help me decide my kitchen layout!

[kitchenitis]

I cannot decide between 2 kitchen layouts, which would you go for - L-shape around a central table or a peninsula? The exact layout and placement of appliances is tbc, but I think they're more or less in place, and I'd obviously be covering all the gaps with worktop and squaring off the peninsula.

The peninsula layout seems to separate the room a bit more but leaves us less space for a dining table. I'd probably make this layout a bit more modern than I would L-shape

The L-shape will feel more like one big room and quite communal. We don't tend to sit at a table, but it might encourage us to do that more. It feels like it would be a bit more cottagey in style.

It's a small cottage and this will be our only living space. It's just the 2 of us, no kids, and we very rarely entertain (as in a proper sit down meal) more than a couple of people at a time but it might be nice to have a few more at xmas.

i would go for the L shape it looks more open the first one dosent look like theres much space between the units more galley style we went for l shape when we did our kitchen and the room looks bigger now

Hi @kitchenitis I think if it were me I think I'd go with the l-shape and table because if you put a dining table in the peninsular arrangement I'm not sure whether you'd have enough space for much more than a small sofa. Also I'm not sure where you'd put your TV. I know it seems silly to design around the TV but after doing 3 kitchens in the last 8 years it always helps me to think about how I'd use the space as a whole, not just where would the units are best placed.

I know this isn't your furniture but I think I'd probably also go with a round table rather than a rectangular one if you decide to go with the l-shape to make it feel like you're not dodging past it all the time.

My own issue would be that I hate having to stand with my back to the room when I'm cooking or doing washing up or prep. I'm just mentioning it in case it hasn't occurred to you. Obviously might not be an issue for you. I have all appliances on a peninsula so am always facing the room. Also, what colours are you going for?

I personally would want a table and so would go with the L shape for that reason. I think you would feel hemmed in more with the peninsula.

I’d probably get a small table that could fold out larger if you have guests

Thanks for the replies. You're all saying what exactly what I want to hear, I love the idea of a table at the centre of it all! I can see myself starting the day there with a rack of toast and pretty pots of butter and jam, a lovely vase of flowers in the centre!

But the peninsula feels more modern and stylish with less 'mess making space' on show. And since it's our whole living area, separating the kitchen from the living space might be sensible? This is the option dh likes best and I've had my head turned by some really nice kitchens like this on Pinterest with this layout.

The point about facing the room - I'd prefer the peninsula to be clear if we went with that but I can switch the sink and oven positions to at least have a sideways view to the room (and the TV!) if we go for L-shape.

I'd definitely get an extendable table, I was thinking about whether a round table would work better too with the L-shape.

@Randomword6 colour tbc! I've been looking at Fenix faced doors from Plykea and also Pluck kitchens, so possibly quite colourful, but I also like white, a lot depends on the layout. This general arrangement is for building control so there's a few months before I need to decide on colour (not that I haven't thought about it for the best part of a year so far!).