Bad Kitchen Traffic Flow?
Constantly bumping into family members, appliances blocking paths, and feeling cramped while cooking? We redesign kitchen layouts for smooth traffic flow and efficient workflows.
Signs of Poor Traffic Flow
These issues indicate your kitchen layout needs improvement
Constant Collisions
People bump into each other while cooking
Blocked Appliances
Fridge or dishwasher blocks paths when open
Single Entry Point
Only one way in and out of the kitchen
Oven Blocks Traffic
Can't open oven without blocking walkway
Walk-Through Zone
People walk through your cooking area
Island Bottleneck
Island creates traffic jam instead of flow
Two-Cook Conflict
Two people can't work simultaneously
Kids Underfoot
Traffic paths go through main work area
Traffic Flow Solutions
Design strategies for better kitchen flow
Appliance Moves
Relocate appliances to improve flow without major construction. Often the fastest fix.
- Move fridge to kitchen edge
- Reposition dishwasher
- Add landing zones
Layout Redesign
Optimize the work triangle and create dedicated zones. May include island changes.
- Work triangle optimization
- Island resize or move
- New entry/exit points
Open Concept
Remove walls to create flow between kitchen, dining, and living. Eliminates bottlenecks.
- Wall removal
- Structural support added
- Complete layout redesign
Kitchen Layout Options
L-Shaped
Best for: Open floor plans
Keeps work triangle compact while leaving floor space open for traffic
U-Shaped
Best for: Dedicated cooks
Maximum counter and storage but can feel enclosed without wide opening
Galley
Best for: Narrow spaces
Efficient for one cook but creates traffic issues if it's a thoroughfare
G-Shaped
Best for: Large kitchens
U-shape plus peninsula. Lots of workspace if designed for flow
Island Layout
Best for: Entertaining
Any layout plus island. Requires 42-48 inch clearances on all sides
Open Concept
Best for: Family living
Kitchen flows into living spaces. Eliminates walls and bottlenecks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the kitchen work triangle?
The work triangle connects your three main work areas: sink, stove, and refrigerator. Each leg should be 4-9 feet, with total perimeter of 13-26 feet. No leg should cross through traffic paths. This ergonomic principle minimizes steps while cooking and keeps the workflow efficient.
What causes poor kitchen traffic flow?
Common causes include: doorways that open into work areas, refrigerator that blocks paths when open, island too large for the space, only one entrance/exit, appliances placed in traffic paths, and work triangle interrupted by through-traffic. Poor original design is often the root cause.
How wide should kitchen walkways be?
Main walkways need 42-48 inches minimum (36 inches in tight spaces). Work aisles between counters should be 42-48 inches for one cook, 48-54 inches for two cooks. Space behind island seating needs 36-44 inches for chair clearance.
How much does a kitchen layout redesign cost?
Minor layout changes (moving appliances) cost . Major layout redesigns (moving plumbing, removing walls) run . Opening a wall to create open concept costs for non-load-bearing, for load-bearing walls.
Ready for Better Kitchen Flow?
Let's redesign your kitchen for smooth traffic and efficient cooking. Free 3D design consultation included.