Troubleshooting Your L Shaped Kitchen Layout

L shaped kitchen layouts are a classic and popular choice for many homeowners. With their efficient use of space and logical division of work zones, it's easy to understand the appeal. However, as with any layout, L shaped kitchens can develop issues over time that lead to frustrations.

By identifying and troubleshooting common problems, you can restore the function and flow of your L shaped kitchen. With some strategic tweaks and upgrades, your kitchen can once again become an inviting and productive environment.

Traffic Flow Issues

One of the main advantages of an L shaped kitchen is the separation it provides between the work triangle and other pathways. But inefficient traffic flow can still be a problem in an L shaped layout.

Identifying "Bottlenecks"

Pay attention to areas in your kitchen where traffic frequently piles up or feels congested. Doorways, corners, and main walkways are prone to bottlenecks. Symptoms include frequently bumping into other cooks, appliances, or cabinets while moving about the kitchen.

Widening narrow doorways, removing obstructions, or adding alternative pathways can help. For example, an entry directly from the dining room into the kitchen could alleviate back ups.

Fixing the Work Triangle

The work triangle connects the primary appliances - cooktop, refrigerator, and sink. In an L shaped kitchen, these usually anchor each leg of the "L".

If the work triangle requires excessive steps or feels disconnected, appliances may need rearranging. Ideally, no leg of the triangle should exceed 9 feet. Corners should be free of obstacles.

Reconfiguring Entry Points

Multiple entry points into an L shaped kitchen can impede flow. For example, doorways located too close together could cause bottlenecks.

Consider closing off secondary entrances and routing traffic through just one main entry. Placing this entry near the "corner" of the L improves access to both legs.

Storage Problems

L shaped kitchens offer excellent potential for abundant storage along two continuous walls. However, you still may find yourself short on storage space if existing cabinets are poorly optimized.

Maximizing Corner Cabinets

The deep corners of an L shaped kitchen are prime real estate for storage. Yet, standard corner cabinets with fixed shelves often waste this space.

Inserting pull-out shelves, lazy susans, or specialized corner storage systems can quadruple storage capacity in corners.

Adding Storage Infrastructure

Signs you need more storage include constantly crammed cabinets and countertop appliances hogging counter space. Free standing carts or islands provide storage and prep space.

Built-in solutions include wall-height pantries, rollout shelves, and slide out drawers integrated into existing cabinetry. Repurposing closet spaces or walls also adds storage.

Keeping Items Accessible

Storage is only helpful when you can access what you need. To prevent buried and forgotten items, install pull-out shelves, lazy susans, and drawer organizers.

Tiered shelf risers double your vertical storage. Cabinet door racks offer quick grab-and-go access to cooking staples.

Appliance Limitations

Appliances are key components in an L shaped kitchen. But their size, outdatedness, or placement can create headaches.

Evaluating Appliance Size

Oversized appliances crammed into a small L shaped kitchen restrict movement and storage. Always measure the kitchen's dimensions before selecting appliances.

Standard sizes for ranges, ovens, and fridges work best in L shaped layouts under 150 square feet. Mini and slimline models are great small kitchen options.

Upgrading Old Appliances

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances saves on utility bills. Newer refrigerators and dishwashers run more quietly and have improved capacity.

For budget-friendly upgrades, look for good condition refurbished or used newer model appliances.

Repositioning Appliances

The typical L shaped kitchen has the cooktop and sink on one leg, and refrigerator on the other. Switch things up if the current configuration isn't working.

Keep in mind traffic flow, electrical and plumbing hookups, and venting requirements when relocating appliances.

Lacking Counter Space

One downside of L shaped kitchens is limited total counter space compared to a straight or U-shaped layout. Here are ways to carve out more workspace.

Adding a Movable Island

Islands not only add counter space but increase storage, seating, and kitchen functionality. Movable islands with wheels or locks are great space savers.

Size islands accordingly - 36 to 48 inches wide and 16 to 18 inches deep. Position near but not impeding kitchen entryways.

Installing a Peninsular Unit

Peninsulas offer counter and storage space while occupying less floorspace than an island. Dimensions of 36 x 24 inches work well.

Integrate electrical outlets, sink, stools, or open shelving for maximum function.

Wall mounted drop leaf tables or bars provide flexible counter space as needed. Repurposing side walls for extra counter returns also helps.

Open shelving lets you stow small appliances to free up counters. Wall-mounted pot racks and magnetic strips also optimize vertical storage.

You can make your L shaped kitchen both beautiful and functional with some clever fixes. The customized solutions covered here will help you identify and fix layout issues, storage problems, and appliance limitations.