose an L-shaped design, there won’t be much space for counters. Install a small appliance storage garage for your coffee maker, toaster, or blender when they are not in use to maximize your workspace.
• Choose cabinets with a ceiling height: Maximize your storage space and make your kitchen look taller by using wall cabinets that reach the ceiling. Put your less-used items, such as serving ware for the season, on top shelves to make it easier to access your kitchenware below.
• Use all available cabinet space to organize your corner cabinets. Because L-shaped kitchens are smaller than other kitchen designs, it is important to maximize the space. Install a pull-out or carousel to make your corner cabinets more accessible.
• Create an illusion of a “U”: Connect your dining room to your kitchen with a U-shaped design and L-shaped banquette seats. Place two benches, or an L-shaped couch, next to your cabinetry end to create a “U.” Match the fabric of the dining table and cabinets to create a seamless look.
• Create cohesion in your workstations: By using the same countertops, cabinets, and hardware for both legs of an “L,” you will not only achieve a uniform look but also make the space appear larger because your eye isn’t drawn to one spot.

DOUBLE L-SHAPED KITCHEN

Double L-shaped Kitchen Design: The layout is a classic L shape with an L-shaped island opposite. The result is a rectangular layout with spaces for traffic. Double L-shaped layouts are best for large kitchens, which may require less open-concept design in order to maximize functionality.

DESIGN TIPS FOR DOUBLE L-SHAPED KITCHENS

A double L-shaped layout offers plenty of room for large prep areas and efficient workflows for multiple cooks. These tips will help you make this large kitchen layout work for your needs.

• Keep pathways wide: While you may be tempted by the idea of adding as much counter and storage space to your design as possible, don’t overlook traffic paths. Kitchen walkways need to be 42 inches wide or 48 inches for multiple cooks. Even a large, open kitchen can feel cramped if you don’t allow enough space between the L-shaped layout of your kitchen and the island.
• Install both primary and secondary illumination: In a double L-shaped layout, there will be multiple workstations on the opposite side of the kitchen. Use both primary and task lighting, such as recess lighting, to illuminate your large space. This will ensure that you can see what you are doing, whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or eating.
• Accentuate your island. Make the L-shaped island in your kitchen your main focal point. Add eye-catching pendant lighting, contrasting counters, statement bar chairs, or colorful patterned tile.
• Two-toned cabinetry is a great way to experiment with bold paint colors without overwhelming your design. Two-toned kitchen cabinets are one of the newest trends in kitchen design. They feature contrasting colors that add visual interest. Dark base cabinets and kitchen islands will ground the space. Keep your wall cabinets lighter to avoid the feeling of a closed-off room.
• Create more than one work triangle: Large kitchen layouts offer greater opportunities to create not just one but two triangles of work! Installing a second sink on your kitchen island will allow you to double the number of chefs that can work at once.
• Maximize Seating: For a large family, or if you love to entertain guests, you can create a bar that wraps around both legs of an L-shaped island.
• Add a stovetop to the island: Enjoy hibachi-style dining on a kitchen island. You can impress your family and friends by demonstrating your stirring skills and participating in the conversation as you cook.

L-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUT WITH ISLAND

A kitchen island can make an L-shaped layout more functional. This layout may not work well in large open kitchens. A kitchen island provides more counter and cabinet space as well as a seating area to enjoy quick meals or entertain guests.

L-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUT WITH ISLAND

DESIGN TIPS FOR L-SHAPED KITCHENS WITH ISLANDS

The kitchen island is one of the most versatile elements in your design. The possibilities are endless. Choose a bold color, select luxurious counters, and dress it up with barstools, pendant lights, or unique barstools. Here are some design tips for L-shaped islands and kitchens.

• Use color blocking to create a focal point for your kitchen island. Navy Blue and Sage Green are two colors that complement many color schemes.
• Create cozy bar seating: Add an extra bench on the back of your island to create a comfortable seating option. You’ll be able to separate the dining and cooking areas better because your guests will not be facing you.
• Create drama with waterfall counters: Sleek, stone waterfall countertops will make your kitchen stand out. A kitchen island that stands alone is the perfect place to display this feature.
• A rolling island cart allows you to be flexible. You can keep the open concept floor plan while gaining extra storage and prep space with a mobile kitchen island. These stationary island alternatives can be a good solution for smaller L-shaped kitchens and rental kitchens.
• Install Statement Lighting: The island isn’t your only option for zoning your breakfast bar. You can add personality to your kitchen with creative pendant lights such as vintage barn fixtures or Mid-Century style paper lanterns.
• Choose a bar-style table over an island. A large bar-style table will keep your layout open and spacious. If you do not need extra storage but still want a place to eat and entertain, this is the perfect solution.

BROKEN L-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUT

A broken L-shaped layout is an ideal choice if you have several pathways in your kitchen. The broken L-shaped design works to accommodate entry and exit ways by removing counters and cabinets and then adding them to adjacent walls. You can still have a work triangle that is well-spaced without disrupting traffic in your kitchen.

BROKEN L-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUT

DESIGN TIPS FOR BROKEN L-SHAPED KITCHEN LAYOUTS

When planning a kitchen with a broken L shape, there are several important design considerations. These broken L-shaped layout ideas will keep your kitchen stylish and functional.

• Keep your workstations as far away from the doors as possible: In broken L-shaped kitchens, there are multiple traffic flow paths. It’s important to keep food preparation and cooking stations at a distance from the doors as much as you can. It’s best to place your cooking and prep stations along the same wall so that you don’t need to worry about pots of boiling hot water or knives slipping into traffic.
• Add cabinets on one side of the “L” to emphasize the height of the entrance. You can also put your refrigerator up against this wall.
• Mix countertop materials. Use the “L’s” break to separate your workspaces with different countertop materials. Butcher blocks with stone, quartz and marble, and black-and-white stone will all work well together to add visual interest and contrast to any design.
• Create distinct workspaces: The broken “L” shape can be used to separate the workstations for food preparation, cleaning, and cooking. This is especially useful if there are multiple cooks working in your kitchen.

The pros and cons of L-shaped kitchens

An L-shaped layout is a great option for those who want to maximize a small or medium floor plan. However, it does have some drawbacks. What is the best layout for your kitchen? It depends on how much space you have, what you plan to do with it, and other factors. The pros and cons of L-shaped kitchens will help you choose the best layout.

PROS OF L-SHAPED KITCHENS

Due to their flexibility and functional layout, L-shaped kitchens have become a popular choice for kitchen designs. You can expect to receive the following benefits from an L-shaped kitchen design:

• An optimal open-concept layout
• Home value increases
• Workflows improved with separate prep, cooking, and cleaning areas
• Small L-shaped kitchens can benefit from more efficient workflows
• The addition of a kitchen island is a great idea

CONS OF L-SHAPED KITCHENS

You may want to choose a different layout if you have a large kitchen or you plan to work with multiple cooks at the same time. The following are some of the disadvantages of L-shaped layouts:

• Accessing corner storage can be difficult.
• In larger kitchens, large work triangles can be too far apart.
• Multiple cooks may not be able to use single traffic flow.