An L-shaped kitchen is a layout characterized by two walls that form an ‘L’ shape. This type of kitchen also often includes a kitchen island in the middle. This is a very popular design layout as it fits open spaces very well and can be also used for small spaces. Let’s consider some pros and cons to find out if it’s a good idea for your space.
Pros
L-shaped kitchens provide plenty of space: appliances can be spread out to provide multiple work zones, which also means more available prep space. The L kitchen design makes the process of cooking and cleaning easier, by separating your kitchen’s cook zone and wash zone. The L-shaped kitchen layouts are usually in sync with the work triangle by minimizing the flow of foot traffic, which allows you to move easily between your sink, oven/cook top and fridge.
The layout of this kitchen also allows multiple chefs and guests in and around the space without feeling cramped. This makes it an ideal kitchen design layout for families that cook together and entertain guests.
L-shaped kitchens are a great option for open concept design and great rooms, which makes this layout very modern as open spaces are more and more often created. A kitchen island is typically included in an L-shaped kitchen to provide extra storage, workspace, or seating, but it’s not necessary if you don’t need it.
An L-shaped kitchen layout can have the clever and trendy corner storage options like Le Mans pullout units, Magic Corner units and carousel units. The first two options allows you to use the entirety of this space for storage. On opening, they swivel outward and toward you, making all of the contents easy to see and access.
A grey rustic L-shaped kitchen with butcherblock countertops, open shelves and potted greenery plus pendant lamps.
A grey Scandinavian kitchen with rich-stained butcherblock countertops and a white tile backsplash plus white appliances.
A large navy and white L-shaped kitchen with white stone countertops and a backsplash plus a matching kitchen island.
A light grey kitchen with butcherblock countertops and wooden beams, a wooden kitchen island and a wooden floor.
A light grey L-shaped kitchen with open shelves, a white tile backsplash and gold handles is a very stylish and cozy space.
A light-stained wooden kitchen with a marble tile backsplash and open floating shelves is a pretty rustic space.
A lovely Scandinavian kitchen in black and white, with light-stained wood and enough light is cool.
A lovely white Nordic kitchen with butcherblock countertops and modern chairs plus a large window with much natural light.
A minimal Nordic L-shaped kitchen with glass tiles and a window with a view is a lovely idea.
A minimalist blonde wood L-shaped kitchen with built-in lights and a tiny kitchen island is super cool.
A minimalist blue and white kitchen with a white stone backsplash and white countertops is all chic.
A minimalist grey and stained wood L-shaped kitchen is a stylish and very refined space.
A minimalist L-shaped kitchen with sleek cabinetry and butcherblock countertops plus a small meal zone.
A minimalist two-tone kitchen with butcherblock countertops and a mirror fridge is a very edgy solution.
Cons
This layout is not recommended for larger kitchen designs as the appliances are too spread out. It can become frustrating for single cooks who will have to work harder to make a meal. So, if you know there will only be one cook in the kitchen most of the time, the placement of appliances and other elements can be customized for them and their usual workflow.
Although an L-shaped kitchen offers more work and prep space, it also means that there is more space that needs to be maintained and cleaned. And, there is more space for clutter to build up. However, by creating drop zones and enlisting the rest of the family to help, cleaning and organizing an L-shaped kitchen can be easily managed. Take all these points into consideration to decide if you need an L-shaped kitchen or you want to switch to another layout.
A minimalist two-tone kitchen with sleek cabinetry, white stone countertops and a printed rug is very stylish.
A minimalist white L-shaped kitchen with a brick backsplash, butcherblock countertops and built-in lights.