1. DISTANCE BETWEEN SEATING AND COUNTERS
'If you are having seating in your kitchen, you’ll need to leave about 50 - 60 inches from the seating area to any kitchen cabinets or island,' recommends Richard Davonport, Managing Director at kitchen company, Davonport. 'This allows the seating area to be used and for people to pass or cook comfortably behind the chairs or stools.'
2. DISTANCE BETWEEN WORK TRIANGLE FEATURES
Finding the right distance between elements of the kitchen triangle – between your fridge, cooker, and sink – is key to creating the most efficient kitchen layout in terms of workflow. George Miller, home designer at Neptune explains: 'With three key elements at the core of its purpose, the kitchen triangle creates an efficient space and reduces the back and forth walking distance between each essential station of the kitchen; cook, store, clean.'
3. SPACE NEXT TO APPLIANCES
Consider how much available workspace you have next to appliances for prepping food. 'Allow a minimum 6 inches – ideally 12 inches – on either side of the hob to ensure suitable workspace for prepping and cooking,' recommends Richard Davonport. 'Also, in an ideal world, have a 32-inch width worktop next to the sink area for food prep and a work area, but this will depend on the size of your kitchen.'
4. VENTILATION SPACE AROUND APPLIANCES
It is essential to leave space around the back of appliances that generate heat during operation and the wall to allow for proper ventilation, prevent overheating and ensure efficient operation. Leave a clearance of at least 2 inches behind refrigerators, ovens, stoves, and dishwashers to allow airflow.
5. CABINET AND SHELF HEIGHT
The standard height for cabinets and shelves typically ranges from 30-36 inches, but this will depend on ceiling height, personal preferences, and specific needs. You will also need to leave adequate clearance above countertops to allow for convenient appliance use and food preparation below shelves and cabinets. Leave at least 18 inches between countertops and the bottom of overhead cabinets and shelves.
6. DOOR SWING CLEARANCE
'Allow a minimum 40 inch clearance between runs of units,' advises Richard Davonport. 'Your typical dishwasher door is around 24 inches, so this gives you enough room for someone to pass while it is being stacked. Making this 60 inches will allow two people to pass each other while doors are open.'
7. COUNTER OVERHANG
For kitchens with a kitchen island or countertop seating, incorporating a suitable overhang to accommodate comfortable legroom and easy access to counters is essential. We recommend allowing a minimum of 12 inches for this seating.
8. TOE KICK SPACE
Don't forget the toe-kick space. This often overlooked part of kitchen design is essential for comfort and ease of movement while standing at counters. Beneath base cabinets and kitchen islands, ensure a toe kick height and depth of 4 - 6 inches to allow ample foot space.