5 Designer-Inspired L-shaped Kitchen Floor Plans With An Island

If you’re looking to transform your cooking layout into a stylish and highly functional part of the home, look no further. These five designer-inspired L-shaped kitchen floor plans with an island offer the perfect balance of space efficiency and modern appeal. Whether you’re aiming for a family-friendly atmosphere, or want a design that looks stylish, each layout maximizes countertop space, storage, and traffic flow. Let’s get inspired by the different options that can help elevate your kitchen’s form and function.

16×14 Open-Concept L-Shaped Kitchen Layout With An Island

By combining an L-shape and an island, this kitchen design creates a functional space that’s ideally suited for entertaining friends and family, and effective meal preparation.

Layout Details: This spacious kitchen floor plan follows an L-shaped configuration, with a 16 ft span along one axis and 14 ft along the other. The sink is placed on the left wall, the range and refrigerator along the top, and a pantry is placed in a corner near the sink. The design is open to either the living or dining area, which promotes an open and modern feel. The central island is large measuring  8 ft by 3 ft and can sit people for eating inside the room, or be used for additional prep space. The sink is located below a window and near the middle of the 10 ft wall, offering easy cleanup and adjacent counter space to either side or on the island. A tall reach-in pantry cabinet is found in the lower corner for food storage and larger kitchen items like small appliances or dishware.

Why It Works:  Ideal for homes with an open-plan design, this kitchen strikes a perfect balance between workspace efficiency and social connectivity allowing for multiple cooks at the same time and entertaining.

Important Dimensions:

• Overall Kitchen Footprint: 16 ft x 14 ft
• Island Dimensions: 8 ft x 3 ft
• Aisle Clearance: 42 in around the island (36 inches is recommended, but 42 inches is ideal)
• Base Countertop Depth: 24 in typical
• Wall Cabinet Depth: 12–15 in typical
• Base Cabinet Depth: 24 in and 24.5 to 25 in with counters
• Range Width: 30–36 inches is common
• Refrigerator Width: 33–36 in, plus clearances for larger appliance if desired
• Sink Base Cabinet: 36 in is the standard width

Design Tips:

• Ensure that the refrigerator is not installed right next to the range to avoid cooling issues. (Minimum of 12″.)
• Position the sink on the left wall under a window, the range on the top wall, and the fridge on the right, for a straightforward triangle that keeps major zones within easy reach.
• Add drawers or pull-out trash bins under the island to increase storage.
• Overhead pendants above the island add task lighting and help the structure stand out as a focal point.
• Consider under-cabinet lighting along the counter’s perimeter for improved visibility.

12×12 L-Shaped Compact Kitchen Layout With Central Island

This design makes the most of its kitchen floor plan by creating a tight work triangle that benefits from a small island for extra countertop space.

Layout Details: This kitchen forms an “L” against two perpendicular walls measuring 12 ft along one, and 12 ft along the other. The open side faces out into the living or dining area, reinforcing an open-concept feel that homeowners love. The setup supports an effective work triangle with three primary work zones for the sink , range , and refrigerator. Each appliance is placed at a distance so that each is easily accessible from the others. 

In this kitchen layout, the sink is set on the shorter leg of the “L,” the range is centered on the longer run, and the refrigerator anchors the far right side. The island measures roughly 6 ft x 3 ft and is the standard size found in many kitchen plans. Its central placement provides extra counter space, storage, and an informal seating area for 2 to 3 barstools. This island size ensures at least 36 to 42 inches of clearance between its counters and the surrounding cabinetry/appliances for comfortable movement.  

Why It Works: Designed for smaller kitchens like those in apartments or townhomes, this plan offers and efficient work triangle with the sink, stove, and fridge within close proximity.

Important Dimensions: 

• Room Size: 16 ft x 14 ft total footprint.
• Island: 6 ft long × 3 ft deep.
• Aisle Clearances: 36–42 in minimum around island and between major appliances.
• Base Countertop Height: 36 in standard.
• Wall Cabinet Depth: 12–15 in typical.
• Reach-in Pantry/Tall Cabinet Depth: 18–24 in.
• Range Width: 30 in standard (can go up to 36 in or more for larger models).
• Fridge Width: Often 33–36 in, plus clearance.

Design Tips: 

• Ensure a minimum of 12 inches of counter space between the refrigerator and the oven/range.
• Allow a minimum of 12 to 15 inches of countertop overhang to accommodate the legs of those sitting at the bar stools.
• Centering the range on the longer wall can provide even cabinet space on both sides for prepping and cooking.
• Decide how you want the island to serve you: additional prep area, casual dining, or even hosting a cooktop or sink.
• Incorporate task lighting (e.g., under-cabinet lights) along the perimeter counters.
• Consider adding pendant lights above the island for both style and practical illumination.

18×15 Modern L-shape Kitchen With A Large Multi-Use Island

With its large island featuring a cooktop, and eat-in seating this expansive kitchen layout offers functionality and a bright open feel.

