Typically I like to think outside of the box and try something new with a design project to see if it will work. However, in some cases it is still best to adhere to basic rules of design. After all there are reasons they exist right?

For example, I’m currently working on a suggested space plan for a Design Inspiration Box (DIB). The room is an enclosed kitchen that is in much need of a re-work to be light, bright, and open. In an effort to minimize some of the major construction I elected to keep the sink as close to it’s original location as possible. Primarily this decision was to reduce the cost of moving plumbing which can be expensive. I labored and labored over how to layout the room, choosing what I “thought” was the best location for the sink. When I thought I had completed the preferred kitchen layout it still felt wrong. So what did I do?

Like any good designer we rely on what we have learned through formal education, experience, and sometimes trial and error (most won’t admit the latter). In this situation I turned to what I learned in design school and after reviewing the basic rules laid out by the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) I realized I was so caught up in saving money I overshot the simple rule of the work triangle.

What is the work triangle? Some of you may have never heard of this before and in that case you are hearing about something completely new today. However, for those who have a mild interest in interior design, have purchased a home, enjoy cooking, or simply watch HGTV on occasion realize there is this thing that everyone calls a work triangle. If you have heard of it already you may also be learning a little something new today because I’m sharing with you a real and actual “rule” of good kitchen design:

There are three major work centers in any kitchen: ONE the primary sink, TWO the primary cooking area, and THREE the refrigerator. The sum of the three distances you travel between each primary work center should not add up to more than 26 feet. Additionally, no single leg of the work triangle should measure more than 9 feet or less than 4 feet. If this seems like just words perhaps the following image will help to clarify:

Just simple math right? I’m sure most have never REALLY stopped to actually measure the work triangle but you have definitely noticed when a kitchen doesn’t work efficiently. When this formal rule of design, the work triangle, is applied you will find that the kitchen simply works.

Thankfully, all I had to do was move the sink to the left by 24 inches and all was resolved… not to mention all other kitchen design rules also remained in tact.

Below is a picture where you can see a work triangle that will definitely work. In kitchens such as this one it is often simple to see efficient use of simple design rules, even without having them defined in black and white.

Photo Credit: HGTV, Kitchens by Jean Alan, Interior Designer,  Jean Alan Inc.