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The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout Design Elements and Measurements

Tips and Details for Designing an Efficient L-Shaped Kitchen

By , About.com Guide

The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

The L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Chris Adams, copyright 2008, Licensed to About.com
The L-shaped kitchen layout is a standard kitchen layout suitable for corners and open spaces. With great ergonomics, this layout makes kitchen work efficient and avoids traffic problems.

Basic Dimensions

  • A leg of an L-shaped kitchen can be any length by dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones
  • For optimal space use, only one leg should be longer than 15-feet
  • The length of a work zone in a L-shaped kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of 8 feet
Basic Design Elements
  • Counter tops
  • Cabinets
    • Optimal cabinet heights should be used unless special considerations exist
    • Base cabinets should be a minimum of 24-inches deep and posses an adequate toe kick
    • Upper cabinets should be used where additional storage space is needed
    • No upper cabinets should be placed above the sink
  • Work Triangle
    • Place the traditional kitchen work triangle in the corner of the L utilizing both counter tops for efficiency
    • The refrigerator's hinge should be placed on the outside corner of the triangle so it can be opened from the center of the triangle
Other Considerations
  • An open L-shaped kitchen allows any through traffic corridors to skirt the kitchen work zones
  • A wide L-shaped kitchen variation adds a kitchen island or table - at least 5-feet between the counter top and the island/table is needed
  • Place the sink in front of a window or opening in the wall
  • Ensure you have the proper lighting levels for the task
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