AVOIDING “RENOVATOR’S REMORSE”
12
NOT FOLLOWING THE
‘WORK TRIANGLE.’
The ‘work triangle’ concept assumes
most of the action in a kitchen occurs
between the sink, fridge and range—
and the distance between those
three areas should be between 12
and 26 feet. Less than 12 and you’ll
feel cramped. More than 26, and
you’ll be exhausted before you even
serve the meal. More on the work
traingle on page 17.
INADEQUATE PLANNING
FOR GARBAGE/RECYCLING.
Do not underestimate the importance
of having a place to put refuse—
whether it’s compostable, recyclable,
or just plain trash.
SKIMPING ON
STORAGE SPACE.
Deeper drawers, full extension
drawers, thoughtful systems for pots
and pans—there are lots of ways
to make the space both useful and
beautiful. If you plan well, you don’t
have to give up one for the other.
NOT MAXIMIZING
COUNTERTOP AREA.
The more countertop area the
cook has, the happier the cook is—
consider moving the microwave off
the countertop.
FORCING AN ISLAND
WHERE IT DOESN'T FIT.
See page 23 if you’re interested in
an island—but don’t fool yourself into
thinking there's room if there's not.
CLUTTER-PRONE ZONES.
Clutter creep is one of the kitchen’s
greatest challenges, and dark
corners are essentially magnets for
odds and ends that aren’t useful, yet
never get stored away. Again, lighting
can help solve the problem.
NOT GETTING PERMITS.
Research this with your local
governing bodies—you’d be
surprised what you might need a
permit for. It’s best to find out in
advance.
BAD MEASUREMENTS,
OR NOT ENOUGH
CLEARANCE BETWEEN
CABINETS AND APPLIANCES.
Make sure the refrigerator door can
open all the way without running into
the island. Don’t make it hard to move
around when you’re unloading the
dishwasher. Some of it’s planning,
and some of it’s just being accurate
in the measuring. Get your designer
or contractor involved before you
get too far. A small consultation fee is
not uncommon, and well worth it.
PUTTING THE SINK AT THE
END OF A COUNTERTOP.
When it's time to do clean up, you're
going to want a countertop on both
sides of the sink.
UnCHECKLIST:
CLASSIC WRONG
TURNS
INADEQUATE LIGHTING.
If you can’t see, you can’t cook. Make
sure your kitchen doesn't rely on
daylight to be usable.
NOT ALLOWING FOR
GOOD VENTILATION.
Cooking makes smells, and on
occasion, smoke. Plan for it. Check
the appliance recommendations and
local codes.
NOT CENTERING THE
SINK UNDER THE WINDOW.
If your sink is near a window, it
should be centered under it—not
only for a nice view while doing
dishes, but because it gives the room
a balanced feel.
PUTTING THE DISHWASHER
TOO FAR FROM THE SINK.
Ideally, there'll be room for the
dishwasher right by the sink—not
only for more efficient clean-up, but
because that's where the water line
hook-ups are, which should save
both time and money.
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