LAYOUT CONSIDERATIONS IN THE KITCHEN

Before you begin planning your kitchen's look, think about how will it work on a functional level. Additionally to each component to be included, it's worth asking yourself questions such as: do you need to organise the area so that different people can do tasks at the same time? or does it need to extend to include a dining area?

1. REFRIGERATOR

The positioning of the refrigerator , or fridge-freezer one of the earliest considerations, since it make up part of the work triangle. Also keep in mind that to keep the refrigerator working at its maximum capacity, keep it a little away from any heat sources such as radiators or dishwashers as well as ovens. In case the refrigerator offers ice dispenser, keep it near the water supply to be able to connect it.

2. DISHWASHER

The perfect placement for the dishwasher is right next to, or beneath, the sink, so that you can rinse the plates and unstack them onto the drain board if necessary. At this location, it can be easily connected to the water supply and drain without incurring any extra plumbing costs.

3. KITCHEN CABINETS

The type of cabinet is defined by where the content should be kept for easy access: for example plates and bowls should be stored in a cabinet next to dishwasher and pantry should be positioned near the range. Your units will also provide space over countertops, so consider where you want this- some large kitchens have a separate island of units in the middle of the floor for the very same reason. Make sure to position the units so that there is space for the doors and the drawers to open.

4. KITCHEN SINK

The sink, being the second point of the work triangle, requires early positioning thinking, at the same time you decide the location of cooking appliance and refrigerator. You need to be able to wash the dishes or food without impinging on other work areas. Make sure that it isn't situated in a main thoroughfare either.

5.RANGE

Range, being the third point of the work triangle, is ideally located by the relative positioning of the sink and refrigerator. Placing your range is simpler if you opt for an all-in-one unit for oven and cooktop. If the cooktop and oven are separate, on a kitchen island for instance, the oven should be in easy reach-right behind or perhaps in an adjacent cabinets. Since you may have to transfer the food between cooktop and oven and back again, the two should not be more than 4ft (120cm) apart.

6.CHAIR AND TABLE

The kitchen table should be positioned so that it does not impinge on the work triangle.

Ideally, there should be 3ft(1 m) of space for movement behind every chair. If you do not regularly seat people on all sides of the table, move the table against a wall, moving the table occasionally to set an extra place or two.