(Photo courtesy of QuakerMaid)

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Work Triangles - Basic Kitchen Designs
A kitchen is designed around a path known as the work triangle, which ties together the work stations.

A work station is simply an area that completes a certain task. Your food preparation/cooking work station will probably include an oven, stovetop and microwave oven. Other examples of work stations: A clean-up work station.

The work triangle path controls the flow of traffic so you don't have to walk too far between work stations or appliances. The kitchen questionnaire comes in handy when determining which kitchen design best suits your lifestyle. For example, if you enjoy baking or cooking, you'll need more counter space than someone who doesn't cook.

Following are the five basic kitchen work triangle designs. (Photos courtesy of Merillat Cabinetry)

The L-Shaped Kitchen
		The L-Shaped kitchen provides a work area largely unbroken by traffic. One of the most common kitchen designs, it provides excellent flexibility in the placement of major appliances.
The U-Shaped Kitchen
		This design gives you a good working environment since no traffic pattern cuts through it. This kitchen offers a great amount of counter space and one area of the "U" may be used to seperate the kitchen from the dining area.
The Island Kitchen
		An island can be added to the U-Shaped, L-Shaped or Single Wall kitchens to provide plenty of counter space and storage. It becomes part of your work station, and it is preferable to allow at least a 36" aisle on each side of the island. The island may be mounted on wheels, or feature a built-in sink or indoor grill for extra convenience.
The Single-Wall or Pullman Kitchen
		Popular for use in apartments and smaller homes, it is also used to compliment the "open space" concept used in modern homes. Appliances should be at least 48" apart (measure from center to center of the appliances).
The Corridor or Galley Kitchen
		The most efficient use of small space, the Corridor Kitchen allows for convenient access to the cabinets and appliances on both walls. Allow for the corridor to be at least 48" wide. Closing one end off will cut down on traffic.

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