U-Shaped Kitchen with Peninsula
A U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula is a popular choice for homeowners with a large kitchen space. This is because it is incredibly versatile, open, and visually appealing. For larger spaces, some homeowners may choose to add a kitchen island to the design. Doing it this way creates even more surface area and storage options.
A U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula may be a fantastic alternative for you if you want to add a kitchen space to your house. That will come in handy for socializing, entertaining as well as cooking and cleaning.
What is the U-Shaped Kitchen Layout?
A U-shaped kitchen plan creates a “horseshoe” shape, just as the name suggests. The appearance of a U-shaped kitchen is similar to that of a galley kitchen, but with one end walled off and a wider aisle.
Cabinets and counters are arranged along with three of the kitchen’s walls. It has an open floor plan for easy access and working space in the center of the kitchen that allows for unrestricted movement.
Because they provide so much cabinetry space, a u-shaped kitchen is a frequently desired plan for homebuyers. On three sides of the u-shaped layout, units surround the cook, with the top of the ‘u’ left open for a doorway or an open plan living space.
If the width of the room allows, U-shaped kitchens can be designed with a dining area or even a kitchen island. It is possible to make one arm of the ‘u’ into a peninsula that can be reached from both sides. It can be used as a breakfast bar or as a dual-sided storage area. (CRD Design Build, 2021)
What Is a Peninsula?
A peninsula is an island with one side of the wall connected to it. It creates a seating space by extending from the countertop. It will technically convert your U-shaped kitchen into a G-shaped kitchen. The good news is that the advantages of both kitchen layouts are similar.
A U-shaped kitchen’s design allows one of the ‘U’s’ tails to be extended into an open concept. After that, you can add stools and entertain visitors or converse with family while cooking. In an open concept layout, a peninsula can also be used to create a physical barrier between the kitchen and the living room.
A peninsula kitchen arrangement allows for more storage, countertop surface area, and seating. This is perfect for small kitchens and for individuals who enjoy entertaining.
Things To Consider When Implementing a U-Shaped Kitchen Layout
Corner Storage Space Utilization
With a U-shaped kitchen, you’ll have two areas of corner cabinets. These corner kitchen cabinets can be difficult to access if they are badly constructed. Most people end up leaving them unused which is a waste of useful space.
The solution is to buy cabinetry designed for corners even in small kitchens. This way you can make these corner cabinets accessible.
Primary Kitchen Sink’s Location
If one of the U-shaped walls has a window, it’s recommended to put the sink underneath. This way you will take advantage of the scenic views and let in the natural light and even match it to your tile backsplash.
It is also commended to place the sink in the middle of the work triangle, between the range and the refrigerator. You can choose a single bowl sink, farm sink, or an under-mount sink to also match your tile backsplash.
Customize the U-shaped kitchen to fit your space
The lengths of the cabinets in a U-shaped kitchen can be the same or different. A wall in some U-shaped modern kitchens may be shorter than the two adjacent walls. The distance between the two facing counters in a medium-sized U-shaped kitchen is approximately 6 feet.
Small kitchens are ones with a distance between the facing aisles of 42 to 48 inches. The distance between opposing counters in a large U-shaped sized kitchen should be at least 8 feet.
Kitchen Color scheme
When coming up with your U-shaped design ideas, choose a color scheme that will coordinate with the color of the wall. The paint should be color-coordinated with the units to make the area appear more open. Ensure you match the tile backsplash to the baseboard.
For example, Grey can be used in a grey and white kitchen, not just through a tile backsplash. An all-white kitchen can also get a classy boost from a dark wood tone. You can also go for black appliances to create a striking and futuristic look in a white kitchen. ( HGTV, 2021)
Kitchen countertop materials
For the materials to use in your kitchen design ideas, play with different countertops while keeping durability in mind. Granite countertops are famous for their durability and scratch resistance. They do, however, need special attention. You will need to wipe the counters using a neutral cleaner on a daily basis and clean spills as soon as possible.
Quartz countertops are also a good choice for a U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula. They are available in a wider range of colors and have a more consistent appearance. This makes it easier to choose the ideal fit for your peninsula kitchen. Quartz countertops are also more long-lasting and simple to keep clean. (Dura Supreme, 2021)
The Location And Arrangement Of Your Cooktop
The location and arrangement of your range/cooktop will also matter in a U-shaped kitchen open concept. Place the range or cooktop against the U’s center wall. This will give a great focal point for a decorative hood over the cooking appliance.
Advantages of a U-Shaped Kitchen
Workspace that is both large and efficient
Nothing is more annoying than making dinner in a small kitchen. To complete even the slightest of jobs, you must constantly move items around the countertop. Fortunately, with a U-shaped kitchen design, you can avoid this issue.
A kitchen work triangle can be used to make life easier. An efficient kitchen plan contains three major workspaces that create a triangle. These include the food preparation area, the refrigerator, and the stove.
The movement between activities in the kitchen is made easier with this triangle. U-shaped kitchens provide a functional work triangle by taking advantage of three sides and two corners. Furthermore, having counters on all three sides provides a lot of counter space. (The Spruce, 2022)
Extra Storage Spaces With The U-Shaped Layout
Extra storage spaces in your kitchen help you work more efficiently by preventing clutter on your countertops.
The three connected walls of the U-shaped layout provide plenty of space to install cabinets, pantries, and drawers all around. This gives you plenty of room in the cupboards for your kitchen appliances, tools, and other goods.
The appliances and tools you use the most when preparing meals should be the ones that are closest to you. Be sure to talk to your designer about the practicality of your storage rooms.
The U-Shaped Layout Enables Easy Traffic Flow
A U-shaped kitchen layout not only allows numerous cooks to operate in the kitchen but also helps to reduce traffic. The design idea comes from an open concept between the three walls. This allows for easy movement of people into and out of the kitchen. During the kitchen remodel, the U shape will have to be made wide enough to allow for this easy traffic flow.
ProTip Takeaway: In U-Shaped kitchens, a width of 6 to 8 feet can provide ample area for movement while still being small enough to allow smooth movement between zones.
You Can Make Kitchen Island Using a U Shape
A U-shaped kitchen gives you a lot of possibilities for adding a seating area, which makes cooking more social. Add a central kitchen island if your modern kitchen design allows it. A kitchen island is a stand-alone structure in the kitchen that serves as a dining or eating space. It can either complement or match your floor plans.
For small kitchens consider having a peninsula instead of a kitchen island. A peninsula is an island with one side of the wall connected to it. It creates a seating space by extending from the countertop. (Décor Pad, 2021)
ProTip Takeaway: The working triangle should not intersect the island by more than 12 inches as a general rule. This will keep it from interfering with your cooking area’s efficiency.
Conclusion
Many homeowners envision their kitchen with a kitchen island. An island can provide storage possibilities in the form of cabinets and drawers. Other kitchen design ideas include kitchen islands with sinks or cooking equipment. These can allow you to tighten the work triangle and free up other parts of the U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula.
U-shaped modern kitchens are becoming increasingly popular and we recommend consulting with professionals to ensure you have the size, ergonomics, and style that are right for you. A kitchen is a significant investment, and you want to be sure you end up with a design that you adore.
Are You Ready To Remodel Your Kitchen?
Smart Remodeling LLC in Houston is here for all your kitchen remodel needs. Once you’re ready to make your kitchen fantasies a reality, we will be by your side every step of the way to help you realize your vision. We provide bespoke design services that are built with your vision in mind. We will ensure that your kitchen design is exactly what you wanted. We’d be delighted to assist you with your kitchen remodel. Contact us today to get started!
