The kitchen is the place where all family members gather to not only prepare and eat food, but also to talk and share the day’s events. Therefore the correct kitchen design has to be functional and allow everyone feel comfortable. In order to create a cozy and convenient kitchen area in your home woodworkers must follow a specific set of design rules. It doesn’t matter what type of kitchen the customer chooses – a modern kitchen or maybe traditional with fine woodworking elements. Furniture makers need to consider everything from household appliances to the materials, which they will use. Therefore, while the client aims for a beautiful kitchen design, the engineer must consider shape, materials and functionality. Since he must do lots of analysis and try out different variations – a good kitchen design software package becomes an essential part of the woodworking project process. The first thing to sort out and talk through with customer are kitchen zones.

Kitchen zones

Zones – are working kitchen areas divided by functionality.

Kitchen storage zones are divided into three different areas:

• Refrigerator zone;
• Sink zone;
• Range center.

These kitchen zones are where different kitchen activities take place:

The refrigerator zone

The refrigerator zone has four main components: the fridge, the countertop, dry food storage, anything else you use for food storage. This is the zone, where initial food preparation takes place and where you put out the food brought home from the supermarket. Logically, this zone, should be near the entrance to the kitchen, so that you won’t have to go all the way through the kitchen to store the grocery. Now about each component:

The fridge – the most important part of the zone, because all other parts are situated around it. Therefore all the contents should be easily accessible while you stand in front of it.

The countertop – this component should be next to the fridge, because this is where you place your shopping bags before putting grocery in its places and where you put down and prepare food.

Dry food storage – plays similar role as the fridge itself, therefore it should be close to the fridge as well.

Anything else you use for food storage – it might be baskets, jars, containers – keep those close to the fridge.

The sink zone

Plan your sink zone second after refrigerator zone. It should be next next to it because, this is where you do most of the job – wash dishes and food. So not to brig it from the other side of room – keep it close. Also this is the zone where you dispose your leftovers and other dirt, therefore a bin should be somewhere near. This zone consists of:

The sink – the most important element of the zone. Moreover, for the best access and ergonomics place the dishwasher right below the sink. This is where all the washing will be done, so think where you will place it after cleaning – it should be above or close to the sink.

Dishes – put the glasses, cups, mugs, bowls etc. around the sink in the cabinets, or drawers. Make sure it’s close to it or else you’ll be walking long distances.

Cutlery – as well as cutting boards and other things that you use for serving food. Store it close to the sink so you can clean it easily.

Bin – as well as cleaning agents should be as close to the sink as possible.

The range zone

The last zone is all about cooking your food. There are lot’s kitchen shapes, which we’ll discuss later. The shape influences, where the cooking zone will be, but before making any decision consider this: this zone is not only the stove. There’s a lot of appliances to fit there as well as spices, sauces etc.

Make sure you have enough working space for:

The cooking surface – the main element of your range zone, with a range hood over it. Keep in mind that this part will probably take the biggest part of the space. People tend to put the oven just under it in order to achieve the best ergonomics, but it’s really up to you.

The ovens – and by that we do not only mean actual ovens, but also different kinds of appliances for cooking your food. It might be similar in shape and functionality, like microwave or something like that. Anyway, it’s good to have an additional type of cooking appliance, in addition to your preparation surface, so dedicate enough space for it.

Cookware – all your pans, pots and utensils should be situated somewhere around your preparation surface and ovens. It’s not a good idea to take trips around your kitchen when the food is ready to be taken off the hob, so make sure you do not store your cookware anywhere else.

Tableware – store the clean dishes near your preparation surface, so it would be ready for serving food. Dedicate some cabinets or drawers for organizing it, and situate them nearby.

Smart planning of the kitchen zones is a key ingredient. If you do it right – even a small kitchen can become a very functional and convenient space.

This is the first thing to consider for those who are planning a new kitchen. Next time we’ll discuss kitchen sizes and shapes!

Woodowrk for Inventor