Kitchen Design Dos and Don'ts

From food preparation to socializing, kitchen activities are most enjoyable in a well-designed space. Here are a few suggestions, as well as mistakes to avoid to achieve the most beautiful and functional kitchen design.

Don't Forget the Kitchen Triangle

According to the widely accepted kitchen work triangle concept, too much space between the cook top, sink, and refrigerator will result in tiring, inefficient food preparation, and too little will result in a kitchen that feels cramped and crowded. Kitchen designers and architects recommend that the triangle legs be between 4 and 9 feet and the total of all three sides be between 13 and 26 feet.

Do Plan Optimal Sink Placement

Sinks typically see more action than any other kitchen area, and easy access is important for work flow. Sometimes relocating a sink may require plumbing to be moved. When it comes to your budget and kitchen design, this extra expense is well worth the return.

Don't Waste Storage Space

Accommodating a wide variety of serving dishes, cookware, and large, awkwardly shaped items such as food processors and griddles can be a challenge for smaller kitchens. Be sure to make use of all available space when selecting your cabinetry. Additional storage options can include tall upper cabinets, shelves in the backs of lower kitchen cabinets, toe-kick drawers, pop up shelves, slotted storage, wine cubbies, and more.

Do Strategically Place Stored Items

Large kitchens with plenty of storage space can still be inefficient work spaces if kitchen items are not strategically placed. Knives and garbage cans should be stored near the sink and dishwasher. Cookware and spices should be stored near the oven and cook top. Seasonal and rarely used items can be stored in the highest cabinets, in the backs of cabinets, or if necessary for very small kitchens, in a closet near the kitchen or on a shelf in the garage.

Don't Blow Your Budget

Take as much time as you need to really think about exactly what you want. Jumping into the design and installation process too early can result in costly mid-project changes. Ask yourself what you really need the most and prioritize your purchases. For example, perhaps you need you countertops and cabinets, but your flooring still looks great.

Do Forgo the Island, If Necessary

Kitchen islands add counter space and storage space to your kitchen, and they continue to play an important part in modern kitchen designs, but if your budget is tight or your kitchen is small, you may want to consider forgoing the kitchen island. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and ask yourself what matters most. If you decide against a kitchen island, there are alternatives, such as a table or a wheeled cart.

This is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of surpHaces Partners.