Guidelines for Kitchen Design
No matter how new and shiny the appliances in your kitchen are, or whether you serve simple or gourmet food, if the kitchen layout does not work for you, you won't enjoy your time there. Contemporary kitchens are often multi-functional spaces, in which the whole family spends time. The key to successful kitchen design is to take all these activities into account. Does this Spark an idea?
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Activities
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Contemporary kitchens are often home to more activities than cooking. You may eat your meals, entertain guests, amuse the children and do office work in this space. The kitchen may incorporate space for more than one person to cook at the same time, and to store supplies bought in bulk. Gourmet chefs use large professional appliances, and families need a large table for gatherings and homework.
Work Triangle Method
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The work triangle method of kitchen design originated in the 1950s and is best suited to a kitchen primarily for cooking. The focal points of this design are the stove, sink and refrigerator. An imaginary line drawn between these areas forms a triangle, whose entire length should not be more than 26 feet. Each individual side of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet long. Any more than this means the cook has to walk too far, and any less results in a cramped space.
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Work Zones Method
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The work zones method of kitchen design works well for a kitchen that contains other activities in addition to cooking, or one in which there are several cooks at the same time. The cleanup area of sink, dishwasher and garbage is used in food preparation and after the meal. The preparation center should have at least 3 feet of countertop close to the cleanup area. The refrigerator is part of the storage zone, along with the pantry, cupboards and drawers. A selection of different storage spaces, such as divided drawers, swing-out pantries and sliding shelves, holds food, utensils, pots and pans, china, cutlery and small appliances. The cooking center, containing the stove, microwave and grill, should have heatproof countertops around the appliances. Create an efficient cooking space by placing utensils and cookware in this space. Other work spaces could include wine storage and serving, an office and a space for children's activities.
Spaces and Safety
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Space and safety considerations are important whatever method you use to design your kitchen. The passageways in a kitchen used primarily by one person must be at least 36 inches wide, and all entrances to the room should be at least 32 inches across. All electrical outlets within 6 feet of the sink should have ground fault circuit interrupters, to shut them off if they get wet. Include a smoke alarm in the kitchen, and a fire extinguisher near to the cooking zone. Design your kitchen to incorporate as much natural light as possible, perhaps including a skylight.
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References
Resources
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