Any great kitchen has to begin with a floor plan that’s effective. The plan needs to allow for easy movement across the kitchen while still being aesthetically pleasing. Here then are some tips for creating the best kitchen layout.
1. Condense the Work Area
You should be able to move freely through your kitchen- from the sink to the stovetop to the refrigerator- without anything hindering you. These three areas of the kitchen make up the work triangle, and it is best to have no less than four feet between each component of that triangle. You don’t want to exceed nine feet between each leg. These space limitations ensure that you aren’t having to take too many steps and that your movement isn’t too restricted.
2. Move Traffic Away from Your Central Location
All aisles and doorways in the kitchen should be positioned in such a way that any traffic through the kitchen can go around the work triangle. This removes hindrances and ensures that people are not always getting underfoot. An island can be a great way to separate the work triangle from the rest of the kitchen, and you can place all doorways on the side of the island away from the triangle. Any supplementary stations that are important to the kitchen, such as message boards or snack stations, should be kept way from the triangle as well.
3. Allow for Plenty of Room
Aisles in the kitchen should be large enough that no one feels the need to travel through the work triangle. In smaller kitchens, three feet of width is about the bare minimum you can get away with for the aisles. Ideally, about 42 inches works for most kitchens, but if you have multiple workstations facing one another, then you may want to allow a little more space.
4. Give Yourself Enough Counter Space
Your counter should have at least 36 inches of clear work space. If you plan to roll out dough on your counter, then 42 inches is a better benchmark to aim for. Island cooktops should have some surrounding space. This gives you room to set pots and pans to the side once they are finished cooking.
5. Determine Storage Space Based on Tasks
If you have a good layout, then everything you have to have will be easily available to you. You won’t have to walk to one end of the kitchen to get something you would use on the other side. You need to have enough storage at each station to be able to store everything you would need for that station right there. The cooktop should have storage space for oils, ladles, hot pads, stirring spoons and spices. Your counter space or prep station should have all mixing utensils, bowls, measuring instruments and other food prep tools.
6. Put Ingredients Where They Need to Be
Think about what ingredients you will need each day as you make meals. Your fridge should be close to where you store the cereal, so you don’t waste a lot of time walking about the kitchen every day to get what you need. Items that need to be boiled before use, such as rice and pasta, should be kept near the stove.
7. Plan for Where Every Door Will Swing
As you plan your kitchen, be sure to look out for doors that will invade your work space. Give yourself plenty of space to open all doors, including those on appliances. Look for instances where doors would collide if they were to open at the same time and try to resolve those.
8. Look at Installation Guidelines for Each Appliance
Before you purchase any appliance, look at what the instructions say about installing them. Some need extra space in the back to allow for airflow, while others have doors that may swing open very far.
9. Consider Your Electrical Plan
You also want to make sure that you have enough outlets across the kitchen for everything that will need to be plugged in there. Don’t just think about the smaller appliances like blenders, mixers and toasters, but consider ample outlet space for your items that will need to stay plugged in, like the microwave and fridge.
10. Think about Trash Can Usage
A lot of people like to put their trash can out of sight, usually under the sink. But if you store it there, then you cannot use it while the sink is in use. Instead, plan to put the trash can just to the side of the sink. It can still be concealed and not be hard to access at times.
11. Put Oft-Used Dishes Close to the Dishwasher
If you plan for your dishes to be next to the dishwasher, you won’t have to spend so much time and energy unloading them.
12. The Fridge Probably Should Not Be Next to the Oven
In most cases, it’s not a good idea to have the fridge and oven next to one another. The heat from the oven is going to force the fridge to work overtime, causing it to burn out sooner.
13. Your Island Should Work for You
Islands should have plenty of space on all sides; otherwise, they will be a nightmare to work around. If you have a large kitchen, it may be a god idea to implement two small islands instead of a single large one. That will make it easier to reach everything you need. You can even install a peninsula, which works well for smaller kitchens.
14. Make Your Kitchen Appealing
Your kitchen should have a definite focal point. This can be any station in the kitchen, and you can make it the focus by surrounding it with elegant cabinetry or a stunning backdrop.
15. Work with Someone Who Is Experienced
If you consult with a professional, they can use their expertise to point out the best way to layout your kitchen and make the most of your space. They can also help you determine a budget and set priorities to make sure you get your dream kitchen. We would love to be considered for that honor. Our company has deep experience and serves not just Charlotte and {city} but dozens of other towns in the Metro Charlotte area. Give us a call at 980-201-2500 and let us do a free design consultation for you.
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