1. Use A Peninsula To Zone Your Kitchen
The rise of open-plan kitchen ideas has meant that zoning has become a vital part of kitchen design. The peninsula provides the divider, creating a U-shaped kitchen that physically separates the working area from the living space – as seen in this design from The Main Company.
2. Incorporate A Seating Area On The Reverse
While you can easily add bar stools to a kitchen island, kitchen island seating ideas can sometimes feel awkward and unsociable. Kitchen peninsula ideas, on the other hand, offer the perfect opportunity to integrate banquette kitchen seating ideas to create a friendly, laid-back space – perfect for relaxing and casual dining. In this kitchen, designed by John Lewis of Hungerford, luxurious green velvet banquette seating adds a colorful contrast to the marble countertop, giving this elegant kitchen a modern lifestyle edge.
3. Create A Versatile Centerpoint In The Kitchen
When it comes to functionality, opting for a kitchen peninsula ideas over an island doesn’t mean you have to compromise. ‘A peninsula was the better option in this country kitchen due to the width of the room. Attaching one side of the peninsula to the wall enabled us to install a large and functional space that included a hob, a sink and room for five seats, while still allowing enough space for a cupboard on the far side,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director for Sims Hilditch.
4. Opt For Mixed Countertop Materials
Take the versatility of your kitchen peninsula ideas to the next level by opting for a worktop that caters to all your needs. In this space, designed by Devol, marble countertops on either side of the sink offer a practical workspace, while a softer wooden material on the arm of the peninsula is perfect for serving and dining, as well as bringing a new texture to the space.
5. Illuminate Over The Peninsula As You Would An Island
Never underestimate lighting. It has the power to transform the look and feel of a space with just the flick of a switch. We all know the rules about pendant lights over an island, but what about a peninsula that is by design off-centre? Rather than a single pendant which will be off-kilter to the rest of the room, instead opt for a triptych that will provide both a balanced appearance and even light throw.
6. Use A Peninsula To Maximize Square Footage
Create a high-drama kitchen by pairing kitchen peninsula ideas with black and white kitchen ideas. 'Almost equal amounts of black and white with veined marble that marries the two. With limited square footage, a return gives you the benefits of a kitchen island without the large footprint. It’s one of the best space-saving ways to get storage, seating, and extra serving/workstations. Both sides open for maximized storage,' says Tiffani Baumgart, founder of Tiffani B Interiors.
7. Double Up With An Island And A Peninsula
If you have the space, then why not double up and incorporate both a peninsula and an island into your kitchen design? Combining the best of both worlds, the peninsula helps to contain the workspace in the kitchen – and offers seating – while reserving the slim, reclaimed wood island as a functional workspace.
8. Combine A Peninsula With Patio Doors
The kitchen peninsula is the perfect partner to an indoor-outdoor kitchen, as seen in this kitchen extension by Border Oak. When positioned opposite sliding or bifold doors, the peninsula arm provides the perfect joining point between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor dining area – ideal for serving food or drinks. However, come the colder months, the addition of barstools brings the dining area inside, with the peninsula ensuring the kitchen works to the best of its ability all year round.
9. Use The Kitchen Peninsula To Add Pattern
Any empty surface presents the opportunity to bring pattern and colour to your kitchen. In this petite space, reclaimed tiles by Bert and May add to the boho kitchen decor and give an otherwise understated design a burst of colour and texture, tying the space in with the decorative living area beyond.