KITCHEN SPACE PLANNING BLOG
Xtra Mile is back again to help give you some tips and tricks in remodeling your kitchen. I will be talking about Space Planning, and give you some things to think about while planning out your dream kitchen.
The first thing I like to ask my clients when we are getting into the nitty-gritty of designing their kitchen, is “How do you use your kitchen on a day-to-day basis?”
I am trying to find out their common habits as far as prepping, cooking, dining, family time, and even entertaining guests. Some people try hard, and make larger home cooked meals for their families for dinner and guests. While others are more “on the go” and grab snacks, quick meals, and need more convenience in their kitchen.
Here are some basic tips that will help everyone:
THE WORK TRIANGLE
Did you know the "work triangle" concept in kitchen design came from an efficiency study on factory floors in the 1920s? It originally focused on optimizing machinery workflows, but home economists adapted it to kitchen layouts around the same time. Now, it's a kitchen planning staple all over the world!
Generally, paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Aisles within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration. When planning, adjust kitchen islands and peninsulas accordingly.
The work triangle is an important design concept that emphasizes distance between the sink, refrigerator, and primary cooking surface. Each stretch of the triangle should measure between 4 and 9 feet, even with small kitchen floor plans. If two or more people cook at the same time, plan triangles for each cook. These triangles might share one leg, but they should not cross each other.
Landing space around appliances provides a spot to quickly place hot items from the oven or microwave. It's also helpful when prepping ingredients. When planning how to design your kitchen layout, allow at least 15 inches of countertop on each side of a cooktop and refrigerator. Landing space is also essential near other small appliances, such as a coffee pot or toaster oven.
When a countertop or island doubles as a seating area, a 28” to 30” wide space per diner is most comfortable. Also plan for 18” deep knee space for 30” high counters, 15 inches for 36”- 42” high counters. Allow a 36-inch clearance behind chairs or stools, measured from counter/table edge to the wall or obstruction.
If you have a large family or extensive cooking needs, consider doubling up on your most often-used appliances during kitchen planning. For example, a second microwave oven and a mini-refrigerator or refrigerator drawer positioned at the edge of the kitchen work center can spread out the workload and keep hungry kiddos out of the cook's way. Add a snack bar with stools for an after-school spot.
Well, I hope those are a few helpful ideas to help you think about “How you use your kitchen”. It truly is and has always been the hearth of the home. These days especially when families are busy, and kids are doing homework and guests are entertained, everyone congregates to the kitchen. So let Xtra Mile help you make a beautiful and functional hearth for your home!
