15 Peninsula Kitchen Design Ideas | More Kitchens

Published: 1 June 2020 · Last Updated: 16 March 2023

Peninsula kitchens are a great kitchen design alternative, especially if you’re dreaming of a kitchen with an island but don’t have the required space.

This design stands out for being able to offer additional work surfaces, increased storage, and a place to eat and socialise. Peninsula kitchens are highly adaptable, meaning the design can be scaled to fit an array of kitchen spaces in varying shapes and sizes.

If you’re thinking about how to create the perfect peninsula kitchen space then read on for our design team’s top 1 design ideas…

Firstly, what is a peninsula kitchen?

A peninsula kitchen is likened to a kitchen with an island because it offers an additional surface. However, this surface is not free-standing - instead, one end is attached to the wall.

Whereas you can access an island from all four sides, a peninsula kitchen is accessible from three sides, but still serves to extend your kitchen layout.

It’s also different from a U-shaped or L-Shaped kitchen design, as with these popular kitchen layouts three out of the four sides to a surface are flush to a wall, therefore only accessible from one side.

And what are the benefits of a peninsula kitchen?

One of the biggest benefits that come with a peninsula kitchen is the open and airy feel they create.

The peninsula provides an additional countertop space that can be used as a breakfast bar or a prep area but this extra space allows for better organisation and more efficient use of the kitchen, while also providing a natural separation between the kitchen and dining area.

Then there is the increased storage options that come naturally as part of the peninsula design. This works two-fold. While there is additional countertop space that provides plenty of room to store kitchen appliances, utensils, and dishes the extra cabinet space can be used to store food, spices, and other items.

Finally, a peninsula kitchen is a great way to add a touch of style and sophistication to any home.

Our top 15 design tips for peninsula kitchens

There’s a lot to consider when planning out the perfect peninsula kitchen, from the peninsula itself right through to tying everything together with great colours and textures that leave you with a kitchen to be proud of for years to come. Here are our team’s best top tips to help get you started:

1. Create a breakfast bar

Breakfast bars add both style and function, as well as increased counter space and option for additional seating for family meals or entertaining, as well as offering a convenient space for meal prep or social gatherings Breakfast bars are also great for those who want to create an open-plan kitchen, providing a visual separation between the kitchen workspace and the living area.

2. Throw it open with your shelving

Open shelving adds an air of sophistication and modernity to a kitchen. The open design of the shelves allows for easy access to items while also allowing natural light to flow through the kitchen, which can make it appear larger and more inviting. Additionally, open shelving is an affordable way to showcase your favourite items and cookware, while also providing much-needed extra storage space.

3. Go bold with your colours

Bold colours are an important part of creating a stunning peninsula kitchen design, with their capacity to make a space appear larger, create a beautiful contrast to other elements, and add a unique touch to the overall look. They can also be used to create a focal point in the kitchen, drawing attention to the peninsula and highlighting its unique shape. Getting your colour choice right creates a cohesive look throughout the kitchen and brings all of the elements together.

4. Add texture to make the space more inviting

Textures not only add visual interest and depth to a kitchen but also make the space more inviting. Natural materials, like wood and stone, can be used to add texture to countertops, cabinetry, floors, and walls. This can create a beautiful contrast between the glossy surfaces of appliances and the textured walls and surfaces. Adding texture can also help break up the monotony of an all-white or all-black kitchen, making it more dynamic. Finally, it’s worth noting that textured surfaces are easier to clean and maintain than their glossy counterparts.

5. Catch the eye with a bar area

We’ve mentioned the breakfast bar and now we’re moving to the wine bar. A designated bar area not only adds an attractive and functional element to the kitchen, but also helps to define the space and create a better flow. They are a convenient spot for casual dining or food prep, and they can also provide extra storage for items such as glassware, barware, and cooking utensils. Additionally, it can act as a visual anchor, drawing the eye and helping to break up the space.

6. Go minimalist to create a kitchen that is spacious and open

The minimalist approach focuses on simple and clean lines, allowing the kitchen to look and feel more open and spacious. By avoiding clutter and ensuring that each element of the kitchen is carefully chosen and placed, you can create a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere in the kitchen. Additionally, minimalist designs prioritise functionality, allowing the kitchen to become a highly efficient and practical work space.

