Disadvantages of an L-Shaped Kitchen

Advantages

• An L-shaped kitchen provides a good amount of counter space and under-counter storage. With two open sides, an L-shaped kitchen works well in a small area without the cramped feeling of some other designs. A narrow galley-style kitchen, for instance, with units of approximately equal length facing each other, can feel confining in a small space. Because of the open design of the L-shaped kitchen, people can walk through without interrupting your work. In addition, the L-shaped kitchen often provides enough space for an eating area.

Disadvantage: Long Triangle

• In a kitchen where the appliances, sink or primary counter space sit far apart, the work triangle in an L-shaped kitchen may stretch more than in other kitchen designs. This inefficient use of space can make preparing food tiring if you must repeatedly traverse the length of the room to complete your work.

Long Triangle Solution

• Adding an island work counter can resolve layout problems that require too many extra steps. The island can be as simple as a butcher block or even a portable dishwasher with a work space on top. In contrast, if you have a small kitchen and need more cupboard space, you can add a peninsula of cabinets connected to one end of the L shape. A snack bar with storage underneath works well as a peninsula.

Disadvantage: Tight Corner

• The other disadvantage of an L-shaped kitchen involves the right-angle L corner. Cupboard space under and above the counter in this corner can be difficult to reach. Without certain adjustments to the cupboards, the storage space is only suitable for items you don't use often.

Tight Corner Solution

• If you need more efficient storage space in the right-angle corner, you can add pull-out features or a turntable. If you already have plenty of storage space, consider eliminating the cupboards above the counter on one side of this tight corner and leaving the wall free. This makes the room look bigger and gives you the option of adding a decoration there.