4 Ways You Can Add a Kitchen Peninsula to Your Small Kitchen

by Samanth Rose

 

 If you have a small kitchen, it can be difficult to figure out how to make it as functional as possible. When you don’t have the luxury of knocking down a wall to create an open concept layout, you have to get strategic on what to do with the limited number of square feet you have available. One possible solution might be a kitchen peninsula.

If you need to improve the functionality of your kitchen and / or add more storage opportunities, adding a kitchen peninsula might be the ideal remodel solution for your small kitchen. Simply put, a kitchen peninsula is an addition to your existing counter space and cabinetry. It is similar to a kitchen island, except that instead of being its own separate entity, a kitchen peninsula is an extension of your current counters and cabinet.

To give you some ideas on how you might get creative with your small space, here are 4 ways you might want to incorporate a kitchen peninsula into your new design:

 

1. An Addition to the Cabinets of a Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen is one with two parallel walls of cabinets and countertops, often with just a narrow walkway in between. Galley kitchens are common in small home and apartments where there is often not enough room to add an island.

However, if you have a walkway that’s at least five feet in length, you might be able to add a small kitchen peninsula to the end of either side. This kitchen peninsula is not only an opportunity for extra kitchen storage, you should ideally also be able to place one or two stools along one side so that you can eat right there in the kitchen.

If you’re single or living with just a partner or roommate, it may be the perfect way to get more use out of your small kitchen.

 

2. Going Past the Doorway 

Sometimes a doorway is what makes an island impossible in a small kitchen. If the entrance aligns with the available walkway, it’s often impossible to add a kitchen island and still have enough space to move around sufficiently.

However, a kitchen peninsula can often be incorporated past the doorway, usually by adding a small addition to an L-shaped kitchen. While it might not be as large as a kitchen island or as efficient for kitchen prep, this kind of peninsula can give you more storage and perhaps even additional seating.

3. Replacing Your Dining Room Table 

Sometimes a small kitchen opens up to a dining area on one end. If you have this kind of set-up and you could use some additional kitchen storage, you might consider replacing your dining table with a kitchen peninsula.

With a kitchen peninsula, you can still have seating when it’s time to eat. However, the peninsula will give you more kitchen cabinets as well as more countertop space when you need it for kitchen prep. It may even help your small kitchen feel larger than it actually is.

 

4. Transforming an “L” into a “U”

If you have an L-shaped kitchen, where two perpendicular walls of countertops and cabinets come together looking the letter “L,” you may be able to add a peninsula turning that “L” into a “U”. While this new peninsula probably won’t line up against an existing kitchen wall, it can give new definition to your kitchen area while also improving its functionality. 

For example, you might be able to use this kitchen peninsula as a buffet spot when you have company over for meals. Or, it could be used for additional counterspace for preparing dishes or for eating. You might even be able to incorporate additional appliances or a small sink. Plus, you should certainly be able to add extra cabinets for storage!  

Would you love to add a kitchen peninsula to your small kitchen? If you’re curious how a kitchen peninsula could work in your unique small space, let our team here at RTA Wood Cabinets help! We offer a FREE kitchen layout design to help ensure you maximize your available kitchen space. Find out more today by giving us a call at: 1-800-788-7575.