Golden Rules of Kitchen Design

[@Geronimo2Fly]

Mark, I'm currently designing a new kitchen, and I told the designer that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES can the trash can go under the sink. The trash can is seriously probably the single most used item in the kitchen. I'm so tired of constantly being asked (or having to ask someone) to move back from the sink for a moment so someone can throw something away. I'm hand washing dishes, rinsing veggies, cleaning the sink, whatever -- and it's a barrage of "excuse me" and I have to move so someone can access the trash. In my new kitchen, the trash is going to the side of the sink, period.

[@MTKDofficial]

Love it!

[@bmagnus2729]

You know, you can have TWO trash can right?

[@catherinelooke1499]

Agree! 90% of our rubbish, both trash and compost stuff is generated right at the prep area. Closish to sink but NOT below. I can swish stuff straight in to bin as I prep, without the sink Twostep!

[@leeanntripple5792]

Agree 100%!!!

[@settame1]

Ours is in a drawer next to the sink, across from the stove and is a great location. Close enough to use easily but accessible during any part of the process. Putting it under the sink also takes up room that could be needed for pluming or storage of cleaning supplies and is a pain to have to pull out any time your handling things that are messy. Having a toddler the pull out trash is also necessary so they can throw things away themselves instead of needing us to undo the child lock and watch them every time some little scrap needs to be thrown away.

[@CygnusMaximusXIII]

I get the idea of a large, flat surface on an island, but my favourite is an island with a sink, and the reason is making the kitchen a social space - whether I'm doing the dishes or a guest graciously offers to do them after dinner, having an island sink often means the person doing dishes is looking into the seating/entertaining area and isn't left out of the post-meal socializing! I also find people are more likely to volunteer to help with dishes when the setup allows them to be included during the job. :)

[@runningfromabear8354]

Hadn't thought of that. We're putting the sink in the island because of kids and it would need to hold a stove if it didn't have the sink. Kids drop stuff on islands and I don't want them dropping near a stove. Besides, realistically, I cook most nights but I hate cooking. I don't want to hang out in my kitchen or other people's kitchens. I always pick faster, easier recipes and minimize time spent at a stove. I end up spending more time washing pots at the sink, chopping veg and filling the dishwasher than cooking at the stove. Crockpots, Dutch ovens and rice cookers are miracles.

[@roularoe3056]

Hi Mark. The plan for this summer is to make my mom's kitchen more accessible as she ages. She can't reach upper cabinets any longer so considering dish drawers. Adding an island for more usable counter space and bringing pantry into kitchen instead of down the hall. Ageing in place in your home is a big deal.

[@tealkerberus748]

There's some good resources out there for making houses accessible for people with varying types of disabilities. In Australia I'm working with the NDIA SDA (specialist disability accommodation) and AS 1428.1 (Australian Standard - Design for Access and Mobility) but in other countries I'm sure there would be equivalent documents about how to make a building habitable and workable for people particularly with mobility, hand strength, and eyesight issues, which commonly affect people as we get older.

[@NoMessJess1]

It seems a lot of people are against island seating. I specifically designed my new kitchen to be able to sit 4 people around my island. I have 4 children and I cook dinner most nights. They like to sit at the island while I cook and we play music, sing, and just hang out. It's one of my favorite features.

[@MTKDofficial]

I'm not against it. I'm only against the notion that every island needs to have it. I had seating on my island for years when my kids were young. It was awesome and filled with great memories. It's just that sometimes it's not the best thing for a kitchen and sometimes it is.

[@Mamado88]

I've had so many bad kitchens in my life that with my build happening now I spent months agonising over the plans! I went with an L shape cabientry and a island, fridge on one side next to pantry, induction stove top, hidden range, window backsplash, stacked oven tower, large single farmhouse sink at another large window where around me is dishwasher and bin drawers, everywhere has drawers for storage except island I kept as cupboards for my huge pots, have done seating at island for my son but also have hidden cupboards under the overhang and most important to me is I'm never a step away from a power point hidden somewhere! Can't wait 🎉

[@MTKDofficial]

Wow! Sounds awesome! Window backsplash is something I'm really loving lately too!

[@CBBC435]

28:50 kitchen seating, or lack thereof... As someone with neck and back problems I prefer seating at counter height. I'm building a small 24" x 30" kitchen island on locking casters, with a drop leaf so I can sit while prepping. I do a lot of freezing of in-season vegetables. The island will expand in length by raising the drop leaf, to sit at, then fold down to the original 24" x 30" size. For me, versatility is what I prefer.

[@tealkerberus748]

Some of us can't work in a kitchen without seating. Preparing vegetables, washing dishes, even stirring a pot on the stove - if we can't sit down while we're doing that, it's just not going to happen. It'd be cute if abled designers were aware that disabled people exist, and that we have to get on with our lives including eating regular meals while being disabled.

[@MTKDofficial]

Very true. It's important to make sure your designer is aware of the accessibility standards required for disabled functionality. This video is not about designing for disabilities, though I do have other content that covers the topic in more depth. Assuming abled designers don't know you exist is a stretch though.

[@tealkerberus748]

@@MTKDofficial Check the statistics for what percentage of houses will have a disabled person living in them at some stage - including temporary disabilities like a kid with a badly broken leg, or someone who can't walk due to side effects of pregnancy - and the cost of retrofitting accessibility as compared to designing accessibility from the start. If you haven't designed for disability, either you're planning on kicking out anyone in your household who becomes disabled, or you've forgotten that disability exists.

