The latest trends in kitchen remodeling!

Courtesy of Urban Home magazine

In the Zone

Often the goal in redesigning a kitchen is to improve the traditional “work triangle”—the path between the refrigerator, the food prep area, and the cooking area. The standard work triangle puts the sink midway between the refrigerator and the oven, with a food preparation surface between the oven and the sink. Designers have even defined optimal lengths for the sides of the triangle for maximum efficiency so the cook does not feel cramped or need to take unnecessary steps.

This traditional conception is being challenged by a new approach that focuses on ergonomic workstations, like those found in the workplace. Contemporary kitchens create functional zones for food preparation and cooking, clean up, and eating. For example, a freestanding island might be dedicated to food preparation, with storage for utensils and cutting boards. It might also incorporate a second, smaller sink used exclusively for food, like those found in restaurants, thus avoiding cross-contamination.

"Well-placed appliances and storage mean less wear on the back and joints. Counter heights can be adjusted to the cook to reduce strain, and drawers can be used in place of cabinets, innovations that appeal especially to older homeowners," said Suzann Thompson of Cabinetcraft.