Planning the Kitchen

Planning the Kitchen

Instructions: Plan out three different layouts of your kitchen for your new family home on graph paper. Remember the layout of your kitchen can influence a home buyer more than any other feature of a home. Read the following information to help you decide on the layout and type of kitchen you want in your house.

The work Triangle:A person working in a kitchen will move between the sink, refrigerator, and cooking unit. Locate a center point and connect these to form a triangle. This is called the working triangle and indicates the pattern of movement most followed in a kitchen. The perimeter of the work triangle should not be more than 20’ or less than 11’ 6”

Different types of kitchens:

1930 to 1940 – The One-Wall Kitchen

·  Several people from large extended family could assist in food preparation.

·  Large table was placed along the opposite wall and everyone could eat together.

·  Too long for all modern equipment to fit comfortably so this kitchen is rarely used in modern homes.

1940’s to 1955 L-Shaped Kitchen

·  Layout fits well into a rectangular space with an eating area in opposite corner.

·  Several people are able to work together in this kitchen

·  Is still found in some modern homes

1955 to 1965 U-Shaped kitchen

·  This is a very popular design for a kitchen and is still used today.

·  Only 2 people can work in this area comfortably, width of U is usually 3’3”to6’6”

·  Advantage is traffic cannot pass though work triangle

1965: Corridor Kitchen

This is useful for an apartment or small home because everything is within reach

Only one person can work comfortably in this kitchen

Space between contours can be as narrow as 4’ so be careful not to have traffic patterns running though this kitchen.

1975: Island Kitchen

·  Island configuration is most convenient if it incorporates one of the major appliances or a sink.

·  Island often includes a snack counter .

·  Island should have at least 2’10” wide passageways on all sides

·  Island can be put on coasters so its movable.

1991: Dual Work Triangles

·  Couples often share cooking responsibilities.

·  Kitchen can be designed with 2 work triangles, a Bar, sink and microwave oven placed at opposite side of the kitchen from the main sink and cooking center.

·  The refrigerator should connect both triangles.

Safety: Plan kitchen doors carefully, doors leading into the kitchen take up space and pose safety hazards, all cooking areas should clear of doors and traffic, Windows should not be placed over cooking or heating surfaces

Counters: Should always be about 2’ of counter space on either side of the sink, Clear counter space of 3’ should be available for working, Doors on appliances should open toward the sink, Cabinets should have at least 6 doors for holding utensils.