Having a good layout for your kitchen is important, because the kitchen should be an efficient and pleasant area in which to prepare meals and do related tasks. Understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and the basic kitchen layouts is a valuable starting point for having a good kitchen design that you like.
The kitchen work triangle consists of the distance between the sink, refrigerator and range or cooktop. Each one of these areas becomes a focal point in the kitchen and forms the three points of a triangle with different distances between them. Done correctly, the kitchen work triangle provides the most efficient food preparation area layout in the kitchen.
Whether you�re remodeling an existing kitchen or building a new one, an efficient design means that your work triangle minimizes the number of steps the cook must take between the three areas during meal preparation and cleanup. The total distance from the sink to the stove to the refrigerator and back to the sink should be not less than 12 feet total nor more than 27 feet. Each triangle leg should measure between 4 and 9 feet in length. The kitchen isles should be at least 42 to 48 inches wide to allow people to move around easily and for appliances to be opened with ease.
When selecting the floor plan for your kitchen, here are basic kitchen layouts to consider:
* L-Shaped Kitchen - this is the most popular kitchen design. It consists of a long leg and a shorter one and this type of design can be used in small and large kitchens. The L-shaped kitchen gives you the possibility of having a center island depending on the space available. In general, this design will have 2 or 3 appliances on one wall. The usual arrangement is to have the refrigerator at one end, the range or cooktop at the other end with the sink located in the middle. This shape of kitchen generally provides good traffic flow.
* Double L-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design has a lot of cabinet space and plenty of counter space. This design is used in large kitchens with two cooks, and it has two or more entering areas, which can cause traffic flow problems. To avoid some of these problems, create two separate working areas on each L of the kitchen so that workflow does not get interrupted by human traffic.
* U-Shaped Kitchen - this kitchen design shape has three walls instead of two, and the sink usually is located in the middle wall section. The refrigerator and range or cooktop are usually on the side walls opposite each other. The U-shaped kitchen design gives room for ample countertop space, and you have three walls for cabinets and appliances. This kitchen layout tends to create a working triangle that is very efficient.
The only problem with this type of kitchen design is that sometimes the two U corners are not used appropriately. Make sure you buy the appropriate storage items for the corner cabinets created by the U shape design. The U shape design can also create dark kitchens because of the shape and the amount of cabinets. Using skylights, large windows, lots of under-cabinet task lighting and light colors will help keep the kitchen bright with sufficient light to see what you�re doing.
* G-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen shape is becoming very popular, and it gives you a fourth wall to use. The G-shape can be used if you have more than one cook in the house. This fourth wall section can be used for a counter, island and storage space. With this kitchen layout you can have two sinks, perhaps two cooktops or two ranges. You could have two working triangles - one for sink, cook top or range and refrigerator and a second working triangle with another sink, built-in grill and cooktop. It allows two cooks to do different things at the same time and entertain large groups of people.
* Single-Wall Kitchen - if you do not have much space, you may only be able to have an I-shaped kitchen. No problem. Just be sure the sink is placed between the refrigerator and the stove. Locate the refrigerator so that the refrigerator door opens away from the kitchen sink. This is a very common arrangement for small kitchens in narrow spaces.
* Galley-Shaped Kitchen - this type of kitchen design is more common in apartments or in homes where space is limited -- it is often called the corridor style. The kitchen cabinets and the appliances can be located on opposite walls for better work flow - place the range or cooktop on one side of the kitchen along one wall and the refrigerator and sink on the opposite wall. To eliminate traffic issues in this type of kitchen design, one entry is often closed off. This type of layout should only be used by one cook. If you want to maintain both exits, place the refrigerator near the end of the galley kitchen for easy access - this way, your family and friends can reach the refrigerator without interfering with the person who is cooking. If you need extra storage in the galley kitchen, install tall kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Wall storage is crucial - buy a stepladder to use when you need to reach the upper shelf of the cabinets, and place the items you use less frequently on the upper shelves.
By understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and how you want your kitchen to function, you�ll be more likely to create the kind of kitchen you�ve always wanted. Today, kitchens are often viewed as the hub of the home as well as a social center for family and friends. Planning your kitchen can be a challenge, but the rewards you�ll receive are very much worth the time and effort.
About the author:
David Buster is Vice-President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of www.yourdreamloghome.com- visit the website to learn more about home decorating and remodeling, kitchen and bathroom design and d�cor tips, log homes and log cabins, home plans, backyard living, home storage, fireplaces, log cabin rentals and more.
