Essential Elements of Designing an Ergonomic Kitchen

Kitchen Remodeling May 16

Remodeling kitchens comes with so many details to think about that some easily fall through the cracks. One such aspect is the ergonomics of the space. The layout, type of appliances, and their arrangement will all affect how ergonomic the room is. Homeowners, contractors, and designers must work together to ensure that a remodeling exercise in Utica factors in ergonomics as much as possible. Good ergonomics not only make kitchens comfortable but also easy to use. The opening and closing of cabinets, how far the counter is from the sink, the location of the fridge; all these will affect how much one has to work well in the kitchen, and those are the elements to consider for kitchen remodeling in Utica.

The Work Triangle

Kitchens are characterized by a work triangle, which mainly consists of the countertop for the food preparation, the sink for the washing, and the cooker for the cooking. The three areas should be within easy reach and must be arranged for the most convenience. A kitchen’s users should not have to waste energy and time moving from one part of the triangle to the other. The design should not involve too many doors inside the triangle because they will interfere with movement. Countertops have to be long to provide the required space for working.

Use Drawers for Dishes and Cutlery

Instead of having cabinets with doors under the sink or counter, drawers make for a more ergonomic design. The cutlery and dishes that are used daily should be within easy reach. With drawers, one only has to pull them out to get a spoon or plate rather than have to bend to rummage inside the cabinet. The plan for kitchen remodeling in Utica should involve the strategic placement of drawers like on both sides of the sink or the countertop.

The Flooring

Most homeowners may not know it, but the type of floor in kitchens affects the ergonomics of the space. Take someone who has to prepare dinner every day and has to walk from the cooker to the sink to the counter more than ten times. Sometimes, one may be wearing high heels when making meals. A homeowner should opt for floors that offer proper cushioning like cork, rubber, and some wood types. Placing area rugs in the high traffic sections of the room is a great alternative to achieve an ergonomic kitchen design.

The Appliances

For truly ergonomic kitchens, the dishwasher should be close to the sink so that people don’t have to move dishes too far when cleaning them. The microwave should be at a suitable length where one does not have to stretch too high or bend too much when using it. Appliance location should also consider the needs and safety of the children in the house. The specific design that a homeowner is aiming for in his or her kitchen remodeling project in Utica will determine what to do to make it ergonomic. Ergonomically planned kitchens increase efficiency, minimize the risk of accidents, and use space wisely.