Clerkenwell Super Matt Graphite EKES Peninsula Main Set Shot

Kitchen Layout ideas

Peninsula Kitchen Ideas

Featuring cabinetry that spans three walls and an additional run that is fitted at a perpendicular angle, peninsula kitchen ideas offer an easy way to maximise storage and counters in any room. The extra unit helps to enclose a cooking area, making peninsula kitchen designs a popular layout for those looking to define zones in an open space or to adopt broken plan living. From using light-enhancing shades to adding lighting for ambience, this peninsula kitchen inspiration will help you create a design that is both functional and stylish.

Greenwich Super Matt White alternative angle

1. Maximise light with white

Peninsula designs are often a great way to increase storage, which can make a layout look crowded, especially if you have a compact room. For a small peninsula kitchen idea, we recommend using white cupboards. These offer a bright base that keeps the design open, while allowing you to build in banks of units for a space that is highly functional and inviting.

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2. Try trending tones

Many peninsula designs are part of an open-plan space, so opting for a versatile shade, like grey, will ensure it blends with other features for a cohesive look. Try going for a paler grey hue, like @thecourtyard01. This light tone has the same neutral appeal as white, and will transcend trends for a room that always appears stylish.

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Dark-green kitchen idea in a peninsular layout. Farmhouse shaker-style cupboards with white worktops and dark wood flooring.

3. Give green a go

Offering two, or more, runs of cabinetry, this layout offers ample space to showcase statement door-fronts, making it a great floorplan for selecting a bold colour palette, like green. As well as meeting the trend for earthy hues, this lively tone is known to spark creativity – which is great for adventurous chefs or when whipping up family meals.

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PENINSULAR dominique.young_2020-11-29_3716242946

4. Spotlight shades with slab

If, like @dominique.young, you want to go for a darker tone for your peninsula scheme, then select slab fronts. These have a simple design that provides swathes of uninterrupted colour, keeping your chosen hue in the spotlight. When paired with an intense shade, like charcoal, these units will draw a space in for a cosier feel, making it a great large peninsula kitchen idea.

Look at slab peninsula kitchens

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5. Integrate two tones

Achieve a dark design without committing to an entirely black interior by going for a two-tone scheme, like @artdesign.andrew. By cleverly using integrated handle doors, they have created a clutter-free look that adopts two shades without overwhelming the space. By using the deep hues on the peninsula unit, they have also defined the cooking area from the dining room.

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Hockley Super Matt Navy Handleless - Island Extended

6. Mute imperfections

Peninsula floorplans are usually part of a kitchen diner, which means your units are in full view of when entertaining. To make this layout easy to keep clean, opt for matt fronts, which have a muted exterior that shows fewer marks and imperfections. This means maintaining a hygienic space is simple and hassle-free.

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PENINSULAR tpjconstructionltd_2021-01-04_3739063635

7. Embrace grain

Peninsula designs often connect a cooking and living space, so choose a cupboard finish that will work in both areas. Woodgrain patterns are a firm favourite because of their ability to add natural character and cosiness to a room. @tpjconstructionltd has shown how this organic texture is versatile and easy to layer with other materials for a maximalist interior.

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Greenwich Gloss Slate Grey EKES Peninsula Main Set Shot

8. Let light flow

With a run of units joined at a perpendicular angle to a wall, peninsula layouts create a barrier that is useful for separating a cooking space from other areas. This can block the flow of natural light, making an area feel dark and cramped. To counteract this, opt for gloss fronts, which have a reflective surface to bounce light around a room for a bright, open atmosphere.

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PENINSULAR mothering_through_it_all_2020-11-02_3698606005

9. Count on length

Make your peninsula unit work doubly hard, by using it as a casual area to dine, in addition to a place for valuable food prep. Take note of how @mothering_through_it_all has used a longer 3.6m laminate counter, so it overhangs at the end. This creates a compact place where she can perch for coffee breaks, meetings, or whilst dinner is on the go.

Look at 3.6m worktops

10. Design over the edge

Introduce a premium look to your peninsula design by creating a custom feature, like a waterfall counter, which uses a work surface down the side of a unit. @bethsandland’s has opted for a luxe material, like solid quartz, which has a uniform finish that helps elevate her interior. Pair this with a timeless pattern, such as marble, for added high-end appeal.

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Glendevon gloss white with concrete accent cutlery tray cameo

11. Keep cutlery organised

When planning a breakfast area using a peninsula format, it is important to add features that will make the unit ergonomic. A cutlery tray will keep dinnerware and cooking tools within easy reach and will utilise more space inside a deep-drawer cupboard. It will also keep everything organised and easier to find – great when setting up casual meals.

12. Work in waste storage

Adding bins to your peninsula unit will transform it into a handy waste storage area, making it easy to recycle items and keep unsightly rubbish out of sight. This idea will also ensure your layout stays clean and clutter-free with minimum effort. Go for integrated styles, which can be fitted behind door-fronts to create a seamless design.

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Navy blue handleless super matt kitchen in l shape layout with marble worktop and full height built in open shelving.

13. Stack up on storage

For a peninsula design that looks open and airy, invest in tower storage. These tall units will maximise all available space, so you can leave other walls free of cabinetry for a less crowded feel. They also provide ample room to organise essentials and can be used to house cooking devices at eye-level, helping to save on floor space.

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PENINSULAR frazerjessjoinery_2020-11-11_3704045561

14. Light it up

With three sides on show, a peninsula layout can often feel dark and cramped. Note how @frazerjessjoinery has overcome this by installing lights beneath the counters and above kickboards, to add extra illumination. Tape lights work best here, as they are fast and easy to install. They can also be trimmed down or joined together to create custom lengths to suit any room.

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Hockley Mirror Gloss Slate Grey and Dove Grey Oven

15. Add functional features

Use your peninsula layout to create a dedicated zone that will make your space easier to use. Place a sink-bowl here for a roomy washing station or, if you are a keen cook, consider adding an induction stove on this unit. With a sleek, slimline design it will create a spacious area where you can showboat your culinary skills for family and friends.

Look at induction hobs