Using "Work Zones" in the Kitchen

Updated on: September 5, 2022

Layout is everything when it comes to your kitchen, making or breaking the function and ease of use in this main area of your home. The rule of kitchen design has always been to stay true to your "work triangle", which is the way your space is laid out according to cleaning, cooking, and prep areas. But recently kitchen design has trended towards to creating "zones" in your kitchen.

Work zones still have the same underlying principles as the work triangle, but as kitchens have gotten larger and open plans are more common, it's hard to keep all the main kitchen areas close together in a "triangle". With the work zones, you can have more space for additional appliances or sinks as well as enough space to socialize and entertain in your kitchen without guests being in your way. Group everything according to use: a spot for food prep, cleaning, cooking as well as eating and additional activities such as making coffee. Having everything you need for each activity in its designated "zone" makes it easier because you don't have to move all around the kitchen to do one thing. For example, your cooking zone should have your stove, microwave, cooking utensils, and spices within an arm's reach. Your storage should coincide with your zones as well. That makes it easier when you need something to be able to access it quickly rather than opening every cabinet in your kitchen.

When designing your zones, also take into account the amount of counter space that will be sufficient for each activity. This is very important in making sure that the kitchen is functional. Next to the stove, you need enough space to place cooking utensils and spices as well as pots and pans. In your food prep area, you need to allow enough room for a cutting board, bowls, etc.

I would also suggest creating a guest "zone". This would be a spot that your friends and family can gather in the kitchen and socialize with you but not be in your way. So, I definitely wouldn't put them right next to your stove! Instead, I suggest placing your zone on the side of the island you don't prep or cook at or the side of the peninsula that isn't used for all your activities. By placing seating in the area you would prefer people to gather, that will serve as an indicator that is their "zone".

Kitchens are the most used place in the home and it is imperative that they are as efficient and functional as possible. By creating work zones in your kitchen, I believe you will be guaranteeing it's functionality for years to come!