When it comes to kitchen design, functionality should be at the top of the list. Before even selecting the style of the cabinets or the type of backsplash, consider the distribution of each of the elements that form a kitchen. If you are renovating your kitchen or designing a new one take into consideration these top 5 guidelines.
1. WORKING TRIANGLE
This is formed by the three primary Work Areas: cooking (the stove/range/oven), prepping/cleaning & the refrigerator. If you add the travel distance between these three areas it should not be more than 26’ and there should be a minimum distance of 4’ and a maximum of 9’ between each leg of the triangle. As a general guideline place the sink either adjacent to or across from the cooking area and refrigerator.
2. OBSTACLES
Avoid having a full-height obstacle separating two Work Areas such as a tall oven cabinet or a tall pantry. Also make sure that entry doors are not in the way of the operating space required by appliances, and evaluate where your main kitchen traffic will be so that it does not intersect the Working Triangle.
3. LANDING AREAS
When possible, avoid having sinks and cook tops at the edge of your kitchen, because Landing Areas are required on either side. For sinks leave 24” to one side and at least 18” on the other, and for cook tops reserve a minimum of 15” and 12” on either side.
4. STORAGE.jpg "Kitchen Design Ergonomics")
Having adequate storage is not only about the space, but also the accessibility of that space. Overall, drawers are more functional than cabinets, because drawers provide full access - you can reach the very back of a drawer by pulling it all the way out. Use "magic corners" for blind corners - these include specialized corner cabinet hardware that allows access to the underutilized areas of the cabinet box. Also, try to store items that you use most often at a height between 15” to 48” from the floor.
5. LIGHTING
There is no such thing as too much light in a kitchen. Natural light is always a plus, and the best place for a window is always where your sink is. Whenever possible, add skylights, claristory windows, supplemental general lighting, pendants and under cabinet light fixtures.
Harmony Sense Interiors’ owner, Lucila Diaz, has always had a passion for design. Before establishing Harmony Sense Interiors, Lucila worked in Marketing and obtained an MBA degree. Lucila has a Honors Diploma in Interior Decorating and Design and is an accredited member of the Canadian Decorators’ Association. Her work has been published several times in BC Home Magazine and was one of the sponsors for the 2009 PNE Prize Home.