Design Tips for Your L-Shaped Kitchen

Last Updated on August 13, 2021

The “L-shaped” kitchen layout remains a popular design choice for homeowners who are looking to maximize their small-to-medium-sized kitchen space while keeping an open concept. If you have a busy lifestyle or you love to entertain, the L-shaped design is the perfect choice, as it keeps you and your guests in the same space and you don’t miss any of the action.

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations explores the benefits of an L-shaped kitchen and offers insight to help you decide if this popular design is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

Lifestyle benefits of an L-shaped kitchen

It’s hard to imagine that the layout of your kitchen could have such a positive impact on your lifestyle. Believe it or not, L-shaped kitchens can take your space from “stuffy” to “spacious.” This particular layout…

• Opens up the space to allow traffic to flow from the kitchen to other rooms in your home
• Creates a more efficient cooking environment
• Gives the kitchen an inviting and casual feel because of the spaciousness
• Makes entertaining and family gatherings more enjoyable as everyone is able to be in the same space

Benefits of the “work triangle”

You may have heard of the “work triangle.” This sought-after design relates to in-kitchen spacing and the relationship between the refrigerator, stove, and sink (hence, the “triangle”) These key elements make up the core of the work triangle, and their specific placement within the kitchen creates an efficient, functional space that is perfect for cooking, cleaning, gathering, and conversing. The L-shaped kitchen continues to be a favorite among cooking aficionados and those who love to mix and mingle with their guests.

The layout of an L-shaped kitchen

Although most kitchen layouts incorporate some variation of the L-shaped design, the classic footprint includes the use of one or two adjacent walls. Incorporating a kitchen island is a popular trend when designing an L-shaped kitchen. Kitchen islands not only offer additional counter and storage space, but it is a great gathering and entertaining area for family and guests.

What is the best way to design an L-shaped kitchen?

The answer depends on your preference and lifestyle. Some homeowners choose to use one wall as the base of the “L” (featuring cabinets and one permanent fixture, such as a stove or sink, and the other portion of the “L” for an open counter space), while others opt for using two walls and feature cabinets on both the upper and lower parts of both walls of the “L.” Generally, you can expect an L-shaped kitchen to incorporate the stove and sink on one part of the “L,” and the refrigerator and storage on the other part. For the most part, the sink will be placed on an external wall, as plumbing will be more easily accessible.

Visualize Your Kitchen Free!

Is an L-shaped kitchen right for your home and lifestyle? We invite you to explore our beautiful selection of etherium^® By E-Stone surfaces, mosaic tile and cabinets. And don’t forget to check out our cool Visualizer Tool that shows you how your favorite materials and surfaces will look in your kitchen BEFORE the renovation! Like what you see? Contact Granite and TREND Transformations for a free in-home, or virtual, design consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.