While the average kitchen size has increased over the last few decades, most kitchens do not have the capacity to handle the multiple islands, peninsulas, and acres of countertop space so often featured in lifestyle magazines and remodeling reality shows. By contrast, an L layout can fit perfectly into 10 x 10-foot kitchen, which is still considered the benchmark for estimating the costs of cabinets and countertops. An L-shaped kitchen also provides a lot design flexibility. Cooks love this basic layout, as it reduces the walking time between kitchen stations. It makes it very easy to create an ergonomically efficient kitchen triangle, with the refrigerator, stove, and sink arranged in the classic three-point shape. Here are five examples of L-shaped kitchen layouts at work. This layout is common when the kitchen is a small room enclosed by four walls, where two of the walls may be occupied by an entry door, passage door, windows, or seating area. Instead of the open shelving featured on the short right leg of this example, this small space could also provide space for a refrigerator.
