L-shaped kitchen designs are one of the most popular and practical layouts for many homes. This versatile design provides ample countertop space and allows for efficient workflow, while still feeling open and connected to adjoining rooms. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of L-shaped kitchens and provide best practices for layout, storage, appliances, and styling. With the right approach, an L-shaped kitchen can be highly functional, visually appealing, and customized to suit your needs.
What is an L-Shaped Kitchen?
An L-shaped kitchen refers to a layout where the cabinets and countertops turn at a 90 degree angle, forming the shape of the letter “L”. Typically, this design positions the sink and cooking area along one wall, then turns the corner to continue the counters and cabinetry along the adjoining wall.
This efficient design maximizes work triangle efficiency so the refrigerator, stove, and sink are within steps of each other. It also allows room for an eat-in dining area or breakfast bar at the corner. L-shaped kitchens can be as simple or complex in size as your space allows. They work well in medium to large kitchens, but modified L-layouts can also work in small spaces.
Advantages of an L-Shaped Kitchen
- Optimal work triangle flow: The L-shape allows for an efficient work triangle, with the most important workstations directly accessible. This makes cooking tasks faster and easier.
- Additional counter space: By using two adjacent walls, you gain counter space and cabinets on two sides, which is especially helpful for storage.
- Flexible traffic flow: The L-shape opens up room for people to move easily from one side to the other. Multiple entry points prevent bottlenecks.
- Open to adjoining rooms: This layout keeps the kitchen connected to nearby spaces like dining and family rooms, so the cook can interact.
- Island potential: L-shaped designs often have room to incorporate a kitchen island, which adds seating, storage, and style.
- Customizable: L-shapes can be modified in numerous ways to best fit your space and needs. The size, storage, materials, and styling options are very flexible.
Disadvantages of an L-Shaped Kitchen
- Not as open concept as some other layouts
- Limited accessibility compared to a U-shaped or G-shaped kitchen
- Can feel closed off from rest of home if not well-connected
- Longer walking distances between some stations (ex: pantry to stove)
- Limited wall space for appliances, decor compared to galley kitchens
L-Shaped Kitchen Layout Best Practices
When designing an L-shaped kitchen, proper planning and layout will help you maximize function and aesthetic appeal. Keep these tips in mind:
Optimize the Work Triangle
The work triangle, or the distance between the main kitchen work zones of refrigerator, sink, and stove, should be streamlined. Ideally, the three areas form a triangle measuring 4 to 9 feet per side. This allows the chef to efficiently pivot between stations.
Incorporate Appealing Transitions
Use the corner where the two legs meet to add attractive transitions like a raised bar area, open shelving, glass cabinets, or a bench seat wrapping around the corner. This draws the eye.
Use the Long Leg for Storage
Take advantage of the longer counter run and fill it with cabinets, drawers, pantries, and other storage solutions. Place appliances on the short side.
Allow for Multiple Work Zones
Divide the longer leg into different task areas like food prep and cleaning zones. Leave at least 42 inches between counters for traffic flow.
Add Seating at the Corner
An L-shaped kitchen presents a perfect opportunity to add banquette seating, bar stools, or a table at the corner junction of the two counters.
Consider Appliance Garages
Use specialty pull-out cabinetry or appliance garages to tuck small appliances off the counters but still make them accessible. This streamlines the look.
Incorporate Lighting Layers
Include task lighting, decorative pendants, under-cabinet lighting, and ample natural light through windows to keep the L-layout feeling bright and open.
L-Shaped Kitchen Island Ideas
One appealing aspect of an L-shaped kitchen is the potential for adding an island. An island provides extra prep space, storage, seating, and style. Consider these island ideas:
- Prep island – Opt for a narrow, rectangular island for food prep. Include a sink, paper towel holder, and outlets.
- Dining island – Use a wider island topped with counter stools for morning coffee and casual meals.
- Entertainment island – Center your island around conversation with bar stools and an overhang for drinking.
- Baking station – Design the island specifically for baking with supply storage, wide countertops, and a raised eating ledge.
- Double islands – If you have an extra-large L-kitchen, consider incorporating two separate islands for prep and dining.
- Mobile islands – Add casters to your island to move it easily for flexible function on demand. Great for small spaces!
- Curved island – A rounded or oval island adds beautiful contrast to the straight lines of an L-shaped kitchen.
L-Shaped Kitchen Storage Solutions
It’s important to incorporate storage solutions that maximize every inch of an L-shaped kitchen’s unique footprint. Consider these options tailored to L-layouts:
- Full-height pantry cabinetry
- Deep drawers for pots, pans, and lids
- Pull-out vertical storage for spices and dry goods
- Corner lazy susans to access blind cabinet spots
- Built-in bench seating with storage below
- angled custom cabinets that fit into unused corners
- Appliance garages to tuck small appliances out of sight
- Drawer divider organizers for utensils and cutlery
- Under-sink roll-out trays for hidden storage
- Tall cabinetry that extends to the ceiling
- Wall-mounted pot racks and hanging utensil racks
- Open shelving for pretty display of accents
Place everyday cooking essentials in the cabinets closest to the appliances where they will be used to optimize workflow. Use the longer counter run for less-accessed items like fine dishware, table linens, and serving platters.
L-Shaped Kitchen Appliance Layout
The appliance layout of an L-shaped kitchen often positions the range and hood on the short side, with the sink centered on the longer leg. However, you can customize this to your workflow.
- For serious cooks, allow ample counter frontage on both sides of the stove.
- Leave 15-18 inches of landing area on either side of the refrigerator.
- Include a microwave near the breakfast bar for quick access.
- Place the dishwasher on the leg closest to the dining table for easy unloading.
- Incorporate small appliances like a toaster oven or instant pot into pull-out cabinetry near the prep zone.
