Kitchen Cabinet Design Basics
Designing a functional kitchen takes talent. You don’t want your cabinet doors to smack into each other, the wall, or the appliances. You want a good workflow and the ability to move through the kitchen without disrupting the cook. That is why the best cabinet companies have a certified cabinet designer on staff to help. By understanding cabinet design basics, you’ll see why designers make the choices they do for the best kitchen layout.
It all starts with the footprint
Your kitchen has one of five main layouts
- L-shaped- The kitchen cabinets and appliances are organized in an L-shape along two kitchen walls.
- One wall- This type of kitchen shape is a good choice for small spaces. Only one wall gets fitted with kitchen cabinets and appliances.
- Galley- Kitchen cabinets and appliances are on two opposing walls.
- G-shaped- The cabinets and appliances are organized in an L-shape along two kitchen walls with a peninsula on a third.
- U-shaped-Three walls of the kitchen house the cabinets and appliances.
Starting with the right layout, you can choose cabinets that will improve the efficiency, functionality, and storage in your kitchen.
The working triangle
Designers then work your cabinets and appliances into the right positions to give you the best working triangle. This is the walking distance between the sink, refrigerator, and range. Each stretch of the triangle should measure between 4 and 9 feet. The triangle legs should not cross each other, but they might share a leg. It’s best to avoid walking traffic through a triangle leg.
With a working triangle and layout in place, designers can help homeowners choose the right mix of kitchen cabinets for storage and function.
Kitchen cabinet function
There are three main areas in a kitchen:
- Preparation-Most likely, you will want easy access to the cooking area from the food preparation area. Many cooks prefer having a prep area next to the range.
- Cooking- Consider storing every day like pots, pans, utensils, and the dishes close to or readily accessible from the cooking area.
- Storage- You need adequate space to store food and kitchen equipment. Storage should be easily accessible with enough room to not interfere with high-traffic areas.
By choosing the right cabinets, with the right accessories, you can set up each kitchen area for functionality. You can then decide on the style of your kitchen.
Cabinet styles
While most homeowners choose the style and color of their kitchen cabinet first, it is further in the process, when you work with a designer. A designer can help you express your style and preferences while helping improve your home value. Whether you’re looking for a traditional style of a framed cabinet or the modern look of the frameless cabinets, the designer can choose the right pieces to give you your dream kitchen.
To talk with our designers today to walk through the basics for your kitchen remodeling project.