The work triangle
Much is spoken of the 'work or golden triangle' principle of kitchen design and there are many variations on the theme, but the over-riding common sense principle is that the most used equipment and work areas should be grouped together to allow the user to operate effectively and efficiently while cooking.
The problem with the triangle theory is that individuals rank their most used equipment differently. Some would choose the cooker, refrigerator and sink, others might add a dishwasher or microwave as their most used items. It's unlikely that the plumbing for a sink or dishwasher could be altered easily, so these items should anchor the 'triangle'.
Storage myths and musts
Kitchens invariably suffer storage problems - too little and surprisingly, too much.
- Too little - if you don't have the cupboard space for everything you need to store in your kitchen, consider using extra tall wall units to ceiling height, though the items on the top shelf are less accessible.
- Too much - just as it's a shock to hear a room can be too large, some kitchens are designed with too much storage space. Clutter expands to fit the cupboard space available. Throw out unused fondue sets. A sell-by date check can often halve a grocery collection. Banks of cupboards are unnecessary and unattractive in a kitchen and disposing of some may leave space for a breakfast bar or another appliance.
Kitchen replacement vs revamp.
If you are happy with the positioning of appliances and storage within your kitchen, then a revamp may be more cost-effective than full replacement. Changing a few elements from the list below will give your kitchen a fresh look:
- Changing cupboard door handles
- Replacing doors & trims
- Replacing worktops
- Introducing new elements eg cooker hood, butcher's block
- Updating appliances
If you plan to install a brand new kitchen consider the complexities involved before you decide to do it yourself:
- Plumbing and electrics are involved, as well as cupboard assembly.
- Rescuing a botched job could be more expensive than a full installation fee
