

Kitchen DESIGN GUIDE
Kitchens
Sections
Content
Table of Content
Getting Started
Layouts and Design Overview
Dimensions and Clearances
Ergonomics and Cabinet Accessories
Space and Storage Solutions
Appliances and Cooking Equipment
Summary and Key Points
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5
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6
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Kitchen Design Steps
Duration
1
Start making an Idea book and collect everything you do don't like. This is the time you make your wish list. It will be very handy when it is time to communicate your ideas with a professional. Develop a scope of work and decide what needs to be done. Plumbing, electrical and construction modifications are examples of what is included.
Brainstorm, Research and Plan
Schematic Design and Professionals
It's a good idea to have an experienced professional start making sketches of preliminary designs where you decide on :
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Appliances and their placement
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Storage space and cabinets' types
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Working areas and work flow design
2
Fixtures, Finish specs. and Design development
Now you can get started with the looks and style. It's tempting to do this earlier, but it distracts the functionality design stage. Choose your doors, colors, lighting and decorations. Take the time to focus on minor details. It is better to settle now on items placement like towels, bins, cookware, coffee machine, etc. Live your kitchen before you proceed to the next phase.
3
Documentation
You are almost done here. Construction documents are a must to get everything clear and settled on. All details like dimensions, appliances, cabinets, accessories, etc. are included in the agreement document. It is also a good idea to know the exact dates in order to plan for any logistics, especially if you have other contractors for counter top, plumbing and electrical fixtures.
4
Unpleasant List
There is always something missing so don't get stressed out. Make a list prior installation and get them tackled with a good schedule.
Layouts and Workflow
Design Overview
The wall design is typical for small homes. The main challenge will be finding an adequate work area for food preparation. Compact appliances are mandatory to save counter space and give room for cabinet storage. An island across will give it a extra dimension. It has become a client request for open kitchens with a built in cabinetry.
Wall

The U Shape design will give you the best workflow and maximum storage space. Things can get tight a little, especially in smaller kitchens. This design can turn out to be a kitchen's heaven or a total disaster, so design and plan with cautious.
U Shape

The L Shape design has it all. It looks neat and makes use of space efficiency. With two adjacent, perpendicular walls, the sink and stove can be finely separated. Just watch out for the corner cabinet, because it's an easily wasted space. Separate stations are meant to be placed here.
L Shape

Exclusive for large kitchens, the Island serves multiple cooks and is always a great working area. You don't have to face the wall anymore; you can have a good social place.
Island
Work Space
Design
Working Triangle
Work Zones
The hot area, sink and refrigerator are the three points on which the efficiency of the workflow is assessed. The key points of the triangle are :
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All sides range in length between 1.2 to 2.7m
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Their sum should be between 4m and 8m
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Obstacles shouldn't intersect more than 30cm
With the wide range of layouts and kitchen spaces, this model focuses on working areas as separate zones and brings all complement utilities together.
A good example is a preparation area. a small sink, dishwasher, and a bin are all brought together in one station. Some drawers and storage space are also added.


Kitchens are meant to live. Kitchen remodeling isn't always an option. Maintaining cleanliness is essential for hygiene. Do not underestimate.
The first and last goal of a kitchen is making meals, so functionality comes in first priority. People spend long hours doing hard work. Make it easy on yourself.
People get caught up on storage. There is never enough space so think wisely. Have a list of the essentials and you will have to compromise at some point.
This always takes the spotlights. It certainly sets the mood and allow you to bond with your kitchen. Smart choices will satisfy you for many years to come.
Functionality
Maintenance
Storage
Looks
Design Rules
Dimensions and Clearances

Minimum Clearances for Appliances
Clearances
Description
Measurement
Clear counter area on both sides
Clear counter area on both sides
Area shared by and cook if put side by side
a Sink
b Cook top
c Combined space
Minimum hood height above the cook top
Minimum clearance for wall cabinets above sink
Clearance between fridge and stove for ventilation
Free space on both sides of a dishwasher
d Hood height
e Over sink cabinets
f Fridge space
g Dishwasher
40 cm
40 cm
60 cm
80 cm
75 cm
30 cm
50 cm
More Rules
Pathways should not be less than 110 cm.
A clear counter area of 30 cm should be next to the handle side of the fridge or not more than 120 cm across from it.

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Door height range from 40 cm to 110 cm
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Highest point is at 225 cm from floor
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Minimum clearance above counter top is 40 cm.
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Average clearance is 65 cm and can range up to 80 cm.
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Cabinets height is 90 cm from floor and their depth range from 40 cm to 60 cm.
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Counter tops are a little wider than the cabinets for spill clearance. They range from 67 cm to 75 cm for sinks and cook tops.
Upper Cabinets
Cabinets Clearance
Lower Cabinets
Cabinets
Dimensions
Sources Citation
Appliances doors such as the oven and the fridge should not interfere with one another.
Doors should not affect the safe operation of the appliances.
Appliances are placed with consideration to pathways and counter top corners.
Interference Checklist




