Pros and Cons of L-Shaped Kitchens
March 14, 2019There are several kitchen design layouts to choose from. When you get the chance to build your own custom home, you also get to design your custom kitchen. The right kitchen layout for you will depend on the type of kitchen space you need, how you will use the kitchen, and more. If you’re not sure what you want, looking at the pros and cons of each layout can help you decide. Here are the pros and cons of L-shaped kitchens:
What is an L-Shaped Kitchen?
The L-shaped kitchen is a common and popular design layout, particularly because it fits in well with an open concept design. This kitchen design layout is characterized by two walls that form an “L” shape. This type of kitchen also usually includes a kitchen island in the middle.
3 Pros of L-Shaped Kitchens
The L-shaped kitchen layout provides several benefits. Here are a few of the pros of L-shaped kitchens:
1. L-Shaped Kitchens Provide Plenty of Space.
Thanks to the 2-wall layout, appliances can be spread out to provide multiple work zones, which also means more available prep space. The layout of this kitchen also lends itself to allowing multiple chefs and guests in and around the kitchen without feeling cramped. This makes it an ideal kitchen design layout for families that cook together and entertain guests.
2. They are Open Concept.
L-shaped kitchens are a great option for open concept design and great rooms. Their shape inherently lends itself to open concept design and the kitchen island is optional. A kitchen island is typically included in an L-shaped kitchen to provide extra storage, workspace, or seating, but it’s not necessary if you don’t need it. Some homeowners opt for a longer “L” and forgo the kitchen island in order to keep a high-traffic area open and uninhibited.
3. L-Shaped Kitchens Can Increase Home Value.
Because an L-shaped kitchen is often part and parcel of an open concept design, it can be a highly desired element for potential homebuyers. The benefit of that added popularity means that having an L-shaped kitchen layout can often increase your home value.
3 Cons of L-Shaped Kitchens
As with anything, there are also some potential downsides to an L-shaped kitchen layout. Here are a few of the potential cons of L-shaped kitchens:
1. L-Shaped Kitchens can Become Frustrating for Single Cooks.
An L-shaped kitchen can become frustrating for a solitary cook. Traditionally, the appliances are spread out in this layout, which can make a single cook have to work harder to make a meal. Although this is a traditional layout for an L-shaped kitchen, you can choose how things are laid out in a custom home. So, if you know there will only be one cook in the kitchen most of the time, the placement of appliances and other elements can be customized for them and their usual workflow.
2. There is More Workspace to Clean.
Although an L-shaped kitchen offers more work and prep space, it also means that there is more space that needs to be maintained and cleaned. And, there is more space for clutter to build up. This has the potential to become a chore for busy families. However, by creating drop zones and enlisting the rest of the family to help, cleaning and organizing an L-shaped kitchen can be easily managed.
3. Corner Storage in L-Shaped Kitchens can be Difficult.
L-shaped kitchens are characterized by two walls that meet in a corner. Because of this, there can be difficulties and complications that come with dealing with cabinets near the corner or storage in that area. With a custom home, you can plan ahead for this and install corner cabinets or a carousel that gives you storage and easy access to what you need.
There are several kitchen design layouts to choose from and the L-shaped kitchen is just one of them. Knowing the potential pros and cons of L-shaped kitchens can help you determine whether this layout is the right one for you. A custom home builder can also help you navigate the details and keep the custom home process an exciting one for you. Contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090 to bring your dream home to life!