Benefits of L-Shaped Kitchen Designs
L-shaped Kitchen Design
The L-shaped kitchen layout is incredibly popular and is seen in many different shapes and sizes of homes. The design is simple by nature which makes it is easy to transition into just about any kitchen. Typically, It is comprised of two countertops that adjoin together using a maximum of only two walls. However, the positioning can easily be manipulated to help make the most out of your l-shaped kitchen. Another way to use the layout is by setting one leg of the L against the exterior facing wall, while the other leg creates a perpendicular freestanding countertop. This layout is sometimes used to section off the kitchen from another room. Because of this, it is seen as a great way to hold an open concept feel in a home. The guidelines of the l-shaped kitchen layout are very straightforward, so most of the work can be allocated to implementing it in a way that creates cohesiveness with the rest of the home. Let’s take a look at some reasons why L-shaped kitchen design layouts have become so beneficial to modern homes.
Benefits of L-shaped Kitchen Design
Whether you chose an L-shape for your remodel, or already have one, it’s a good idea to understand the benefits of the design beyond its aesthetic appeal. Aside from its sleek and adaptable layout, it is renowned for the functionality that it provides. Ergonomics is the process of designing a workspace so that it is fit to the needs of the person who uses it. The L-shape kitchen is seen as an ergonomically sound floor plan because it allows for an easy and efficient flow of cleaning and cooking. From open counter space to optimal work triangle, the L-shape is a proven asset in a well-designed home. But remember, the most important thing about an asset like this is knowing its value and how to use it! Of all its benefits, we’ll recognize a few that are seen as some of the most important.
Open Concept Layout
An open concept layout is a term that describes the elimination of barrier walls and doors that traditionally separate rooms for the purpose of creating a more fluid living space. The open concept has become one of the most popular features of modern homes and has owners of older homes knocking down walls to give themselves more space. Conveniently, the L-shape is one of the best kitchen layouts for this. Both legs provide enough structure and surface area to work with, but don’t close the space off to the point where it is isolated from the family room or dining room. This is great for family bonding because it allows the family to interact much easier during meal preparation times. It also provides an unobstructed sightline so parents can keep a better eye on young ones while preparing food. Another benefit is the added entertaining factors. The open concept makes entertaining somewhat more fluid because the kitchen will be connected with a more high traffic room. This is a great scenario to make use of the L-shaped layout that features a freestanding leg, which can be fit with bar stools on the opposite side for hosting guests and feeding family members.
Maximize space
Maximizing available space should be the number one concern of most homeowners, especially in small kitchens. If your home already features an L-shaped kitchen, you’re ahead of the game in this aspect. With an L-shaped plan, small kitchens appear larger because counter space is only set against two walls, leaving you with lots of floor space. And because of this simple design, the L-shape allows the majority of your kitchen to be used as working area. If there is more than one chef in your home, an L-shaped kitchen can definitely be beneficial in terms of allowing room for both to work. Sometimes a kitchen can feel cramped right when a second person enters, but with both wings set apart independently, interfering is almost never an issue. Aside from the counters and floors, there are other areas where the L-shape can be utilized to maximize space.
Corner Space
In a smaller kitchen, homeowners have to get creative. To begin, every inch of space should provide a function. For instance, corner space can be made available to a central part of the work triangle like a sink. Luckily, this is done often and there is a multitude of sinks designed to fit the corner of an L-shaped kitchen. This is one beneficial tactic to use in apartment sized or smaller kitchen, however, isn’t necessary for a larger kitchen. On the other hand, tricks like implementing corner cabinets into the design is a great way to make tight areas functional. This opens up a larger inner corner area to be used to store away pots, pans and other larger appliances such as mixers. An abundance of storage is always a good thing and is especially beneficial to larger families.
Alternative Cabinetry
The layout can not only be fitted with kitchen cabinets under the counters but along the walls above as well. Because the L-shape design is sleek by nature, adding overhead cabinetry won’t be too bulky or make the space seem closed off. This layout also allows you to mix and match types of cabinetry such as full length and overhead. Full-length cabinetry is tall and spacious while floating cabinets easily blend stove hoods. As a rule of thumb, full-length cabinetry is beautiful and cohesive on the leg that features a fridge and floating blends better on the other half with a sink and stove top. Keeping things neat and tucked away is one of the best ways to improve a workspace because it facilitates the exchange of fluid movements throughout while maintaining a clutter-free look.
