From cooking to washing dishes and getting snacks, the kitchen is often bustling with activity. To ensure family members can move around easily, consider updating the layout. The following home renovation advice will help you improve the utility of your kitchen while avoiding common missteps.

Do:

Eliminate traffic jams. 

The kitchen triangle is a concept meant to eliminate obstacles on the path from the sink to the stove and refrigerator. The imaginary triangle is created by connecting these three elements.

Ideally, the kitchen island and other standalone furnishings and appliances shouldn’t encroach the triangle. This will minimize traffic jams when multiple people are in the space at once.

Choose the island wisely.

The island should be sized for your kitchen. If it’s too large, it could block appliances and not allow enough space to maneuver. Too small, and there could be too much distance between areas, making the room feel disconnected. There should be enough space around the installation to walk around when appliance or cabinet doors are open. 

Don’t:

Waste storage opportunities. 

Bulky appliances, cookbooks, and miscellaneous items without permanent places often end up on counters. So the kitchen remains tidy with ample usable space, a home renovation contractor can install an island with deep drawers for storage. Extend cabinetry to space above the refrigerator, and consider placing mounted units in areas with open wall space too.

Forget to include a mud zone.

At the entrance to the kitchen, designate a mud zone area. This will keep the kitchen organized, with hooks to hold jackets and cubbyholes for backpacks and purses. If you have pets, a home renovation contractor can include a shelf or bench with built-in storage to hold leashes and toys for outdoor play.

If you’re embarking on a kitchen remodeling project, contact the specialists at Prowork Pacific Inc. in Honolulu, HI. Serving Oahu clients since 2013, the certified commercial and residential architects specialize in architectural, interior, and sustainable design. To discuss your home renovation project, call (808) 384-3388. See completed work on the firm’s website and Facebook page.