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Thursday, December 21, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
It can make a home worth a lot more with the right kitchen
Searching for the latest and accurate help in relation to kitchen.
When you are looking for the best information relating to kitchen, it will be tricky separating superior information from poorly sourced kitchen suggestions and support so it is wise to know how to moderate the advice you are presented with.
WaterFiltersFast.com - Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
Offers Whirlpool, Kitchen Aid, and Kenmore refrigerator water filters. Find part numbers 4392857, 4396508, 46-9902, and 8171413.
Here's a few pieces of advice that you should make use of when you're searching for information about kitchen. You need to realize any recommendation we present to you is only applicable to internet advice about kitchen. We are unable to offer any guidance or advice when you are also conducting research in books or magazines.
Kitchen Aid Peeler & Zester Duo Pack, Red - Amazon.com
Buy a Kitchen Aid Peeler and Zester Duo Pack or shop for other cook's tools and gadgets at Amazon.com. Includes customer reviews.
An interesting tip to pursue when offered help or advice concerning a kitchen page is to ascertain who owns the site. This may reveal the operators kitchen authority The easiest way to reveal who owns the kitchen web site is to find the sites 'about' page.
Any reputable site providing information about kitchen, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page which will record the site owner's contact details. The info should make known key points about the owner's skill and understanding. You can then make a judgement about the vendor's qualifications and experience to offer help regarding kitchen.
About the author:
hugh campbell is the webmaster for www.kitchen-1st.info
Circulated by Article Emporium
When you are looking for the best information relating to kitchen, it will be tricky separating superior information from poorly sourced kitchen suggestions and support so it is wise to know how to moderate the advice you are presented with.
WaterFiltersFast.com - Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter
Offers Whirlpool, Kitchen Aid, and Kenmore refrigerator water filters. Find part numbers 4392857, 4396508, 46-9902, and 8171413.
Here's a few pieces of advice that you should make use of when you're searching for information about kitchen. You need to realize any recommendation we present to you is only applicable to internet advice about kitchen. We are unable to offer any guidance or advice when you are also conducting research in books or magazines.
Kitchen Aid Peeler & Zester Duo Pack, Red - Amazon.com
Buy a Kitchen Aid Peeler and Zester Duo Pack or shop for other cook's tools and gadgets at Amazon.com. Includes customer reviews.
An interesting tip to pursue when offered help or advice concerning a kitchen page is to ascertain who owns the site. This may reveal the operators kitchen authority The easiest way to reveal who owns the kitchen web site is to find the sites 'about' page.
Any reputable site providing information about kitchen, will almost certainly provide an 'about' or 'contact' page which will record the site owner's contact details. The info should make known key points about the owner's skill and understanding. You can then make a judgement about the vendor's qualifications and experience to offer help regarding kitchen.
About the author:
hugh campbell is the webmaster for www.kitchen-1st.info
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Thursday, November 02, 2006
Helpful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any kitchen remodeling plan. A kitchen must provide an efficient working place, even while it looks good.
Most kitchen designs in vogue for the last few decades have been based on three standard layouts: the U-shaped kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen and the galley kitchen. All of them make use of the classic work-triangle concept that basically positions the three major kitchen components (refrigerator, stove, and sink) in a triangular pattern.
With changing lifestyle and man-woman roles, whereby both wife and husband share home responsibilities, multiple work centers or work stations within the kitchen are gaining popularity in order to allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in anyone else's way.
Adding an island is one of the most common ways to have multiple work centers into a kitchen. An island creates two to four small work stations along the perimeter of a kitchen. These stations can become major work centers if a second sink is added.
Placing gadgets and appliances in the kitchen in such a way that they do not obstruct movement is important while preparing remodeling plans. Selecting the cabinetry that best suits your needs and budget, determining whether re-facing or replacing will be your best option would be crucial factors.
The remodeling plan will have to also include scope for new sinks and plumbing, dishwashers, and ovens, ranges, and built-in microwaves. One has to also examine if your exhaust is in the right place and works more efficiently.
You also need to explore if your new kitchen can be remodeled around your existing floor plan or the space needs to be increased to accommodate your appliances and gadgets. Your new kitchen floor needs to be fashioned around the uses, sizes, and footprints of your appliances.
A well-planned and executed kitchen remodeling project can make a significant difference, both in the livability of your home, and in its value.