On the other hand, a trendy way of storing appliances is with open shelving which can be set between cabinets in the corner or on the ends of the L. This eliminates the appearance of too many cabinets while maintaining the use of maximum storage space. If you find yourself with all the storage you need, these shelves can also be used to add the finishing touches to your kitchen. Think about decorating it with tin mugs, delicate flowers, or a trendy cookbook to showcase your personal style.
Multiple Entrances
Fewer traffic jams mean more ease and less stress when preparing food and entertaining guests. Because the L-shape is open concept, it allows for more entries and exits than say, the U-shaped kitchen which only has one. Without an island in the middle, the L-shaped kitchen can be approached from just about any angle. This not only makes it very inviting to family and guests, but more functionally in sync with the rest of the home as well. If you choose to add an island, your kitchen features two open entry points which is still an added bonus. When all said and done, whatever your personal preference or available room, you’ll still be left with easily directed traffic flow.
The Island
One of the L-shaped kitchens most proud accomplishments is its ability to provide ample space for an island. Because it is set against the wall, it provides a cohesive frame to allow maximum functionality of the kitchen island. An island not only provides you with more storage and more counter space, but it can be used as a place for guests to sit and socialize as you entertain. To create this function, simply add some bar stools to one side. On the other hand, if you have a smaller kitchen, an island will fit better if it is square shaped. The square shape should be kept small so that it is easy enough to reach the center. Because of this, it may not be possible to have a seating area and extra counter for preparation at the same time. If you are torn between the two, a viable option is to opt to enhance your work triangle by using the space as a working component. One way to do this is to place your sink on the island. If done correctly this is an expert way to level up your work triangle. The island is a perfect place to add an extra sink if you find yourself in the market for one. An extra sink is ideal for homes with dual chefs or as an additional cleanup station. However, this is a better option for larger kitchens as it uses a fair amount of counter space.
Efficient workspace
The kitchen is one of the only rooms in a home where every inch must provide some sort of function. Once you’ve decided on which functions are most important, you can move on to the next step. This is where ergonomics comes into play. Ergonomic is the main player in creating a kitchen that is most efficient for the purpose of food preparation, cooking, and clean up. In a kitchen, efficiency at its core begins with geometry. These three components together, create a modern kitchen that is as user-friendly as possible. The L-shaped kitchen layout is designed with this at its core value.
The Work Triangle
Most kitchens are designed around the concept of moving fluidly through the “work Triangle”. The kitchen work triangle commonly refers to the triangular positioning of a sink, stove, and fridge which are the three main components of a kitchen. L-shaped kitchens do a great job of upholding the integrity of the work triangle. This is because counters are set on only two walls which makes moving from zone to zone very quick. Another benefit of this is that preparation is easily organized with each station placed strategically in your kitchen area. In a smaller kitchen, the L-shape allows the work triangle to be condensed.
Adding to Efficiency
The L-shape is easy to move about but also gives you the option to enhance your kitchen toolbox with all kinds of exciting additions. Kitchen additives these days stretch far from essential. Think about adding extra functional touches such as strategically positioned outlets. These can help you to enhance the fluidity of your workflow by allowing you to plug in small appliances according to your routines. The best part about the L-shaped kitchen layout is that you can make it your own. For example, wine connoisseurs might use the extra space for an under cabinet wine refrigerator. Another extremely useful addition to your kitchen is a trash compactor. Trash compactors not only save you trips to outside but money on trash bags. If you cannot live without your morning coffee, the creme de la creme of kitchen appliances is the built-in espresso machine. On the other hand, If you want to run with the theme of efficiency, energy efficient appliances can go a long way. These are all added benefits that the extra space from an L-shaped kitchen layout provides you with.
Wrapping Up
When all is said and done, whether your home currently features an L-shaped kitchen design or you are looking to use one in your kitchen remodel, consider yourself lucky! The L-shaped kitchen provides maximum efficiency through the use of the work triangle. It also frames an open concept design, gives options for an island or additional storage, and maximizes the available space in your home. As a final tip, don’t try to take on the task of creating an L-shape yourself. Get assistance from a professional to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and you’re left with a kitchen that is as beautiful and functional as possible.
