L Shaped Kitchen With Island: Best Layouts

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and designing its layout is crucial as it enhances functionality and aesthetics. Among the popular design is the L-shaped kitchen with an island. Due to its versatile and efficient space optimization, this one has become a darling in many homes. As a homemaker, you will find it a great choice.

L shaped kitchen with an island combines two adjoining walls and a freestanding fixture in the middle, or an elongation. The fixture, also an island, enhances your kitchen functionality and aesthetics. With a countertop and storage under and on the sides, you have extra space for a hob, sink, serving space, or gathering area. On the sides and the face, you can have extra cabinets, shelves, a wine cooler, a sink, and baskets.

The l shape kitchen wall also has primary workstations, including the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Ideally, an extra installation in an l shaped kitchen needs a proper layout to ensure you don’t block any functionalities. Also, the island shouldn’t squeeze your cooking space. Select a style that enhances your L shape kitchen island as you plan for a remodel or redesign.

Best Layouts For L Shape Kitchen With Island

Here are some layouts you can consider for your l shape kitchen with island;

1. Small L Shaped Kitchen With Island

We begin with small l shape kitchens. If your house is small, that spells the size of your kitchen. You might have a hard time when designing such a cooking area. But incorporating an island will create more space for you, whether open or closed design. The thing is, you must be tactical, and you must do it properly. Speaking to your contractor about your feelings and what you want as the end product. For this freestanding fixture to come out well, there are several considerations;

Size: A small cooking area with a large kitchen island will be nonproportional. If your kitchen is small, consider a similar installation. A square one will come out well and offer you a large countertop. Who knows! You can even have a kitchen island with microwave. The best layout includes slim legs that do not take up much space. One of the pros is that you may have to forfeit cabinets under the fixture or on its sides/edges. Consider wall installations for extra storage and stoves.

Space: How small is your kitchen? Consider the dimensions of both walls and the area that’s in the middle. Can it accommodate an island? And if so, how big will the island be? In this essence, you can see that space goes hand in hand with the size of your kitchen and fixtures. It dictates the design that you will have for your l shape kitchen island. As mentioned above, overcrowding your cooking space might end up with many accidents and inefficiency. So, keep the area of your kitchen in mind.
Design: Your small kitchen will require a simple design. Sleek and minimal fixtures can streamline your design and create a visually clean and ample space. One of the most straightforward designs for your small l shaped kitchen with an island is a tiny metal/wooden leg island with drawers under the countertop and a rack at the bottom. This design is cohesive and doesn’t take up much space.

Light and Color: You can enhance a small kitchen with light and color. These two properties create a sense of openness and make the small space appear larger. Choose light-colored cabinets, countertops, and backsplash to reflect natural light. A combination of ample white lighting, such as pendant lights above the island, brightens the kitchen.

2. Large L Shape Kitchen With Island

If you have a large L shaped kitchen, you can consider an equally large island to complement the space. But it doesn’t have to be enormous such that working around it becomes inconvenient. If you need assistance across your kitchen island, that’s too big! Neither should it be too tiny. To come up with a perfect kitchen island space in a large l-shaped kitchen, consider the following;

Size and space: In a large kitchen, size and space are not a limitation, so you have the privilege of a generous area. With this in mind, do not limit yourself to a small island. You can have a big-sized island. But you must consider a scale that provides enough countertop space for food preparation, serving, and casual dining. A tiny island will be nonproportional and unsuitable, especially when you have much to prepare. Equally, an extra big or wide island may look weird and not complement your kitchen’s design.

Design: Large kitchens can offer freedom, especially when choosing styles for your island and storage options. For instance, you can explore wild configurations such as curved shapes and complement your kitchen’s overall design and flow. A rectangular kitchen island also fits well. Experiment with various materials, finishes, and design elements when choosing a style for your large kitchen. A Shiplap kitchen island can complement your home aesthetics, especially if you love rustic fittings. Consider high-quality materials for the countertop, backsplash, and flooring so that your fixture can withstand the busy demands of your kitchen. Other designs you can explore include modern, traditional, or transitional styles that reflect your taste.

Light and color: Proper lighting is crucial in a large kitchen to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Once you incorporate the proper lighting and paint, it gives you adequate illumination in your cooking space. Consider a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Pendant lights or a statement chandelier above the island anchor the area and add visual interest to your kitchen. Also, the cabinets are many and long. Install under-lighting and recessed lights to illuminate the worktop while highlighting architectural features.

Configuration: In a big kitchen, you can maximize the functionality of your island. But that doesn’t come as magic. If you want the installation to serve multiple purposes beyond food preparation, consider several configurations, such as adding an extra sink or dishwasher on the island. a kitchen island with waterfall is valuable as it is easily a designated cleanup area. A wine rack, a breakfast bar, or a built-in seating area transforms the island into a social hub for entertaining and casual dining. Other functions you can incorporate include pop-up outlets and built-in charging stations.

3. L-Shaped Kitchen With An Extension Island

Whether you intend to have a small or large L shaped kitchen island, an extension is a possibility. The design is an elongation that offers more space while creating and enhancing a functional and visually appealing culinary environment. This extension island provides an additional hob placement, storage, and dining area. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning an L-shaped kitchen with an extension island:

Size: The size and configuration of the extension island will depend on the available space and your specific needs. Consider the overall dimensions of your kitchen and ensure that the extension island is proportionate to the room. You can opt for a rectangular, curved, or custom-shaped extension island that complements the L-shaped layout and enhances the flow of the space. If you have a knowledgeable designer, you can consider a u shaped kitchen with island. The curves will come out quite well.

