Even the busiest of households boast one room that bears the most traffic daily – the kitchen. The kitchen provides a space for many functions from family dinners to craft projects. It is not surprising then that the kitchen is exposed to daily wear and tear from numerous users.

From the compact bungalow house plans to the sprawling contemporary home plans, a space with such an important role requires special attention to layout and design. When it comes to planning the family kitchen, it is important to acknowledge the work triangle. The kitchen work triangle refers to the three major tasks completed in any kitchen:

1.     Food Storage – The major player in food storage is the refrigerator. Pantry, cabinets, and rack systems may also be pertinent depending on the space at hand.

2.     Cleaning/Prep – The kitchen sink and surrounding counter space is crucial for any functional kitchen and should not be overlooked.

3.     Cooking – Ovens and cooktops are the third major component in the work triangle. While other appliances now have a role in many kitchens, the range is still tops.

Though used differently in every kitchen layout, the work triangle is ideal for making a kitchen functional.

U-shaped kitchens take the work triangle and spread it over three adjoining walls- two parallel and one perpendicular. It is a single space without any traffic lanes dividing the space or interrupting work stations. The perpendicular wall tends to be 10 to 18 feet wide while the parallel walls can run to any length. The longer a leg, the more space can be designated to a breakfast bar or seating area in addition to the workstation.

Though an extremely flexible space, there are some guidelines to laying out a U-shaped space efficiently. Sinks should be placed first in a location that can be easily accessed from both other workstations. The sink also needs 24 to 36 inches on either side for ample counterspace and dishwasher installment. Cooktops are best located along exterior walls for easy ventilation. The refrigerator needs to be able to swing clear if two people are in the near vicinity- never place this appliance in a corner or blocking an entry.

When it comes to storage, it is important not to count on the lower corner cabinets. Lazy susans and specialty racks can help the spaces be more efficient, but these cabinets cannot be counted on to store large kitchen accoutrements. Kitchen islands should provide extra storage or even a workstation to keep the triangle from spreading too far out to be functional.

While the U-shaped kitchen design separates the workstations for easy access, incorporating appliances and cabinetry along with floor space can be a bit overwhelming. With so many options available, important aspects should be taken into consideration to achieve the most functional space possible. Keep in mind the space at hand when adding features to your kitchen. What may be functional in contemporary house plans may interrupt foot traffic in bungalow home plans that feature small spaces. It may be necessary to consult a professional when designing a U-shaped kitchen to ensure the space is both inviting and functional for the whole family.