Not to disparage the overall sound reasoning of the theory, but society has changed and people are ever more comfortable—and eager—to express themselves creatively. As a result, kitchen design has evolved too. Rather than blindly following the kitchen triangle directive, families are now designing kitchens to better fit their modern lifestyles. It’s becoming more common, for example, for multiple generations to live and cook within the same kitchen. Different generations have different needs, so in order to make the food prep and dining more efficient, accommodations may include seating at a prep area for seniors. Or it may mean that the refrigerator is placed in a location perceived as inconvenient, but which serves to create a better workflow for those who use the kitchen at the same time—so that children can serve themselves snacks while their parents prep for dinner. Specialty accommodations and/or kitchens designed solely for aging-in-place seniors, Boomers, or Gens X, Y, and Z may also be good reason to violate the sacred kitchen triangle.
The overall idea of a "kitchen triangle" isn't dead just in transition from appliance to tasks, or a shape change to address the addition of a major appliance addition of a Microwave, Dishwasher, food or dish storage, or other major appliance for a kitchen layout. For example in a galley style layout a new layout shape may be more of a "Kitchen Diamond" than a "Kitchen Triangle" as older kitchens are modernized.
The kitchen triangle also doesn't account for the work of serious home cooks. What's the connection between the sink and the major cutting surface? Where are the knives? How about the pots and pans and baking dishes, relative to the cutting surface? In my experience, the key center to everything is that cutting surface, and the ideal kitchen structure radiates from that.
One design aspect that is still a critical one is the distance between sink and stovetop. Think of it this way: how far do you want to carry a big pot of water for pasta, lobsters, etc? How far do yo want to walk with a heavy, hot pan of water that has to be poured into a collander? My stove and sink are on sides of perpendicular 8' walls, but my fridge is off in what used to be an entry way that was converted to a pantry and then incorporated when we renovated. We take stuff out of the fridge in a single trip and put it on the prep area counters. It was more important to put glassware and a countertop with the fridge because then people hop in and get water from the fridge or drinks - or cereal and milk.
> my fridge is off in what used to be an entry way that was converted to a pantry
That's exactly what I've been considering, including having a fridgeside countertop, but was worried about breaking the triangle "rule." Thanks for sharing your experience; reassuring!
I have longed to go to and absorb the southern beauty of the low country. I go to sleep in a different HGTV bedroom every night-rotating of course. Love them all-would love to spend my last ten years in that glorious spot. That is also my dream!!
I have lived in South Carolina my whole life. I am 50 years old and would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to retire in this beautiful awesome home!!!!! I visit Charleston often and have even taken a cruise from their new port. This would be my dream come true if I am soooo lucky to be the winner!!! Please, please, please make my dream come true!!!!
Bring on the mosquitos and noseeums! Magnificent addition to the Low Country.....what an inspiration this would be to wake up here every day!
I humbly would suggest ......this is a perfectly exquisite home - you have done it again!
I went on vacation on Kiawah Island years ago and promised myself I would someday live there....maybe this will be the home! Breathtaking!
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING HOME.... I can not even begin to imagine living someplace like this. This home is WAITING to make beautiful memories with a family, friends and pets alike! MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED ! :)
This home would be a dream come true. The HGTV team has hit another home run!
What a gorgeous home! It is exactly what any family would love to own. It has the grace and style of a home filled with love. The architects have done a spectacular job in designing this home. This would be my "Dream Home".
Happy New Year and good luck to everyone!
Rosemary
This home is like a "dream come true". Beautiful area of our great country. Fresh air, Sea air, what more could you ask. I hope I have a chance to retire to a beautiful home and area like this HGTV Dream Home 2013
This is a beautiful home! I hope to be the next winner! Yippee!
What a glorious home. I am so anxious to be The Big Winner.
The house is beautiful but I'm surprised that you didn't make one of the porches a screened in porch as I would imagine all that water would draw mosquitoes.
Create an Account Sign In