Maryland Kitchen Design Center

Kitchen Remodeling 101

Emily Cole • February 15, 2021

Guidelines to the perfect kitchen remodel

As 2021 gets under way many homeowners are looking at ways to enhance the enjoyment in their homes. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is a great place to start. Kitchen remodeling can be a daunting task but taking the step to look at your current kitchen to assess the structure, functionality (what works, what doesn’t), and even lighting prior to getting paint color swatches can go a long way toward a successful remodel. 


Questions to ask yourself:

 

  • Do I like the current appliance placement and arrangement?
  • Do I have a pantry? If so, is it conveniently located?
  • Does my kitchen have plenty of counter space or work area?
  • Do I have enough storage space for my dishware/pots and pans?
  • Do I have adequate storage for my countertop appliances?
  • Is there an island or space for sit-down eating?

 


NKBA Guidelines


The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) publishes planning guidelines to help facilitate designs that are both functional and safe. Note these guidelines are not legal requirements. Below are 10 to get you started on the way to kitchen remodeling 101.




Countertop Space

A total of 158 inches of countertop frontage, 24 inches deep, with at least 15 inches of clearance above is needed to accommodate all uses.



Kitchen Door Entry Openings

Doors should be 32 inches wide.

Universal Design is 34 inches wide.

Good rule is to have 36 inches wide if possible.




Kitchen Door Interference

Design the kitchen so appliance doors and regular doors don’t bump into one another.

 


Distance Between Work Centers

Work centers aka stove, sink/prep area and the refrigerator form a work triangle. Note the minimum and maximum distances.



Separating Work Centers

A full-height, full-depth, tall obstacle should not separate two primary work centers.



Work Aisle

Width of 42 inches for one cook and 48 inches for multiple cooks.

The work aisle is the measurement between the fronts of the countertops, tall cabinets and appliances.



Walkways

36 inches wide

If 2 walkways are perpendicular to each other, one walkway should be 42” wide.



Cleanup/Prep and Sink Placement

In a kitchen with one sink, locate it adjacent to or across from the cooking surface and refrigerator.



Traffic Clearance for Seating

If there is no traffic behind diner, allow 32 inches from counter/table edge to wall or obstruction.

If traffic passes behind diner allow 36-44 inches from edge to obstruction or wall.



Seating Space

Minimum 24 inches wide for each diner

At a 30 inch high table/counter-18-in deep knee space for each diner

At 36 inch high table/counter allow 15 in deep clear knee space

At 42 inch height table/counter allow 12 inch deep knee space

Share

5 Great Kitchen Upgrades for Your Kitchen Renovation!
By Emily Cole February 7, 2023
When thinking about renovating your kitchen, it’s not enough to think just about the new color or tile you want. Yes, these are extremely important, and working with a team that understands what they’re doing is fundamental. But working with our KDC team means our designers will also suggest improvements that go beyond choosing the hardware for your new kitchen. Here are five great kitchen upgrades that you can add to your kitchen that will add value, functionality, beauty, and style to your new space!
By Emily Cole December 9, 2021
With the holiday season just around the corner, there are endless possibilities to explore with the Kitchen and Design Center. No matter the size of the job , we take care of everything in-house. The same company you trust is the one doing all of the plans, designs, installation, and every detail. It all begins with a free consultation with our award-winning designers!
By Laura A. June 7, 2018
We celebrated our official KDC grand opening with a ribbon cutting and open house. It was a fantastic evening and the love and support we received overwhelmed us! This event was so much more than just a grand opening it was the introduction of an experience center like no other! Take a look at the gallery.
Share by: