First designed in the early 20th century, “the kitchen triangle,” also called the working triangle is a concept that divides a kitchen into three key work areas (the sink, the stove and the refrigerator) that form a triangle. This concept still applies in today’s times in modern kitchen design. As per this theory, each of the three legs should ideally be four and nine feet each, whereas the total distance of the triangle should be between 13 to 26 feet, so that it’s not too far or too compact.

However, there have been many changes since this concept was coined first. In today’s times, cooking food is not one person’s responsibility. Many couples and families like to fix up the meals together. Many a times, modern homes these days have open kitchens contrary to a closed space. Even the idea of kitchen triangle has evolved, moving from three separate work areas to designing self-contained work zones in the modern kitchen design.

For instance, the baking zone would have all you need to bake anything—from measuring cups, rolling pin, baking moulds and sheets—and should be situated next to your pantry and oven. Likewise the preparation zone ideally must have everything like knives, peeler, mixer, trash bin, etc.

Below are the reasons why the kitchen triangle is still the focal point in a modern kitchen design and why you should design around it:

Seating requirement

In case you have a big family, you must have ample seating. For example, you could add a peninsula which has a breakfast table or an island that offers extra seating. This extra space could also provide additional work surface for preparing meals.

However, remember that this island or peninsula doesn’t inhibit any lines in the work triangle, which means you shouldn’t have too many obstacles when you have to go to the refrigerator or stove.

To avoid too much confusion, you could add a smaller refrigerator that could store some drinks etc at the bottom of your island. You could also add a sink to the peninsula to make it more functional.

Larger counter space

If you like cooking and entertaining too, then it’s good to have a bigger counter space. Long counters are great to use as a preparation area when more than one person is working in the kitchen at a time. It can also function as a buffet space when you are having parties at home.

Well-organised and designed cabinets

While designing your kitchen, you must think about how to place various storage cabinets. Plan out on how many total cabinets you would need along with the kitchen triangle. You might want a small drawer or storage space for spices near your stove. Then you might want some cabinets above your refrigerator for storing extra items that you don’t use too often. The idea is to plan well and make the best possible use of the available space.

Traffic in your kitchen

Some people might often have too many guests or family members in the kitchen. You must consider this foot traffic while planning or designing your kitchen. See to it that you have enough space so that no one is walking in your way when you are taking a hot pot to your stove. You could also have more than one door or entrance to your kitchen to solve this issue.

To recap, the kitchen triangle is still in vogue and it is imperative to design around it. You could keep this point in mind, when you decide to remodel your kitchen or design a new one. Include the current modern kitchen design London trends with this evergreen tried and tested method and you will never go wrong.

Author Bio: Sophia William is an industry expert who enjoys writing on Home improvement, Interior design & Stone etc. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Her content is published on many national and international publications