Refrigerator

In planning out your kitchen work triangle try to determine the best place for your refrigerator.

If you are including side-by-side refrigerator in your kitchen design you will find it less awkward to order one where the fridge portion opens into the triangle.

This side-by-side has the freezer opening into the work triangle. It would be better if the opposite was true.

Sink

Where possible it is ideal to position the kitchen sink under a window.This provides natural light and a view of the outside.

The sink is the center point of the cleanup station. Locating the dishwasher beside the sink will make cleanup easy.

Cooktop

The stove or cooktop, the third component of the work triangle, is the hub of the cooking station. Some like to install a pot filler faucet in the wall behind their range.

Utensils, pots, spices and all other essential items should be located in drawers and cupboards around the stove. This will allow you to stay at the cooking station and save you a lot of steps. Allot room for counter space on both sides of the stove to ensure you have enough space for food preparation.

Pros:

• The work triangle is protected from traffic.
• There is ample storage space and workspace.
• There is room for a table and chairs in this design.

Cons:

• It is difficult to make use of the lower cupboard space in the corner.

2. L-Shaped Kitchen with Island

Pros:

• Adding an island to a L-shaped kitchen provides extra counter space for food preparation.
• An island also adds storage.
• A seating area with bar stools can be added to an island.

Click here to read an article about more great Kitchen Island ideas to help you plan an island in your kitchen remodel.

3. L-Shaped Kitchen with Island - Room for Two

There is often more than one cook in the kitchen.

Here is a view of the same kitchen with two triangles, showing how two cooks can work in the same kitchen and still have their own space. This layout, with an island, is great for entertaining.

Alternately, the sink and dishwasher could be located in the island of this kitchen without losing a tight work triangle.

4. Galley Kitchen

Pros:

• There is only a short distance between all cupboards.
• Plenty of cabinets for storage.
• Compact kitchen layout.

Cons:

• Through traffic may interfere with your work triangle.
• Having more than one cook in the kitchen may feel crowded.

Pros:

• Loads of counter space.
• Oodles of cupboards.
• If your kitchen is large enough you can even add an island. Just make sure there is ample space between the island and your cabinets.

Cons:

• It will be difficult to access and make use of the two bottom corner cupboards.

6. Peninsula Kitchen:

Pros:

• A peninsula layout suits the great room concept, providing an open feel with the rest of the living space.
• You can build a seating area into the peninsula.
• Compact design.

Cons:

• An open design will mean less upper cabinets.