Did you know that the average Brit spends 253 minutes per week in the kitchen preparing meals? That’s a staggering 439 days throughout an entire lifetime! With this much time dedicated to a single room, our kitchens demand a layout that works for a myriad of needs. This is where the L-shaped kitchen comes in. Practical, versatile and easy to maintain, they can help save space and zone open-plan designs too. But how do we work all this in?
Whether you’re looking for a fully fitted kitchen, solutions to a small or awkwardly shaped room or simply want to refresh your décor, our experts have tons of L-shaped kitchen ideas to get the design right. But first, let’s take a look at why this humble layout is so sought after by interior designers.
What is an L-shaped kitchen?
In a nutshell, an L-shaped kitchen is comprised of two perpendicular walls or boundaries, usually including numerous kitchen appliances, cabinets and countertops. Often, you’ll find one of these arms is a clean-up zone with a sink. And the other? This arm will be where the counter space and appliances (this may include the fridge) live.
The merits of L-shaped kitchens
The beauty of this classic layout is that its dimensions can be tailored to any desired specifications, and whilst brandishing any look from country to industrial styling. This triangular layout is the sort of feature that makes a room both functional and sociable – in the most eye-catching way.
So if you’re looking for a simple solution to fill out or save some space, whether it’s for an awkward kitchen layout or open plan style, the L-shaped layout is a lifesaver – you just don’t know it yet!
7 classy L-shaped kitchen ideas
1. Keep it simple
If you’re working with a tight space, this layout is your ideal choice. It will slot into the room snugly, leaving your remaining walls clear to provide extra room for traffic circulating through the kitchen.
Not only does this make a room look bigger, but it keeps things practical. Go for a simple and pared-back design with one or two focal points like a kitchen table or range. This will create a peaceful and harmonious ambiance to ease guests into relaxation.
2. Refresh with a light-toned palette
Using pale neutrals as a base gives you a great canvas to work from. Whether you aim to build up texture with pops of colour or you simply want to reflect more light, you can turn your L-shaped kitchen into a bright and airy paradise.
If your current set-up has very dark and old wood cabinets, you can achieve this by painting them in light tones, which you can match with pale tiles and ceilings to create a spacious feeling. Full of natural light, you can keep things fresh and modern without splashing out on huge expenses.
3. Integrated is in
Ostensibly, the L-shaped layout is a brilliant backdrop for a multitude of kitchen space saving ideas including streamlined cabinetry. Cabinets and cupboards with hidden or minimalist handles are a beautiful addition to a modern or minimalist kitchen.
Although ornate handles can make for stunning accessories, in a busy kitchen they can get in the way. Opting for integrated handles will keep things clean and uniform, ideal for a sleek and on-trend look.
4. The magic of marble
Simply indulgent and beautifully ornate, marble is a choice for the bold. If you want to splash out on this newly emerging trend, natural marble is the way to go. Arresting backsplashes will take your eye on a journey along its unique and cascading colours and are bound to impress.
5. Introduce an island
When it comes to kitchen and dining areas, islands offer the best of both worlds. Introduce a striking island into the design to see sociability and productivity collide with beautiful results. The fun part is you can explore endless kitchen barstool ideas to layer in style while you’re at it.
Whether you imagine yourself sitting there during the work-from-home grind, entertaining guests or supervising the kids while they do their homework, an L-shaped kitchen with an island is an easy way to tailor the space to fit your lifestyle. And no compromises on workflow are necessary thanks to the ample space it opens up.
6. Zone appeal
Incorporating corner cabinets into an open-plan kitchen is an effortless way to divide the space into disparate zones. Simply accent each section with overhead lighting – either LED strips or hanging lamps – and transitioned flooring. To ensure a clean finish, make sure your overhead lighting doesn’t interfere with movement at either counter or bar height.
7. Make it multipurpose
Convenient storage space but make it glam. Multipurpose furnishings will make all the difference to a lively kitchen, instantly beautifying the room and opening up the space. Avoid cluttering up the area with cupboard doors by switching out traditional cabinets with open shelving to create a modern look.
You could also opt for kitchen islands with in-built storage or begin to work vertically with space. By this, I mean start thinking about wall-mounted accessories or holders that will keep your utensils at arm’s length while freeing up counter space.
Any L-shaped layout pitfalls to avoid?
The most common mistake that befalls homeowners relates to poor circulation. Whether you have a large or small kitchen, a proper workflow and clearance zone should be a priority in your design.
This is especially important if you are filling the gap in your kitchen layout with an island as you will have less space to work with. Make sure to take extra care with your kitchen island size and the rest will fall into place.
Closing remarks
The way you approach your kitchen layout and overall design can have an impact way beyond cooking, invigorating everything from the ambiance and appearance of the room to your quality of life.
The optimum workspace is ergonomic at heart, making the room warm and welcoming to guests yet equally functional. And by finding the perfect balance between these things you can turn your L-shaped kitchen from just a place you complete chores to a charming, mood-boosting haven.
