Kitchen DESIGN GUIDE

Kitchens

Table of Content

Sections

1

7

2

5

3

6

4 Content

Getting Started

Layouts and Design Overview

Dimensions and Clearances

Ergonomics and Cabinet Accessories

Space and Storage Solutions

Appliances and Cooking Equipment

Summary and Key Points

Kitchen Design Steps

Duration

Design Steps

Brainstorm, Research and Plan

1

Start making an Idea book and collect everything you do don't like. This is the time you make your wish list. It will be very handy when it is time to communicate your ideas with a professional. Develop a scope of work and decide what needs to be done. Plumbing, electrical and construction modifications are examples of what is included.

7 Days

2

Schematic Design and Professionals

It's a good idea to have an experienced professional start making sketches of preliminary designs where you decide on :

Appliances and their placement
Storage space and cabinets' types
Working areas and work flow design

7 Days

3

Fixtures, Finish specs. and Design development

Now you can get started with the looks and style. It's tempting to do this earlier, but it distracts the functionality design stage. Choose your doors, colors, lighting and decorations. Take the time to focus on minor details. It is better to settle now on items placement like towels, bins, cookware, coffee machine, etc. Live your kitchen before you proceed to the next phase.

4 Days

4

Documentation

You are almost done here. Construction documents are a must to get everything clear and settled on. All details like dimensions, appliances, cabinets, accessories, etc. are included in the agreement document. It is also a good idea to know the exact dates in order to plan for any logistics, especially if you have other contractors for counter top, plumbing and electrical fixtures.

3 Days

Unpleasant List

There is always something missing so don't get stressed out. Make a list prior installation and get them tackled with a good schedule.

Look up our Procedures Checklist blog !

Layouts and Workflow

Design Overview

Layouts

Wall

The wall design is typical for small homes. The main challenge will be finding an adequate work area for food preparation. Compact appliances are mandatory to save counter space and give room for cabinet storage. An island across will give it a extra dimension. It has become a client request for open kitchens with a built in cabinetry.

U Shape

The U Shape design will give you the best workflow and maximum storage space. Things can get tight a little, especially in smaller kitchens. This design can turn out to be a kitchen's heaven or a total disaster, so design and plan with cautious.

L Shape

The L Shape design has it all. It looks neat and makes use of space efficiency. With two adjacent, perpendicular walls, the sink and stove can be finely separated. Just watch out for the corner cabinet, because it's an easily wasted space. Separate stations are meant to be placed here.

Island

Exclusive for large kitchens, the Island serves multiple cooks and is always a great working area. You don't have to face the wall anymore; you can have a good social place.

Work Space

Design

Work Space Design

Working Triangle

The hot area, sink and refrigerator are the three points on which the efficiency of the workflow is assessed. The key points of the triangle are :

All sides range in length between 1.2 to 2.7m
Their sum should be between 4m and 8m
Obstacles shouldn't intersect more than 30cm

Work Zones

With the wide range of layouts and kitchen spaces, this model focuses on working areas as separate zones and brings all complement utilities together.

A good example is a preparation area. a small sink, dishwasher, and a bin are all brought together in one station. Some drawers and storage space are also added.

Functionality

The first and last goal of a kitchen is making meals, so functionality comes in first priority. People spend long hours doing hard work. Make it easy on yourself.

Storage

People get caught up on storage. There is never enough space so think wisely. Have a list of the essentials and you will have to compromise at some point.

Maintenance

Kitchens are meant to live. Kitchen remodeling isn't always an option. Maintaining cleanliness is essential for hygiene. Do not underestimate.

Looks

This always takes the spotlights. It certainly sets the mood and allow you to bond with your kitchen. Smart choices will satisfy you for many years to come.

4 Factors that will affect Kitchen Maintenance !

Design Rules

Dimensions and Clearances

Clearances

Minimum Clearances for Appliances

Clearances

a Sink

b Cook top

c Combined space

d Hood height

e Over sink cabinets

f Fridge space

g Dishwasher

Description

Clear counter area on both sides

Area shared by and cook if put side by side

Minimum hood height above the cook top

Minimum clearance for wall cabinets above sink

Clearance between fridge and stove for ventilation

Free space on both sides of a dishwasher

Measurement

40 cm

60 cm

70 cm

75 cm

30 cm

50 cm

More Rules

Pathways should not be less than 110 cm.

A clear counter area of 30 cm should be next to the handle side of the fridge or not more than 120 cm across from it.

Cabinets

Dimensions

Cabinet Dimensions

Door height range from 40 cm to 110 cm
Highest point is at 225 cm from floor

Minimum clearance above counter top is 40 cm.
Average clearance is 65 cm and can range up to 80 cm.

Cabinets height is 90 cm from floor and their depth range from 40 cm to 60 cm.
Counter tops are a little wider than the cabinets for spill clearance. They range from 67 cm to 75 cm for sinks and cook tops.

Upper Cabinets

Cabinets Clearance

Lower Cabinets

Interference Checklist

Appliances doors such as the oven and the fridge should not interfere with one another.

