An L-shaped layout can be a good option for a kitchen, and it works particularly well in a small space, as the design allows one wall to be kept free from impinging worktops.
There are some challenges, though. Having only two walls to accommodate worktops, storage and appliances can limit your choices, and the layout might cause you to turn your back on guests.
With a little design know-how, however, these can all be overcome, so check out these rooms to see how to make the most of your L-shaped space.
J Foster Architects
Plan your layout precisely
As you only have two walls to work with in an L-shaped kitchen, think carefully about where you put your storage. It makes sense to locate the oven and hob along the run where you’re going to place your wall units, as it will give the cook easy access to ingredients and tableware.
Try to site this cooking area on the longer run, as it will allow more room for both storage and preparation.
HA Architecture
Add an island…
An L-shaped design works well in an open-plan room, as it will fit neatly into a corner and allow people to move around the space easily. However, you could find it a little unsociable, as you’re forced to turn your back on guests while preparing food.
If you have room, consider incorporating an island into your design. Even a small unit like this one will add a sociable feel to the kitchen, and bring in an extra work surface and more storage – a win-win.
Matt Scully Design
…or a peninsula
Alternatively, add an additional surface in an open-plan space in the form of a peninsula. It doesn’t have to be huge – a simple high table like this one is ideal for tucking some stools under, and takes up less visual space than a run of units.
The kitchen still feels open, but the owners benefit from an additional work area and handy dining zone.
11 kitchens where a peninsula beats an island
Burgess Architects
Maximise your corner storage
The L-shaped layout of your kitchen is, of course, going to create a corner, but there are ways to use every inch, both above and below the worktop.
Here, for example, the designers have utilised the corner of the worksurface by building some shallow shelving up the wall. The worktop continues right to the back edge, but the shelves create a nook where the owners can store their breakfast-making equipment.
Hobsons Choice
It’s a good idea to include easy-access storage below the worktop, too.
There are numerous fittings for corner base units that pull out or rotate. A carousel like this one, for example, is a useful option, as you can stack items around the curved shelves, then swivel the mechanism to grab them.
APE Architecture and Design Ltd.
Squeeze in a table
If space is tight, an L-shaped layout could still allow you to pop in a dining zone. The empty third wall can be ideal for holding a table that folds down when not in use.
This wall-hung breakfast bar has plenty of room for eating, while leaving enough space to move around. Alternatively, a drop-leaf table would offer more surface space, but pack up to the footprint of a console table.
If people are likely to be moving through the kitchen, choose a curved design for your breakfast bar to avoid sharp corners.
Studio Mônty
Don’t interrupt a run
Wondering where to put a tall fridge? The trick to using your space wisely is to create as much unbroken prep space as possible. With only two walls to play with in an L-shaped kitchen, it’s important not to break up the worktop with any tall units, so position your fridge or larder at the end.
Here, the cooking area consists of a worksurface and hob, which provides plenty of space for food prep. The fridge is placed at the end, while the sink is on the other side, creating a practical work triangle.
Franke UK Ltd
Slot in extra shelving
If you’re finding there’s a lack of storage space in your two-wall layout, it pays to think laterally. In this kitchen, the designers have added some extra storage in the form of shelves at the end of the base cabinets.
See if you can utilise the end of your units by adding a few shelves – even shallow ledges or simple hooks could be useful.
Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens
Look up
Could you fit any storage into otherwise dead space? Here, the area to the side of the window is too narrow for a wall unit, but the owners have fitted in a handy plate rack, which can take a fair amount of crockery without blocking any light.
It also provides a useful way to dry the plates above the draining area, and forms a symmetrical layout with the shelves opposite.
Dish-drying racks that don’t clutter or hog countertop space
Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens
In addition, a pot hanger suspended from the ceiling is good way to make use of unused space. This one is positioned just above the cooker to provide a very useful place to stash pans and utensils.
TELL US
Do you have an L-shaped kitchen? How have you made the most of the space? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments section.
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