The Complete Guide To Kitchen Layouts

First, let's take a look at kitchen ergonomics, the foundation of good kitchen layout and design. Ergonomics is the study of making tools and workspaces work better for their intended users, as opposed to forcing users to adapt to the constraints of the design.

Triangular Division of Labor

In the 1920s, the work triangle was developed as one of the first methods for increasing productivity in the average home kitchen. By drawing a triangle, you can easily go from your stove top to your sink to your pantry (refrigerator).

The Kitchen Work Triangle and Its Guiding Principles

Every vertex of the triangle has an apex that is between 1.2 and 2.7 meters in height.

The sum of the three legs' lengths should be between 4 and 7.9 meters.

Any appliances or storage units installed in the room must not block any of the triangle's sides.

• The triangle should not see heavy traffic.

The following guidelines* should be followed for optimal effectiveness and convenience in the kitchen:

It's recommended that kitchen access doors measure 812 millimeters in width at minimum.

To ensure the proper functioning of all appliances, it is important that the entrance door and any other doors leading to appliances be kept clear of one another.

• Single cook kitchen work aisles should be at least 1060mm in length, while those in multi-cook kitchens should be at least 1220mm.

• Pathways must have a width of at least 915 mm

• A clear passage of 915mm is required from the table or counter edge to the edge behind the seat in an area with no traffic behind the seat.

Each individual seated on a seat should have a minimum of 610 mm of space to move their legs and hips. Make sure there's 460mm of space under a 760mm table, 380mm under a 914mm kitchen counter, and 305mm under a 305mm bar (1066mm high).

• If there is just one sink in the kitchen, it should be placed near the range and refrigerator.

• A sink needs a landing area of at least 610 mm on each side and 460 mm on either side.

• The standard dimensions for a kitchen sink work surface are 760 mm in width and 600 mm in depth.

The recommended distance from a sink to a dishwasher is 900 millimeters.

Landing area requirements include: • A minimum of 380mm close to the refrigerator's handle side and no more than 1200mm across from the refrigerator.

Minimum landing areas of 300mm on one side and 380mm on the other should be present on the cooking surface.

• A distance of at least 600 mm must be maintained between the top of the stove and any flammable material.

A ventilation system should be installed above all cooktops.

To prevent fires, keep cooking surfaces away from windows that may be opened and keep fire extinguishers far from any appliances.

• Microwave ovens should be positioned according to the needs of the user, ideally 75 mm below shoulder height.

• Make sure there's a 380mm wide landing zone next to the microwave on both sides.

• Make sure there's a 380mm-wide landing space close to the oven, and no more than a 1200mm-wide space across from the oven.

Take the larger of the two landing space requirements for nearby appliances and add 300 mm.

• All storage, preparation, landing, and work spaces need a combined 4000mm of countertop space, 600mm deep, with 380mm of high clearance.

Each desk should have enough task illumination in addition to the standard overhead lighting.

*Adapted from the National Kitchen and Bath Association's recommendations.

Most Common Kitchen Design Schemes

1. A Kitchen With Only One Wall

This straightforward design, typical of kitchens with limited square footage, saves on square footage without compromising on usable area. The sleek appearance of the One Wall Kitchen is achieved by having cabinets positioned against a single wall.

Making the Most of a One-Wall Kitchen:

Take a vertical perspective. Since you have a limited amount of available width, extending your cabinets as high as feasible is a good way to add storage. While a one-wall kitchen eliminates the possibility of a classic work triangle, it is still preferable to position the sink, oven, and stove at opposite ends of the room. Don't waste the space above your cabinets if they don't reach the ceiling; store your seldom-used stuff there instead. You might also use it as a display case to further develop your kitchen's overall motif.

In the Galley Kitchen, Number 2

The galley kitchen is a space-saving design that has two parallel rows of cabinets with an inner corridor, or galley, in between. This style makes efficient use of the available space by doing away with unnecessary corner cabinets. Since fewer specialized tools are required, the low price tag is another perk of this simple design.

Tips for Maximizing Efficiency in a Galley Kitchen:

The galley kitchen already has more storage options than the standard kitchen due to the extra row of cabinets. Kitchens with numerous cooks or a large family should have the prep and cooking sections along only one wall. By doing so, you'll be able to keep the traffic away from the work triangle, reducing the likelihood of an accident.

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Kitchen Layout 3: An L-Shape

The L-shaped kitchen, with its cabinets along two perpendicular walls, is a functional design choice for kitchens of any size. The L-shaped kitchen's open layout allows for a lot of freedom in the placement of appliances and work zones, despite the fact that the corner requires some ingenious storage solutions to be functional. The L's arms may be as long as necessary, but for convenience, they should be no more than 4.5 meters.

Modifying an L-shaped kitchen layout to maximize efficiency:

If you have the room for it, a walk-in pantry is a great way to make use of an otherwise wasted nook. This manner, you may make excellent use of the part of your kitchen that is often wasted. If you have an L-shaped kitchen, you can use the space between the two walls to your advantage by building a breakfast nook for your family.

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It's a kitchen in the shape of a U.

The U-shaped kitchen, which has cabinets along three neighboring walls, is a wonderful plan for bigger kitchens. This design is ideal for storing many items, although it might seem cramped if top cabinets line all three walls. Choose top cabinets along just one or two walls to prevent this, and replace them with open shelves, focal tiles, or a hob hood on the other walls. The U-shaped layout of the kitchen is convenient for multitasking and quick service.

How to Maximize the Potential of a U-Shaped Kitchen Design:

In a U-shaped kitchen, it is important to maintain clear window sills. Make the most of the space by placing the kitchen's working areas far from the kitchen's rear and front doors. This will allow for a more efficient work triangle.