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Before-and-After L-Shaped Kitchen Remodels

By: Jeff Steele

If your L-shaped kitchen could use a new look, get inspired by these before-and-after makeovers.

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Photo: Joe Human

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6 L-Shaped Kitchen Renovations

These L-shaped kitchens were stuck in the past — until top designers got their hands on them. Browse the before-and-after photos, and learn how the designers brought out the best in these spaces.

Photo: Joe Human

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Before: Poor Use of Space

A home with considerable square footage did not utilize that space very well. The kitchen was very small vis-à-vis the living room, and uneven ceiling heights contributed to the cramped feeling. Appliances and finishes needed updating as well.

Photo: Joe Human

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After: Open and Bright

Designer Joe Human pushed back the existing wall to create a larger kitchen. He also installed new appliances and added new finishes and cabinets. Spaces were unified via a consistent ceiling height that ushered in a larger, more cohesive feel.

Photo: Showcase Kitchens

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Before: Tiny '70s Kitchen

This 1970s-era kitchen begged for a total gut rehab. The room measured a tiny 132 square feet and featured tacky almond Formica countertops and matching ancient appliances.

Photo: Tim Cree/Creepwalk Media; Design By: Showcase Kitchens

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After: Spacious Family Hub

A redesign by Showcase Kitchens united dining room and kitchen into one 530-square-foot family-friendly space. The refrigerator and double oven were built into the cabinetry, giving the room a seamless look. An oversized, L-shaped island features the kitchen sink. A decorative tray ceiling with recessed lighting completes the look.

Photo: Gayler Construction

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Before: Bland Black and White

The original kitchen was part of a 1980s tract home occupied by empty nesters. The dated, black-and-white cabinetry did not work for the occupants, who wished their kitchen had a more European look.

Photo: Gayler Construction

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After: Old Country Charm

Gayler Construction gave the owners the look they were after with a European-style range with built-in hood and decorative corbels. A black and tan fleur de lys-like tile backsplash added uniqueness, while custom cabinetry, custom flooring and custom millwork enhanced the room’s Old World appeal.

Photo: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

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Before: Overcrowded Kitchen

The former kitchen was a cramped U-shape. The lack of space contributed to difficult traffic flow. In addition, there was little function to this ill-formed kitchen.

Photo: Bob Narod; Design By: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

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After: L-Shaped Stunner

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath removed a wall to turn the U-shaped kitchen into a far more functional L-shaped room. The transformation created space for a large island and continuous traffic flow. A required structural column was incorporated into the corner of the island, wrapped in Peruvian walnut to forge a unique architectural detail.

Photo: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

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Before: Short on Storage

Prior to the renovation, the appliances were concentrated along a single 13-foot, nine-inch wall. The result was a kitchen with little room for usable storage.

Photo: Bob Narod; Design By: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

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After: Storage to Spare

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath boldly broke a design rule by locating the sink flush with the window’s right edge, keeping the faucet centered on the window. The result was establishment of a wide drawer base to the sink’s left, perfect for nesting bowls, pots, pans and small appliance storage. A floor-to-ceiling buffet concentrates dish storage, completing the L.

Photo: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

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Before: Interrupted Layout

Before the renovation, the kitchen’s size was cut short by a narrow hallway, closet and mudroom that led to the backyard. Appliances, hardware and finishes were dated, and the kitchen suffered from a dark appearance.

Photo: Bob Narod; Design By: Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

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After: Double the Space

Incorporating the hallway, closet and mudroom within the kitchen increased the room’s size by 100 percent. Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath transformed the entire side wall of the old mudroom into pantry storage with pullouts. The back wall resembles an elegant credenza, but also serves to provide valuable storage. The effect was lighter and larger.

Before-and-After L-Shaped Kitchen Remodels

6 L-Shaped Kitchen Renovations

Before: Poor Use of Space

After: Open and Bright

Before: Tiny '70s Kitchen

After: Spacious Family Hub

Before: Bland Black and White

After: Old Country Charm

Before: Overcrowded Kitchen

After: L-Shaped Stunner

Before: Short on Storage

After: Storage to Spare

Before: Interrupted Layout

After: Double the Space

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