Kitchen Design – Understanding The Work Triangle And Kitchen Layouts

Having a good layout for your kitchen is important, because the kitchen should be an efficient and pleasant area in which to prepare meals and do related tasks. Understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and the basic kitchen layouts is a valuable starting point for having a good kitchen design that you like.

The kitchen work triangle consists of the distance between the sink, refrigerator and range or cooktop. Each one of these areas becomes a focal point in the kitchen and forms the three points of a triangle with different distances between them. Done correctly, the kitchen work triangle provides the most efficient food preparation area layout in the kitchen.

Whether you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or building a new one, an efficient design means that your work triangle minimizes the number of steps the cook must take between the three areas during meal preparation and cleanup. The total distance from the sink to the stove to the refrigerator and back to the sink should be not less than 12 feet total nor more than 27 feet. Each triangle leg should measure between 4 and 9 feet in length. The kitchen isles should be at least 42 to 48 inches wide to allow people to move around easily and for appliances to be opened with ease.

When selecting the floor plan for your kitchen, here are basic kitchen layouts to consider:

* L-Shaped Kitchen - this is the most popular kitchen design. It consists of a long leg and a shorter one and this type of design can be used in small and large kitchens. The L-shaped kitchen gives you the possibility of having a center island depending on the space available. In general, this design will have 2 or 3 appliances on one wall. The usual arrangement is to have the refrigerator at one end, the range or cooktop at the other end with the sink located in the middle. This shape of kitchen generally provides good traffic flow.

* Double L-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design has a lot of cabinet space and plenty of counter space. This design is used in large kitchens with two cooks, and it has two or more entering areas, which can cause traffic flow problems. To avoid some of these problems, create two separate working areas on each L of the kitchen so that workflow does not get interrupted by human traffic.

* U-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design shape has three walls instead of two, and the sink usually is located in the middle wall section. The refrigerator and range or cooktop are usually on the side walls opposite each other. The U-shaped kitchen design gives room for ample countertop space, and you have three walls for cabinets and appliances. This kitchen layout tends to create a working triangle that is very efficient.

The only problem with this type of kitchen design is that sometimes the two U corners are not used appropriately. Make sure you buy the appropriate storage items for the corner cabinets created by the U shape design. The U shape design can also create dark kitchens because of the shape and the amount of cabinets. Using skylights, large windows, lots of under-cabinet task lighting and light colors will help keep the kitchen bright with sufficient light to see what you’re doing.

* G-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen shape is becoming very popular, and it gives you a fourth wall to use. The G-shape can be used if you have more than one cook in the house. This fourth wall section can be used for a counter, island and storage space. With this kitchen layout you can have two sinks, perhaps two cooktops or two ranges. You could have two working triangles - one for sink, cook top or range and refrigerator and a second working triangle with another sink, built-in grill and cooktop. It allows two cooks to do different things at the same time and entertain large groups of people.

* Single-Wall Kitchen - if you do not have much space, you may only be able to have an I-shaped kitchen. No problem. Just be sure the sink is placed between the refrigerator and the stove. Locate the refrigerator so that the refrigerator door opens away from the kitchen sink. This is a very common arrangement for small kitchens in narrow spaces.

* Galley-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen design is more common in apartments or in homes where space is limited -- it is often called the corridor style. The kitchen cabinets and the appliances can be located on opposite walls for better work flow - place the range or cooktop on one side of the kitchen along one wall and the refrigerator and sink on the opposite wall.

To eliminate traffic issues in this type of kitchen design, one entry is often closed off. This type of layout should only be used by one cook. If you want to maintain both exits, place the refrigerator near the end of the galley kitchen for easy access - this way, your family and friends can reach the refrigerator without interfering with the person who is cooking. If you need extra storage in the galley kitchen, install tall kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Wall storage is crucial - buy a stepladder to use when you need to reach the upper shelf of the cabinets, and place the items you use less frequently on the upper shelves.

By understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and how you want your kitchen to function, you’ll be more likely to create the kind of kitchen you’ve always wanted. Today, kitchens are often viewed as the hub of the home as well as a social center for family and friends. Planning your kitchen can be a challenge, but the rewards you’ll receive are very much worth the time and effort.

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Kitchen Design Plans, Tips On Small Kitchen Designs

The kitchen is often the focal point of any house, as well as a place for cooking and eating it is often a meeting place where the whole family gather. Therefore it is important to have a kitchen that is both functional and pleasant to be in. If you thought that it was too difficult to design your own kitchen, then think again. There are many different kitchen design plans and with a few tips you can have the kitchen that you have always wanted.

