The principle of the work triangle - the functionality of the kitchen
Have you ever heard of the principle by which most kitchens in the world are designed? In the 1940s, the working triangle principle was developed by researchers at the University of Illinois School of Architecture to reduce the cost of kitchen renovations. Although it was created to save money, it was enthusiastically adopted by designers who believed it made kitchen layouts more efficient. This principle is still used today, and its purpose is to allow smooth and easy movement between kitchen work areas.
What is a work triangle ?
A person who prepares meals for the family at home devotes even more than two hours a day to this activity. So it goes without saying that when decorating a kitchen, it is worth planning it so that it becomes a room with maximum functionality.
The principle is based on three main working areas: the sink, refrigerator and stove. According to this principle, the recommended distances should be maintained:
- 120-210 centimeters between the sink and refrigerator, sink and stove
- 120-270 centimeters between the refrigerator and the stove.
Some may be surprised that one of the vertices of the triangle is the sink, whose role in the era of ubiquitous dishwashers seems marginalized. Nothing could be further from the truth: we use the sink not only for dishwashing, but also for washing food, filling pots, rinsing utensils or washing hands. Its location is also not without significance - it affects the comfort of work. And while it is impossible to say unequivocally that any location is the best, it is certainly worth choosing it according to the square and shape of the kitchen, not forgetting your own taste and preferences.
Pulls of kitchen furniture against the wall open kitchens to the room
© Ferrero
Pulls against the wall
We often find this solution in narrow rooms, where no other development is possible, and in annexes open to the living room, when we want to optically minimize the area intended for kitchen appliances. In such an arrangement, we must be careful that the refrigerator is not too close to the stove, and the sink somewhere in the corner above the cabinets. To save even more space - an induction hob used instead of a traditional stove with burners will serve as an additional worktop.
The layout with a kitchen island is extremely functional
© Ferrero
Functional island
An ideal idea for creating an ergonomic kitchen with a large work surface. A kitchen with an island, which is usually the center of cooking and often also serves as a breakfast bar, is the solution most often used in open kitchens. In this case, a sink or cooktop is most often placed on the island.
Two rows
A solution in which the furniture is located exactly opposite each other, on both sides of the walls. This is a very convenient solution. However, we must remember to maintain an adequatewidth between the furniture - 100-110 cm, in order to move freely and open drawers.
Under the window we can use special folding faucets
© Ferrero
Sink by the window
An interesting idea is to locate the sink under the window. This ecological solution allows you to make the most of the sunlight when using the sink, enjoy the view of the outdoors, and even discreetly supervise children playing in the garden. To easily open the window, it is worth choosing a special faucet, such as one with a flexible spout or a folding model.