Doors should not affect the safe operation of the appliances.

Appliances are placed with consideration to pathways and counter top corners.

Sources Citation

Ergonomics

Cabinets and Accessories

Ergonomics

You can find out more about Kitchen Ergonomics in our blog right here !

Best Usage Area

The best storage zone is from 40 cm above floor to 160 cm. This area is where you can reach out with easy effort and without any strain. This will include most of the full tall cabinet and the first two drawers.

Main Storage

This counts for the second best zone and will be the main storage area of the kitchen. With some stretching and bending, it will be hard to make use of all the space without sliding accessories such as shelves and baskets.

Miscellaneous

Storage area more than 220 cm above the floor do not count as kitchen's central storage. This area is used less frequently, but it is sometimes a must to have with so little storage space around the house.

Storage Accessories

Cabinets' storage accessories will double your storage area, make your job easier and give you a fancy kitchen. Just don't over do it and keep it simple.

Hangers

Whether above counter top or inside cabinets, they have a major role for easy cooking.

Sliding Baskets

They are placed under the sink and cook top or used for onions and potatoes. They are certainly an added amenity.

Swivel Baskets

If they are placed in an open corner cabinet, they will count for a major storage area in your kitchen.

More about Storage Accessories here !

Storage Accessories

Cabinets

Rated

Cabinets Rated

Cabinet Type

Notes

Storage

Reach

Maintenance

Double space lower cabinet

Use sliding shelves for better reach.

Drawers range from 40 cm to 70 cm

Make single layer storage and use dividers.

Single space lower cabinet

A sliding accessory will give more storage.

Double space upper cabinet

Do not store big and heavy items.

Tall cabinet

Make sure to use boxes for organization.

Long corner cabinet

Try not to waste the space.

Open corner cabinet

A swivel accessory will make a good team.

More about Kitchen Cabinets here !

Planning an ergonomic kitchen is a hard job to fetch. It is a highly customized process but it surely pays off.

Systems and Solutions

Kitchen Storage

Storage Solutions

Lc

Storage Solutions

Lower Cabinet (35%)

Dr

Drawers (15%)

Main storage for cooking equipment, pottery, pots and pans, etc.

Drawer dividers are mandatory for storing cooking and serving utensils

Uc

Upper Cabinets (30%)

Used for smaller items such as cups and glass ware. They are easier to reach and need good organization.

P

Pantry (10%) & Other (10%)

Food and Beverage closet

Extra items that need to be stored

Storage Measurement

The same space for different storage solutions do not account for the same storage area. A Storage Frontage calculation system is developed to measure the actual reachable area.

Cabinet length x depth x no. of shelves x n

Formula

; n = reach factor

Storage

Calculations

Storage Calculation

Small Kitchens

9 meters 2

Lc

Uc

Dr

P

180

110

90

50

Medium Kitchens

12 meters 2

360

200

150

70 Large Kitchens

30 meters 2

700

400

250

150

Check out the 5 tips for Small Kitchens

Kitchen Areas / Storage Solutions

1. Have a list of all your essential kitchen items.

2. Sort based on weight and volume and assign a category.

i.e. upper cabinets or drawers etc.

3. Group items according to work zones.

4. Assign places for items and modify the solutions as you go on.

Process Steps

Stations

Trolleys

Trollies are addictive. Plan for its space, and it is an extra hand in the kitchen.

Side cabinet

These cabinets are a life savior. Collect all small everyday items in one perfect cabinet.

Coffee cabinet

Coffee stations become room center pieces. They keep things neat and organized.

Stations

Kitchen Items

Appliances & Cooking Equipment

Appliances

Toaster

Cooking Equipment

Top Drawer

Cooking knives

Eating utensils

2nd Drawer

Spatula, Whisks, tongs, peeler, scissor

Hanger

Towels, Tissue,

Spice rack

3rd Drawer

Cutter, zester, oil brush, sharpener, ice cream scoop

Bottom Drawer

Extras

Cooking Utensils

Turner
Spaghetti fork
Meat fork
Rolling Pin
Ladle
Grater
Slotted spoon
Garlic press
Meat tenderlizer
Potato masher

Pots & Pans

12" non stick skillet
12" stainless steel skillet
7/4/2 quart stock pots
Dutch Oven
12" Cast iron skillet
Wok
Grill pan
Straight sided saute pan
Round cake pan

Large Utensils

Mixing bowls
Colander
Fine strainer
Cutting boards
Prep. glass bowls
Scale
Mortar

It is highly recommended to read about Kitchen Organization right here !

Summary & Key Points

Plan your Kitchen from the start. Get a workbook and write all thoughts, ideas, and calculations on paper.
Prepare a checklist of procedures and a time plan.
Go over the rules as final checks before you leave the design stage.
Plan for your kitchen organization. You must have lists of equipment, utensils, etc.
Dedicate places for items storage. You do not want any surprises when the real time comes. You need to stick to the plan.
Do not forget about Ergonomics.
Please consult a Professional.

Summary & Key Points