Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
Ever found yourself living in a kitchen where everything just effortlessly falls into place? Or on the opposite end, nothing seems to work and everything is out of place?
The answer lies in one simple phrase: “proper kitchen design principles.” Believe it or not, principles that were discovered in the 1920s still reign supreme when it comes to designing the perfect kitchen for your home.
In today’s world, kitchens are being used more than ever for various activities and functions. While cooking remains the primary function, it’s becoming increasingly common to have areas for visiting, kids doing homework, paying bills, or even using the computer.
Before diving into the design process, there are a few pre-design questions to consider. How does traffic flow through your kitchen? How many people will typically be cooking in the space? The more questions you ask and answer, the better functionality your new kitchen will achieve.
To kickstart the design process, start by drawing out the perimeter walls that define the space and its neighboring rooms. This will provide crucial information about traffic patterns. Take note of any island knee walls or peninsulas as well. Be sure to accurately measure the width of all openings to and from the kitchen. Door openings should have a minimum clear opening of 32″. If cabinets run parallel to an opening and extend more than 24″ deep, the width should expand to 36″. If a stove creates a “hallway,” ensure it’s buffered by a 12″ cabinet and leave a minimum of 15″ wide clear countertop space on the opposite side for placing a hot pot. Lastly, make sure no doors obstruct the operation of appliances.
Aisles in the kitchen should be a minimum of 42″ wide for one cook and 48″ wide for two cooks working simultaneously. Measure the aisle widths from the leading edge or protruding handle of any item to a point directly across from it. Avoid having major through traffic flow through the work aisle. If this scenario arises, consider redesigning the area to eliminate the pattern.
The Infamous Triangle
Ever heard of the work triangle? This triangle is formed by drawing a line from the front center of the refrigerator, the front center of the stove, and the front center of the sink. Each leg of the triangle should be between 4′ and 9′ in length, and the total sum of all the legs should not exceed 26′. By incorporating additional appliances like dishwashers and trash compactors, you can establish multiple work zones and triangles.
With the appliances in place, you can now position the appropriate cabinets between them. Pay attention to the configuration of cabinets in each space. Drawers for silverware and utensils should be located close to the dishwasher, while cabinets for storing large pots and pans should be positioned near the stove.
Seating
We’ve all been in houses with cramped seating, where someone gets stuck in a corner. The minimum space between the edge of the table and the wall should be 32″ if there’s no traffic behind the person. If there is traffic, allow for a minimum of 36″, and if you’d like someone to pass by without turning sideways, allocate at least 44″ of space. Always measure from the front edge of any protruding object.
Since people tend to gather in seating areas, ensure easy access for individuals of all shapes and ages. As you can see, properly designing the kitchen space results in a truly functional kitchen. Start with the Triangle featuring your appliances and then add the cabinets, remembering to create space for items like blenders, food processors, or crock pots.
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