The classic ‘kitchen triangle’—positioning the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular layout—has been the gold standard for efficiency since the 1920s. But today’s kitchens serve more purposes than ever, acting as cooking spaces, gathering spots, home offices, and entertainment hubs. This shift has inspired a new design approach: functional zones.
Functional zones break the kitchen into dedicated areas tailored to specific tasks, such as food prep, cooking, cleaning, and storage. For instance, prep zones are often located near sinks, while beverage stations keep coffee-making and wine coolers separate from the cooking area. These zones allow for multiple users, improve flow, and enhance functionality, particularly in open-plan spaces.
By moving beyond the rigid triangle and embracing zones, kitchen design now prioritizes flexibility and better reflects modern lifestyles. From smart storage solutions to tech integration, this approach offers a personalized, efficient kitchen experience for busy households.
Checkout my full VIDEO story on this change below OR you can READ my article story on the trend featured on my LinkedIn page.
