Aim for clutter-free countertops by incorporating convenient wall storage. Add hooks and shelves to house baking accessories, extra mugs and glasses, a spice rack, and more in one convenient spot.

Maximize natural light by positioning windows strategically. This makes kitchens feel bright and open. Layer in personal style with colors, cabinets and hardware that reflect your taste.

Work Triangle

The Work Triangle is an essential kitchen design principle that ensures a clear flow of movement between your three main appliances. These are the sink, refrigerator, and stove. Having the three points close together allows you to complete kitchen tasks quickly and efficiently by eliminating unnecessary steps.

The concept was originally developed to optimize the workflow of a single-cook kitchen. Today, however, it is often applied to a range of kitchen sizes and layouts. Smaller kitchens may face challenges with space constraints, necessitating creative solutions to keep these key points accessible. Larger kitchens, on the other hand, may find themselves with a space too cramped for efficient use and need to balance out the work area by introducing auxiliary centers or incorporating kitchen islands.

While the Work Triangle is a useful guideline, it must be tailored to your specific lifestyle and cooking habits. A vegetarian household, for example, might need a larger prep area for chopping vegetables, altering the traditional layout. Similarly, family size can affect the layout as more than one cook will likely need to use the kitchen simultaneously, requiring additional storage or space for appliances.

When implementing the Work Triangle, avoid obstacles that might disrupt the flow of movement between the three points. This includes tables, kitchen islands, and any cabinets that might block the path between the three areas.

Storage

Kitchens are often a multi-functional space where cooking is just one of the many tasks performed. Whether a kitchen is used for cooking, dining, entertaining or working, having adequate storage and organization helps ensure a smooth workflow. Kitchen designs that incorporate clever storage solutions mitigate the appearance of clutter and provide an uncluttered workspace for all cooking activities.

A kitchen design principle long in use is the work triangle, which organizes the sink, refrigerator, and oven/hob into an efficient triangular layout to minimize the walking distance between these three essential elements of the kitchen. While this kitchen layout rule may seem outdated with modern kitchens incorporating open floor plans and multiple cooking zones, it remains a useful guideline for planning your new kitchen layout.

Depending on your kitchen’s size and the layout of its cabinetry, there are several basic kitchen designs you can choose from – galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, or single wall. A kitchen island can be added to most of these layouts to increase the countertop workspace and provide additional storage options.

For a more minimalist kitchen, you can also add wall-mounted shelving for decorative items or kitchen tools like pots and pans. A kitchen designer can help you optimize your kitchen’s storage with creative solutions that will meet all of your kitchen’s requirements. For example, a custom built-in pantry with sliding doors can keep non-frequently used items out of sight but easily accessible. Similarly, a kitchen pantry with a built-in wine rack can maximize both space and functionality.

Ventilation

Kitchen ventilation is a vital element in maintaining a comfortable cooking environment. Cooking generates significant heat, smoke, and odors that require effective airflow to manage. This translates to careful consideration of cooking equipment and appliance placement to optimize kitchen design and ensure that ventilation needs are met.

The kitchen layout significantly impacts the effectiveness of ventilation solutions. For example, open-concept designs can benefit from natural ventilation solutions that use windows, vents, and openings to promote movement of fresh air into the space, while expelling stale air. In contrast, compact or galley kitchens may have fewer pathways for air movement, requiring more robust and advanced ventilation systems that can effectively manage the flow of stale and hot air.

The kitchen work triangle rule has remained a tried and true guideline for kitchen design, enabling a cook to move easily between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. However, the kitchen workspace should be adaptable for varying family sizes and abilities. For instance, a wheelchair-accessible kitchen would need appliances to be placed at accessible levels and walkways widened to accommodate mobility aids. Similarly, a family with dietary restrictions or allergies may need to modify the work triangle to reflect their specific dietary needs. While it is essential to maintain the efficiency of the kitchen work triangle, adapting it for a variety of family needs helps to create an ergonomic and accessible kitchen that supports everyone.

Focal Point

A focal point is a key element of kitchen design. It’s an eye-catching feature that draws the attention of anyone who enters the room and adds a bit of drama to the space. Focal points can include anything from a beautiful backsplash to an elegant light fixture, and they should complement the overall style of the kitchen.

If your home has unique architectural features, like exposed beams or large windows, these can be a natural focal point in the kitchen. They should be accentuated with complementary design elements, such as a painted coffered ceiling or decorative molding. If you’d prefer a more modern aesthetic, consider a statement light fixture or patterned backsplash.

Focal points are important for kitchen design because they create a sense of balance and harmony within the space. They also help to define the overall design of a kitchen, so they must be incorporated with your taste.

A great way to find a kitchen design focal point is to survey your home and figure out what area naturally attracts your attention. This can be a kitchen island, range hood, backsplash, or any other design element that you’d like to accentuate. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your Dura Supreme designer about your preferences. They’ll be able to guide you toward the best design options for your home and lifestyle.