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L-Shaped Kitchen Design

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Knebel Blacktown

A classic choice for open-plan spaces, an L-shaped kitchen layout can morph into a casual dining area or boost storage and counter space with the addition of an island unit. Smart corner storage units like Magic corners and Carousel units can also help make the most of tight corners.

The kitchen design l shape is ideal for accommodating the working triangle of refrigerator, stove and sink, keeping these essential appliances conveniently close at hand. It can also be suitable for small kitchens that open into other living areas.

The Right Angle

L shaped kitchens are great for large open-plan spaces. However, they can also work well in smaller homes with a clever design that maximizes the space and offers ample storage solutions.

The classic set-up of an L-shaped kitchen features cabinets and countertops along two adjacent walls at a right angle to create a work zone. The longer leg of the 'L' usually houses the stove and provides most of the counter space for food preparation.

In an L-shaped kitchen, tall units like refrigerators and larder cabinets can be placed at both ends of the run to act as a divider between the workspaces and help define the shape of the room if your space is open plan. Opaque doors are a good option for these areas as they prevent cabinet clutter from blocking light or creating a visually busy space.

Depending on the size of your space, an island can be a great addition to an Lshaped kitchen design. These can offer additional kitchen storage as well as serving as a breakfast bar or extra prep area.

The Working Triangle

One of the biggest advantages of an l-shaped kitchen is that it accommodates the working triangle rule – placing the sink, fridge and stove within easy reach to reduce the amount of walking back and forth between them. This makes it a smart choice for smaller spaces.

However, if the refrigerator, sink and oven are too far apart or separated by cabinets or other barriers this layout can create a congested area with multiple cooks trying to use each appliance at the same time.

To avoid this, a double-sided galley kitchen with doors at both ends may be a better option. This design allows both sides of the room to work independently and provides ample countertop space for prepping and cooking. You can even add a long island unit to boost storage and prepare meals in a more social setting. This can be an especially good option if you or a family member is left-handed, as it allows you to configure your workspace to suit.

The Island

The L-shaped kitchen layout works particularly well in larger spaces as a central island unit can morph into a casual dining area and double as an extra work surface. This allows the main run of cabinetry to be concentrated on ergonomic banked appliances while a separate area can be set aside for family-friendly food preparation and casual entertaining.

However, if your home doesn't have the space for a separate dining room and you're keen to keep the flow of movement between rooms open, opt for a bar table in place of an island. This will still provide extra counter space and boost storage while keeping the kitchen looking spacious and bright.

This kitchen's lower tier is devised as a breakfast nook with three off-white high back chairs and displays a bespoke marble countertop in a warm neutral shade. The contrasting upper tier of the island carries a light wood finish that ties in with the cabinetry and flooring to create a cohesive design.

The Floor

L-shaped Kitchen designs offer huge opportunities for maximizing wall space. Because you can create a full run of cabinets on one of the walls, this layout is ideal for storing lots of items that might otherwise take up space on an island in the center of the room. The extra wall space also allows you to add a second sink, which can be convenient for preparing food and cleaning.

If you have high ceilings, consider using a row of cabinets on the wall above the stove to house upper storage. This adds height and drama to the kitchen and makes a great visual impact.

The broken L-shape can work well for open plan spaces as you can incorporate an island and a casual dining area. You could even use a transitional floor to blend the kitchen with the rest of the room. Creating an undulating border between the flooring materials is a playful option, or you could opt for a sleek wood panel to provide a clean division.


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Knebel Blacktown
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