As homes have evolved over the years, so have kitchen layouts. While a traditional kitchen triangle still works for many homes for being functional and efficient, we’re seeing not only more “alternative” triangles but spaces turning more towards work zones.
What’s the difference?
At its most basic, the triangle is the flow between the sink, cooktop/stove, and the fridge, and has some specifics about the distance between each corner of the triangle. This was developed in the 40s when kitchens were generally smaller and separate from the rest of the house.
Work zones however, are a more modern method for setting up your kitchen layout. There are five “zones” to consider for your kitchen: cleaning, preparation, consumable, non-consumable, and cooking. Check out these two quick images below to get an idea of how the zones work.
This is where getting a designer involved is SO important. They’re incredibly well versed on working with you to figure out a) what will work best for your family and b) how to achieve it and what it will look like. Maybe you cook a lot or have a large family, so having a larger preparation and cooking space is important to you. Perhaps you’re a big takeout person, so efficiency in prep and cooking isn’t a top priority, but storage might be. Working with a designer and a contractor will give you the best of both world. Someone to provide ideas and plans to make the best use of your space and someone to let you know what needs to be done to make it happen.
The great thing about work zones is that they can be created no matter the kitchen size.
Have you seen The Founder? If you have, you may remember the scene where Michael Keaton and Nick Offerman’s characters plan out the kitchen on the tennis court. It’s kind of like that! Obviously, as non-chefs we aren’t necessarily on a time crunch, but an efficient and functional set up will help reduce stress in the kitchen!
Think about how you use your kitchen now – what parts work? What doesn’t? Is your dinnerware cupboard too far away from your dishwasher or sink? Speaking of dinnerware storage, does it make more sense for you to have that closer to your cooking area or the dishwasher? Are your appliances cramped together, making inefficient use of space? Do you have lower cupboards and would really prefer drawers? Do you absolutely hate that peninsula and know an island would make a huge improvement in your life?
Then… think about what would make things easier – think about YOU and your family. This is where zones are handy in comparison to the traditional triangle. If you are big on meal prepping, prioritize prep space. Do you have tons of spices and seasonings and need some easily accessibly storage added to your cooking space to make delicious meals? If you’re not a huge cook, but you’re a big snacker, make that consumable storage a priority. If you love to have a spotless kitchen at the end of each night, a solid set up for cleaning and storage is important. You can fit the zones no matter the kitchen, there will just be some adjusting size and layout.
Sometimes these changes can be done with some reorganizing, but this may be something you tackle in a full renovation, especially if you have an older, more-cramped kitchen. Appliances and mechanical lines need to be relocated, bulkheads removed, and walls deleted or moved to make the best use of your space. That’s where we can help! We can review your existing space, your needs and wants, and your budget, to come up with a plan of attack to create the perfect space for you. Renovations can be daunting, and Coastal Glades is here to make that journey smooth and stress-free.
What do you think? How is your kitchen set up? Does it work for you?
