Kitchen Layout Help

The layout of your kitchen should be decorative and practical.

If you're remodeling your kitchen, or having the kitchen built from the ground up, it's important to make sure that the layout is best for the amount of space you have. Positioning kitchen appliances and furniture correctly can make the area more welcoming and functional.

Size

If your kitchen is relatively small, you may want to include things like built-in shelves or smaller major appliances in the layout. For instance, a refrigerator that is taller as opposed to wider will provide more floor space, and shelves above the sink will provide convenient storage for your dishes. For a larger kitchen, lots of counter space is ideal if you prepare homemade meals often, and cabinets near the counters will make for easy access to dishes and cooking ingredients.

Function

When you're creating your kitchen layout, it's best to put appliances that function "together" close to one another. For instance, the sink and dishwasher should be installed next to each other, and a microwave should be positioned next to the stove. Ample countertop space should be also installed next to the stove and sink for easy food preparation.

Considerations

If you live in a home with small children, it's best to consider safety when designing or remodeling the kitchen. For instance, an oven that is installed at eye-level will make it easier for you to keep children safe in the kitchen, and a rack or shelf for knives installed high in the wall will keep dangerous utensils out of a child's reach.

References

• Kitchen Buying Guide: Kitchen Layout Tips