Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Ideas For Lshaped Kitchen Designs

Add a table in the middle of the L-shape to make the kitchen a communal space


L-shaped kitchens are ideal for small rooms that have limited space. They provide good storage, and work areas are positioned close together. They reduce the distance between the sink, stove and refrigerator, making cooking easier. L-shaped kitchens create a feeling of openness and work well in open-plan houses. They are formed from two adjacent walls that create the L-shape. Adding a kitchen island gives the option for extra surface and storage space.


Work Triangle Layout


The work triangle is a layout often used when designing L-shaped kitchens. It's an imaginary triangle drawn inside the L-shape, and its points connect the three main kitchen work areas; the cooker, sink and refrigerator. The sink should be positioned beneath the window to facilitate fast drying. This provides the first point of the triangle, and from this you can work out the position of the other points. The sides of the triangle don't have to be even, but avoid making one significantly longer because this increases the distance between work areas. The triangle's aim is to create a layout where the main areas are positioned closely for better convenience. The triangle layout works well in small and medium-sized kitchens.


Zone Layout


The zone layout is an alternative to the work triangle. It is better suited for large L-shaped kitchens, or ones that have several major appliances. It works by grouping the different work areas and their appliances together. For example, the cooking area is in one place, the cleaning area in another, and the food preparation area is in another.


Kitchen Islands


A kitchen island adds extra storage and surface space to L-shaped designs. Pots and pans can be stored above them and the surface can be used for food preparation or eating. Portable islands work well in small kitchens because they can be moved when more floor space is needed. Stove tops can be installed on fixed kitchen islands, either as the main cooking appliance or as an extra one.


Storage


Install cabinets along the length of the L-shape. Maximize of the internal corner space by using a corner cabinet. The internal corner is the one that joins the two lengths of the L shape. Include three to four drawers for things like cutlery, rolling pins and plastic wrap. Use wall cabinets for extra storage, and position them within reachable height.








Colors


L-shaped kitchens maximize space. Use light colors to enhance the spacious feel. Create a contrasting design with white walls and black surfaces, cabinets or appliances. Add color with a bold feature wall, colored cabinets or blinds. Pick a theme such as red and black, or take inspiration from traditional country kitchens.


Utilities








Position washing machines and dryers outside of the work triangle, or away from the main work zones. Keep them in a utility room or garage if there is space, or install them at the end of one of the L-shape lengths so that they don't interrupt the work flow.

Tags: L-shaped kitchens, work areas, work triangle, area another, areas positioned