Kitchen Design - The Triangle

Kitchen Design - The Triangle

In going through open houses, both new construction and remodeled homes, over the last several years (one of my favorite pastimes), and in looking at house plans, I’ve noticed a trend in kitchens that baffles me.

It appears that kitchens are being designed by people who do not cook. It also appears that the kitchens are being designed for show only, and not functionality.

In some of the larger houses the kitchens are so big that cooking could be considered a track event. Big is not always a better.

It’s true that today’s kitchens are quite beautiful, but one must not forget the basics in kitchen design. You can have both!

The basics in kitchen design revolve around the work triangle.

Here is the work triangle, courtesy of Merillat kitchen cabinets:





The Work Triangle

Creating a work triangle in your kitchen can cut down on excess movement by centering your work space. Why waste time running around the kitchen when you can be playing with your kids or taking some quality time for yourself?

Rules of thumb for the basic work triangle are as follows:

No one side of the triangle should be greater than nine feet or less than four feet.
The triangle should not be interrupted by traffic or cabinetry.

The perimeter of the triangle should measure no more than 26 feet and no less than 12feet.


Corridor/Galley

Corridor designs are incredibly efficient because you can move around the entire kitchen in just a few steps.
Counters and storage are limited, however. And, people walking through can get in the cook’s way.


Peninsula
A peninsula offers an open design that incorporates the kitchen and dining room. Its layout brings the whole family together by creating an extra common space.


L-Shaped
The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular. Its work triangle is uninterrupted by traffic and there is ample room for appliances.

Also, by lengthening the leg of the “L”, you can create even more storage and counter space.


If the “U” is big enough, you can add an island work station in the middle.

Perhaps the old adage “less is more” (work space) rings true in kitchen.
Carl