Basic Dimensions
- A galley kitchen can be any length by dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones
- The length of a work zone in a galley kitchen (such as the work triangle) should be a maximum of 8 feet
- The width of a galley kitchen should be between 7 to 12 feet with a minimum of 3 feet between countertops
- 3 feet between counter tops is tight and is best reserved for single occupancy kitchens
- 4 to 5 feet between countertops is optimal
- Countertops
- Two countertops on opposing walls at the optimal countertop height
- Countertops should be of relatively equal length for maximum working surface
- Two countertops on opposing walls at the optimal countertop height
- Cabinets
- Optimal cabinet heights should be used unless special considerations exist
- Base cabinets should be a minimum of 24-inches deep and posses an adequate toe kick
- Upper cabinets should be used where additional storage space is needed
- No upper cabinets should be placed above the sink
- Optimal cabinet heights should be used unless special considerations exist
- Work Triangle
- The traditional kitchen work triangle should be an equilateral triangle
- It should have one element on one wall roughly centered between the other two elements on the opposite wall
- A side-by-side refrigerator can be used as the central element
- A standard refrigerator should only be placed on the wall with two elements
- The refrigerator's hinge should be placed on the outside corner of the triangle so it can be opened from the center of the triangle
- If the work triangle is thin, the center element should be placed off center away from the refrigerator to allow more room for it to open
- Having the kitchen open at both ends creates a through traffic corridor -- you will need a wider space between counters to avoid congestion
- Having the kitchen open on one end is the most efficient arrangement for kitchen use
- Place the sink in front of an window or opening in the wall
- Ensure you have the proper lighting levels for the task
