Skip to main content

Kitchen Design Ideas

Aladdin Amani
Aladdin Amani
a kitchen with separate work spaces for sink, storage, cooking, and prep

1) Design a Workable Kitchen Space

view of a kitchen sink with ample working space on both sides

Work Center

  • Begin with the kitchen sink
  • 18 - 30 inches on one side
  • 48 - 54 inches on the other
  • At least 12 inches to corners
view of a cooktop range with work space on both sides

Cooking Center

  • Begin with the range or cooktop
  • 12 inches on one side
  • 15 - 24 inches on the other
view of bar sink and storage area next to fridge

Storage Center

  • Begin with the fridge
  • 15 - 18 inches of counter space
  • Make space to set items down
view of a spacious island prep space with bar seating

Preparation Center

  • The largest counter space
  • 42 - 84 inches of free counter space
  • Serving center 36 inches plus

2) The Infamous Work Triangle

The kitchen triangle helps moving throughout the kitchen as easy as possible. Keep your workflow moving comfortably between your prep area, your cooking area and your storage areas for optimal flow.

diagram of an L-shaped kitchen

L Shape

  • Space for an island
  • Great for kitchens with windows
diagram of a U-shaped kitchen

U Shape

  • More counter space
  • Great for sitting and serving areas
Diagram of a corridor-shaped kitchen

Corridor Shape

  • Great for entertaining
  • Separates two large working areas
Diagram of a gallery-shaped kitchen

Gallery Shape

  • Great for smaller kitchens
  • All work spaces are on one wall

3) Ventilate Properly

upward view of a kitchen range hood

Ensure that you have enough power to remove grease and cooking smoke. The power is measured by cubic feet per minute.

CFM by Kitchen Size

120 CFM for 60 sq. ft.

225 CFM for 110 sq. ft.

325 CFM for 160 sq. ft.

400 CFM for 220 sq. ft.

4) Illuminate Your Space

a kitchen using ambient, accent, and task lighting

Incorporate Three Types of Kitchen Lighting

This example offers pendants for task lighting over prep and serving areas. While the recessed lighting and range hood lighting offers an ambient lighting experience. Three types of illumination will ensure that the kitchen has enough light for all of your kitchen tasks.

5) Make Your Kitchen Remodel Happen

comparison of an old, outdated kitchen sink space against a modern redesign

Check out this Before and After Remodel

Click through to see how the Fowlers remodeled their kitchen to meet their personal style. Their full kitchen remodel transforms into a great looking modern dream.

Shop Products

30 Inch Single Wall Oven with European Convection
Starting at $2,549.00
Available in 1 Finish
Whitehaven 35-11/16" Self-Trimming Farmhouse Single Basin Enameled Cast Iron Kitchen Sink
Starting at $976.68
Available in 11 Finishes