Small Kitchen Designs:

If you have a small room for a kitchen it may at first seem to be very difficult when you want to design your own kitchen to your personal preferences. But remember that a functional kitchen does not rely just on the kitchen floor design, where everything has to fit into tight corners to make the most of the available space.

One simple but effective idea is to put an island in or near the centre of the room. These provide great storage as well a convenient and handy workspace. Kitchen island designs automatically create more space, as they are usually placed in the centre of the kitchen it also gives you easy access all the way around.

With a little thought you could even incorporate something like a breakfast bar as part of your kitchen island design. And don’t forget that you are not just limited to a square or rectangle for your kitchen island, it could be round or oval or any shape that will fit into your kitchen floor design.

As well as the actual design there are also many kitchen appliances available these days that come in smaller sizes, especially designed for the smaller kitchen. Things like refrigerators are available that are only twenty four inches deep as apposed to the usual thirty inch deep models. And don’t forget things like microwave ovens that will fit easily onto a worktop below overhead cabinets.

Also think about hanging your pots and pans on a rack over your kitchen island. This not only makes them more accessible and easier to get at when needed but will also drastically cut down on the amount of cupboard space that they take up. And its not just pots and pans that can be hung on racks, you can also hang up things like cooking utensils, oven gloves, and anything else that you use often. This way you don’t have to go searching through cluttered drawers just to find one item.

Lighting is another important part of the décor to think about when you design your own kitchen. With the proper kind of lighting it can create the illusion of a bigger room. There are lots of different types of lighting available these days, so you no longer have to put up with a fluorescent strip light or glaring 100 watt bulbs. The simple use of dimmer switches can give you a greater flexibility for different lighting moods.

These are just some of the basic tips for small kitchen designs. When you come to design your own kitchen make sure you think it through properly so you get exactly what you want. Whether you want an old world kitchen design, or if you are after a great island kitchen design, remember that its your kitchen so its worth getting it right, as its you who will be using it.

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Oil Rubbed Bronze Kitchen Faucets Work Great For All Kitchen Designs

When choosing a kitchen design for your home’s kitchen, there are thousands of options available. Whether you’ve chosen to go with a more traditional theme, or are leaning towards something a little more modern – your main concern probably focuses on making sure the room is coordinated, as well as inviting.

Although we tend to focus on the large elements of the room when undergoing a remodeling a project, it’s extremely important not to let the details get left behind. Without sharp, interesting details in your room – your kitchen design could be greatly compromised. By ensuring that you have put thought into every single element of your kitchen, your kitchen renovations are sure to be as successful as possible.

Although styles are always changing, you can choose accessories for your kitchen that will go with just about any theme. Although you’re sure to replace appliances and flooring over time, elements like faucets and cabinet hardware can be chosen in themes that will stay with your kitchen as it grows and changes.

One example is oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucets. The style of oil rubbed bronze isn’t too modern, nor is it too traditional. This gives it that in-between style that will match any kitchen design you choose. Faucets are something that are completely necessary to every kitchen. By investing in a faucet that is both functional and beautiful – you’ve instantly added a touch of class and design to your kitchen.

One great thing about oil rubbed bronze accessories is that they won’t clash with any wood finish you currently have. Whether it’s your countertops, floors, cabinets, or all three – wood plays a big role in many different kitchen designs. Choosing accessories that will compliment your wood finish will ensure that your kitchen is perfectly coordinated.

There’s nothing worse than entering a room that has a great design theme, but there is ONE small design element that clashes with the rest. To save yourself from trying to pinpoint exactly what that element is, put some careful consideration into the choosing of details for your kitchen.

Another important factor when it comes to choosing decorative items for your kitchen is to be sure that you’re not going to clutter the space that you have. Cabinet hardware is the perfect option when it comes to choosing an element in your kitchen to “spruce up”. Counter, wall, and floor space is absolutely vital in kitchen design.

Although it’s easy to throw different decorative pieces into the kitchen, it’s not always practical. If you’ve recently undergone a remodeling project, don’t think you have to add things to your kitchen to make it better. Instead, just put a decorative twist on things like faucets and cabinet hardware. Adding an oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucet or oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware gives your room a decorative feeling without taking up any space that you could be using for food preparation or storing utensils.

Whether you’re undergoing a big remodeling project or you’re just looking to add some extra detail to your current kitchen design, accessories can make or break your finished product. Kitchens are becoming more and more of a centerpiece within the home. By adding interesting design elements that compliment your design perfectly, you’re creating a welcoming environment for your guests. By choosing oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucets or oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware, you’re adding details to your room that will add character and class.

