Kitchen Layout Options: The Best Kitchen Layouts for Every Size Space [Infographic]
If you’re a gourmet chef or a culinary novice, a poor kitchen layout can greatly affect your productivity. The size of your space is less important than your layout and frankly, some kitchen layout options are better than others. The key to a great kitchen is creating a functional space; no matter the size. So which kitchen layout is the most functional and what is the best kitchen size? It all depends on what you have to work with. Take a look at some of the best kitchen layouts:
The Kitchen Work Triangle
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Good for Medium- and Large-Sized Kitchens
- The work triangle lets you easily get to the three major kitchen destinations: the stove/range, refrigerator, and sink
- It can be set up in most kitchen designs that have at least two built-in countertops
- When you have three surfaces, put one work surface on each wall
- In a galley kitchen, put two work points on one wall and the other on the opposite wall
The U-Shape
- The actual kitchen space for this and most other "shaped" kitchens is square
- Countertops make up the "U" shape
- When drawing up plans, mark the areas for cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation
- Put one aspect of the kitchen in each countertop
- Keep the central space clear for easy movement between areas
The L-Shape
- This kitchen has only two countertops
- Dark spaces tend to form at the bend of the "L." Use lights to avoid these shadows
- Put the fridge and sink along one wall
- Keep the imaginary triangle in mind when arranging the fridge, sink, and stove
- Avoid countertop decor – it'll make the room seem cramped
The G-Shape
- The "G-Shape" is also known as the "Peninsula" kitchen design
- Similar to a U-shape only with an extra tab of counter that partly comes across the front
- Can use the extra countertop as a table top
- You have room to keep the cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation areas separate
- This design supports the work triangle concept
- Add plenty of cabinets for beautiful storage space
- This shape provides plenty of countertop area
The Island Kitchen
- Works well in limited, but not tiny, space
- Put a countertop along just one wall
- Use a kitchen island to add extra workspace and under-counter storage area
- Plan the kitchen around the intended use of the island
- All of the major appliances, as well as the sink, typically go along the same wall as the countertop
- Sinks can be moved to the island, but they often take up most of the island's countertop space
- This design has no work triangle. Instead, most work is done at the main counter
The Galley Kitchen
- It is long and thin with a counter on each side
- Keep your refrigerator and stove on one side
- Put the sink opposite
- Be sure to leave enough space to full open appliance doors, including the oven door
- Install plenty of lighting
The One-Wall Kitchen
- The ultimate space saver
- One of the best small kitchen layouts
- All appliances go along a single wall along with the counter - no triangles here
- Put the sink in between the other major machines
- If there's space for an island or breakfast table, put one in
If you like any of these kitchen layout ideas or want custom kitchen design ideas, give us a call: 973-337-7123. We can discuss and plan your dream kitchen to meet all your wants and needs. Or, visit our showroom in West Caldwell, NJ and speak with one of our experts and schedule your kitchen remodel today.
Creating a Universally Accessible Bathroom Design For Your Home
For many homeowners, the idea of putting a universally accessible bathroom in the house doesn't even come to mind. After all, they figure, they're healthy and so are all of their guests. Why would they need a universally accessible bathroom design? Surprisingly, there are many innovative reasons for going ahead with such a project even before an obvious need arises:
Accidents Happen
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 21 million people aged 15 and up were injured in their residential bathroom. People also have all sorts of accidents, ranging from falls to sports mishaps. In all cases, there is the risk of sudden disability. Even when the disabilities are temporary, such as during recovery from a broken leg, they make everyday activities into major hassles until healing is complete. You’ll certainly appreciate your new bathroom accessibility while recuperating from a sprained ankle or even a surgery!
Everyone Gets Older
The time will come when it’s not as easy for you to get around your home. Small steps, low toilets or other elements of your home might become an obstacle or hazard as you age. When that time comes, you'll be glad you got your bathroom remodel now, while incorporating accessible bathroom ideas, so that you don't have to give it a second thought.
A Universally Accessible Bathroom is Safer
Safety isn't just for the frail or elderly. In fact, the CDC says that people aged 15-24 years old sustained the highest proportion of injuries in or around the tub! Universal bathroom accessibility standards are also better for toddlers and young children due to fewer tripping hazards. This design shows safety is important for all ages.
A Universal Bathroom Design Plan Increases Your Home Value
Thanks to modern changes to accessible features, you can have them installed without destroying the visual appeal of your bathroom. Walk-in tubs, for example, are all but indistinguishable from the regular kind – a thin line that gives away the location of a door in the tub wall is typically the only giveaway. These upgrades make your home a viable option for more prospects, as universally accessibility standards have become sought-after features.
Of course, you don't have to stop with a simple bathroom universal design. Universal design is gaining traction as a design philosophy meant to be applied to all areas of homes- including key parts of the exterior hardscape.
Takeaways
- A universally accessible bathroom is needed for multiple reasons
- These include injury recovery, aging, and general safety
- Even young people need safer bathrooms
- Adding universal accessibility features may improve interior home value
- This concept can be applied to the entire house
RWC can give you the perfect universally accessible bathroom design. We are passionate about what we do, up to date with all the latest style trends, and have years of experience.For accessible bathroom design ideas or to have your bathroom redone to meet universal accessibility standards, just contact us here at RWC in northern New Jersey. We have over 50 years of creative experience, and we'll be happy to plan and install your new upgrades.
