Kitchen Layouts: Effective Optimization of Space

What activities does a typical kitchen handle? Washing, Chopping and Cooking – studying these three activities, kitchen layouts have evolved; and the triangular arrangement has emerged as the optimal work-flow. Are you building a new home? Are you moving into a ready apartment unit? Are you remodelling? What is your budget? What are your time-constraints? Incorporating all these factors will bring you closer to a feasible kitchen design solution – that can become a space you can enjoy!

The best way forward is to ‘optimize’ the space available! Make what you have, work best for you. The dimensions of the room; the position of the windows/doors; the placement and size of the platform/s; the location of the sink and the refrigerator; the amount of storage required to be added; the light fittings; the exhaust; the appliances like food processor and microwave – all elements need to be factored in! In an existing kitchen, these are not random or whimsical choices but pre-determined by the services and infrastructure provided. But very often, it is possible to get the ‘work triangle’ in place!

The work triangle is a work-flow diagram made by drawing an imaginary straight line from the center of the sink (usually attached to the chopping counter), to the center of the countertop to the center of the refrigerator, and back to the sink. A few guidelines for getting the right work triangle: 

1. the sum of the sides should not exceed 26 feet, with each side 4-9 feet long
2.  the work triangle should not cut through an island by more than 12”
3. for optimum efficiency avoid other activities from cutting across the triangle

All these together generate a good kitchen layout. Popular kitchen layouts include: one-wall kitchen;  galley kitchen; U-shaped kitchen; G-shaped kitchen; and L-shaped kitchen; some of which also incorporate an island. 

In an existing kitchen, it is almost impossible to change the positions of the plumbing lines; and therefore you are ill-advised to tamper with the same. Such modifications have the potential to impact other apartments in the building, and thereby may compromise the entire structure’s functionality. Similarly, lighting systems too are more or less decided, with the wires concealed and plug-points and switchboards fitted! And these are usually well-planned and adequate; so unless absolutely imperative, it is better not to fiddle with it. Basically, try to use the entire setup without any major alterations and fitments.

In all the rough diagrams and finished sketches used here, one can see the "process" that a student of design/practicing professional goes through! And all efforts are directed towards getting that perfect 'work triangle' in place - whenever we have the luxury of space and opportunity.