Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: L-Shaped Kitchens
When designing an L-shaped kitchen, consider these tips and tricks to make the space functional and fabulous
There are plenty of reasons why an L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular layouts. Firstly, it offers ample benchtop and cabinet space, making it easy for two people to prep, cook and clean. Also, within the configuration, handy options, such as a floor-to-ceiling storage system, a breakfast bar or even a walk-in pantry, can be easily added. Most importantly, an L-shaped kitchen provides plenty of room to add a dining zone, making the space social, stylish and easy to use. Take a look at these lovely examples…
Rustic charm
Sometimes an L-shaped kitchen is more an accident than a design ploy. Here, the kitchen had to work around the original fireplace surround, so a freestanding cooktop and oven were a perfect fit. The large timber table is a centrepiece while the vintage items reveal the owner’s quirky passions. Despite the ramshackle feel, the kitchen is full of warmth and happiness – definitely the hub of the home.
Sometimes an L-shaped kitchen is more an accident than a design ploy. Here, the kitchen had to work around the original fireplace surround, so a freestanding cooktop and oven were a perfect fit. The large timber table is a centrepiece while the vintage items reveal the owner’s quirky passions. Despite the ramshackle feel, the kitchen is full of warmth and happiness – definitely the hub of the home.
To-die-for storage
If dinner parties and soirees are your forte, this L-shaped kitchen is a dream come true. Two storage units were introduced – the walk-in pantry in the corner and the small-appliance unit with frosted-glass doors – so that everything can be packed away when guests arrive. Another nifty idea is the addition of castor wheels to the two islands, so that the kitchen configuration can change to suit the occasion.
If dinner parties and soirees are your forte, this L-shaped kitchen is a dream come true. Two storage units were introduced – the walk-in pantry in the corner and the small-appliance unit with frosted-glass doors – so that everything can be packed away when guests arrive. Another nifty idea is the addition of castor wheels to the two islands, so that the kitchen configuration can change to suit the occasion.
Colour strips
Pops of colour add vibrancy to a white kitchen, and the mix of glossy stripes play with vertical and horizontal effects, demarcating the different zones of the L-shaped kitchen. While these colour bursts add real impact, stainless-steel elements also come into play. For an extra touch of fun, the tall, narrow chalkboard works as a visual exclamation mark.
Pops of colour add vibrancy to a white kitchen, and the mix of glossy stripes play with vertical and horizontal effects, demarcating the different zones of the L-shaped kitchen. While these colour bursts add real impact, stainless-steel elements also come into play. For an extra touch of fun, the tall, narrow chalkboard works as a visual exclamation mark.
Sculptural design
When it comes to functionality, most kitchens group together the different cooking appliances, but here, the stovetop and wall-mounted double ovens are adjoining. Perhaps it means that the two cooks don’t bump into each other when creating gastronomic feasts! The L-shaped kitchen, lined with Moroccan tiling and grey-box timbering, has an organic feel. The Victorian-based Auhaus Architecture drew inspiration from the property’s steeply sloping site and designed tapered, curving lines throughout the interior. What could be a rather typical L-shaped kitchen has surprises and wonder from all angles.
When it comes to functionality, most kitchens group together the different cooking appliances, but here, the stovetop and wall-mounted double ovens are adjoining. Perhaps it means that the two cooks don’t bump into each other when creating gastronomic feasts! The L-shaped kitchen, lined with Moroccan tiling and grey-box timbering, has an organic feel. The Victorian-based Auhaus Architecture drew inspiration from the property’s steeply sloping site and designed tapered, curving lines throughout the interior. What could be a rather typical L-shaped kitchen has surprises and wonder from all angles.
Importance of a dining table
When designing an L-shaped kitchen, the dining table often has a casual ambience. But this kitchen upped the ante by introducing a formal dining experience. A glass-top table, upholstered chairs and a pristine white area rug adds elegance to the more utilitarian kitchen zone.
