Most homeowners are familiar with the concept of the kitchen work triangle, or the three areas in the kitchen where most work is done. This includes the sink, refrigerator, and stove. When the distance between these three elements is not too big or too small, but just right, movement between them can be efficient and functional.
There’s one more thing that’s primarily responsible for overall kitchen efficiency, though, and that’s storage. While the work triangle can impact the efficient movement between different work areas, the three zones of kitchen storage affect how efficient you are once you’re there. How well do you know these storage zones and even more importantly, are you using them to your advantage?
What are the 3 zones of kitchen storage?
If there’s one thing that significantly impacts both function and aesthetics in the kitchen, it’s clutter or lack of organization. Cluttered countertops and cabinets or storage spaces without a true purpose can take away from how well your kitchen looks and functions. Let’s see how maximizing the three zones of kitchen storage can make your kitchen one that’s beautiful to look at and easy to use.
1. The refrigerator zone: kitchen storage related to food acquisition and tools for food preparation
This zone includes where you store food once it’s been purchased, or where you keep leftovers once a meal has already been served. It’s also where you might keep utensils, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and other things that are used in the initial stages of food preparation.
Ideally, you’ll want your refrigerator, walk-in pantry, or other food storage cabinets to be located close to where you’ll enter the house after bringing them home from the grocery store. A nearby countertop or island is also handy for setting down food items you’re gathering for food prep or wanting to put away.
In this Mission Viejo kitchen remodel, a sizable pantry lies neatly tucked away behind a beautiful sliding barn door while the refrigerator is concealed by cabinet doors. A small countertop between them, as well as a larger one on the nearby kitchen island, offers a convenient place to put food items as they’re taken out of or returned to storage.
2. The sink zone: storage for eating utensils, cleaning supplies, and waste management
Next, we take a look at the area where most of the food prep and cleanup happens – the sink. This is where fruits and vegetables are washed, peeled, or cut prior to use. It’s also where clean dishes leave from and where they return once they’re dirty. In fact, so much happens here that the sink zone is considered to be one of the highest traffic areas of the entire room. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why the right kind of storage solutions here can help to improve efficiency and reduce clutter.
Ample countertop space is essential around the sink area. This is important for food preparation tasks but also functions as a landing place for soiled dishes and utensils. The dishwasher should also be nearby so it’s easy to put dirty dishes immediately out of sight. Once they’ve been washed, you’ll want upper or lower storage cabinets close by so clean dishes and utensils can be put away without a hassle.
This same kitchen renovation in Mission Viejo illustrates an efficient sink area perfectly. Surrounding the sink, Vadara polished quartz countertops are durable, easy to clean, and provide plenty of uncluttered workspace. Beneath the sink, dishes and utensils can easily be put away inside the custom Omega island cabinets, and the stainless steel dishwasher is close by as well.
3. The range zone: kitchen storage solutions for cooking and serving
This is the kitchen storage zone where all your hard work comes together. You’ve taken the time to purchase various food items, prepare them to your liking, and now it’s time to cook, bake, or serve them.
This cooking zone can have a variety of arrangements but most include some combination of these appliances:
- A range or stove top
- Full stove with cooktop
- Wall ovens
- Countertop or wall-mounted microwave
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Crockpot or Instant Pot
- Waffle iron
- Portable grill, panini press, or similar items
In addition to large and small appliances, this zone also includes pots and pans for stovetop and oven cooking as well as serving dishes like platters. Also, don’t forget about cooking utensils and spices you’ll need for food preparation. All of these items need their own home, preferably close to where you’ll use them.
In this San Clemente farmhouse kitchen, the range is conveniently located between the refrigerator and sink storage zones. In addition, the island and nearby cabinets provide plenty of storage for cooking items while the large island countertop offers a great place to set hot dishes after coming out of the oven.
Maximize Your Kitchen Storage With Professional Orange County Kitchen Design
In order to make the most of your kitchen storage, it’s essential to have a well-planned design. That typically means working with a local kitchen design professional who can walk you through exactly what you need to make your kitchen function well and look beautiful at the same time.
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has been helping Orange County homeowners with kitchen remodels and other home renovation projects for almost 40 years. From whole house remodels to room additions or bathroom makeovers and more, we have you covered.
To learn more about our work, feel free to browse through our online portfolio of completed projects. You can also register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars or visit our kitchen and bath showroom for new ideas and kitchen design tips.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own kitchen remodel, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.