About the author:
Kitchen Remodeling Info provides detailed information about kitchen remodeling ideas and costs, including small kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen cabinet remodeling, and more. Kitchen Remodeling Info is the sister site of Bathroom Remodeling Web.
Circulated by Article Emporium
Most kitchen designs in vogue for the last few decades have been based on three standard layouts: the U-shaped kitchen, the L-shaped kitchen and the galley kitchen. All of them make use of the classic work-triangle concept that basically positions the three major kitchen components (refrigerator, stove, and sink) in a triangular pattern.
With changing lifestyle and man-woman roles, whereby both wife and husband share home responsibilities, multiple work centers or work stations within the kitchen are gaining popularity in order to allow more than one person to work efficiently without getting in anyone else's way.
Adding an island is one of the most common ways to have multiple work centers into a kitchen. An island creates two to four small work stations along the perimeter of a kitchen. These stations can become major work centers if a second sink is added.
Placing gadgets and appliances in the kitchen in such a way that they do not obstruct movement is important while preparing remodeling plans. Selecting the cabinetry that best suits your needs and budget, determining whether re-facing or replacing will be your best option would be crucial factors.
The remodeling plan will have to also include scope for new sinks and plumbing, dishwashers, and ovens, ranges, and built-in microwaves. One has to also examine if your exhaust is in the right place and works more efficiently.
You also need to explore if your new kitchen can be remodeled around your existing floor plan or the space needs to be increased to accommodate your appliances and gadgets. Your new kitchen floor needs to be fashioned around the uses, sizes, and footprints of your appliances.
A well-planned and executed kitchen remodeling project can make a significant difference, both in the livability of your home, and in its value.
About the author:
Kitchen Remodeling Info provides detailed information about kitchen remodeling ideas and costs, including small kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen cabinet remodeling, and more. Kitchen Remodeling Info is the sister site of Bathroom Remodeling Web.
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Saturday, September 16, 2006
Looking for a high quality mixer? Try a KitchenAid Mixer!
A KitchenAid mixer sets the standard of countertop appliances. With over ten different types of mixers available, there is sure to be a KitchenAid mixer that is just right for you. KitchenAid mixers are well known for their reliability and quality, so you will be sure to be satisfied with a new KitchenAid mixer. In addition, KitchenAid mixers are reasonably priced, so they will be sure to fit in any budget. If you have never had a KitchenAid mixer before, you will be surprised by how well the KitchenAid stand mixer works. In fact, most people are so impressed by the quality a KitchenAid stand mixer, they never buy another brand. If instead of a mixer, you need a new refrigerator, be aware a KitchenAid refrigerator also provides high quality service for a low price.
Tips on finding the perfect KitchenAid Mixer for your house.
As you might have heard of KitchenAid’s high standard of quality, you might have wanted to buy one yourself, but were worried about the price. However, many people don’t realize a KitchenAid stand mixer is very reasonably priced. While some of the higher models cost more than 200 dollars, there are also some that cost less than 50 dollars. Before you buy a KitchenAid mixer or KitchenAid refrigerator, take into consideration how many times you will be using it a day, how large quantities you plan to mix at a time, and other factors that influence just how often you will be using your mixer.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com
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Tips on finding the perfect KitchenAid Mixer for your house.
As you might have heard of KitchenAid’s high standard of quality, you might have wanted to buy one yourself, but were worried about the price. However, many people don’t realize a KitchenAid stand mixer is very reasonably priced. While some of the higher models cost more than 200 dollars, there are also some that cost less than 50 dollars. Before you buy a KitchenAid mixer or KitchenAid refrigerator, take into consideration how many times you will be using it a day, how large quantities you plan to mix at a time, and other factors that influence just how often you will be using your mixer.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com
Circulated by Article Emporium
Friday, September 15, 2006
How to know which kitchen design is right for you!
Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential. Color schemes, wallpaper and other aesthetic additions will make up the design portion of your kitchen. The future is here with the introduction of kitchen design software; you no longer have to go to a showroom. Kitchen design software has been helping people come up with great ideas on how to picture their layout before it's complete.
Kitchen designs reflect the homeowner’s personality and style and since so much time is spent in the kitchen it should be efficient and comfortable. The design of the kitchen cabinets should be such that everything is within easy reach of someone working in the kitchen.
