Best L Shape Kitchen Layout Ideas
When designing a kitchen for maximum functionality and style within a confined space, an L shape layout can be an excellent solution. The efficiency of the L configuration creates seamless workflow and space for meal preparation. With strategic appliance placement, smart storage solutions, and the right accents, an L shaped kitchen achieves both beauty and purpose.
An L shaped kitchen makes use of two adjoining walls - typically the longer space for cabinetry and countertops, with the shorter perpendicular wall housing appliances and the kitchen sink. While more limited in scope than U-shaped or G-shaped kitchens, an L shaped floorplan takes advantage of unused nooks. The layout accommodates foot traffic flow and allows multiple cooks to work simultaneously.
Optimizing the L Shape Kitchen Floor Plan
Several elements factor into designing an effective L shaped kitchen format. Available room dimensions and intended kitchen use dictate scale and component placement. Begin by marking plumbing locations on your floor plan, ensuring access. Next, map out work triangles that align appliances, sink and prep areas in close proximity for multitasking ease.
Allow for Ample Countertop Coverage
The length of an L shape kitchen's countertops directly impacts workflow. Generally, deeper countertops suit serious cooks. Commercial designers recommend at least 2 feet 3 inches of depth for meal preparation and serving. Shallower depths down to 1 foot accommodate quick tasks like chopping, blending or rolling dough.
Strategic Appliance Placement
Place major appliances along the longest wall section: refrigerator, stove/ovens and cabinetry. Situate the kitchen sink, cleansing dishwasher and smaller countertop appliances along the shorter joined wall. This layout limits excessive footsteps between cooking, cleaning and storage zones.
Incorporate Smart Cabinetry
L shaped kitchens truly benefit from smart base and wall cabinetry maximizing every inch. Optimize corner lazy susans, pull-out shelving, tilt-out trays and other specialty storage so contents stay visible. Glass door cabinets keep dishes, cookware and food staples accessible without rummaging. For a clean look, choose cabinets matching the wall color.
Island and Peninsula Perks
For additional prep space and casual dining, incorporate a kitchen island or peninsula. Islands make great conversational hubs when entertaining, with guests able to relax around all sides. Peninsula extensions offer a slimmer footprint, accessible from one side yet still handy for serving buffet style. Just allow proper clearance so cooks can navigate around them.
Peninsula Dimensions
Standard peninsula size ranges from about 5 to 7 feet long and 2 to 2 1/2 feet deep. Smaller L kitchens can likely accommodate a 4 foot peninsula without cramping room. Analogous to countertop heights, standard peninsula surface height falls between 35 to 37 inches. For extra seating, add an overhang or extend surface depth.
Ideal Island Size
Recommended minimum island size is approximately 6 x 3 feet--adequate for two to four barstools. This accommodates some meal prep too. For larger gatherings, increase width closer to 8 feet wide. Allow at least 3 to 4 foot clearance around island perimeter for safe foot traffic flow. Mini prep islands as small as 4 x 2 feet nestle nicely parallel to walls.
Creative L Kitchen Layout Ideas
Certain L kitchen layout subtleties make efficient use of available space. Here are some clever ideas to inspire your design.
Add Dishwasher Next to Sink
Situating the dishwasher directly adjacent to the sink minimizes steps between washing, rinsing and loading dishes. Kitchen design experts call this the "dirty kitchen zone". Arrange base cabinetry to accommodate this handy sequence for faster cleanup.
Microwave Near Cooking Surface
Mounting the microwave near stove or cooktop appliances keeps pace when heating sauces, melting butter or preparing baked potatoes. Just don't install directly above ranges where heat and steam may damage electronics.
Refrigerator Near Entryway Access
Locating the refrigerator near the kitchen entry point or in corned zones frequented during food prep makes for easy access. Just confirm measurements so doors fully open without blocking traffic. This same logic applies to spacious pantry cabinets storing staples.
Popular L Kitchen Styles
L shaped kitchen designs encompass contemporary, rustic and traditional decors. Open concept plans allow these spaces to blend seamlessly with dining and living areas. Here are some favorite kitchen aesthetics perfectly suited for L floorplans.
Farmhouse L Kitchens
Current farmhouse style sports vintage elements reminiscent of rural homes. Think painted or stained wood plank cabinets, butcher block countertops, apron front sinks and backsplashes mimicking subway tiles. For a modern twist, pair with stainless appliances and pendant lighting. Rustic wooden open shelving introduces charming display space.
Contemporary L Kitchen Decor
Contemporary schemes celebrate sleek lines with crisp cabinetry and minimal hardware for understated elegance. Mix metal finishes like brushed bronze with white for contrast. Edge countertops with an eclectic ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash. The latest touch control faucets and fingerprint resistant stainless appliances amp modernity.
Traditional L Kitchen Design
Traditional kitchen aesthetics highlight ornate styles passed down through generations. Expect raised cabinetry panels with crown decorative trim and inset doors. Marble, granite or quartz countertops make durable working surfaces able to handle rolling pins and stand mixers. Include a colorful backsplash tying history to present.
Budget L Kitchen Remodels
L shape kitchen layouts already conserve space compared to larger U-shaped designs. Applied on a budget, modest L kitchen remodels still yield big visual impact. Focus investment on surfaces subject to heaviest use, splurging on resilient countertops and backsplashes.
Quick Cabinet Updates
Rather than full cabinet replacement, consider refacing existing cabinet boxes or adding new facades and hardware for thriftier revamp. Repainting worn cabinets also refreshes for less. For white or black kitchens, glossy paint adds sheen and wipe-clean practicality great for active cooks.
Flooring and Lighting
Update aging vinyl flooring by installing latest luxury vinyl plank clicked floors resembling wood or tile at smaller price points. Swap outdated lighting fixtures for contemporary slimline LED lights. Nothing updates a kitchen faster than new fixtures and flooring.
Focal Points
Draw the eye to financial splurges like statement making range hoods or colorful glass tile backsplashes by choosing these key areas to invest design dollars. Similarly, a new apron front sink makes a huge focal impact without breaking entire kitchen remodel budget.
Avoiding L Kitchen Pitfalls
While L shape kitchen layouts promote efficiency, design missteps happen. Traffic congestion, inadequate lighting and poor storage access are common. When planning, consider how you utilize kitchen space. Identify potential trouble zones upfront so your layout alleviates instead of creates stress!
Watch Traffic Flow
Think through not just where you position appliances, but how you move between them. Locate high use zones like stoves, sinks and refrigerators conveniently in work triangles to minimize crossover collisions. Islands and peninsulas should allow ample perimeter clearance of 42+ inches for moving around them.
Overhead Lighting Shortfalls
Ceiling centered lighting often casts shadows limiting visibility for L kitchens wrapping around corners. Supplement overhead fixtures with abundant task lighting under cabinets and shelving so there are no dark spots hindering view. Islands benefit from pendant lamps allowing for safe navigation.
Maximize Storage Access
While L kitchen layouts may initially look spacious, storage always gets used over time. Evaluate cabinets based on easy access with corners and blind zones taking clever solutions. Install pull outs, lazy susans and other specialty organizers so rear cabinet spaces don't get neglected once items disappear from sight.