A kitchen design for a large family + 7 tips for kitchen planning from the editors of Better Homes and Gardens

This 1959 kitchen was designed for a family of 6 - two adults and four children, the Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Jones Jr (Carmel, Ca.). We talk about a redesign and expansion of the existent space. 

The eating area also doubles as sitting-reading corner. The steel cabinets from the older kitchen were reused in the new space, repainted to match the new furniture.Ther refrigerator-freezer, ovens and cooking top are all built in.



7 tips for kitchen planning from the editors of Better Homes and Gardens:

  • The fewer doors, the better. Close up extras. Be sure doors are wide enough to let appliances by.
  • Update windows. For good daylight they should equal 10-15% of kitchen floor space. For safety avoid windows over range. 
  • You'll save money if you can use your present plumbing location - develop plan from there. But this is not always possible, so don't sacrifice a good plan for what will amount to a few dollars on a long-term investment. Try to hook up laundry near kitchen plumbing. 
  • Remember to include a ventilator. Place ventilator as close as possible to range top.
  • Revamp wiring to handle all the new automatic electric helpers. A control panel may be your answer. Consult specialists. Plan to spotlight work centers, besides including good general lighting.
  • Kitchen work triangle (walking distance from sink to range to refrigerator and back to sink) should not total more than 22 feet.
  • In cabinets and/or appliances face each other on two opposite walls, allow a minimum of 4 feet of walking space between them.