Is Your Kitchen Layout Working Against You?
Walking miles to cook a simple meal, bumping into family members, and appliances in the wrong places — a poor layout makes every cooking experience frustrating. Let's redesign your kitchen for how you actually live.
Signs Your Kitchen Layout Needs Work
Too Many Steps
Walking across the kitchen constantly while cooking
Traffic Jams
People blocking your path to fridge, sink, or stove
Door Collisions
Appliance or cabinet doors hitting each other
Broken Triangle
Sink, stove, fridge too far apart or obstructed
Useless Island
Island blocks flow instead of helping
Dead Zones
Wasted space that could be functional
Single-Cook Only
No room for two people to work
No Prep Space
Nowhere to put things while cooking
The Kitchen Work Triangle
The work triangle is the foundation of efficient kitchen design. Getting it right transforms how your kitchen functions.
The Perfect Work Triangle
Stove/Cooktop
4-9 feet from sink and fridge. Needs counter space on both sides.
Sink
Central to the triangle. Most used fixture. Ideally under a window.
Refrigerator
Near kitchen entry for easy access. Landing space for groceries.
Rule: Each leg 4-9 feet. Total perimeter 13-26 feet. No obstacles crossing the triangle.
Popular Kitchen Layouts
L-Shaped
Best for: Open floor plans, entertaining
✓ Allows island, good triangle, open feel
✗ Corner cabinet can be tricky
U-Shaped
Best for: Serious cooks, max storage
✓ Most counter/storage, great triangle
✗ Can feel closed in, needs space
Galley
Best for: Small homes, efficiency
✓ Very efficient, everything close
✗ Only 1 cook, no island
Island
Best for: Large kitchens, entertaining
✓ Extra prep/storage, social hub
✗ Needs 12x12+ space minimum
Layout Improvement Options
Minor Reconfiguration
- • Add rolling cart or butcher block
- • Reorganize cabinet contents
- • Add under-cabinet storage
- • Replace swing doors with sliding
Moderate Redesign
- • Add or resize island
- • Move appliances (same wall)
- • Add peninsula or breakfast bar
- • Reconfigure cabinet layout
Major Renovation
- • Remove or move walls
- • Relocate plumbing/gas lines
- • Complete new layout
- • Expand into adjacent space
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the kitchen work triangle?
The kitchen work triangle connects the three main work areas: sink, stove, and refrigerator. Each leg should be 4-9 feet, with a total perimeter of 13-26 feet. No leg should be blocked by an island or traffic path. This layout minimizes steps while cooking and creates an efficient workflow.
How much does it cost to change kitchen layout in NJ?
Contact us for a free consultation and pricing on specific options. Moving plumbing and gas lines significantly increases costs.
What is the best kitchen layout for my space?
The best layout depends on your space and needs: L-shaped works for open floor plans and allows an island, U-shaped maximizes storage and work surfaces, galley is efficient for narrow spaces, single-wall suits small kitchens or studios. Consider traffic patterns, where you eat, and how many cooks use the kitchen.
Should I add an island to my kitchen?
Islands are great for added prep space, storage, and casual seating - but require adequate clearance (36-42 inches on all sides, 44+ for walkways). For kitchens under 12x12 feet, a peninsula or rolling cart may work better. Islands with sinks or cooktops require plumbing/electrical work that adds cost.
How do I improve kitchen traffic flow?
Improve traffic flow by: keeping main walkways at least 36 inches wide (44 inches for high-traffic), avoiding placing the refrigerator where doors block pathways, creating a clear path that doesn't cross the work triangle, considering door swing directions, and adding a secondary prep zone to reduce congestion.
Ready for a Kitchen That Works?
Get a free layout consultation. We'll analyze your current kitchen and show you options for a more efficient, enjoyable space.