Kitchen Space Planning: Designing a Kitchen That Truly Works

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home. It is more than just a place to cook; it is a gathering place for family and friends. From enjoying your morning coffee to indulging in a late-night snack, your kitchen should be welcoming while making tasks easier. Kitchen space planning is a smart way to make sure you are maximizing your space, making it work for your lifestyle. We apply the Artisan Standard when it comes to kitchen designs, which combines beauty and function. 

Why Kitchen Space Planning Matters

Focusing too much on making your kitchen beautiful will leave you in regret if the everyday function doesn’t align with your family's lifestyle. A poor layout leads to congested paths of travel and crowded workspaces. When you have a thoughtful plan for your kitchen, especially small kitchens, it allows you to have a functional work zone. You can also have a clear path of travel that makes sense, and you can maximize your storage space. Effective space planning ensures your kitchen is designed around you—your routines, your family, and your style.

The Work Triangle (and Beyond)

Your kitchen work zone or “work triangle” typically consists of your sink, stove, and refrigerator for efficiency. This is a good place to start when you are planning, but modern kitchens often need more flexibility. With an open concept layout, there is often a larger workspace with more than one path of travel. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Triangle Size: To maximize efficiency, you want to make sure the size of your triangle measures between 13 and 26 feet. This gives you about 4 to 9 feet of travel on each side.

• Traffic Flow: When laying out your triangle, look at how your family moves in your home. Take note of where the main paths of travel are and how many people use the kitchen at once. Keeping any major traffic out of your work triangle will save you frustration and an argument down the road.

Storage That Makes Sense

Just like closet space, cabinet space is coveted real estate. The more you can add to your home, the more value you are adding. Thoughtful planning not only means adding more cupboards but also allows you to make sure they are functional and accessible. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning out your storage space:

• Dishwasher Placement: For efficiency, dish and utensil storage is usually around the dishwasher. This makes unloading less of a chore. So knowing where your dishwasher is (next to the sink) helps you plan your cabinet and drawer placement perfectly.

• Cabinet Function: There are a lot of different ways you can customize your cabinets to add more function to your kitchen. With a pull-out shelf for spices and deep drawers for pots and pans, you can have deeper storage. Implementing cabinet dividers allows you to store awkward items like cooking sheets and cutting boards, and use every inch of space in your kitchen. 

• Small Appliances Usage: Small appliances take up valuable counter space. Having a place to store them that is out of the way, but still easily accessible, is ideal. It’s an added bonus if the storage is actually functional. For example, a pull-out shelf for your toaster where it can still be plugged in, so you don’t have to move it to use it.

Islands That Do More

An open concept kitchen allows you more room for a larger island. These aren’t just for looks; they give you more prep space and serve as an alternative dining area. A perfect place to help with homework while prepping for dinner. Center islands have become the centerpiece of modern kitchens and turn kitchens into a main entertainment area. We’ll help determine the right size and placement so your island enhances the space without overwhelming it.

Good Lighting 

It's not just storage and your work triangle you have to worry about in your kitchen planning process; you also have to look at lighting. You can have a perfectly laid out prep area, but if you can’t see anything, it loses its function. You can also ruin the ambience of those special dinners if things get too bright. The trick is to have layered lighting. For tasking areas, bright overhead lighting and under-cabinet lighting are essential. To set the mood, have accent lighting over dining areas. 

Your Kitchen, Your Lifestyle

Every family uses their kitchen differently. Some love cooking together and hosting larger gatherings, while others enjoy a coffee nook and a place where their kids can do homework. Taking into consideration how your family will use your kitchen will help you plan the layout. Tailoring the space around your family's lifestyle will make your home feel more customized without the price tag and will allow you to create a room that is practical and beautiful.

The Artisan Standard

At Artisan Renovation & Design, we approach every project with a focus on craftsmanship, detail, and your unique needs. Our space planning process ensures that your kitchen isn’t just updated—it’s transformed into a space that works beautifully for you now and for years to come.

Ready to start planning your dream kitchen? Let’s talk about how we can design a space that reflects your style, supports your routines, and brings warmth and function to the heart of your home.