A free-standing island at the center of your spacious kitchen is an excellent idea. However, a peninsula kitchen is a perfect replacement if your room is not large enough for a kitchen island.
A kitchen peninsula proffers the same convenience as free-standing islands. Still, while the latter stands prominently at the center of a cooking area, a peninsula must be attached to your kitchen wall on one side.
A Kitchen Peninsula: What is It?
A peninsula is a unit-and-countertop extending strategically from a kitchen wall to serve as an island or kitchen bar. You can also use it as an extra work surface and storage area.
Other times, a peninsula is erected out of a wall to separate the kitchen (from other areas)—and add functionality and design to an open plan home.
Peninsula Vs. Island: Similarities and Differences
In essence, these two serve the same purpose but differ slightly in terms of architectural features, functionality, space requirements, etc.
So, what do they have in common?
- Both can serve as your kitchen bar or a hosting area for the cook’s company
- Both have a unit and countertop
- You can use both as an extra working space for your busy kitchen
- Both can act as additional storage units
And what are their differences or unique identifying features?
- An island stands freely at the center of a kitchen
- And while you can access an island from 4 ends, a kitchen peninsula is only accessible from 3, because one side is attached to the wall
- An island is a right pick if you have enough room to erect a free-standing unit at the center of your cooking area
- But a Peninsula can fit into any space, which makes it convenient for any cook-area size.
We all cherish islands for the looks, social life, and functionality they add to our kitchens, and peninsulas are not any different. With more tips and ideas, you can figure out more clever ways to add one to your home.
Clever Ways to Incorporate Peninsula into Your Kitchen
So, where do you start with your peninsula project?
First, determine your needs. Why do you need one badly? Are you trying to create a social space, beautify your open plan layout or create more working and storage space? Or maybe, you want to do pretty much a combination of any or all of the aforementioned.
Next, compare your needs vs. what you have— like space, budget, kitchen layout, etc. — and then make an informed decision.
That said, here are some smart ways to add a peninsula to a kitchen.
1. Create a kitchen bar or eating zone
An extension on the reachable end of a peninsula (paired with kitchen-bar stools) can form a perfect eating space.
2. Form an L-style kitchen-top
If your current plan allows, you can stick out a peninsula from a one-walled kitchen to form an L-style worksurface or eating area.
3. Separate your kitchen in an open plan home
A well-thought-out peninsula can be the separating half-wall secluding your cooking area from other zones.
4. Add Functionality to an idle pillar in your kitchen.
A free-standing pillar on your cooking area can act as the supporting wall for a kitchen peninsula.
5. Form a U-style kitchen from an existing L-style kitchen
Erect a peninsula to an existing L-style kitchen to create the impression of a U-style cooking zone.
6. Design a custom-made work surface
Sometimes, all you need is a small extension from a wall to act as an extra cooking area. You can also build an open cabinet as on the unit to create more room for utensils.
The Many Pros of a Peninsula
A peninsula project is a practical idea for your next kitchen renovation, especially if you have a small space. Spacious kitchens can also add a peninsula for design and functionality reasons. Here are the many pros of a peninsula
- You get an extra work surface
- More storage space for your cooking equipment
- You add design to an open plan layout
- An excellent countertop for a breakfast or kitchen bar
A strategically erected kitchen peninsula can help improve any cooking space, whether you’re after design, functionality, or both. And remember, you don’t have to break the bank for such a project when you can get brilliant results on a reasonable budget,
