L-shaped kitchen ideas – for a space that is practical, concise and effortlessly stylishTamara Kellyon January 13, 2021 at 3:50 pm
Choosing the right layout is key to making your kitchen space work. It may look fantastic but if it fails to function as a workspace, it’s a huge disappointment – not mention an expensive mistake. Therefore it requiress careful consideration. An L shaped kitchen layout offers lots of flexibility without feeling too enclosed.
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L-shaped kitchen ideas
When deciding on a layout for your kitchen your choices are to a great extent dictated by the shape and size of your room, but that doesn’t mean you have to be restricted when it comes to design. Whether the space is large or small an L-shape layout works with both contemporary and traditional cabinetry, and the form is flexible enough to adapt to structural needs, such as sloping ceilings or large windows.
Paying attention to sight lines, traffic flow and entry and exit points at the planning stage is paramount. One of the most popular kitchen layouts, the L-shaped kitchen is great for multipurpose spaces, neatly keeping the work zone restricted to one area and the rest of the space free.
How do you arrange an L shaped kitchen?
Ergonomics applied to kitchen layouts focuses on creating a smooth, intuitive passage through the space – as well as the most efficient and comfortable cooking environment. Worktops and cabinets are positioned to effortlessly suit the physicality of the user and the job in hand, with sinks and appliances are located to encourage logical movement between tasks. For smart kitchen storage, ensure provisions and utensils are stored where they’re most frequently used.
1. Store vertically
Image credit: Veronica Rodriquez
L-shaped kitchens are efficient at making the best use of space. Take the design ethos one step further by using the entire wall to fashion clever storage solutions, from floor-to-ceiling. Working with the dominant wall, the one without a window in this case, stylish kitchen cabinets are used above a tiled splashback. The statement storage spans the entire width of the wall and reaches to the ceiling to ensure every inch of space is utilised. To add another smart vertical storage element, in this kitchen the chefs knives are stored along a wall-mounted magnetic strip.
2. Balance the L-shape with a window
Image credit: Barbara Bazso
It’s the most practical way to use an L-shape and the most popular. By running one side of the L under a window you help to balance the other side which houses the cooker, cooker hood and cabinets. By incorporating the window into the design you help to give equal purpose to the far wall, using the view beyond to make a statement. Take the look further by adding a patterned blind to add interest. In this hearty white kitchen the generous window needs little else to grab attention. ensuring balance is restored.
3. Double the L-shape potential
Image credit: Robert Sanderson
If space is no issue you could opt for a layout that cleverly incorporates two L shapes. A bit like the premise of a classic video game, use the kitchen units to fit together perfectly to make the best use of floor space. The main L-shape counter can be a base for the kitchen appliances and amenities, while a smaller L shapes fits within the space to house a built-in dining bench area. Using the L shape to fashion a separate zone helps to create a sociable dining area that feels disconnected just enough from the main cooking space.
4. Embrace an L shape for an open-plan layout
Image credit: Robert Sanderson
It goes without saying, if you have an open-plan kitchen and living area you only really have two walls on which to consider for the kitchen. Capitalise on a far-side corner to keep the kitchen restricted, allowing the living area to benefit from the windows and other architectural details. The kitchen takes up valuable wall space which means you therefore can’t sacrifice any walls with design details already in place. Keep sinks and appliance to one end to ensure they are at the furthest distance from the living area also.
5. Make the most of a small kitchen space
Image credit: Lizzie Orme
In a small kitchen an L shape is ideal as it concentrates all storage and appliances into two sides of the room, leaving the others free and open, so making the overall space seem bigger. Keep the colours on the lighter side so it doesn’t appear too cramped. A mixture of cabinets and drawers makes housing pans, pots and general paraphernalia a breeze, while Kilner jars display pretty condiments and dried food to perfection.
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6. Open up your scheme
Image credit: David Giles
This L-shaped kitchen makes excellent use of space. It is easy to work in since the work triangle can be easily established. Open shelving prevents a small kitchen from looking too busy, while banks of cabinets look stunning in a large kitchen as well as providing an abundance of storage. A table and chairs fits neatly into the kitchen, while still zoning it off from the rest of the room. Whatever the size of your kitchen, the beauty of the L-shaped layout lies in its simplicity and flexibility, the ease with which it can be adapted to suit practical requirements and different design tastes.
7. Utilise colour and pattern
Image credit: Lizzie Orme
Don’t be afraid to use darker colours and patterns in your kitchen. Deep colours are warming so often work well in larger kitchens. Inject refined rustic style into your kitchen with painted wooden cabinetry. In a traditional space, use painted wood to co-ordinate kitchen cabinets with walls and architectural features; in a contemporary scheme, to soften the sharp edges of minimalist design. Go for a mid to deep grey shade, like this one, as it oozes easy elegance and sophistication.
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8. Incorporate an island
Image credit: Fiona Walker-Arnott
Where space isn’t an issue an L-shape with a central island unit provides informal dining space for the family or a place to chat with friends over coffee. Keep the cooking and kitchen chores tightly together in an L and let the rest of a large room be given over to family life. Add personality and character with quirky signage and curios.
9. Consider cabinetry
Image credit: Lizzie Orme
Lack of size does not have to mean lack of style. This compact l-shape kitchen with hi-gloss units creates wow factor in a small space with its sleek stainless steel appliances and an acrylic splashback in bright pink. Kitchen splashbacks are a perfect example of how kitchen planning and interior design have become intertwined. A simple Corian worktop complements the look.
10. Keep kitchens family friendly
Image credit: Colin Poole
Give your kitchen over to family life. Fitting your cabinetry, worktops and storage into an L shape leaves the remainder of your kitchen free for you to express yourself. Here optimum use of space on two sides of the room allows for an uncluttered look opposite, enhancing the feeling of space. The look of a layout has become a major factor in an open plan scheme; you need to think more carefully about the design and aesthetic of the kitchen as it will always be on view.
11. Work storage into a corner
Image credit: Lizzie Orme
Give a wood-effect kitchen an edge with statement accessories. Here this rustic country scheme is brought to life with contemporary tiling. The choice of light and dark tiles, which work to separate the cooking and prep zones, provides a stark, modern contrast to the more traditional cabinet design. If your kitchen is verging on the small side, consider installing wall-hung shelves into the corner of the room.
Open shelves are a practical and stylish solution in any kitchen. Display china and glassware, so that they are easily accessible. Try running a fixed rail below the bottom shelf to hold utensils with hooks for saucepans.
What is an L shaped kitchen with an island?
‘For those working with an open-plan space, this style of kitchen works exceptionally well,’explains Paul Bangs, category director for kitchens at Wickes. ‘The addition of an island can provide an extra preparation and seating area, whilst becoming a focal point for the room. Likewise, this style of kitchen works well for those who entertain often or have families as they offer plenty of space.’
Where should a fridge be in an L-shaped kitchen
With any kitchen design the placement of the fridge has to inline with the design triangle of use – the journey between fridge, sink and oven. But given the shape of an L this will mean the fridge is best placed at either end of the workstations, because it’s the starting point of the journey. If freestanding the fridge is best placed at the very end of the L shape, so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of workspace. if the fridge is integrated below countertop level there’s more freedom for placing it closer to the sink.
Prefer a different layout? Read: Create the perfect U-shaped kitchen
What are you waiting for? Get planning your perfect L-shaped kitchen.
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