Understanding the basic principles of kitchen layout will help take much
of the mystery out of the design process. One of the most basic layout principles
is the work triangle. The work triangle is an imaginary line
drawn from each of the three primary work stations in the kitchen - the
food storage, preparation/cooking, and clean-up stations. By drawing
these lines, you can assess the distance required to move to and from each
area and thus determine how well the traffic will flow. To help avoid traffic
flow problems, work triangles should have a perimeter that measures less
than 26 feet.
The three primary kitchen work stations which create the work triangle
are:
1. The food storage station - Your refrigerator and pantry
are the major items here. Cabinetry like lazy susan or swing-out pantry
units add function and convenience. Options like wine racks, spice racks,
and roll-out trays help to organize your groceries.
2. The preparation/cooking station - Your range, oven,
microwave, and smaller appliances are found in this area. Counter space
is important in this section. Conserve space by moving appliances off the
counter with appliance garage cabinets and space-saving ideas like towel
rods and pot lid racks.
3. The clean-up station - Everyone's least favorite activity
is one of the kitchen's most important - clean-up. This area is home to
the sink, waste disposal, and dishwasher. Cabinetry for this station is
designed to organize with the trash bin cabinet and roll-out tray baskets
for storage convenience.
Today's kitchens are more than just places to cook and eat meals. Many
people choose to include breakfast bars, desks, bookshelves, computer stations,
phone and message centers, and mini entertainment areas in their kitchens.
Consider adding these areas to your kitchen with our selection on desk,
shelf, bookcase, and entertainment cabinetry units.
Since the kitchen is one of the most active work areas of the home, it
is important to select the right layout to complement your lifestyle and
taste. There are five primary kitchen layout shapes - the U-Shaped, L-Shaped,
Island, G-Shaped, Corridor/Gallery, and Single Wall shapes. After learning
about the work triangle in the section "Understanding Basic
Kitchen Layout," you will now see how the work triangle functions
in each layout and the advantages each layout offers. | 
