Architecture/Kitchen

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Expert: - 7/9/2003


Question
Dear Richard,

In your professional opinion, what is the appropriate size of a kitchen that is able to accomodate an island?  My kitchen is 12 x 20 and seems like a waste of space because of the unused floor area.  

Thanks.
Lori

Answer
Lori:

Thanks for your question!

Generally, you need to leave a minimum of 40" between countertops.  For example, measuring from the wall, you'll have 24" of tops + 40" + the island (let's say it's 36") + 40" + 24" = 164" or 13'-8" wall to wall.

You can cheat on the 40" a little, depending upon what's on those tops.  You don't want to tighten up the space behind the stove, for example.  You also may find you want more than 40" for the refrigerator door or for circulation paths.

The arrangement of the kitchen will also affect the size and placement of the island.

You might consider drawing your kitchen to scale and taking it to a cabinet store, or even to Lowe's or Home Depot.  They can help you to figure out what shape and size island to fit in there.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtaylorarchitects.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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