How much kitchen space do you need in a single family home? Minimum 144 sq ft. This 12×12 kitchen space allows for ample counter space, numerous cabinets (19 total), a small pantry, workspace around each appliance, an island or peninsula, and plenty of space for multiple people to work/eat simultaneously– and it still doesn’t have room for double wall ovens, or another single oven. Industry standard travel lane (room to walk between rows) is min 36 in, but I recommend 42 in. A standard fridge is 36in x 36in. Imagine if you need to remove it and replace it…. Leave a few more inches in front to comfortably slide it out completely, roll it away and work with cords/hoses/plumbing behind it. Also, you should be able to fully extend and stand in front of your oven door, dishwasher door, and fridge without bumping into anything behind you.
Another key function builders often forget is small appliances aka countertop tools. Those secondary machines are used more often than the major ones in some households. They take up a lot of storage space when not in use, and eat up counter space when they are in use.
I believe every kitchen should be designed to accommodate those who cook a little bit on occasion, as well as those who cook a lot on many occasions. My biggest pet peeve about kitchen design is new build homes with 5,000+ sq ft and a kitchen reduced to one row of cabinets and appliances with a seating island across from it. Where do the double ovens go? Certainly not next to the fridge. That’s so counter-intuitive.
If you’re building a home, give more consideration to the size of your kitchen. You have an incredible opportunity to design the kitchen of your dreams, without limitations! You could stash a nice pantry/secondary workspace behind that kitchen too. I’ve seen entryways that rival the size of the kitchen on some new builds. No way that’s okay. I actually have lots of ideas. You should call me for a consult on how to make your space work for you. Lifestyle solutions–that’s my jam.