Purpose: One common mistake homeowners make is designing an island extension without a goal. You must first determine the primary purpose of the extension island. Will it serve as a secondary prep area, a breakfast bar, or a seating/dining space? This will influence the design, size, and features you incorporate. For example, consider adding a sink or a cooktop if it’s a prep area. If it’s a dining space, ensure enough legroom and seating capacity.

Workflow and Accessibility: The two accent walls that form your L-shaped kitchen can swirl your mind regarding workflow and accessibility. That is if you plan to have a kitchen island extension. As with any kitchen layout, it’s essential to consider the positioning of the primary workstations along the L-shaped walls to create a functional work triangle. The extension island should be easily accessible from all sides and not hinder the flow between the main workstations. It should provide a seamless connection to the rest of the kitchen.

Storage Capacity: One of the challenges you will encounter with this type of l-shaped kitchen island is storage maximization. An extension is not easy to fix shelves, but you can overcome that by incorporating drawers or open shelving. That will provide additional storage space for cookware, utensils, and pantry items. Consider specialized storage solutions, such as pull-out spice racks, deep drawers for pots and pans, or built-in wine racks.

Design: There are many l shaped kitchen designs with island. But the design of your choice should harmonize with the rest of the kitchen. Buy materials, finishes, and colors that complement the existing cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. Also, consider adding decorative elements like pendant lighting, unique hardware, or decorative panels to make the island a focal point that ties the entire kitchen together.

Seating Considerations: Do you plan to have a seating arrangement on your extension island? If so, ensure there’s enough space for comfortable seating. Leave ample legroom and consider adding comfortable stools or chairs. Additionally, if the island is at a different height from the rest of the countertops, ensure you incorporate the design to accommodate seating.

Lighting, Color, And Ventilation: Adequate illumination is a test in kitchen designs. The reason is it is vital for your cooking area. Ensure that the extension island is well-lit with a combination of task and ambient lighting. Pendant, recessed, or under-cabinet lighting enhances visibility and creates a welcoming atmosphere. But these must combine with great color. Also, consider ventilation options for proper airflow and ventilation in the kitchen.

4. A Peninsula Island

A peninsula kitchen island connects to one of the walls in a kitchen and extends outward like a peninsula. Unlike a freestanding island, it has an open space on all sides. A peninsula island is attached to the main structure of the kitchen. It typically protrudes from one of the kitchen walls, creating an additional countertop space and storage area. There are several considerations before making this layout for your L shaped kitchen with an island.

Space and Configuration: Measure the available space in your kitchen to determine the size and configuration of the peninsula island. Consider the dimensions of the room and the desired functionality of the peninsula. It can be designed as a straight extension or with a curved or angled shape to suit the overall aesthetics and flow of the kitchen.

Accessibility: Like other designs for l shape kitchen islands, do not forget accessibility and workflow. The reason is peninsula kitchen island is not a freestanding structure. So, it restricts your mobility, flexibility, and storage space. Also, it has a design constraint. To enhance the design, position it strategically to create an efficient work triangle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. The island should be easy to access from all sides, allowing for smooth movement and convenient access to the main workstations. Consider leaving enough space between the peninsula and the opposing wall for comfortable passage.

Purpose: What is your core functionality for a peninsula kitchen island? Determine the primary purpose of the island. It can serve as a prep area, a breakfast bar, or a seating/dining space, but the size will limit what you can do with the fixture. You can incorporate features such as a sink, a cooktop, or a raised bar counter to fulfill your desired functionality. This will influence the design, size, and amenities you include in the peninsula.

Storage Solutions: A kitchen island peninsula limits you in terms of storage solutions. While the peninsula can provide additional countertop space, it may not offer as much storage capacity as a traditional island or other kitchen configurations. The attached side does not allow under-counter cabinets or drawers, thus limiting your storage options. This can be a disadvantage if you have many kitchen utensils, appliances, or other items requiring storage. But you can enhance the design by incorporating kitchen island base cabinets. Also, drawers or open shelving can provide additional storage for kitchen essentials. Other options include pull-out racks, spice organizers, or wine storage to optimize organization and accessibility.

Seating Considerations: A peninsula island kitchen with seating is tricky due to space limitations. You must plan for a comfortable setting. Leave enough legroom and add stools or chairs that complement the kitchen’s overall design. The height of the seating area should be appropriate for the counter height of the peninsula.

Lighting and Ventilation: Adequate lighting is essential in the kitchen, including the peninsula area. Consider installing task lighting above the peninsula for focused illumination during food preparation. Ensure proper ventilation, mainly if the projection includes a cooktop, to remove cooking odors and maintain a comfortable environment.

Wrap Up

L shaped kitchen with island has dozens of layouts. We have highlighted the most straightforward designs and what to consider before planning for the remodel. The fixture is highly efficient and versatile as it maximizes space and functionality. With the L-shaped walls, you can position your primary workstation while the island will serve as an additional work surface with a different storage solution.

The central peninsula can also act as a gathering area. Whether you have a small or large kitchen, incorporating an island into an L-shaped layout offers numerous benefits. From increased storage capacity to improved workflow and the opportunity to add seating or dining options, this design combination truly elevates your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.