BREAK OUT OF THE KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE: PART 1 – WHY WORK ZONES

7th Jun 2017

TRADITIONAL KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE

If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the kitchen work triangle. A design principle formed in the 1940's, the kitchen work triangle dictates that the refrigerator, range or stovetop and sink should be placed 4 to 9 feet apart, creating roughly an equilateral triangle. This puts the cook in direct proximity to essential storage, cooking and cleaning items.

HOW KITCHENS HAVE EVOLVED

The traditional work triangle doesn’t work for everyone. Over the years, kitchens have changed dramatically in layout, size, and purpose. We’ve seen the move from small galley or L-shaped kitchens to large open layouts that integrate with other rooms in the home. With advancements in technology, we also have more appliances and accessories than ever before. Plus, not only are you prepping, cooking and baking, but you’re also socializing, working and entertaining – resulting in a multi-purpose kitchen.

WORK ZONES WORK HARDER

To simplify traffic patterns and maximize functionality in a larger space for more cooks, consider forgoing the old-fashioned kitchen work triangle and evolving to a modern zone-based kitchen instead. A proper work zone is a self-contained  Personalized Space that serves a specific purpose and is designed for how you work. Work zones are very versatile. They can be combined or located next to each other when appropriate. Plus, work zones should be customized around your family and lifestyle to suit your needs.

Breaking your kitchen out of the traditional work triangle is simple and makes it easier than ever to prep, cook, clean and entertain in today’s modern kitchen. To learn how you can make your kitchen work for how you live, make sure you read additional posts in this KraftMaid series for Kitchen Zone Tips and to see Popular Kitchen Zones that may inspire your own kitchen design.