How to Plan a Kitchen Workflow That Works

Every kitchen has workflow needs as unique as the people who use it. Here's how to design your space to suit your needs

Before starting anything else, kick off your kitchen remodel with a space plan. Picking out all the pretty things is the fun part, but function comes first — and that means deciding on a workflow and traffic plan that'll work for your lifestyle.

Determining Function
Deciding on the right layout for your kitchen is a personal decision — each individual or family uses the kitchen differently. Think about your workflow in terms of everyday function and social use. How you use your kitchen, how many people cook there at the same time, if your kitchen is also an entertaining or social space, and what your long- and short-term goals are for the kitchen.

After you've decided on your wish list, take a good look at what can actually fit into your kitchen. Some things, like islands, require a lot of space and just don't work in narrower spaces. Refrigerators can only fit in certain areas, and the kitchen layout's relationship to windows and doors is also a big priority.

Do you want an open or closed-off kitchen? While open kitchens have become trendy, a closed-off one can maximize wall storage and hide clutter after meals.

Counter Space
Focus on your sink when deciding on your workflow. The linchpin of the kitchen is the sink. It's where you spend the most time, and where it is most likely that you will want either a good view to the outside or a good connection to the social spaces in the house — or both.

Aim to have at least 18 inches of counter space on either side before putting in other appliances — with the exception of an undercounter dishwasher, of course, which works perfectly right next to the sink.

36 to 42 inches of counter workspace is workable. Don't forget to put counters around the refrigerator too, so there's room to set down items when raiding the fridge. Elbow room on either side of a range or cooktop is important too.

Of course, the function of the counter or island space depends on how a chef uses the kitchen. While some prefer putting a cooktop on an island, so the cooking is integrated into socializing, others like that space to be completely clear.

Walkway and Flow
Note your entrances and exits when determining your layout. Exits and entrances can really wreak havoc on an efficient layout. Give a cook some dedicated workspace out of the general circulation flow.

Try to stay between two and three exits — more than that makes things complicated and cuts into counter space and storage. Two ways in and out of the kitchen keeps a nice flow, especially during parties. Make the walkway for a double-sided workspace a minimum of 4 feet wide — just avoid placing appliances directly across from each other to keep the pathway clear. For a single-sided workspace, stick to 3 feet minimum.

 

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