kitchen symmetry

10 years ago

Our new build is designed with an open concept, so no walls between the entry, great room and kitchen. The breakfast table sits between the kitchen and great room. The range anchors one end of this arrangement, and the great room fireplace is at the other end. My question is in regards to the kitchen island, which will sit parallel to the range wall. Is there a desired distance between the island and the range? I ask because in my current kitchen, I have close to 53" between. However, the new design is showing 40-42", and I worry that I will feel it is too cramped. And if I increase the spacing, the island gets pushed out of being "centered" in the kitchen area., and will encroach on the breakfast table.

Featured Answer

User

10 years ago

There is no real standard. At a stove I use 42" as a minimum and 48" as a maximum. The primary concern is when you step back and bend down to open the oven. You can mock it up in your existing house and see what works for you.

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Comments (6)

sweetsarahbeth
10 years ago
I highly recommend posting your floorplan on the kitchen forum - they have a bunch of great people over there to help with just such decisions!
betttyloo thanked sweetsarahbeth
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PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
10 years ago
Plan kitchens so they work well. The appearance of the kitchen should be secondary.
betttyloo thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
User
10 years ago
I have 40" and it is a bit cramped. Not terrible, but I did want a bit more room there at Thanksgiving. 48" would be plenty. 42 is better than 40. But would you notice?

Good luck.
betttyloo thanked User
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
10 years ago
If both cooks gained five pounds by next Thanksgiving they would notice.
betttyloo
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for the advice. Mark, your words "plan kitchens so they work well" is really the reminder that I needed. We were out to the house today, and measured it all again, and we realized that we need 45" at a minimum to be functional with the way we move around during cooking. Those few inches can make a difference I think. I will be in touch with the designer tomorrow.