All good kitchens are the same. They have sensible work triangles and appropriate appliance arrangements. They're not too big, nor too small, and they're easy to move around in. Great kitchens are all different--just like the families that use them. Instead of merely conforming to common design standards, great kitchens are adapted to meet the specific needs of families.
Kitchens are getting bigger. Even as family sizes decrease, the popularity of beautiful kitchens, designer cabinets, and custom appliances is on the rise.
As for style, there's something for every taste -- traditional, contemporary, or country.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com
Circulated by Article Emporium
Kitchen designs reflect the homeowner’s personality and style and since so much time is spent in the kitchen it should be efficient and comfortable. The design of the kitchen cabinets should be such that everything is within easy reach of someone working in the kitchen.
All good kitchens are the same. They have sensible work triangles and appropriate appliance arrangements. They're not too big, nor too small, and they're easy to move around in. Great kitchens are all different--just like the families that use them. Instead of merely conforming to common design standards, great kitchens are adapted to meet the specific needs of families.
Kitchens are getting bigger. Even as family sizes decrease, the popularity of beautiful kitchens, designer cabinets, and custom appliances is on the rise.
As for style, there's something for every taste -- traditional, contemporary, or country.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com
Circulated by Article Emporium
Kitchen Remodeling Guide
A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A badly designed, ill-equipped and cluttered kitchen is likely to affect the peace of mind of an otherwise happy couple. A functionally efficient kitchen makes cooking a pleasurable activity instead of drudgery.
Kitchen remodeling improves the usefulness of the home and adds value and equity to both older and newer homes. Almost every kitchen has a design flaw or something that can be changed to make the space more workable.
With kitchens increasingly becoming the center of social and functional activities, kitchen remodeling has gained importance in the life of many families. Kitchen remodeling becomes challenging if you are on a tight budget or faced with space restrictions.
The findings of a recent research project sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath Association throw significant light on the role of women and their spouse in the kitchen, which helps planners in charting workable models for modern kitchens. The survey revealed that most women now work outside the home, share the cooking, prepare very few foods from scratch and require storage space for 800 items.
The NKBA has issued a 31-point guideline for industry professionals with minimum standards for kitchen efficiency, convenience, traffic spaces, distances between items, and countertop and cabinet space.
There are three basic kitchen functions to consider and arrange to create an ideal kitchen: storage, preparation and cleanup. Counter space, storage, built-ins, rollout pantry and sinks are the important elements of a kitchen. The functionality of a kitchen depends largely on these elements.
A well-thought-out, detailed plan is a must for any kitchen remodeling project. Formulating a plan is the first step, whether you design the kitchen yourself, work with a cabinet distributor or home center, or go to a kitchen designer. Without a complete and detailed plan developed before the kitchen renovation begins, you may get swept into a spending spiral of unbudgeted extras.
About the author:
Kitchen Remodeling Info provides detailed information about kitchen remodeling ideas and costs, including small kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen cabinet remodeling, and more. Kitchen Remodeling Info is the sister site of Bathroom Remodeling Web.
Circulated by Article Emporium
Kitchen remodeling improves the usefulness of the home and adds value and equity to both older and newer homes. Almost every kitchen has a design flaw or something that can be changed to make the space more workable.
With kitchens increasingly becoming the center of social and functional activities, kitchen remodeling has gained importance in the life of many families. Kitchen remodeling becomes challenging if you are on a tight budget or faced with space restrictions.
The findings of a recent research project sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath Association throw significant light on the role of women and their spouse in the kitchen, which helps planners in charting workable models for modern kitchens. The survey revealed that most women now work outside the home, share the cooking, prepare very few foods from scratch and require storage space for 800 items.
The NKBA has issued a 31-point guideline for industry professionals with minimum standards for kitchen efficiency, convenience, traffic spaces, distances between items, and countertop and cabinet space.
There are three basic kitchen functions to consider and arrange to create an ideal kitchen: storage, preparation and cleanup. Counter space, storage, built-ins, rollout pantry and sinks are the important elements of a kitchen. The functionality of a kitchen depends largely on these elements.
A well-thought-out, detailed plan is a must for any kitchen remodeling project. Formulating a plan is the first step, whether you design the kitchen yourself, work with a cabinet distributor or home center, or go to a kitchen designer. Without a complete and detailed plan developed before the kitchen renovation begins, you may get swept into a spending spiral of unbudgeted extras.