- Allow for garbage/recycling integration on the prep leg near the sink.
- Include outlets where you need them, spaced every 2-3 feet along the counter tops.
If possible, avoid placing the sink or stove in the corner of the L. This makes them harder to access. Floating kitchen islands are great for adding more appliances like a second sink or drink fridge in an L-kitchen.
Styling an L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped kitchen offers the chance to get creative with colors, materials, and decor elements. Here are some chic and clever ways to style this layout:
- Open shelving with pretty dishware displays
- Floating shelves mounted vertically on the corner
- Hanging plants above the sink or bar area
- Chalkboard paint or removable wallpaper to personalize
- Colorful or patterned tile backsplash
- Rustic, earthy finishes like stone or brick
- Paint the cabinets a crisp shade like navy, green, or gray
- Contrastingcountertops like white quartz paired with dark cabinetry
- Unique hardware like black knobs and copper pulls
- Corner banquette breakfast nook with charming cushions
- Curved end cabinets for a softer linear look
- Glass doors on corner cabinets to `display collectibles
- Pendant lights over the breakfast bar or island
- Textured rug under the dining table to delineate the spaces
L-Shaped Kitchen Bar Ideas
The corner where the two legs meet provides the perfect place to add counter seating in an L-shaped kitchen. Bar stools instantly make the space feel more social and connected. Some bar ideas include:
Corner Banquette
Bench seating tucked into the corner makes for cozy meals. Add plush cushions and throw pillows for comfort. Consider storage drawers built right into the base.
Floating Shelves
Mount open, floating shelves on the corner upper walls to display glassware and bar essentials with rustic charm. Stylish and functional!
Wine Fridge
Bring the wine bar home with an under-counter wine fridge installed right into the corner. Keep your reds and whites at the ideal temperature.
Drink Fridge
For the ultimate convenience, install a drink fridge to store bottled beverages, juices, mixers, and soda. Perfect for families and entertainers.
Glassware on Display
Illuminated glass cabinets allow you to beautifully exhibit glassware or decorative dish collections in the corner. Double as accent lighting.
Statement Pendants
Make the corner seating area pop with eye-catching pendant lights. Go for drum shapes, colorful glass, vintage filament bulbs, or modern metals.
Charging Station
Integrate outlets right into the bar area so guests can conveniently charge phones and devices while they sit. Useful and hospitable for parties!
L-Shaped Kitchen Layout Variations
While most L-shaped kitchens adhere to the standard two-walled corner design, some variations can add extra function and aesthetic appeal. Consider these modified L-layout options:
L-Shaped Kitchen with Peninsula
Adding a peninsula or half-wall island is great for more seating and divides the kitchen from living areas.
L-Shaped Kitchen with Walk-Through Pantry
Use the length of the leg to create a walk-through pantry for organized storage from the fridge to prep zone.
Broken L-Shaped Kitchen
Gaps or openings along the legs provide a more open and connected feel or even room for built-in furniture.
Double L-Shaped Kitchen
In larger spaces, implement two L-shaped stations facing each other for multiple cooks. Great for households that entertain.
Compact L-Shaped Kitchen
For small spaces, limit it to just the corner and short leg, omitting the long side. Keep it cozy yet functional.
L-Shaped Kitchen Remodel Ideas
Remodeling an existing L-shaped kitchen? Look for these opportunities to upgrade function and style:
- Knock down walls for a more open floor plan
- Install a kitchen island with seating
- Add new modern appliances like double ovens or induction cooktops
- Replace dated cabinets with sleek customized cabinets
- Change out dull laminate counters for quartz, marble, or granite
- Opt for easy-clean porcelain or wood-look tile flooring
- Update old recessed lighting to trendy pendant lamps
- Incorporate smart home tech like WiFi-connected faucets
- Integrate energy-efficient fixtures like LED under-cabinet lighting
- Freshen up the walls with crisp white paint or lively wallpaper
- Swap out a dated backsplash for on-trend subway tiles or hexagons
Even small L-kitchen updates like new hardware or light fixtures can make a big visual impact. Focus on improvements that will enhance convenience and enjoyment of the space.
L-Shaped Kitchen Frequently Asked Questions
What size should an L-shaped kitchen be?
The ideal size is around 15-20 feet along each leg. Very small legs under 8 feet will limit function. Extra-large L’s over 25 feet may have excessive walking distances between stations.
How much cabinetry do I need for an L-shaped kitchen?
Plan for at least 12-16 linear feet of base cabinets and 9-12 feet of wall cabinets to provide sufficient storage. Exact needs vary based on kitchen size and family.
What works better – upper or lower cabinets in the corner?
Lower cabinets are better for storage access. Upper corner cabinets are visually appealing but often become “dead zones” with items stuffed in the back that you forget about!
How wide should an L-shaped kitchen island be?
For dining, allow at least 36-42 inches for comfortable seating. For a prep island, 24-30 inches works well. Anything wider than 48 inches will restrict traffic flow.
Should I close off or open up the corner in an L-kitchen?
This depends on your priorities! Closing it off with full-height cabinetry provides storage, while keeping it open maintains an airy, connected feel.
Maximizing Your L-Shaped Kitchen
L-shaped kitchen designs have enduring popularity because they simply work. This efficient, flexible layout can be customized to suit cooks’ needs and transform to match changing lifestyles. Following the recommendations in this guide will help you create an L-shaped kitchen that both functional and beautiful.
Take time to design a space optimized for your cooking style and storage needs. Choose surfaces and materials that are durable and easy-care. Include lighting and seating to make day-to-day kitchen tasks more enjoyable. Add character through personal touches like artwork or greenery. Most importantly, embrace the versatile L-configuration to cook, gather, and create memories for years to come.