L-Shaped Kitchen Design Ideas – Designing an L-Shaped Kitchen

Leaving two walls open maintains a light aesthetic, while utilising the full height and length of the other two to ensure sufficient storage space and worktops and counters for cooking.

Homeowners redesigning a compact kitchen or planning a kitchen redesign to transform their kitchen into a spacious, open-plan room often benefit from consulting an experienced kitchen designer who can ensure their finished kitchen is both practical and creative.

Designing an L-Shaped Kitchen: Key Takeaways

• An L-shaped kitchen is a compromise between a more cabinetry-heavy U-shaped space and an open-plan room that lacks enough counters or cupboards to meet the demands of a busy home.
• Creating storage along an L is an easy way to develop a ‘kitchen work triangle’ where the sink, oven and fridge are all within easy reach.
• L-shaped kitchens are versatile with limitless options, from cabinet colours and worktops to tiles and splashbacks and work as well for smaller kitchens as in more generous spaces.

An L-shaped kitchen could be right for you if:

• You want a layout that works well in both small and large spaces
• You prefer a more open feel that connects easily to living or dining areas
• You only have two usable walls to work with
• You want flexibility to add a kitchen island if space allows
• You like a balance between functionality and social interaction
• You need good worktop space without enclosing the room
• You want to keep the layout simple and easy to navigate
• You’re designing an open-plan kitchen or kitchen-diner
• You want a layout that suits modern, spacious living styles

What Is an L-Shaped Kitchen?

L-shaped kitchens arrange cabinets along two adjoining walls to form the letter L. That means drawers, appliances and worktops occupy a defined space, but the rest of the room is left open for other furnishings such as a kitchen island or dining table.

The benefit of an L-shaped structure is that it keeps a kitchen feeling spacious and less enclosed, whether designing a kitchen for a compact apartment or creating a contemporary open-plan kitchen. Other advantages include:

• Avoiding overwhelming a kitchen with too many units, without compromising on worktop space or storage.
• Creating an efficient work triangle, which makes it easy to transition between stations, such as washing, chopping and cooking.
• The flexibility of an L-shaped kitchen, which allows homeowners to adapt their design to their specific tastes, whether traditional or ultra-modern minimalist.

L-Shaped vs U-Shaped Kitchens: What Are the Differences?

If you’re not sure which kitchen layout to go for? Get in touch with our bespoke kitchen designers and we’ll talk you through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fit an L-Shaped Kitchen Into a Small Room?

Definitely – L-shaped kitchens are among the most recommended layouts for compact kitchens because they maximise storage by extending cabinets the full length and height of two walls, without adding too many bulky cabinets that can overwhelm a smaller room.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Choosing an L-Shaped Kitchen?

Although there aren’t any negative aspects of having an L-shaped kitchen, every household is different. If you need as much storage as possible, you might want to consider a U-shaped kitchen instead, which positions cabinets and worktops along three adjoining walls, leaving the fourth open.

How Can I Design Storage for an L-Shaped Kitchen That Uses the Corners?

Just as U-shaped kitchens have unavoidable corners, the join in an L means you’ll have a right angle, which can be difficult to use efficiently. Fortunately, there are many potential solutions, such as customised corner units designed to utilise tight corners or pull-out drawers, often used to store smaller items.

Can I Install an Island Within an L-Shaped Kitchen?

Yes, and if your kitchen is large, you’ll want to consider how you introduce seating or social spaces away from the two walls allocated to cabinets, as this helps ensure an open-plan kitchen doesn’t feel stark or cold.

Kitchen islands, seating areas and breakfast bars can all work well.

Is an L-Shaped Kitchen Suited to an Open Plan Modern Home?

Of course, L-shaped kitchens are great for open plan living, and this design helps ensure there is a defined, recognisable kitchen area, while having clear space for seating, a kitchen island, or for anything else that you’d like to have in your kitchen.