If you decide to replace your countertops or flooring in a few years, these accessories are also an investment that you can depend on to work with whatever new theme you’ve decide to go with. So during your kitchen renovations don’t let the details get pushed to the side. Although they’re small, they can make a big impact on your final product.

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Kitchen Tables And Chair Sets – Fill Your Kitchen With Country Charm

In creating a perfect rustic home, many start with the kitchen. After all, what is more rustic, and country, than a home cooked meal with the family.

These days, more and more families are enjoying meals at kitchen tables and chair sets instead of a formal dining room. Dining rooms are a lot of hassle, and are now used more for special occasions when a larger number of people need to be seated.

This change is a great thing for the cook, because instead of being left out of all the conversations, while being stuck in the kitchen preparing the vittles, the family can be in the kitchen as the meal is being prepared and can all share this time together. This is also a great way to remind the rest of the family to do their part in helping to set up for, and clean up after, the meal. There's no escape when they are all in the kitchen.

To get the right old country look in the kitchen, you should start with the kitchen tables and chair sets. This is going to be the centerpiece of the room. Sure, there are all the appliances, but when people walk in, their eyes are always going to go to the table and the chairs where they can take a seat.

This table and chair set needs to be comfortable, yet convey the look of life on the farm. A simple wooden set can create this look. A tabletop made of oak or cherry wood, surrounded by four chairs, for the family setting. Look for hand-embroidered cloth napkins or placemats and a real wicker basket for the bread that is to accompany the meal to complete the look at mealtime.

If your family is prone to a lot of conversation at the dinner table, you may want to make those chairs a little more comfortable, by adding a couple of cushions, one on the seat, and another on the back so everyone can be focused on the conversation and not their sore backside. When first buying the kitchen tables and chair sets you also may want to think about getting ones with arm rests, so people don't feel a need to rest their arms on the table during those talks. Just make sure there is room in the kitchen for the extra space that chairs with arms will need to fit.

Another part of creating the country kitchen look is through the appliances in the room. While we can't get rid of the refrigerator, there are some home decorators that disguise the modern appliances with false cabinet fronts or curtains to remove them from the view. When it comes to stoves, there is even a trend to change out a modern stove for a wood stove that can add the right flavor and look for the decorative style.

While a wood stove may seem like an interesting idea, it is also a costly one to put into place. There is major work that will have to be done to accommodate not only the stove, but also the chimney that releases the smoke as the wood burns.

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Kitchen Cart With Wine Rack – A Nice Furnishing For Your Kitchen Space

It never fails. Every time you are cooking, the recipe you are using calls for wine and then you have to make a trip down the steps to your wine cellar. Now, it is not like you do not mind the exercise, but this trip usually comes at the most inconvenient time when something needs to be stirred or flipped. To avoid this whole scenario the next time you are cooking, all you need to do is buy a kitchen cart with wine rack for your kitchen space.

A kitchen cart with wine rack would be a great addition to your kitchen space for a number of different reasons. One, is the fact that it is a very practical selection. Not only does it provide you with a nice spot to store some of your favorite wines to cook with and drink, but it also provides for extra cooking space with its spacious counter top.

Plus, you can get ones with other features too including shelves and cabinets where you can easily store a number of different items like pots and cookbooks, drawers where you can place utensils, towel racks and caddies perfect for hanging towels and storing spices, ones that have drop down leafs for even more space to cook, and most of them will come with wheels so you can easily move it from place to place in your space.

Along with its practicality, another reason why a kitchen cart with wine rack would be a nice choice for your space is because it would also add a decorative look to it. How is this possible? Well, it is because they are crafted from a wide variety of materials that have a pleasing look and are made even more beautiful by the different ways that they can be finished.

For example, if you want one that has an antique look, then a great option for you is one crafted out of wood that has a distressed finish with lovely ornamental accents. Or, maybe you want something that is very vibrant, then a great choice for you is one that is also crafted from wood, but this time around is painted a bright red color and has lovely accents pieces that match that look. You can even get ones made from a combination of materials like metal and wood ones, or metal, wood, and even stone.

Interested in getting a kitchen cart with wine rack for your kitchen space? Then, a wonderful way to check out all the options that are available is by hitting the internet and doing some online shopping. You can compare items and prices just by the click of the mouse and can find what you want without even stepping foot outside your home.

So, if you want to avoid having to make a trip to the wine cellar when you are cooking, purchase a lovely kitchen cart with wine rack for your kitchen space. Both gorgeous and extremely practical, it is a lovely selection that is sure to please.

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