An L-shaped kitchen is a design in which the cabinets fit comfortably in a corner, extending on two sides, similar to the shape of an L. The floor space could remain open, or you could create a semi-closed kitchen by installing a peninsula to create a sideways U. Peninsulas are ideal in place of islands because they ensure an open area to move around the kitchen on all sides. In contrast, an island would cut off that open area space for enhanced flow.
Learning To Love a Peninsula (Even If You’d Love an Island)
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Published: April 27, 2024
Updated: February 21, 2024
At face value, you may not know the difference between a peninsula and an island in a kitchen. Because both offer extended counter space with optional bar seating, they are seemingly the same until you get to the details. A peninsula is anchored to a wall in the kitchen, creating an off-centered appearance depending on how your kitchen is designed. On the other hand, an island usually stands in the middle of your kitchen, offering access to all sides.
What you choose for your space depends on how you want your kitchen to flow. With both, many options are available for appliance and cabinet placement to fit the needs of your home and family. Our experienced readers and team of interior designers share the benefits of both styles and explain in great detail how to ensure that you’re making the best use of what is available in your square footage and layout. Read on to see just which option is the best for your home!
02 of Better for Flow
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Islands have become pretty standard in most new builds with open-concept layouts. With that being said, their design isn’t necessarily for everyone. Homeowner Dee had an island first but claims, “I hated it. Peninsula made the flow so much better.” You can see how a shortened peninsula like what’s displayed in the photograph opens up a clear path into the kitchen with plenty of residual room for cooking and cleaning.
03 of Optional With or Without Overhang
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Islands and peninsulas are great for a few things including offering extra storage capacity. This creates an additional surface for drinks and cooking supplies, as well as doubling as a bar for family gatherings. One of our readers, Kristin, explained that in her home, “I wound up not doing an overhang for seating either, and I still didn’t hate it. I do feel a peninsula makes it feel more open than an island.” In this example, we see that the peninsula functions as a space for the kitchen sink and dishwasher without an overhang for chairs. Proximity to the dining room is fitting for this particular design.
04 of Great for Sink Placement
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To optimize the counter space on a peninsula, consider using some available area for a sink and dishwasher. Utilizing this specific space opens up so much extra room in a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen for additional cabinet storage. This is paramount in a kitchen that doesn’t have an island accessible, and extra seating can be on the opposite side of the build-out.
05 of Pro Tip: Incorporate Island-Height Seating
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Interior designer Nehal Kamal offers a beneficial tip for those trying to seamlessly integrate a peninsula into the kitchen with a similar vibe to an island. She states, “Kitchen peninsulas can offer the same benefits as islands, such as additional counter space and storage. I advise incorporating island-height seating by adding barstools or chairs to the peninsula to enhance the island-like appearance. This not only creates a visually appealing look but also provides a convenient dining or gathering spot. By creatively adapting to the available space, you can achieve a stylish and functional kitchen design that meets your client’s needs.”
06 of Allows for Visitors While Cooking
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Evening hours in the kitchen can be the best time to gather the family and have meaningful conversations. With a peninsula versus an island, this is perfectly possible. Because of their design, bar stools are outside the kitchen area, creating a helpful boundary while still offering communal benefit. Mom Sally shares, “I love having a peninsula where the kids can sit and talk while I cook.”
07 of Offers Optimal Cabinet Space
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Being a storage queen myself, I have to agree wholeheartedly with contributor Melanie. She claims, “Cabinets are way more important than the ‘desire’ to have an island.” If you love the look of an island, find a way to implement one, but if that island or peninsula doesn’t have additional storage, then I don’t want it. The ability to tuck items away, especially those only used seasonally, is golden for me, and I will never waste an ounce of prime cabinet real estate.
08 of Mimics Island in Galley Kitchen
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The peninsula that exists in this galley kitchen is almost an island. The only thing differentiating it from fitting into this category is the slender wall it connects to, which anchors it to the space. There is still room to walk around it on three out of four sides, which is beneficial for the flow and movement of the room. The cooktop located directly on the island creates a very intimate experience during food preparation, which is ideal if you love to host.
09 of Preferrable Above Island
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Nicole shared, “We decided not to do an island as it would severely limit my ability to work in the kitchen together. I have had peninsulas in the last four homes, and they were always heavily used.” The kitchen in this photograph is on the smaller side, unbecoming for an island, but this petite peninsula, just large enough for two barstools, is perfectly quaint.
10 of Room for Both Island and Peninsula
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If you’re someone who can’t ever get another counter or cabinet space, an L-shaped kitchen permits a peninsula extension in addition to square footage for a floating island. With this layout, I consider it advantageous to utilize an island on wheels that can be easily moved in case you have more moving bodies in your kitchen. In most cases, you wouldn’t do a full-size island unless you had an oversized kitchen, but something small like what’s shown here can be equally efficient and useful.
11 of Pro Tip: Ensure Your Peninsula Meets Your Intended Goal
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Interior designer Annuska Menoita offers irreplaceable advice about intentionally selecting a peninsula over an island. She explains, “If the space can only accommodate a peninsula instead of a kitchen island, it’s important to understand the client’s initial reasons for wanting an island. To meet their needs, incorporate design principles that provide a lovely breakfast area with integrated seating if that is the desired feature. For those seeking better circulation and accessibility, ensure the cabinetry is appropriately spaced to maintain a functional and visually pleasing kitchen layout.”
