The Work Triangle is key to your kitchen layout. The term refers to the placement of your refrigerator, stovetop and sink. A well-designed work triangle will keep all kitchens, large or small, feeling well-organized. It will ensure that everything is within reach.
The sink is commonly placed first, usually for a view out a window or on a center island, facing a dining or family room. Then there are standards for spacing appliances to form the triangle. Find a spot between 4 - 9 feet from your sink for your fridge and another spot 4 - 9 feet from the sink and the fridge to place your range and oven. (Note: The combined length of the three sides should not exceed 26 feet, or you’ll be sprinting around the kitchen! Anything less than 12 feet will leave you feeling very cramped.) This model works well for kitchens of all shapes and sizes.
You can design the remainder of your kitchen around this work triangle. I know I like to have some counter space next to my fridge so I have a place to put things when I’m taking out food to prepare. Remember to design your space taking into consideration how you use your kitchen.
Think of the three basic activity centers: the food preparation area, the cooking area, and the clean-up area. Ideally your fridge will be near the room entrance, your stove near the eating area and your sink between the two for cooking and clean-up ease.
If your kitchen permits, leave lots of space around your sink and appliances. Also make sure you include in your design ample space to store all your kitchen necessities, including small appliances, dishes, pots and pans, and all the food you usually keep on hand. Otherwise your beautiful new countertops will become a dumping ground for everything that won’t fit into your cabinets or pantry.
And finally it’s a good idea to consider what it is about your present kitchen that you love and what drives you nuts. Maybe your fridge opens the wrong way, or your sink is too far from the stove. Whatever it is, with proper planning, and modeling your kitchen based on the work triangle, you can have the kitchen you always wanted.
