If you're researching kitchen ideas for your next home project, you've probably come across the peninsula kitchen layout. This design is classic, with a series of cabinets and a worktop protruding from the wall, essentially a thin island attached to one end of the rest of the kitchen.
Typically used to create visual separation in small kitchens or dual-purpose spaces, peninsula kitchens are becoming a go-to layout thanks to their versatility, making them perfect for rooms that probably wouldn't be installed. Don't forget to create the atmosphere of the kitchen island. Perfect for designs that are highly space dependent.
If you're considering a peninsula kitchen for your home but aren't sure if it's right for you, we spoke to interior designers and kitchen experts to find out what you need to know about this kitchen design style. I looked into everything.
What is the Peninsula Kitchen layout?
(Image courtesy of deVOL Kitchens)
“A peninsula is basically just an island pressed against the wall of your kitchen cabinets to allow for additional kitchen storage, appliances, and counter space,” say Jake Shea and Becky Shea of Becky Shea Design. Share explains. This style of kitchen is usually found in smaller kitchens, but it's not just for storage.
“The Peninsula Kitchen is a great solution for narrow kitchens that don't have the width to support an island in the middle,” says Becca Casey of Becca Interiors. Offering a scaled-down classic island option, peninsulas are equally versatile, so there's a lot to consider when designing a peninsula for your home.
Becca Casey is the founder of Becca Interiors, a design studio based in Connecticut. Since opening in 2016, Becca has developed a unique design ethos that appeals to clients looking for an experienced designer to help them refine their spaces, from new construction to updates and renovations.
What are the benefits of a peninsula kitchen layout?
(Image credit: deVOL)
A peninsula kitchen layout has many benefits, from adding storage space and surface area to creating an easy way to add comfortable seating to create a more sociable environment.
“Additional seating options combine practicality and comfort. Adding stylish stools transforms the peninsula into a cozy breakfast bar, perfect for quick meals or casual conversation. Join the conversation. It adds a sociable touch to meal preparation,” Jake and Becky explain.
Natalie Rebak, principal designer at Re:Design Architects, agrees, adding, “We like the peninsular layout because it allows for storage on one side and bar stool seating on the other.” I did. In this way, the peninsula begins to function as an island in terms of providing lighting and seating in the space. ”
It's not just small kitchens that benefit from a peninsular layout. It creates a discreet divider in an open-plan space. “I like to use the kitchen when the space is more open to either the dining room or the living room, and I like to have some kind of barrier between the two spaces.'' ” Natalie adds.
(Image credit: Our Food Stories)
What are the disadvantages of the Peninsula kitchen layout?
Peninsula kitchen layouts are favored by designers for spaces where a traditional island isn't suitable, but there's one important stumbling block that the design style can pose.
“The downside to a peninsula kitchen is that it often obstructs circulation, allowing only one way in and out,” says Becca Casey. For households where more than one person often uses the kitchen at a time, this can cause some problems.
Jake and Becky Shea agreed, adding, “The downside to the Peninsula may be that the kitchen can be a bit crowded.” Getting around can be a bit tricky, especially during busy meal prep times. ” It is also important not to force the Peninsula Kitchen into a space where it cannot fit. If you do this, you may end up with a kitchen that is difficult to use due to lack of space. “For some kitchens, a peninsula kitchen is not ideal because it simply isn’t spacious enough or doesn’t have doors or circulation lines. That’s where the I-shaped kitchen comes to the rescue.
For families where a peninsula kitchen is too inconvenient, a small kitchen island may be a more practical solution, depending on available space. “While you lose some storage and counter space, smaller islands allow for better traffic flow if you can accommodate 36 inches of space on each end of the island,” they advise.
Becky Shea is a full-service interior designer and lifestyle entrepreneur in New York City. She co-founded her own studio, Becky Shea Design, and currently works as her creative director. Her work is rooted in a love of natural materials that celebrates sustainability and the craftsmanship of local artisan communities.
Need to choose a layout for your Peninsula kitchen?
(Image credit: Future)
Unlike simple kitchen layouts, there is no “one size fits all” design for Peninsula kitchens. “Kitchen design is determined by the space it's in and varies greatly from home to home, so there's no perfect size or shape,” say Jake and Becky.
When deciding whether a peninsula kitchen is right for you, the important thing is to ensure that there is enough space and clearance around the peninsula kitchen for the design to function efficiently. “Beyond the continuity of materials and colors with the rest of the house, the most important thing I think about is flow lines and where the core tools are.”
Jake and Becky advise going back to the classic kitchen layout: the working triangle. #Use your kitchen work triangle. This states that the total perimeter of the stove, sink, and refrigerator must be at least 13 feet and no more than 26 feet. This allows efficient access to his three main work areas in the kitchen. ”
The Peninsula kitchen layout is especially well suited for small, multi-functional spaces. In addition to extra storage space, it offers the luxury of a kitchen island, but uses only a fraction of the space. However, before implementing a peninsula kitchen, be sure to check whether the room you are working with would benefit from the design. No one wants to end up with a kitchen they don't like.
