The L Shaped layout appears much more open, however we suggest moving the dining table further down towards the living room.

Does it feel too crowded in the living room section if table is in the middle of the room?

I would go a U shape to give you more bench top space

Looks so much better this one

I agree with Cordony Designs, if you go with the L Shape design it would be best to move the dining table down towards the lounge. In your example you have a nice open design but it's been cluttered up with your dining table.

I would like to see a design with either a U Shape design, or the island bench moved in to the centre of the room.

Maybe there's a third option which is combining the 2 ideas by making a more square shaped island to the end of the L shape kitchen? The "loss" of cupboard space can be compensated by having shelving at the end of the square island?

This way, you can still sit four and still define the different zones and keeping the circulation space open?

wondering where the fridge and pantry fit in these designs

I would personal go with the gallery kitchen. As one of the below photos shows. However, depending on size, it maybe worth going for a rectangular island instead.

If you where to go with the L shaped kitchen, perhaps consider moving the dinning table towards the living room. I would also consider having a diagonal oven and cooktop. This would allow for full sized worktops and provide much more space. Similar to the photos attached.

Good luck! :D

Definitely a version of the galley. Would hate to have to prep and cook with my back to the dining and living areas.

Thank you all for the comments!! It's really helpful!

After few days of thinking and rethinking, plus doing experiments in the space, I think we will go with this:

I am aware that this leaves us with small kitchen, but more then anything I hate being in a space with too much heavy stuff. For two of us, plus extra couple here and there I think it could be enough if we avoid single purpose appliances.

If we feel that we really do need more kitchen space, I will move table to center and add another line of elements (galley kitchen).

If i could make a small suggestion, dedicate a small top to bottom (floor to ceiling) shelving unit, or pull out pantry against that corner wall to hide your appliances. When you work with a smaller kitchen and space is a premium, it will work to be able to hide away things you don't want to clutter up your space.

Shelving above will usually hold dishes, and below will typically be pots and pans. But being able to hide your toaster, utensils and the messy bottles of oil and salt and pepper as you cook will make the space feel bigger.

Kerri, thanks, you have a point there. I will now, probably, sound crazy :) but I like the aesthetics of lower elements under slope, expanding dramatically (with chimney & roof) in the middle. That is why I am trying to avoid upper/high elements...but I will definitely let that possibility open.

Make sure you post pictures of the finished product daneejela!