Kitchen Design Tips

In the first part of this series, we discussed what kinds of questions you should be asking your customer while developing the brief for your kitchen design. The work triangle was also discussed, along with other arrangements.

Click the link below to read Part 1 if you haven't already:

First of a Two-Part Series on Kitchen Layout

In this second installment, we'll take a look at typical kitchen dimensions and some helpful guidelines for creating a functioning space.

Sizes of Typical Kitchens

The fixtures, gadgets, and countertops found in kitchens all come in conventional dimensions. These standard sizes promote uniformity among businesses and are more cost-effective than creating one-off, custom units for every measurement.

The measurements of matching kitchen units are shown below. Work surfaces are typically 900 mm in height but may range from 850 mm to 950 mm to accommodate users of varying statures.

The First in Architecture: Standard Kitchen Sizes

The First in Architecture: Standard Kitchen Sizes

The First in Architecture: Standard Kitchen Sizes

In the beginning of architecture, standard kitchen sizes were established.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout: Common Measurements and Design Principles

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Norms for Kitchen Layout

While making plans for your kitchen, it's important to keep in mind some general design ideas. Observing these guidelines should help you avoid uncomfortable areas and inefficient layouts.

The Number One Rule for Kitchen Doors

The minimum distance that should exist between a kitchen door and its closest units is 400 mm. This amounts to a space of 1200 mm needed between the units and the entrance wall.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

A normal 600mm deep unit will not fit comfortably in a galley kitchen with a width of less than 1800mm. It's possible you'll need to go the custom route (which might cause problems with your appliances) or rethink the layout.

Rule 2: Separation between components

It is recommended that there be at least 1200mm of space between adjacent rows of units. A minimum of 1200 mm is needed to allow for passage while at least one door is open (this includes the dishwasher, oven, and unit doors).

When the doors are closed, two persons may go through with ease if there is at least a 1500mm gap between the units.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Third Rule: Establish a Triangular Work Arrangement

Aim for a working distance of 7 meters or less among the three points of the work triangle.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Provisional Guideline 4: Space between the countertop and the closest wall cabinet

It's recommended to leave at least 400 mm of space between the bottom of the wall cabinet and the work surface below it.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Infraction of Door Interference Rule 5

Make sure the doors of any appliances you have don't get in the way of each other or any entryways.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Distance Rule 6: Seating Backs

When dining in a restaurant, make sure there is adequate room behind a seated patron for a vehicle to pass.

There must be at least 800 millimeters of space between the back of a chair and the nearest wall or other obstacle.

The recommended clearance for passing is 1100mm. There should be at least 1500mm of clearance for a wheelchair to maneuver easily past a seated diner.

Rule 7: The Kitchen and Preparation Area

Plan on having no less than 800 millimeters of counter space available right next to your sink.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Eighth Guideline: The Stovetop

Allot at least 300 millimeters on each side of the hob for enough prep and clean-up space. Make sure there is at least a 600mm gap between the hob and any flammable materials above it.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Article 9: Driving in Traffic

Your kitchen shouldn't serve as a throughway for people to wander through the rest of your home. Do not let anybody enter or exit the kitchen through the work triangle.

Avoid dividing up your office space (Rule #10)

To keep things moving smoothly, avoid putting anything of significant height (such as a cupboard or appliance) between any two primary work centers.

Position the sink in the middle, as per Rule 11.

Being the hub of the kitchen's busiest work triangle, the sink should be placed strategically for maximum efficiency.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Dishwashers and the Rule No. 12

If you want to load your dishwasher from either side, you'll need at least 500 millimeters of clearance from a wall corner. Make sure you have enough room to empty the dishwasher while standing as well.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Space for the oven's bottom rack

The standard clearance for a set down area next to an oven is 400mm. Similarly, a microwave oven may be used.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Law 14: Designate a spot to rest the refrigerator.

On the side of the refrigerator where the door opens, there should be at least 400 mm of counter space.

Guidelines for Kitchen Layout and Design: An Early Architectural Development

Fire Safety Rule 15

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers must be provided as required by local ordinances, so keep that in mind.

Regulations, according Rule 16

Make sure your kitchen design follows all applicable legislation and requirements by thoroughly researching them beforehand.

Using the button below, you may save all of the dwg files used to create the illustrations in this article on your computer.