If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, you probably want to update its look while also enhancing its functionality. For many homeowners who want to remodel, the layout of their current kitchen is insufficient to support maximum efficiency. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what you want your new layout to look like. While there are many possibilities, most kitchen layouts either follow the work triangle vs. work zones design, each offering distinct advantages in terms of workflow and efficiency.
Understanding the Kitchen Work Triangle
Decades ago, the kitchen was strictly a place to cook and clean up. Guests and family members did not generally socialize there. The concept of the kitchen work triangle was developed to accommodate the typically small, closed-off kitchens of the 1940s, which featured large appliances. The work triangle encompasses the three major appliances: the refrigerator, cooktop, and sink. Each leg of the invisible triangle should be no fewer than four feet long and no more than nine feet long. Adding up all three legs should yield no more than 26 feet. This triangle was developed to allow for maximum efficiency. It assumes that only one person is doing the cooking and cleaning.
Exploring Kitchen Work Zones
In an open concept or galley-style kitchen, many designers find that kitchen work zones are more efficient and aesthetically pleasing than the work triangle. Just as the name suggests, the work zone design separates the kitchen into distinct work zones. These include areas such as a prep sink and an island bar workstation.
Considering Which Is Right for You
Many consider the work triangle to be obsolete. However, if you have a smaller kitchen and aren’t planning to increase its footprint, the triangle design may still work best for you. Work triangles may also be a good option for households in which one person does the majority of the kitchen work. They are also suitable for those who don’t entertain often. However, if you do enjoy entertaining and other family members like to pitch in with the kitchen chores, a work zone design may be best suited for your household.
Your Perfect Kitchen Starts Here – Contact Us Today
Whether you prefer the work triangle or work zones for your kitchen, the professional remodelers at Southwest Kitchen and Bath can make it happen! We’ve been helping homeowners throughout the Tucson area achieve their dream kitchens since 1999. Give us a call at (520) 531-9187 to get the process started.