Why You Should Perform A Yearly Home Check Up
You get your health checked every year; a physical exam, an eye exam, a dental visit are standard practices to identify any issues that need resolving. Using the same logic, why wouldn’t you complete a home check up every year?
The purpose of an annual home check up is the same as your yearly checkup. Spotting problems as they develop and fixing them on a timely basis, prevents more serious issues from developing. Here’s what you should be checking yearly or in some cases bi yearly.
What Needs to be Checked
According to Kudzu.com, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) recommends that a home check inspection includes the plumbing, HVAC system(s), roof, electrical system, attic, visible insulation, windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, foundation, basement (if present) and structural components.
Small leaks are deserving of special mention. A single-drop leak can cause structural damage behind a wall, under flooring or cause other structural components to rot out over time. Like a constantly-dripping faucet, that "small leak" turns out to be gallons of water in just a few hours - an amount easily delivered in a single rainy day.
Are Semi-Annual Checkups a Better Idea?
This depends on how old your house is. A newer house is fine with an annual inspection. However, if you have an older home, it’s a good idea to look everything over twice a year. With New Jersey’s harsh, seasonal climate, the start of spring can show aspects of your home that were damaged by the cold and snow. Likewise, autumn is the perfect time to identify any cracks, leaks or other issues before the cold weather rolls in.
As You Inspect
Write down everything you see that is amiss. Prioritize repairs according to their type and severity. Anything that could bring danger to people or pets in the house needs to be fixed first. Then, repair the things that can easily lead to further damage, such as leaks in the roof or at the windows. Cosmetic issues should go last.
Keep a Running List Throughout the Year, Too
Don't save things you notice throughout the year for your planned inspection day. Instead, keep a running list of things that randomly crop up. Put the list in a place everyone else in the home knows about so they can add items that they see, too. This way, you can be sure you won't overlook anything that was spotted earlier and forgotten.
Do You Need a Home Check Service?
Home check services can make things easy, but they're generally not necessary when you've been living in the house for more than a year or so. In fact, This Old House's site has a DIY checklist of things to examine on a yearly basis. Items to check include:
- pipes for both leaks and poor drainage
- electrical outlets
- caulking
Takeaways
- A yearly home check up finds problems before they get too big
- You'll likely have noticed some things before your planned inspection day
- Safety issues should be fixed first
Here at RWC, we have over 50 years of experience doing repairs, renovations, and remodeling projects of all sizes. Give us a call at 973-227-7123 for anything your home inspection reveals the need to fix. If you decide to upgrade instead, we can handle that as well.
Keeping Your Home Safe with the Best Smart Home Technology
Safe Home Technology
With modern computer technology, upgrades and new home designs allow lifestyle improvements for the savvy homeowner. While you may have heard of voice controlled entertainment systems, programmable heating and air conditioning units, or ways to check on your house via smart home technology, there are some practical applications which may be useful.
In today's world, security is an important aspect of most people's lives. Some essential tips keeping home safe start with locking windows and doors, and preventing strangers from peeking inside. An additional aspect of home security is fire prevention, which can be achieved with programmable kitchen appliances which can be set to turn off when you leave the house.
Doors and Security Features
Over time, the house may settle a bit. Weather conditions, wood framing and doors can shrink or swell. While this is normal, it becomes an issue when doors don't open or close as easily. At this point, it is time to consider installing a new home safe door. There are numerous safe materials to choose from, including:
- Steel
- Wood
- Fiberglass
Due to their durability, these options are the most secure options to prevent break ins. As another safety precaution, installing new locks with a remote access features will allow give you peace of mind when not home. The best smart door locks can be checked remotely so if you leave in a hurry you can “call” your house with your phone and lock the door. Likewise, if you're expecting a service call, you can unlock the door then lock the door when the person leaves, without having to be there and leave the door open all day.
Windows and Smart Technology Options
Windows can incorporate a Smart feature by closing blinds at night or when you’re not home. Additionally, if your house uses security cameras, you can conduct a routine security patrol with your phone. When out of town, you can check your windows, open them, or lock them remotely.
Kitchens and Cooking
Kitchens are another aspect of your house which is especially adaptable to smart technology. Imagine setting up dinner in the oven and being able to turn it on when you leave work, thirty minutes before arriving home. By using new kitchen technology, many aspects of your daily cooking chores can be automated, leaving you more time to relax. Kitchen automation simplifies cooking and makes safety a priority.
Conclusion
The latest smart home technology might seem intimidating at first, but it is fairly intuitive and easy to learn. Once incorporated, it will make your life better in a number of ways according to your needs.
- You can check on doors while away from home to make sure you remembered to lock them.
- You can unlock a door while away for someone you've hired, or for a friend.
- It allows you to control security aspects of your windows.
- Smart technology simplifies kitchen and cooking tasks.
What to Do Next
For more information about Smart Home technology and how to incorporate it at your house, call us at RWC to schedule an appointment with a representative.