In planning a kitchen remodel, consider there are three areas of the kitchen homeowners use the most. You travel between the sink, stove, and refrigerator on a consistent basis. For this reason, an experienced kitchen designer labels the space between these three locations the work triangle, with each work area forming a point in the triangle.

During your kitchen planning, you may want to pay close attention to the work triangle. Its size and configuration determine how productively you can use your kitchen and how much you’ll enjoy your time in it

Each side of the triangle ideally should measure between 4 and 9 feet. The whole triangle perimeter should measure between 12 and 27 feet. Too much smaller may feel crowded. Larger and you'll carry heavy pots from point to point.

Consideration of foot traffic safety moving through the triangle is a factor. There are a number of kitchen configurations that allow you to create an efficient work triangle. Which configuration works for you depends on the size and layout of your existing kitchen.

The L-shaped kitchen is the most common kitchen layout, allowing you to locate the fridge at one end of the L, the stove at the other, and the sink in the middle. If space allows, expand counter and storage space with a kitchen island.

The galley kitchen is popular in homes with limited square footage.  But because of entrances at each end, more often than not you’ll find people walking through the work triangle.

If your kitchen includes two or more cooks working at the same time, a G-shaped kitchen allows you to have lots of cabinet and counter space as well as two sinks and two stoves.

The kitchen tends to be the hub of family gatherings, even today.  Since not all homes allow for the ideal kitchen, you may want to work with an experienced kitchen designer to get the most out of your investment. 

This article was submittted to Burke Patch by Schroeder Design/Build.