Before You Design a Kitchen… Read This

Hello Reader,

Most kitchen designs look great on paper until you actually start using them. A fridge placed too close to the wall, drawers that collide when opened together, or a sink too far from the stove... these small issues can turn daily cooking into a daily hassle.

That’s why thoughtful kitchen planning matters more than trendy finishes or expensive appliances. The layout, clearances, and small functional details are what truly shape your experience.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll cover the most important kitchen design principles, layout mistakes to avoid, and simple tips to help you create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful but also effortless to use every day.

1. Prioritize the Kitchen Work Triangle

A good kitchen layout makes cooking easier. The drawing shows the kitchen work triangle, the path between the refrigerator, sink, and hob.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Each side of the triangle (called a leg) should be between 4 to 9 feet (1220 mm to 2740 mm)
The total of all three legs should be 27 feet or less (8230 mm)

2. Working Zones

The above illustration shows how you can divide your space into five zones based on daily use:

Consumables – for food items, groceries, and cold storage
Non-consumables – for plates, cups, and other utensils
Cleaning – around the sink and dishwasher
Preparation – for chopping, mixing, and prepping meals
Cooking – includes your stove, oven, and microwave

3. Important Measurements to keep in mind

Maintain Proper Clearances for a Comfortable Kitchen

Leave at least 3'-8" (1117 mm) behind seating so people can move comfortably.
Allow at least 4 feet (1220 mm) between opposite counters for two people to work together without getting in the way.
Provide 20 inches (508 mm) of counter space next to the oven or hob for placing hot pans safely.

In the side section:

Overhead cabinets should be 1'-1" to 1'-2" (320–360 mm) deep, enough to store essentials without hitting your head.
The space between the counter and overhead cabinet should be 24" to 28" (600–700 mm) to keep it accessible.
Standard countertop depth is 2 feet (600 mm)—comfortable for most daily tasks.
Toe kick height is around 6 inches (150 mm) so you can stand close to the counter without straining your feet.

4. Common Mistakes to avoid

In a straight kitchen, placing the fridge right at the edge often leads to trouble. The door can bang into the wall and won’t open fully. Always leave at least 15 inches (380 mm) of space on the side so the door swings freely.

Also, avoid placing the sink at one corner. It's better to place it in the center, between the fridge and the hob. That way, your workflow becomes natural—take food from the fridge, wash it at the sink, then cook it on the stove.

Avoid using sharp countertop edges. These can be dangerous, especially in small kitchens or homes with kids. Instead, go for rounded or bullnose edges—they’re safer and still look good.

Also, never place stacked drawers like a ladder near the hob. Kids can easily climb them, which is unsafe around fire and hot surfaces. Go with wide single drawers or cabinets instead. It keeps the area secure and prevents accidents.

Make Storage Easy to Reach

Traditional shelves in lower cabinets force you to bend, squat, and dig around to find things. It’s uncomfortable and time-consuming.

A better option is to use pull-out drawers. They slide out smoothly, giving you a full view of what's inside without any hassle. It saves time and reduces back strain.

Quiz Time-

For one person to cook comfortably, how much space should be left between the kitchen counter and the island?

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