Pros and Cons of Peninsula Kitchens
May 7, 2019
Getting the chance to design and build your own custom home is an exciting process. Determining all the details can get overwhelming because there are so many options. Partnering with a custom home builder can help. Oftentimes, just knowing what’s available and exploring the pros and cons of each of the options helps you determine what’s right for you. When it comes to the kitchen in your custom home, there are several kitchen layouts available. One type is the peninsula kitchen layout. Here are a few pros and cons of peninsula kitchens to help you determine if this is the right type of kitchen layout for your custom home:
What is a Peninsula Kitchen?
A peninsula kitchen layout is generally characterized by having a connected kitchen island. Essentially, it can be similar to the basic u-shaped or l-shaped kitchen layout because it has an island that tends to jut out from a counter or a wall, but it can also create many other shapes depending on its placement, shape, and overall design. Many times, the peninsula is longer or shorter to create an asymmetrical look and it is often used as a bar or to achieve a modern “bar” look and feel.
3 Pros of Peninsula Kitchens
As with any kitchen design layout, there are benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few pros of peninsula kitchens:
1. Peninsula kitchens can offer more space along the island.
Because the peninsula kitchen layout is characterized by a connected island that juts out, it can be shorter or longer to fit your space and your needs. It can also offer more space along the island than a standard kitchen island. This potential extra space could be used for more cabinets, more appliances, and even more seating. Plus, regardless of the size, a peninsula offers additional counter and prep space, which is almost always a benefit.
2. They are a great option for narrow kitchens.
A peninsula is a great option for smaller kitchens or narrow kitchens that can’t accommodate a full standard kitchen island. The peninsula’s length may not be able to be very long depending on how you want to design your kitchen. But, a small peninsula allows you to get the benefits of an island even if you don’t necessarily want a full-size one.
3. Peninsula kitchens can help provide more definition and separation.
The peninsula in this type of kitchen layout can be placed to act as a room divider. Not only does this help you further define the kitchen and cooking space, but it also allows you to add a little more separation between the kitchen and the living room or dining room area.
3 Cons of Peninsula Kitchens
When evaluating the pros and cons of peninsula kitchens, it’s important to consider both sides. There are plenty of benefits to peninsula kitchens and, as with anything, there are some potential drawbacks as well. Here are a few cons of peninsula kitchens:
1. Peninsula kitchens can be prone to traffic jams.
One of the biggest drawbacks to peninsula kitchens is that they can be prone to traffic jams, especially around the lower or corner cabinets. When used as a room divider, they also tend to limit entry into the kitchen as there is often only one way in or out in this case. Working with a custom home designer can help mitigate these potential flow issues. Peninsulas are flexible and, if your kitchen is laid out and designed well, they can enhance the flow instead of hinder it.
2. They can have tight corners.
Because a peninsula tends to jut out of a wall or counter, they can have tight corners. This can make cabinets, storage, and access to those areas difficult. This too is often resolved with proper design and layout considerations. A carousel or turnstile in the corner or corner cabinets can help make access easier. It may just take a little creative space planning to get the right combination that works for you.
3. Peninsula kitchens can be less efficient for larger kitchens.
Although additional counter space is usually a good thing, especially in larger kitchens, peninsulas can sometimes be less efficient in them. Depending on where they are placed, they can disrupt the space and get in the way. Oftentimes, a standard kitchen island is a better fit for larger kitchens because they have the space to handle a true island. Peninsulas can work well in larger kitchens, but may require a little more finesse with the design layout to make the flow seem natural.
These are just a few of the pros and cons of peninsula kitchens and they are just one type of many kitchen design layouts available. There are a lot of details to consider with your custom home. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the process and all of the options, choose a custom home builder who has an in-house design/build process. They’ll walk you through the options and handle the details so you end up with the custom home best-suited to your lifestyle and needs. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!
