Perfecting Your ”Kitchen Triangle”

Last time on the Neff of Chicago blog, we explored the evolving kitchen work triangle. That traditional design staple is changing because the way we live and work in the kitchen is changing

For one thing, the popular open kitchen style brought this room into the rest of the house – and vice versa. It’s not unusual to find a TV or a small office space within the kitchen proper. And kitchens without borders also invite collaboration and camaraderie throughout the preparation of the meal. 

Then there is the slew of new tools, appliances and devices that can transform any home kitchen into a “professional” enterprise.  Credit our increasingly sophisticated palettes and TV shows dedicated to gourmet cuisine.

The bottom line is that the phrase “luxury kitchen” has a new meaning in 2010 – more than one meaning, actually. It all depends on your kitchen vision. And that vision must be translated into a workable shape and design – the new “work triangle.”

So, you walk into the Neff of Chicago kitchen showroom ready to realize your dream.

Are you ready? What do you need to bring to the table?

Maybe even more relevant than your “wish list” of features, is a “day in the life” description. What does kitchen life look like at your house?

Daybreak:

Who is preparing breakfast? What’s on the menu? What appliances are in play: coffeemaker, waffle iron, juicer, blender, toaster?

Is somebody checking the stock report, weather or sports scores on the kitchen TV or laptop in the kitchen office?

Is lunch ready in the frig or is last-minute preparation underway?

Evening:

Who’s coming to dinner, or pre-dinner drinks and crudités?

Did somebody suggest a do it-yourself stir fry?

Is this the night to try out that new Emeril recipe?

Weekend

Wouldn’t that farmer’s market produce make a great pot of soup for the week ahead?

Looks like there  is time to whip up some fresh guacamole before the gang shows up for the game.

This exercise (fill in your own scenarios) can identify the cooking, storage and entertaining activities that will help “shape”  your dream kitchen.