How many times do you bump into someone in your kitchen? For a long time, the ultimate kitchen layout was a relatively small triangle of refrigerator, stove, and sink. This is a handy layout if only one person ever uses the kitchen, which is rarely the case today. For modern kitchens, the best layout uses work zones that allow multiple people to move through the space preparing food, cleaning up, getting a snack, socializing, and more. Here is your guide to creating high functioning kitchen work zones from Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc.
As the name implies, this layout features specific areas designed to make specific tasks easier and more enjoyable. There can be any number of zones based on your family’s needs, but the necessary kitchen work zones are:
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- Food Storage – the refrigerator and pantry
- Food Prep – countertop areas for preparing food, with cooking utensils and optional food prep sink
- Cooking – the oven, stovetop, microwave, countertop appliances, and pots and pans; this zone can be organized into a meal cooking zone and a baking zone
- Cleaning – a sink and dishwasher
- Other Storage – cutlery, glassware, and dinnerware; paper goods; containers for leftovers
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For the most productive and efficient kitchen, Dimension Design-Build-Remodel will design the space so work zones follow the natural progression from food storage, to prep, to cooking, to cleaning up. No matter the shape of your kitchen – open galley, U shape, L shape, etc. – we can organize the work zones to keep your tasks moving.
For the food prep zone, the more work surface there is, the better. It’s also important to have everything you need close at hand, from the pantry and refrigerator to the knives and mixing bowls. Ideally, this zone would feature a food prep sink that is separate from the sink in the cleaning zone.
Following the flow of a meal, an area for pots and pans would lead into the cooking zone with appliances.
Next, homeowners will want the cleaning zone, as well as the storage for the dinnerware and cutlery, positioned near where the food will be plated. Storing dinnerware in easy reach of the dishwasher will improve efficiency.
Other high functioning kitchen work zones may include an entertaining zone or casual eating zone at the island, a coffee zone, a homework zone, a charging station, and a dry or wet bar. Some families would benefit from a work zone specifically for making school and work lunches.
Of course, walkways are a critical component in making any layout work. We focus on making sure more than one cook can be comfortable in the kitchen.
Years ago, kitchens were strictly for putting meals together. Today, contemporary kitchens are so much more. High functioning kitchen work zones are a common-sense design for our modern lifestyles. At Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, we look forward to creating the perfect kitchen layout to meet your needs. To arrange an appointment and get started on this exciting journey, call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form.