8 Kitchen Peninsula Ideas to Add Seating and Storage—Without an Island

Provide More Space

“The beauty of kitchen peninsulas is that they give you countertop acreage, but they don’t require the large footprint of an island, which requires walking paths around it," says Elizabeth Drake, owner of Elizabeth Drake Interiors.

Even in a small peninsula, you can typically fit seating on one side, storage on the other, and even practical elements like a sink or dishwasher.

Maximize the Flow

"Kitchen peninsulas are a fantastic way to optimize kitchen space and create a really natural flow in the kitchen," says Dijana Savic-Jambert, co-founder of Maredi Design. "It creates the perfect opportunity for gathering, while maintaining a utilitarian effect."

Here, the white countertops and wood cabinets flow together both functionally and aesthetically.

Add a Waterfall Edge

Peninsulas can have the same high-end design details as an island. In this kitchen, a sleek waterfall edge adds a contemporary look, while also making the peninsula look larger and more open.

"We wanted a sleek, modern kitchen with warmth," says Elizabeth Vergara, owner of Vergara Homes. Above, she balanced the coolness of the marble with warm wood cabinetry.

Create a Nancy Meyers Look

Nancy Meyers-inspired kitchens are usually centered around a large island, but this kitchen achieves a similar look within a smaller footprint. "We wanted a bright, transitional kitchen, so we went with white cabinetry, brass accents, and cozy gray barstools, adding contrast against the white," says Vergara.

The wood detail on the island and the brass pendants overhead give it a welcoming, lived-in look that feels like the perfect spot for inviting friends and family.

Work With the Space You Have

Even if you're short on space, a small kitchen peninsula can still give you both additional storage and seating. This one is petite, jutting out just enough for one cabinet's width of storage—but the overhang allows for two stools at a breakfast bar.

Create a U-Shaped Layout

A U-shaped kitchen layout is one of the most practical floor plans for a kitchen. It positions the appliances and plumbing right where you need them, while leaving the middle of the kitchen open for flow of traffic.

When this layout is combined with a peninsula, it lets your friends, family, and guests hang out with you while you cook, all without getting in the way.

Contrast the Cabinetry

Just like a contrasting island can add interest and movement to a kitchen, so can a peninsula. If you have ivory or white cabinetry, then try adding a wood peninsula or a bold color. You can even keep the cabinetry on the peninsula's kitchen-facing side the same as the rest for consistency purposes, then contrast the other side for an unexpected design moment.

Details, like the fluting on this wood island, add even more to the intentional contrast.

Focus on Continuous Lines

While a kitchen island is always going to feel like a separate entity, a peninsula gives you an opportunity to create a more seamless storage and seating space.

The countertop and the cabinetry can create a continuous line from the kitchen through the peninsula, making the space feel bigger and sleeker.