Ergonomics
Cabinets and Accessories
The best storage zone is from 40 cm above floor to 160 cm. This area is where you can reach out with easy effort and without any strain. This will include most of the full tall cabinet and the first two drawers.
This counts for the second best zone and will be the main storage area of the kitchen. With some stretching and bending, it will be hard to make use of all the space without sliding accessories such as shelves and baskets.
Storage area more than 220 cm above the floor do not count as kitchen's central storage. This area is used less frequently, but it is sometimes a must to have with so little storage space around the house.
Main Storage
Miscellaneous
Best Usage Area
Cabinets' storage accessories will double your storage area, make your job easier and give you a fancy kitchen. Just don't over do it and keep it simple.
Whether above counter top or inside cabinets, they have a major role for easy cooking.
They are placed under the sink and cook top or used for onions and potatoes. They are certainly an added amenity.
If they are placed in an open corner cabinet, they will count for a major storage area in your kitchen.
Hangers
Sliding Baskets
Swivel Baskets
Storage Accessories



More about Storage Accessories here !
Cabinets
Rated
Cabinet Type
Notes
Storage
Reach
Maintenance
Drawers range from 40 cm to 70 cm

Double space lower cabinet
Use sliding shelves for better reach.
80
95
60
A sliding accessory will give more storage.
Single space lower cabinet
95
60
30

Tall cabinet
Make sure to use boxes for organization.
90
99
99





Open corner cabinet
A swivel accessory will make a good team.
90
75
70
Make single layer storage and use dividers.
Double space upper cabinet
Long corner cabinet
Do not store big and heavy items.
Try not to waste the space.
90
90
80
80
95
50
70
30
30
Planning an ergonomic kitchen is a hard job to fetch. It is a highly customized process but it surely pays off.
Systems and Solutions
Kitchen Storage

Storage Solutions
Lower Cabinet (35%)
Main storage for cooking equipment, pottery, pots and pans, etc.
Upper Cabinets (30%)
Used for smaller items such as cups and glass ware. They are easier to reach and need good organization.
Drawer dividers are mandatory for storing cooking and serving utensils
Drawers (15%)
Food and Beverage closet
Extra items that need to be stored
Pantry (10%) & Other (10%)
The same space for different storage solutions do not account for the same storage area. A Storage Frontage calculation system is developed to measure the actual reachable area.
Cabinet length x depth x no. of shelves x n
; n = reach factor
Storage Measurement
Formula
9 meters 2
Small Kitchens
12 meters 2
Medium Kitchens

30 meters 2
Large Kitchens
Storage
Calculations
Lc
Uc
Dr
P
Lc
Uc
Dr
P
Kitchen Areas / Storage Solutions
1. Have a list of all your essential kitchen items.
2. Sort based on weight and volume and assign a category.
i.e. upper cabinets or drawers etc.
3. Group items according to work zones.
4. Assign places for items and modify the solutions as you go on.
Process Steps
Trollies are addictive. Plan for its space, and it is an extra hand in the kitchen.
Stations
These cabinets are a life savior. Collect all small everyday items in one perfect cabinet.
Coffee stations become room center pieces. They keep things neat and organized.
Trolleys
Side cabinet
Coffee cabinet



Kitchen Items
Appliances & Cooking Equipment
80 cm
Counter top
Daily
3 Kg
Toaster
Microwave
Toaster
Griddle




80 cm
Counter top
Daily
6 Kg
40 cm
Lower Cabinet
Daily
1.5 Kg
60 cm
Lower cabinet
Frequently
2 Kg
50 cm
Counter top
Daily
3 Kg
Coffee Maker
Citrus Juicer
Kettle
Blender




40 cm
Upper cabinet
Frequently
1.5Kg
40 cm
Counter top
Daily
1.5 Kg
80 cm
Lower cabinet
Frequently
2Kg
60 cm
Lower cabinet
Frequently
3 Kg
Steamer
Juicer
Hand Mixer
Food Processor




50 cm
Upper cabinet
Frequently
1.5 Kg
50 cm
Upper cabinet
Frequently
1.5 Kg
150 cm
Lower cabinet
Daily
3 Kg
Cooking
Equipment
Cooking knives
Eating utensils
Spatula, Whisks, tongs, peeler, scissor
Towels, Tissue,
Spice rack
Top Drawer
Cutter, zester, oil brush, sharpener, ice cream scoop
3rd Drawer
2nd Drawer
Bottom Drawer
Extras
Hanger





Pots & Pans
Cooking Utensils
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12" non stick skillet
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12" stainless steel skillet
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7/4/2 quart stock pots
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Dutch Oven
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12" Cast iron skillet
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Wok
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Grill pan
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Straight sided saute pan
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Round cake pan
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Turner
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Spaghetti fork
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Meat fork
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Rolling Pin
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Ladle
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Grater
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Slotted spoon
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Garlic press
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Meat tenderlizer
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Potato masher
Summary & Key Points
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Plan your Kitchen from the start. Get a workbook and write all thoughts, ideas, and calculations on paper.
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Prepare a checklist of procedures and a time plan.
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Go over the rules as final checks before you leave the design stage.
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Plan for your kitchen organization. You must have lists of equipment, utensils, etc.
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Dedicate places for items storage. You do not want any surprises when the real time comes. You need to stick to the plan.
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Do not forget about Ergonomics.
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Please consult a Professional.
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Mixing bowls
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Colander
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Fine strainer
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Cutting boards
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Prep. glass bowls
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Scale
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Mortar
Large Utensils
a
g
e
c
d
b
f
7
Days
7
Days
4
Days
3
Days
180
110
90
50
360
200
150
70
700
400
250
150


You can find out more about Kitchen Ergonomics in our blog right here !
Check out the 5 tips for Small Kitchens
More about Kitchen Cabinets here !
Look up our Procedures Checklist blog !
It is highly recommended to read about Kitchen Organization right here !
4 Factors that will affect Kitchen Maintenance !