Why The 'Work Triangle' Might Not Make Sense For All Kitchens

What started as a concept first penned at the University of Illinois School of Architecture in the 1940s came to define a standard approach to designing kitchen spaces. The kitchen triangle was meant to slash the price of construction materials and contribute to efficient food prep, yet researchers and designers also discovered that this particular layout also helped speed movements within kitchen areas for cooks. 

The kitchen triangle traditionally dictates that the sink, refrigerator, and stove should form the shape of a triangle spanning anywhere from 13 to 26 feet in perimeter. By considering which areas are frequently used to cook, store, and clean kitchen items, purposeful construction can reduce needless movement that might add more work to the responsibilities of at-home chefs. Modern day layouts and designs can make this older view tricky to put into place, however, since bigger kitchens, extra appliances, and expanding floor plans have simultaneously provided more flexibility while challenging this upheld notion of kitchen design.

Because families and homes have changed, so, too, have design recommendations for home kitchens. Not only have new trends emerged, but the way in which kitchen spaces are used have also evolved. Personal preferences will guide how a space is used. Meal prep may not fall into the hands of one individual, and kitchen spaces may serve many functionalities, including gathering spaces, storage facilities, and areas in which cleaning must quickly and easily take place. Some families may require extra countertops to accommodate for many individuals helping out with kitchen chores, while others may prefer the kind of layout that allows for frequent house parties and happy hour entertaining.

For homeowners with limited space, the kitchen triangle approach to design may not be realistic due to spatial and financial considerations, so more creative plans need to be put into place, like setting appliances in a designated area along one wall. Instead of considering the classic triangle that connects objects, the concept of work zones reimagines kitchens into sections that are meant for specific tasks, like baking, cooking, storage, and cleaning. Such tailored design approaches can help keep kitchen design customized for personal preferences and modern-day living.