About the author:
Kitchen Remodeling Info provides detailed information about kitchen remodeling ideas and costs, including small kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen cabinet remodeling, and more. Kitchen Remodeling Info is the sister site of Bathroom Remodeling Web.
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How To Plan For Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most desirable home improvement projects for many homeowners. A new kitchen increases the value of your home and makes your life easier. The first step to your new kitchen is to set a budget. Decide how much money you are willing to spend. This will help drive your other decisions. Be sure to leave a cushion in your budget for additional, unexpected expenses.
When determining your budget, consider how long you intend to stay in your home. If you are planning to sell in the next year or so, you may want to spend less money. Decide which features you must have in your new kitchen. You can cut corners in other areas by substituting less expensive materials for the counter tops, flooring or cabinet doors.
Research Kitchen Trends
Before you start planning your remodeling project, do some research on the current trends and designs being used in kitchens. Look for information on the internet or in home decorating magazines. Visit your local home improvement center for more ideas. Start a file for pictures of kitchens you love, furniture, appliances, fabric swatches or anything else you find interesting. This will help when you are ready to start purchasing items for your new room.
Options in Kitchen Remodeling
Cabinets are an expensive item in any remodeling project. They often take up half of the overall budget for the room. If you can’t afford the cost of brand new cabinets, there are cheaper alternatives. Consider cabinet refacing rather than replacing the entire cabinet. In refacing, the doors are replaced and exterior wood areas are covered. This is much less expensive since you are using the same cabinets. An even cheaper alternative is to paint your existing cabinets and buy new hardware.
If you must have new cabinets, consider adding some extra features. Features such as tilt out drawers, pull out garbage cans or a lazy Susan inside a corner cabinet are great space savers and make the room more functional. The doors can be either solid wood, clear glass or stained glass. Shop around to find out what is available before making a purchase.
You can save money on flooring and countertops as well. Substitute vinyl flooring in place of more expensive ceramic tile to save money. If you can install ceramic tiles yourself, you can have them for about the price you would pay a contractor to install vinyl flooring.
Countertops vary widely in price depending on the material that is used. Counters that are more durable are also more expensive. You may want this if you want to be able to cut food directly on the counter. For most people, this is an easy way to cut the overall cost of your kitchen. You can find less expensive material that gives the look of marble, butcher’s block or other expensive materials.
Once you have decided what you want, consider how much of the job you can do yourself. Contractors can eat up a large portion of your budget. The more you can do, the more you will save in the overall cost of the room. Use the savings for great new furniture.
When determining your budget, consider how long you intend to stay in your home. If you are planning to sell in the next year or so, you may want to spend less money. Decide which features you must have in your new kitchen. You can cut corners in other areas by substituting less expensive materials for the counter tops, flooring or cabinet doors.
Research Kitchen Trends
Before you start planning your remodeling project, do some research on the current trends and designs being used in kitchens. Look for information on the internet or in home decorating magazines. Visit your local home improvement center for more ideas. Start a file for pictures of kitchens you love, furniture, appliances, fabric swatches or anything else you find interesting. This will help when you are ready to start purchasing items for your new room.
Options in Kitchen Remodeling
Cabinets are an expensive item in any remodeling project. They often take up half of the overall budget for the room. If you can’t afford the cost of brand new cabinets, there are cheaper alternatives. Consider cabinet refacing rather than replacing the entire cabinet. In refacing, the doors are replaced and exterior wood areas are covered. This is much less expensive since you are using the same cabinets. An even cheaper alternative is to paint your existing cabinets and buy new hardware.
If you must have new cabinets, consider adding some extra features. Features such as tilt out drawers, pull out garbage cans or a lazy Susan inside a corner cabinet are great space savers and make the room more functional. The doors can be either solid wood, clear glass or stained glass. Shop around to find out what is available before making a purchase.
You can save money on flooring and countertops as well. Substitute vinyl flooring in place of more expensive ceramic tile to save money. If you can install ceramic tiles yourself, you can have them for about the price you would pay a contractor to install vinyl flooring.
Countertops vary widely in price depending on the material that is used. Counters that are more durable are also more expensive. You may want this if you want to be able to cut food directly on the counter. For most people, this is an easy way to cut the overall cost of your kitchen. You can find less expensive material that gives the look of marble, butcher’s block or other expensive materials.
Once you have decided what you want, consider how much of the job you can do yourself. Contractors can eat up a large portion of your budget. The more you can do, the more you will save in the overall cost of the room. Use the savings for great new furniture.
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