The work triangle dates all the way back to the days of poodle skirts and bobby socks. Since then, it has remained the standard configuration used by industry professionals for designing efficient kitchens. The three points of the triangle are typically represented by the refrigerator, range and sink. Whether you're planning your own layout or enlisting the help of a professional, use the triangle to check the efficiency of your design.

Ugh, not geometry. Fear not, this triangle exercise is easy to figure and involves only the most basic math skills. Just mark the center of your three reference point s. Connect the dots to form the triangle. Then measure the length of each triangle side. The sum of the three sides should be between 12 and 26 feet . If the total is less than 12, the appliances are probably too close for comfort . If it's greater than 26, you'll waste time and effort trekking between work areas. No doubt there are better ways to get your exercise. As you plan your layout, keep in mind that traffic flow going through the work triangle will also sap its efficiency.

The 5 Basic Shapes

One of the first steps is to determine the layout of your kitchen. Take a look at the five basic kitchen shapes as they relate to your space.

One Wall

As the name suggests, the one-wall or singlewall kitchen has all work centers along one wall, offering the least efficient kitchen plan, especially for the aspiring gourmet chef. However, it's ideal for smaller homes and apartments.

Corridor/Galley

The corridor or galley kitchen offers a single cook-efficient work space with closely grouped work centers on parallel walls. But two cooks may be too many for this kitchen, as the shape allows little extra work room. Also, household traffic crossing back and forth may interrupt this work area.

U-Shaped

While the U-shaped kitchen may have space for more than one gourmet, it is ideal for a cook working solo. A continuous countertop and storage system surrounds the cook on three sides for maximum efficiency. Traffic flows around the work area rather than through it, making the cooking process even easier.

L-Shaped

The L-shaped kitchen provides a generous amount of continuous counter top space. With work centers on two adjacent walls, a natural triangle forms and traffic bypasses the work area. It's the perfect solution for a kitchen that opens to an adjacent area, inviting interaction between cook and guests. In fact, this design even allows for the inclusion of a dining area. Adding an island offers the benefits of a U-shaped kitchen.

G-shaped

The G-shaped kitchen is really a modification of the U-shape. Only this design adds an extra wall of cabinets and appliances as a peninsula or fourth partial wall. To keep the kitchen
from feeling too closed in, this plan works best when one or two of the cabinet sections open to adjacent spaces.