When it comes time to remodel the family kitchen it’s time to start thinking beyond the traditional triangle (fridge, stove, sink) and think instead of functional work zones or task centres. The good news here is, unlike focusing on the triangle, focusing on functional task centres works with all the various kitchen layout options.
To see a great resource on kitchen layout types, check this one out from HGTV. It’s even got free downloadable templates.
The room or space you have to work with will really help guide which ‘shape’ your kitchen overall will take. But since today’s kitchens are used by multiple people at the same time, rather than just one person, we no longer need our kitchen to work for one – we need it to work for all of us. This gives us a lot more freedom to place our appliances in spaces best suited for them in the room, rather than letting a boring triangle dictate its placement. Even the smallest of galley kitchens can be configured for optimal multi-person work zones with the right amount of planning and consideration.
So, which layout is right for you? The short answer is whichever one you like best (and works for your space) will be the right layout for you. Where you’ll want to really put your thinking cap on is looking at your daily cooking and eating habits and seeing what work zones you need, and how you and your family use the space – or don’t and how much you bump into each other!
Make a list of common activities, like chopping or mixing, and you’ll start to see your space take shape. You can then place the sink the best place for a view of the yard, the oven or cooktop in the best place to watch and chat with guests, and the fridge in the best place to unload groceries – regardless of how they meet (or don’t) in a triangle.
Want to learn more?
- TheKitchn has a super helpful resource to help you understand kitchen work zones better. ---> 5 Things We Can Learn About Setting Up a Kitchen from This Diagram
- Houzz has a great idea-book on kitchen work zones to help show great examples and give food for thought. ---> New Ways to Plan Your Kitchen’s Work Zones
- This design/build company has a great article on the triangle vs work zones. ---> The Work Triangle vs. Work Zones in the Kitchen
The key in planning your kitchen’s layout is to make sure it works best for you and your family’s daily life.
Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert