The L-shaped kitchen is probably one of the most popular designs when it comes to furnishing this important living space. And that's no wonder, because it not only saves space, but is particularly comfortable and practical to use. All cupboards and therefore also appliances and kitchen utensils are close to each other and can be reached quickly. Once you have decided on this type of kitchen, you have a large selection of designs with various additional elements. We have some tips for you and would like to show you how you can plan the L-shaped kitchen so that you don't miss anything in the end.
Two variants of the L-shaped kitchen
An L-shaped fitted kitchen can be installed once along two walls. Onesuch corner kitchenis the variant that is most widely used because it is particularly space-saving and also suitable for smaller kitchens. The length of the two kitchen units can of course vary. If it is designed specifically for your room, even impractical niches and elements protruding from the wall such as chimneys and supports can be integrated into the kitchen. If you have flat walls, you can use wonderful modular kitchen systems that not only give you the style you want, but also the perfect combination of cabinets and drawers to suit your needs.
If the room is larger, one of the two rows can protrude into the room and thus serve as a room divider. This is particularly practical if it is an open kitchen-living room and includes a living room with a seating area. This visual separation of the rooms creates a certain structure and at the same time provides the kitchen with the necessary storage space.
Advantages of L-shaped kitchens
Working in an L-shaped kitchen is particularly pleasant because it shortens your commute. If you instead transferred the same length to just one worktop, you would of course have to cover a longer distance from one end to the other. Since L-shaped kitchens are very space-saving, they are also suitable for smaller rooms. Even windows or doors can be integrated into this type of kitchen and do not represent a disruptive factor. Since corner kitchens are also very popular and widespread, the electrical appliances are also geared towards them. This means that a practical kitchen setup with electrical appliances is no problem.
Disadvantages of the kitchen shape
In principle, there is nothing negative to say about the functionality of the L-shaped kitchen, provided, of course, that it is planned and installed correctly. They can only prove visually inappropriate in elongated rooms, as they make the already long room seem even longer. However, you can counteract this with a suitable counterpart. This means that, for example, a cabinet, a display case, a shelf or something similar should be placed on the opposite wall. A small dining table is also suitable.
The corner in the corner kitchen
A big challenge when planning an L-shaped kitchen is the corner. At least this was the case until a few years ago. The corner was either not used well at all or only partially. In addition, the free space at the back of the corner often leads to disorder. And what's at the back is difficult to reach, which makes working in the kitchen uncomfortable. But there are now practical systems and rotating elements that can be installed in exactly this cabinet in order to achieve thisdead cornerto use. This not only brings order to the cupboard, but also makes all the cookware much easier to reach.
Because the L-shaped kitchen is so versatile and can be used, it is also a little more difficult to plan. There are several things you should consider when you start planning. This includes the size of the room, the necessary storage space, your work routes, windows, doors and the shape of the room. Kitchen planners are the perfect helper in such situations because they allow you to map out your space and customize the cabinets with appliances. This is particularly beneficial for people who lack imagination. 3D planners also enable a three-dimensional view, which allows you to imagine what is planned even better.
- A small L-shaped kitchen benefits from light colors. These make the room appear brighter. This is especially important if you are planning a lot of upper and lower cabinets and want to cover the room almost completely. It is therefore best to choose kitchen fronts in light colors such as white, beige, light blue, light yellow and similar. However, very dark fronts should be avoided or should only be used as an accent.
- The style doesn't matter. You can design a kitchen in a country house style as well as implement an L-shaped kitchen in a modern way and, for example, choose the minimalist high gloss. Don't forget that an L-shaped and high-gloss kitchen also requires special care and the surfaces must be wiped frequently as fingerprints can quickly be seen.
- Try to use every free area. The storage space can never be too much. Over the years, more and more appliances and dishes gradually accumulate and for this reason any free space is a welcome thing.
- Depending on which look you like best, you can also use open shelves instead of upper cabinets or leave the wall completely free. This is especially possible if you have a roomPlan sloping roofsand don't want to have a custom kitchen built. A kitchen without wall cupboards is a good solution, provided you have enough storage space or you can compensate for it with other cupboards and elements.
Practical elements for kitchen furnishings
Kitchen planning made easy: shape, material and equipment
The structure of the kitchen, equipment and of course the appearance – there are many aspects to consider when planning a new kitchen. We'll show you how you can plan your new kitchen perfectly without overlooking anything. Kitchen planning is always individual per se.
In addition to the two kitchen units, you have a few other elements at your disposal, as well as you can also integrate certain elements into this type of kitchen to make your work even easier or just to get a more interesting look. We have listed some ideas for you below.
Add a cooking or kitchen island
Hardly any housewife doesn't dream of her - the kitchen island. It has several advantages and cantake on different functions. On the one hand, it of course offers a lot of additional storage space. But the island also looks very good in front of a corner kitchen. The additional work surface that the island gives you can be combined with a sink as desired, or you can opt for a kitchen island and integrate the stovetop there. Both variants, as well as a simple work area with plenty of storage space, are very popular. Which one turns out to be best for you depends on your wishes. Whether a kitchen island is suitable depends on whether you have the ability to install an extractor hood in the middle of the room above the kitchen island. The island can also be used in the form of a counter by simply adding a few stools.
Breakfast bars are a popular addition
Instead of an island, a counter can also be chosen as an L-shaped kitchen element. This is a good choice because one of the two lines serves as a room divider. However, keep in mind that a relatively large amount of work and storage space will be lost, especially when the counter is currently in use. Nevertheless, it is a nice eye-catcher and someone can keep you company while you are preparing and cooking food.
Corner sinks to make practical use of space-consuming corners
The corner sink is without a doubt an eye-catcher as it is rather rare. To ensure that the sink can be used comfortably and optimally in this area, the front corner usually does not have a right angle. But there are also such variants. Although the selection of normal sinks is much larger, that doesn't mean that you don't have a variety of corner sinks to choose from. There are models with practical draining basins and surfaces, integrated cutting boards, as well as a selection of different materials such as Silgranit, ceramic or stainless steel.
Stovetop in the corner
The hotplates that are integrated into the corner are no less popular. Anyone who doesn't believe it will fall in love with this type of layout once they've stood in such a kitchen. There is plenty of arm space on both sides and plenty of space around the stove to place oil, vinegar and other spices that you want to have quickly at hand without having to find them in the cupboard.
L-shaped corner kitchen ideas
Although the L-shape is a classic and has been used for decades, L-shaped kitchens remain modern, practical and beautiful to look at. And that doesn't seem to be changing in the coming years. Below we have some stylish, modern and also classic ideas for the L-shaped kitchen that may make your planning easier.
