Is the Kitchen Triangle still an essential rule to consider, or have modern kitchens moved on?
The kitchen Triangle or "golden rule" originated in the 1940's at the University of Illinois School of Architecture. It was initially developed to reduce construction costs but quickly gained popularity with kitchen designers who appreciated its efficiency.
But in today's kitchen designs, is the kitchen triangle still relevant or has it passed?

What is the Kitchen Triangle?
"The kitchen work triangle refers to the three primary work zones: the sink, refrigerator, and stove," explains Adrian Bergman, Senior Designer at British Standard. "These areas should be arranged to form a loose triangle, ensuring easy movement and efficiency for daily kitchen tasks without obstruction."
According to the kitchen triangle guideline, each side of the triangle should measure between four and nine feet, with a total perimeter ranging from 13 to 26 feet. This ensures the work area is neither too small nor too large, offering a comfortable and functional space that minimizes unnecessary movement. It’s important to avoid any interruptions, such as placing a table in the center of the triangle.
What are the three items in the kitchen triangle?
The three items in the kitchen design are the sink, refrigerator, and stove.

What is the purpose of the kitchen triangle?
Adrian clarifies: "The kitchen triangle is designed to allow seamless movement between the essential work areas of the kitchen." George Miller, Home Designer at Neptune Fulham, adds: "With these three main elements, the triangle creates an efficient space, minimizing unnecessary walking between the cooking, storage, and cleaning stations."
Is the kitchen triangle outdated?
Kitchen experts generally agree that the kitchen triangle is a valuable design principle, but today's styles offer more flexibility. With multiple cooks in the household, the kitchen has shifted from a single user space to a multifunctional area.
In larger kitchens, work zones such as cooking, cleaning, prepping, and storage areas are challenging the traditional triangle principle.
How to incorporate a kitchen triangle with an island?
To incorporate the kitchen triangle in a design that features a center island, it is possible to add a work zone into the island. Commonly, you will see the sink in the island and less commonly, a cooktop.

What are some new kitchen layouts beyond the triangle?
Many modern homes need to cater to different layouts depending on the family and their needs "We focus on how a kitchen functions for each individual or family, considering available space, appliance preferences, and unique cooking styles. Popular designs now include drawer fridges, walk-in pantries, and even second 'dirty' kitchens in open-plan homes, all of which can disrupt the traditional triangle concept." - Annie Ebenston, Lead Designer at Blakes London
There are many factors to consider including the amount of space you have, how you want it to function, and what kind of appliances you would like to have.
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