An L-shaped kitchen is a classic for good reason: it’s efficient, social and easy to zone. Planned well, it unlocks generous bench space, clear circulation and natural places for seating. Eco Squared designs, supplies and installs European-style cabinetry across the Sutherland Shire & surrounds, from Cronulla and Miranda to Sylvania Waters, Gymea, Kirrawee and Caringbah, tailoring L-shapes that look refined and work beautifully every day.

When an L-shape is the right move

Open-plan rooms where you want the kitchen to hug a corner and keep living spaces open.
Renovations that need to retain services but improve prep space and storage.
Homes that want informal seating at a peninsula without blocking flow.

Clearances & proportions that just work

Keep 1000–1100 mm between the L runs where they meet traffic; ~900 mm can suffice on a light-use side.
Plan fridge at a run end or near the entry so grocery loads don’t cut through prep.
If adding stools, allow 250–300 mm overhang and ~600 mm width per person.

Storage first: design the internals, then the doors

Wide drawers (900–1200 mm) beat cupboards for everyday pots, pans and containers.
Inner-drawer larders keep labels visible and reduce food waste.
Vertical dividers near ovens for trays and boards; appliance towers clear the bench.
Integrated bins beside sink/dishwasher for quick scrape-and-wash.

Corners: reclaim the awkward bits

Fit LeMans trays or corner drawers so items come to you.
Reserve corners for bulky or occasional pieces; keep daily items in wide drawers along the long run.

Peninsula vs island (and where seating goes)

A peninsula at the short leg gives natural seating without breaking circulation — ideal in family homes.
If the room is large, a separate island can face the L; keep clear walkways on two sides and position hot zones away from knees.

Appliances & services

Offset sink and cooktop so two people can work without collisions.
Add a prep sink on the short leg for entertainers.
Confirm ducting routes early for quiet, effective extraction.

Lighting that flatters and functions

Under-cabinet LED strips for shadow-free benches.
Ceiling grid/track for even ambient light; pendants over the peninsula for a warm focal point.
Toe-kick LEDs for soft night paths and a floating effect.

Finishes that last (and look quietly luxe)

As an authorised Oppolia partner, we specify low-emission board options, premium melamines, matte/satin lacquers, warm woodgrains and aluminium-framed glass, all with soft-close hardware. Pair light, low-sheen cabinetry with porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone for durable elegance, then anchor with warm brass or champagne nickel accents.

Small L-shapes: big impact

Use integrated appliances and ceiling-height overheads to calm sightlines.
Keep palettes tone-on-tone (warm whites/greiges) and run large-format splashbacks to minimise grout.
Swap a freestanding island for a peninsula to protect flow.

Good / Better / Best planning paths

Good: L-shape with wide drawers, inner-drawer pantry, corner solution, under-cabinet LEDs.
Better: Add appliance tower, integrated bins, toe-kick lighting, glass cabinet accents.
Best: Peninsula seating with waterfall stone, appliance garage with power, book-matched splashback, scene-controlled lighting.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

Too-tight junction at the corner → trim base depth or relocate the fridge to an end.
All cupboards, few drawers → prioritise wide drawers for daily items.
Cooktop right beside seating → shift heat zones away from the stool run.
Relying on pendants only → add continuous under-cabinet strips.

Transform Your Space with Eco Squared

Embrace the elegance and functionality of European design with Eco Squared. Our Oppolia partnership provides access to premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing, tailored for the way Sydney lives.

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Film a quick 360° video and Text/WhatsApp 0466 119 712 (no home visit required).
Prefer email? info@eco2.com.au

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FAQs

What is the ideal size for an L-shaped kitchen?
Aim for 1000–1100 mm clear zones at the junction and around major appliances; ~900 mm can work on light-traffic sides. Keep fridge at a run end to avoid crossing the workflow.

Is an L-shaped kitchen good for small homes?
Yes, it opens the room, supports peninsula seating and keeps services concentrated. Use integrated appliances, ceiling-height storage and light palettes to make it feel larger.

How do I fix corner dead space in an L-shape?
Specify LeMans trays or corner drawers and save those bays for bulky or occasional items. Keep your everyday gear in wide drawers along the long run.

Where should the cooktop and sink go?
Offset them on adjacent stretches of the L so two people can work without collisions, and keep hot zones away from stool seating on a peninsula.

What lighting works best?
A layered scheme: under-cabinet LEDs for task, a ceiling grid/track for ambient, and pendants above the peninsula for accent and warmth.

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