Peninsula Kitchen Ideas

What is a Peninsula Kitchen Layout?

A peninsula kitchen layout involves an island that’s connected to the wall on one side. Where the island is accessible on all four sides, the kitchen peninsula is only accessible on three. They’re the perfect alternative to a kitchen island if you don’t have the space to accommodate one. 

Peninsula kitchen layouts can be used in all kinds of scenarios. You can create a galley kitchen with a peninsula, or you could use a peninsula to separate rooms in an open floor plan.

What Are the Benefits of a Peninsula Kitchen?

The wonderful thing about this type of layout is you can create so many kitchen peninsula ideas for small kitchens. Using this type of design will help you get more out of your smaller space. 

Ultimately, there are three huge benefits of opting for a peninsula: 

• More worktop space. Any kind of kitchen, especially small ones, can benefit from more worktop space. You won’t feel as cramped as you cook dinners or holiday meals for your family. 
• More storage space. As soon as you implement a peninsula in your kitchen, you add additional cupboards and drawers. 
• More socialising space. Many peninsula kitchen owners use this space as a way to socialise. The back of your peninsula can be used as a bar-seating area for your family and friends. 

You’ll still get the benefits of extra storage and worktop space, but you won’t sacrifice the usability of your entire kitchen. 

Are Kitchen Peninsulas Outdated?

Kitchens with peninsulas were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. But just because they were popular then doesn’t mean they’re outdated now. 

Because peninsulas can help you create a functional workspace without the need for a large island. It makes it the perfect addition to a smaller space. 

Ultimately, kitchen layouts, including kitchen peninsula ideas, are less about what’s trendy and more about what works for your home. 

Can You Put an Oven on a Peninsula? 

When it comes to what you can and cannot put on your kitchen peninsula, there are no right or wrong answers. But there may be better options.

Technically, you can put an oven on a peninsula. However, it may not be the best choice for your kitchen space. 

Often, putting appliances of any kind, including an oven, hinders the traffic and flow of your kitchen. That makes your space too cramped and crowded. And it might make you want to avoid the kitchen altogether. 

However, you can opt to put a microwave or even a wine cooler in the lower cabinetry of your peninsula! But unless there truly is no room for an oven anywhere else, you may want to steer clear of putting an oven on a peninsula.

Can You Put a Hob on a Peninsula?

As we mentioned, there are no right or wrong answers about what you can and cannot put on a kitchen peninsula. Having a hob on your peninsula may be what feels best and most appropriate to you. 

While ovens aren’t as popular for kitchen peninsula ideas, hobs are becoming increasingly trendy. With the technology that’s available today, it is entirely possible to place a hob on your peninsula. 

But, before you do, you’ll want to make sure it’s the best place for it. Does it inhibit the working triangle in your kitchen layout?  Will it limit your worktop space for meal preparation? Decide those two first before putting your hob on a peninsula. 

How Much Space Is Needed for a Kitchen Peninsula?

You’ll want enough space to walk comfortably around the kitchen peninsula. You’ll also want plenty of room to open oven or refrigerator doors, cabinets, and drawers without feeling too cramped. 

A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 107 centimetres between the edge of your peninsula and any other cabinets, worktops, or appliances. If you plan to have more than one cook in your kitchen on a regular basis, you’ll want to increase that to roughly 120 centimetres.

4 Peninsula Kitchen Ideas to Reinvigorate Your Space

If a kitchen with a peninsula will work in your home, then you may want to imagine what it could look like. 

How might you go about using the space functionally? Here are our top 4 peninsula kitchen ideas to help you do that:

1. Add Seating to the Back Side

Some kitchens are small enough that there’s no room for a table to sit and eat. That’s where a peninsula comes in handy! 

You can add seating to the back side of the peninsula if you have a smaller kitchen. It’s an excellent way to bring family and friends together around a meal. 

2. Use Your Peninsula Kitchen to Define Rooms

If you have an open floor plan in your home, then this is one of the best kitchen ideas with a peninsula! 

The peninsula acts as a natural barrier, which can help you define rooms in your home. Since peninsulas are the same height as worktops, the barrier won’t cut off anyone who’s in the kitchen from anyone else who’s not.

3. Brighten It Up with Light Fixtures

Don’t forget to add lighting above your peninsula! Not only does it brighten up your work area, but it also adds visual interest to your home. 

You can add pendant lighting that creates visual contrast for the area. Plus, you’ll receive better lighting since it’s closer to the worktop. Be sure to centre them over the middle of the kitchen peninsula to keep from hitting your head as you work.

4. Create the Look of More Room with Open Shelving

Finally on our list of peninsula kitchen ideas, you can add open shelving to give the visual idea of more room. 

Rather than having one solid block of solid cabinetry, you can opt to add in an amount of open shelving. You’ll be able to better display kitchen decor this way. Plus, you’ll create the illusion of more space! 

Peninsula kitchen ideas are still popular today! It’s all about finding the right fit for the space you’re working with. Overall, peninsulas add more storage and work space for anyone using the area. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more room for socialisation! 

For more inspiration, be sure to check out our kitchens or download our kitchen brochure to see how Cash & Carry Kitchens can transform your space!