7. Use lighting to great effect

We focus primarily on pendant lighting here. Pendant lights can be mounted directly above the island or peninsula, providing a bright and efficient source of task lighting that isn't too overpowering. The lights can be used to highlight the countertop space, providing a visual focus to an otherwise blank wall. Customisable to any kitchen design, they also create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere that can draw people into the kitchen and make them feel at home.

8. Integrate shapes that are both functional and unique

Possibly not a tip you often expect to hear. But getting the layout right is key in creating the most functional space possible and unique shapes to fit your space have the power to break up the monotony of a standard kitchen, but also make use of the often-unused space in a kitchen. Unique shapes can also maximise space by allowing for more countertop surface area and storage.

9. Adding flair with multi-level tiers

Storage is key here. While multi-level tiers add a unique touch to any kitchen, they also make the space feel more open and give it a modern, stylish look. Multi-level tiers can be used to create a multi-functional countertop, with the bottom tier providing more storage space. This can be beneficial for those who need more storage space in their kitchen but don’t want to sacrifice countertop space. Additionally, multi-level tiers can be used to separate the cooking area from the dining area, creating a cosy atmosphere

10. Hidden storage is a growing trend and for good reason

By incorporating hidden storage, homeowners can maximise the use of their kitchen space without compromising on style. This type of storage is great for storing items such as small appliances, dishes, and utensils while keeping them out of sight. Additionally, hidden storage eliminates clutter and creates a more inviting atmosphere. Hidden storage is also a great option for creating a more streamlined and modern aesthetic, which makes the most of your space without compromising on style.

11. Install peninsulas that like to move it, move it

The first of two potential approaches for the peninsula itself. First off, we focus on the moveable peninsula which can create more space at a moment’s notice while retaining the functionality and stylish design of the kitchen. The movable peninsula can be moved around to provide extra counter space, add an interesting visual element to the room, or divide the kitchen into two distinct areas that match your requirements. Not only is a movable peninsula a great design tip, but it also provides flexibility, allowing you to easily change the layout of your kitchen as your needs change.

12. It’s like a waterfall

The waterfall peninsula is great for creating a sleek, modern look while also providing added counter space. The waterfall effect is achieved by extending the countertop material down the sides of the peninsula, which gives the space a more unified and seamless aesthetic. Additionally, by extending the countertop material down the sides, you can create additional seating space for guests or family members. Highly versatile, this style of peninsula can be used in a variety of kitchen design styles, whether that be contemporary or traditional.

13. Double up with integrated seating

This type of seating allows for the kitchen to feel more open, as the seating is built into the design and does not take up extra space. Extra seating allows for more people to sit comfortably in the kitchen, making it the perfect place for family meals and social gatherings. Integrated seating can be customised to fit in with the overall design of the kitchen.

14. A statement piece that leaves a lasting impression

This piece of furniture or artwork can be used to create a focal point that will draw the eye and stamp your personality to the space. Statement pieces can also be used to break up the cabinetry and countertops running along the walls, creating a more dynamic look. Additionally, a statement piece can serve as a conversation starter to add a bit of life to the room.

15. Divide and conquer

By using the peninsula as a divider, you can create a more open and airy space, while also giving the kitchen a unique and stylish look. The peninsula can also serve as a useful barrier between the kitchen and the living space. It can also be used to create two distinct zones, with one side being an area dedicated to cooking, and the other side being a more relaxed area for dining and entertaining. Additionally, the peninsula can act as a natural focal point and provide a great place to showcase decorative items.

Can we help make your dream peninsula kitchen a reality?

While we have provided 15 points of inspiration, the truth is you can mix and match a combination of our favourite peninsula kitchen ideas to get a ‘best of both worlds’ design.

For example, you could comfortably incorporate additional storage and a breakfast bar within your peninsula. There’s also no reason why you couldn’t also increase the available work surface whilst adding additional storage, by adapting the rotational flow of the golden triangle to work with your kitchen design requirements.

At More Kitchens, we’re experts in all aspects of kitchen design and installation. Managing the entire project from start to finish, if you’re wanting to make a peninsula kitchen the heart of your home, then call a friendly member of our team today or book a free design appointment with us today.

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