The first time I got the chance to design the kitchen for my own home I couldn’t wait to get started. There’s something so exciting about designing your own kitchen and it’s so easy to want to get it done as quickly as possible.
Before you start though, there are a few things to think about so you end up with the kitchen that works best for you and your family. It’s worth reading through this article to make sure you cover all the important points.
Doors & Openings
Even though many kitchens these days are open plan, you still need to think about the entrance to the kitchen and ensure that it’s
- Wide enough;
- Does not block access to kitchen appliances;
- Does not block other doors in the kitchen such as appliances & cupboards.
Managing the Kitchen Workflow
The three main working areas of the kitchen are the sink, the cooking area (stove & oven) and the fridge. This is known as the kitchen triangle and there are some useful guidelines to consider about this shape which will ensure the kitchen workflow is smooth & functional.
- Each work area should be between 1.2 metres (4 feet) and 2.8 metres (9 feet) apart.
- Keep the distance between each work area as similar as possible.
- The distance between the 3 points of the triangle should total no more than eight metres (or 26 feet).
- Keep the paths between the work areas as unobstructed as possible.
Any other work areas, like a food preparation area or the microwave should also follow as many of these guidelines as possible. It’s especially useful to keep these areas no more than 1.2 to 2.8 metres away from at least one of the three main working areas.
You should also consider the size of the aisles used in the kitchen and ensure they are wide enough for easy access to all the different areas. The recommended widith is 1.2 metres (4 feet).
More Counter Space!
Almost every kitchen design comes with a request for more counter space. The ideal amount for a residential kitchen is 4 metres (13 feet) but smaller or galley kitchens may not have enough room for this much counter top space.
Rounded edges are preferred to prevent minor injuries and also to help counter top materials last longer as a 90 degree edge can increase the risk of cracking.
Counter depth (from the edge to the back splash) is fairly standard and set at around 63cm (24 or 24 inches). You should also allow at least 40cm (15in) between the counter and any cupboards above so you can fit any tall appliances such as a blender on the top.
All of the main work areas of the kitchen should have open counter top spaces or ‘landing areas’ so you have a place to rest cookware or food items. A minimum of 40cm (15in) on either side of your sink and cooking areas is recommended – more if possible.
If you’d like help designing a functional kitchen for your home, please call us or contact us at Liteco Kitchens. We’re always happy to help.
