L-Shape Kitchen Islands (Square) are common kitchen layouts that use two adjacent walls, or an L configuration, to efficiently array the various kitchen fixtures around a square island counter. Spatially flexible for multiple variations of lengths and depths, L-Shape Kitchen Island designs provide increased work space, table surfaces, and seating options for kitchen a range of activities.
A minimum clearance aisle of 3’6” (1.07 m) is required in front of an L-Shape layout, with recommended widths from 4’-6’ (1.2-1.8 m). An efficient L-Shape Kitchen Island (Square) has matched lengths of 11’ (3.35 m) and should be planned with an overall area of roughly 121 ft2 (11.2 m2).
L-Shape Kitchen Islands are common kitchen layouts that use two adjacent walls, or an L configuration, to efficiently array the various kitchen fixtures around an island counter.
Kitchen Island Design Ideas And Considerations
L-Shape Kitchen Island layouts must maintain a minimum clearance aisle of 3’6” | 1.07 m, but it is recommended that a clearance width between 4’-6’ | 1.2-1.8 m should be provided in order to provide sufficient access to the kitchen equipment.
Square L-Shape Kitchen Islands should be sized with a rough area of 121 ft2 | 11.2 m2. Efficient Square L-Shape Kitchen Island layouts have lengths of 11’ | 3.35 m and island that can be adjusted as necessary.
The first factor to consider is the available space and intended use of that space as all people cook and use kitchens differently. After, comes placement of necessary appliances such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, and sink. Between these appliances, specific areas should be designated to indicate prepping, cooking, baking, and to organize tools among these zones. Other important factors include the availability of a work surface, efficient storage, and quality lighting.
The Kitchen Sells The House
A single row or one-wall kitchen is considered the most suitable layout for a small kitchen. All necessary equipment and storage can be found in this design although it is noted to be lacking in sufficient counter space. A kitchen cart with the top surface used as a butcher block can be an efficient addition. An L-shaped layout is another option for designing a kitchen within a small space by maximizing the use of a corner. In both cases, the opposite empty wall can feature a table that can fold down when not in use.
Modular kitchen design features small modules that together, form a kitchen that increases space, storage, and efficiency. The layout of a modular kitchen can be broken down into set sections and as such, make for easy installation and repetition in production. For example, a modular kitchen cabinet is a stand alone and pre-made element that can enhance functionality for the user by meeting individual needs.
Kitchen layouts are designed to adapt to many floor planning scenarios and can be adjusted accordingly. These standard types of kitchen layouts offer flexibility around your spatial and structural constraints while meeting the standard proportions and sizes of the kitchen fixtures themselves.Contrary to what you might read elsewhere, you can actually fit a kitchen island into a tighter space — you just have to design for it. Here are the details to keep in mind, as well as questions you’ll need to answer whether or not you have a small space to work with.
Modern Kitchen Designs & Principles
Everyone loves a kitchen island. It is one of the most common requests when we design a kitchen, as people love to gather around a communal space. It works great for preparing food, serving food, and anchoring a room. An island is a big chunk of square footage, though, and if you’re planning one, here are some rules of thumb that will be helpful.
You’ll note that some of these dimensions are going to be far more conservative (read: smaller) than what you’ll find recommended elsewhere. We do a lot of homes in Seattle where the floor plans can be tight on smaller city lots, so we’ve learned a little about what you can get away with when space is tight. So, think of the smaller range of dimensions as being dimensions you can live with but that are going to be super cozy, while the larger number in any range is going to be far more comfortable. Often times, I’ll hear from clients that they want an island but only have 3’ of space between counters, not the commonly recommended 4’. Don’t worry! I actually have a little less than 3’ between my stove and my island and it works perfectly fine for my life because of how we live and cook. If I had listened to all the wisdom out there, I wouldn’t have a kitchen island. So, here’s some “real talk” advice.
At a minimum, you want 3’ and ideally you want 4’ or more. If there are truly two workspaces back to back, then I like 4’-6”. With some exceptions, like my own house, I squeezed down the clearance to 2’-9” and it can be just fine, but you really need to verify you’re ok with it first.
How To Design An Island Feature
This is all relative. In super small kitchens, I really like a flexible work surface that can help with prep. This can be something as small as 2’ square, and there are a million affordable ones online if you can’t swing something custom.
If you’re going with a full custom island, though, I like to advocate for something at least 3’ wide and 4’ long. It seems to be the minimum dimensions that make an island feel like an island and not a cart. You’ll want storage on one side and then seating for stools on the other (and depending on the height of the island you’ll want 12” to 15” of knee space). If you’re going with stock cabinet boxes, that probably means a few inches longer than 3’ to accommodate all that needs to go on down there.
You can get away with smaller distances between a kitchen island and your other counters than you sometimes see recommended. Depending on how you use your kitchen, a designer can even help you fit an island into even less space.
Details Of Kitchen Island Sizes
In terms of length, you can go pretty long, but after about 12’long, things tend to get into the super crazy realm. A 4’ x 8’ island is pretty ideal, as you get plenty of work surface which you can actually reach (beyond 4’ that gets challenging) and 8’ gives you enough space to work.
The sink is up to you. It isn’t my personal favorite, but I get why people want it there. Just be cool with having dirty dishes in view. Cooktops can also work, but you’ll want to factor in the hood location. If you’re not a big cook then “island drafts” can work
Know yourself. Some people love them and swear by them, and others would prefer the counter space. There’s nothing inherently wrong with having one, but I recommend thinking about whether you really want to use it or just want the look of one. Go with what you’ll use.
How To Plan Your Kitchen Space And Distances
There are certainly more questions you’ll need to answer when designing a kitchen island. Here are a few more to keep in mind.
The answers to all of these questions are personal and really suited to how you live. A good design professional can help find the best answer for your space and your life. The truth in most situations, though, is that having an island is an incredibly efficient way to get a kitchen that performs better. With some careful insight, you can get one in a well-designed kitchen that works just right for your family.
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Standard Kitchen Island Dimensions With Seating (4 Diagrams)
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Is There An Ideal Ratio For A Kitchen Island?
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