Layout Details:  The kitchen follows an L-shaped configuration, measuring 18 ft wide by 15 ft deep overall with an oversized focal-point island that works for both cooking and seating. The design is open to adjoining rooms, offering a modern, and open-concept feel. The three major work zones of the sink, range, and refrigerator provide an effective work triangle for better functionality. The range (or cooktop) is located on the island’s countertop, enabling the cook to directly face into the living or dining area while entertaining or with family. 

Important Dimensions:

• Room Size: 18 ft x 15 ft total footprint
• Island Dimensions: 9 ft long x 4 ft wide
• Aisle Clearance: 42 in around island (36 in minimum is standard, but 42 in is preferred for cooktop designs)
• Base Cabinet Depth: 24 inches is typical
• Wall Cabinet Depth: 12–15 is typical
• Range/Cooktop Width: Often 30–36 in (depending on model)
• Refrigerator Width: 33–36 in standard, plus side clearance for larger models.

Design Tips:  

• Placing the cooktop on the island creates a more social cooking experience allowing the chef to look outward.
• Consider installing a downdraft vent or overhead range hood to properly ventilate smoke and odors for the cooktop.
• Maintain 42 in of aisle space so there’s room to maneuver around an open oven door or dishwasher.
• Use tall pantry cabinets to make good use of vertical space and help keep counters uncluttered.
• Install deep drawers under the island for storing pots, pans, and mixing bowls within easy reach.
• Place the sink under a window if possible to enhance the overall feel and benefit from outdoor views.
• If you don’t use a cooktop in the island’s counter consider a second prep sink for added functionality.

14×12 L-Shaped Design Kitchen with a Functional Prep Island

This kitchen with its open-plan design allows for a long island that seats three people comfortably.

Layout Details: This open-plan L-shape kitchen features a sink located on the shorter leg of the “L,” while the range and refrigerator span the along the longer top wall. The island measuring 7 ft x 3 ft sits in the center and is allowed to be that size since it opens into a larger space like a dining or living room. If there are walls, the island’s footprint would need to be reduced to 4 to 5 ft maximum in width. The larger size affords more prep space and room for casual seating and eat-in dining. A pantry is tucked in the lower left corner, making use of otherwise unused wall space to keep food items close by.

Why It Works: By utilizing the open-floor plan this kitchen blends an oversized island with seating for an inviting space that looks out into the dining or living area.

Important Dimensions:

• Overall Footprint: 14 ft x 12 ft
• Island Dimensions: 7 ft x 3 ft
• Aisle Clearance: 40 in around the island (36 in is the minimum recommended, but 40–42 in is ideal for multiple cooks)
• Base Cabinet Depth: 24 in is typical
• Wall Cabinet Depth: 12–15 in typical
• Range Width: Usually 30–36 in
• Refrigerator Width: 33–36 in, plus clearance
• Sink Base Cabinet: 36 in wide is standard

Design Tips: 

• If you don’t have an open plan, limit the island’s width to 4 to 5 ft.
• Use a max of 3 barstools for a 7 ft length or 2 for a 5 ft size.
• Ensure counter overhang of 12 to 15 inches on the islands seating area.
• Use a double basin sink if you typically have two people working in the space or want one side for prep and the other for cleaning.
• Select a single material, for example, hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or large-format tile for both the kitchen and living/dining spaces to unify the space.

16×13 Kitchen With L-Shaped Floor Plan With Island And Pantry

A pantry situated next to the range can significantly cut down on time spent walking back and forth across the kitchen.

Layout Details: This L-shaped kitchen floor plan anchors the sink on the left wall and the range on the top wall next to the pantry. The pantry area with double doors is positioned so that food storage or small appliances are within easy reach. A 7 ft x 4 ft island sits in the center, which adds counter space and room for bar stool seating. This design leaves the lower portion open for an open-concept feel and access to adjacent living or dining areas. The refrigerator is placed at the lower corner for quick access from other areas within the home without hindering the main cooking area.

Why It Works: This design offers an accessible pantry next to the work triangle and countertops for easier meal prep while promoting an open and welcoming ambiance.

Important Dimensions:

• Overall Kitchen Size: 16 ft x 13 ft
• Island Dimensions: 7 ft x 4 ft
• Aisle Clearance: 42 in around island (36 in minimum recommended; 42 in for comfort)
• Base Cabinet Depth: ~24 in typical
• Wall Cabinet Depth: 12–15 in typical
• Range Width: 30–36 in common
• Refrigerator Width: ~33–36 in standard, plus clearance
• Pantry Depth: 18–24 in for a tall, built-in cabinet or closet

Design Tips: 

• Incorporate hideaway countertops that slide or fold out from under the island or cabinets for extra surface space.
• Organize the pantry with labeled bins or baskets to help facilitate usability.
• Add sliding barn doors or frosted glass sliders to the pantry to enhance the look.
• Use large under-island cabinet doors to store small appliances, leaving the pantry open for food items.
• Wire electricity to the island to enhance the usability for mixers and other appliances.
• A continuous flooring choice with minimal raised transitions can help maintain the style and open feel.

For more like this check out our gallery of kitchens with u-shapes.