The
kitchen work triangle has become a personal thing. The cookie-cutter
perfect pattern of stove to refrigerator to sink is changing right
along with the family lifestyle.
It’s also multiplying at the same time.
The new work triangle, now deemed ergonomic work stations,
designates prep and cleanup areas, baking and back kitchen areas.
"The traditional triangle has changed because you have a busy
family with two or more people working," says Terri Schmidt,
co-owner of Dream Kitchens Inc., Delafield and Madison.
The traditional triangle is just not functional for today’s
families. "We try to create a space where someone can work in
their tight triangle space yet someone can be in, for instance, the
clean-up area. You have small, multiple work triangles within the
space," explains Schmidt.
Molly Madsen, vice president of AB&K Bath & Kitchen in
Greenfield and Mequon, agrees. "The work triangle will still be a
basic element. How the kitchen has evolved has really changed, though.
It used to be designed around one person. It’s now more about
creating efficient work zones. It’s very individualized on how they
(the homeowners) are going to use their kitchen," says Madsen.
Homeowners, whether building or remodeling, need to look at what
their needs are in the kitchen space. "Think of things that are
part of your daily life and set up your zones according to that,"
says Madsen. One change she is seeing are double islands — one for
prep and clean-up and one for the cooktop.
Also, nonessential items such as crock pots, popcorn makers, etc.,
move into a separate area and away from appliances used on a daily
basis.
Madsen warns when creating your work zones to be careful how
personalized you get. "You don’t want to go too out of the box
or you will have a tough time selling your home in the future."
Sometimes space and budget can create limitations when creating
this new work environment. "If you are remodeling in a smaller
home, than you combine some of these spaces," says Schmidt.
"To make it work, create the functional storage spaces and get
the items you need in close proximity to where you are working."
The result should be an environment that works for you and your
family. "It’s creating personalized functionality," says
Madsen.