When designing an L-shaped kitchen, the dining table often has a casual ambience. But this kitchen upped the ante by introducing a formal dining experience. A glass-top table, upholstered chairs and a pristine white area rug adds elegance to the more utilitarian kitchen zone.
Perfect illumination
When designing an L-shaped kitchen, task lighting and ambient lighting are both essential. Here, under-mounted downlights work effectively when cooking, prepping and cleaning, but the pendant light – a contemporary take on the classic chandelier – is a real show stopper. It provides plenty of illumination when dining and adds visual impact to the compact kitchen.
When designing an L-shaped kitchen, task lighting and ambient lighting are both essential. Here, under-mounted downlights work effectively when cooking, prepping and cleaning, but the pendant light – a contemporary take on the classic chandelier – is a real show stopper. It provides plenty of illumination when dining and adds visual impact to the compact kitchen.
Compact space
This cleverly designed kitchen in Perth features an L-shaped format with floating breakfast bar that doubles as a dining unit, social hub and a prepping area. By letting the unit jut out, it provides extra seating – and it’s also visually appealing. Handle-free cabinetry is an ideal option in a tight space, while an integrated dishwasher means a small sink is all that’s required.
More: Push and Pull: Kitchen Hardware That’s As Practical As It Is Pretty
This cleverly designed kitchen in Perth features an L-shaped format with floating breakfast bar that doubles as a dining unit, social hub and a prepping area. By letting the unit jut out, it provides extra seating – and it’s also visually appealing. Handle-free cabinetry is an ideal option in a tight space, while an integrated dishwasher means a small sink is all that’s required.
More: Push and Pull: Kitchen Hardware That’s As Practical As It Is Pretty
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry
In an L-shaped kitchen, the corner needs to be well utilised. That’s why this kitchen’s wall-mounted microwave doesn’t waste any space. To get extra storage a row of cupboards was positioned above the integrated fridge/freezer. Although a ladder is required, it’s handy to store items that are rarely used – extra glasses for special occasions, odd appliances and not-so-useful wedding presents you can’t throw away!
In an L-shaped kitchen, the corner needs to be well utilised. That’s why this kitchen’s wall-mounted microwave doesn’t waste any space. To get extra storage a row of cupboards was positioned above the integrated fridge/freezer. Although a ladder is required, it’s handy to store items that are rarely used – extra glasses for special occasions, odd appliances and not-so-useful wedding presents you can’t throw away!
Fine detail
A once-dark L-shaped kitchen was transformed into a refreshingly open and airy zone by giving it an all-white makeover. The devil is in the detail, however – country-style elements that include subway tiles, door panels and old-school knobs personalise the space. These traditional elements are complemented by up-to-the-minute appliances – an interesting twist to the revitalised kitchen.
TELL US
Do you have an L-shaped kitchen or are you thinking about installing one in your new home or renovation? What do you love about this configuration and how do you make it work best? Let us know in the comments section below.
MORE IDEABOOKS
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: The Galley Kitchen
The Single-Wall Kitchen: How to Make It Work for You
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Layout for You
A once-dark L-shaped kitchen was transformed into a refreshingly open and airy zone by giving it an all-white makeover. The devil is in the detail, however – country-style elements that include subway tiles, door panels and old-school knobs personalise the space. These traditional elements are complemented by up-to-the-minute appliances – an interesting twist to the revitalised kitchen.
TELL US
Do you have an L-shaped kitchen or are you thinking about installing one in your new home or renovation? What do you love about this configuration and how do you make it work best? Let us know in the comments section below.
MORE IDEABOOKS
Kitchen Layouts Laid Out: The Galley Kitchen
The Single-Wall Kitchen: How to Make It Work for You
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Layout for You
When it comes to designing an L-shaped kitchen, getting the right material palette is essential. While this kitchen’s white walls and polished concrete flooring provide a clean, light feel, it’s the dark, sultry timber that adds warmth to the space. The timber veneer panels and the raw tabletop give the kitchen real personality.
Find out how natural timber can warm up your kitchen