Two L-shaped kitchens in oak

An L-shaped kitchen is the natural plan for a corner, and these two Nolte designs show how different it can look. The first runs greige matte wall units all the way to the ceiling above oak-look base units, with a stone-look backsplash between them and recessed channels instead of handles. A tall oven unit closes the L at one end, with an under-counter wine climate cabinet beside it.

Notice what happens at the corner: the wall units continue around it without a break, while the base units below rely on a corner solution to keep that space usable. The worktop runs uninterrupted, which is exactly the long, clear surface an L gives you. Under the wall units, a slim LED line lights the whole length of it.

The second design is lighter and more relaxed, and a good fit for a family kitchen. Oak-look fronts wrap both legs, a white open shelf unit finishes the end of the run where the L meets the room, and a single tall oak unit stands against a dark feature wall with a lit shelf rail. The open side faces the garden door, so the cook looks out, not at a wall. Two different budgets, one principle: keep the worktop continuous, put the tall storage at the end of a leg, and let one material — oak — carry the whole room.

Both ideas suit Los Angeles homes where the kitchen opens to dining or outdoor space. If your room is large enough, an island can stand in front of either L. Read our L-shaped kitchen planning guide, see the corner options on storage and organizers, and sketch your own L in the 3D configurator.