[@camellia8625]

@@tealkerberus748 To be fair kitchens are private spaces which are designed with the user for the user’s own preferences which may or not include universal design or aging in place considerations. As for avoiding to have to retro fit accessibility features; I would imagine that building regulations would need to change for that to become more the norm.

[@sarajennen5119]

Your designer should absolutely take your disability into account when designing your space. If they are not doing that you need a new designer!

[@3moirai]

I do like the individual questions format. I tend to be off put by hour long KZbin videos. So digestible smaller videos can help me select which topics I'm interested in listening to.

[@PatriciaMuirMaestroQ]

Hello Mark. I’m late to the party, but I love your community and your expertise in design. I believe one golden rule is missing…adequate and functional placement of electrical outlets. I have a small tight galley kitchen with table table space at the end designed and built in the 70s. Great tight triangle with minimal steps between range / oven, sink, and refrigerator. Our big challenge is storage AND a missing electrical outlet in a strategic food preparation area. Makes no sense to me that this was missed. Interestingly, there’s an outlet halfway up the wall in the now defunct kitchen table area. Probably designed with keeping the toaster or coffee pot on the kitchen table in mind. The other challenge in this small galley is that the size new refrigerators jut out into the galley. Although we cannot open the dishwasher and the bottom freezer door at the same time, it’s no big deal. 70s kitchens were not designed for built in dishwashers 😅. One consideration regarding cleanup that’s not highlighted enough is the linear flow from left to right from stacking dirty dishes (requiring plenty of space) then convenient access to garbage bin, then sink and/ or dishwasher, then to clean cupboards. I credit my grade 7 home economics teacher for instilling this flow long before kitchen ergonomics was a thing.

[@Mamado88]

Yes! I've lived with so many kitchens not having enough, in our new build I've put seven power points scattered around the kitchen and two in the pantry 😂 Can never have enough

[@BBcats11]

I think kitchen island seating is useful if you like to sit and chop/peel food while sitting down especially if doing large batches.

[@kimherben7866]

I was in the Girl Scouts of America for many years, from Brownie (they didn't have Daisies back then) up to Campus Scouts in College. Mom was a leader for many years and when she was invited to Bridal showers for her former scouts, among other items, she always gave them a "Rack-Sack" garbage can holder for beneath your kitchen sink. Simple, handy and lasts for years. Especially great if you have pets or children that like to get in the garbage, just put a child latch on the door, and your trash doesn't get spilled anymore. Amazon has one now called "TrashRac" that is very similar.

[@MTKDofficial]

Interesting. I'll have to check that out. Thanks.

[@elisaxavier158]

more long detailed videos like this! love it!

[@darlene19668]

As always, it's very informative...just the right amount of info mixed with a lil humor... we learn and retain ...you are gifted. Thanks for the hard work. You are like seasoning too lil, no one want the info, too much, no one retains info, but just the right amount, even leftovers are good. So catching replay...even replay is good. Give Gammy big Ole hug🎉🎉🎉have great weekend with your family...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻thumbs up all day every day... keep this channel growing...

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks Darlene. You're comments always bring a smile!

[@richardvasquez4079]

Haven't been able to watch you much. I really like your talking points. You have great advice for any kitchen designer. Keep up the good work!

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks Richard. Appreciate the comment man!

[@chuckciali2027]

Bought a 1940 cape cod and gutting so love the help!

[@exeterline1930]

If I had that galley kitchen with the window at the end between the cabinets, it would have to be a tall, beautiful, dramatic cathedral window with divided panes, stained glass, or even glass block, if appropriate. I'm not a fan of counter-height squatty windows unless they're in a long bank of small pane casement windows along the back of the counter. If nothing is in front of them, I would want the window(s) about 18" off the floor and 7 feet tall at least. It would have to be a focal point and a thing of beauty. There's nothing like a statement window.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yeah! A window can really make a difference in a kitchen. Thanks for this input!

[@joanwood9480]

I don't have an hour to watch at the moment but this is my experience. I remember well the kitchen in every home/apartment I've lived in since I was 11 years old, that's 60 years. So I've got a good idea what is useful and what isn't. Since I started living away from my parents home I've collected A LOT of kitchen ware, china, glassware, etc. My needs are very different now than when I was 20 and had very little and it was only me. When I have an opportunity to watch I'll edit

[@Trenchant468]

38:00 parents supervising kids homework, or keeping young kids close for art projects, etc, benefit from island seating right in the kitchen as they cook.41:00 sink is offset so someone can be at range, while someone is at the sink.

[@SoCalVipers]

If I could change one thing in my current kitchen - the cabinets. I have full custom with inset doors. I hate it. The edges get dirty and scratched up. When they were new it looked like better homes and gardens, now it's super ratty. There's also an intricate design that catches all kinds of dust, they are hard to keep clean. My new kitchen will be Ikea. I love the metal Blum drawers and European style.

[@dujanahmousa199]

Hello. I have been enjoying your informative channel recently, thank you. If i want you to design my kitchen here in saudi Arabia, Riyadh, how can we do it ?

[@eileenglynn2698]

Great plan for a design

[@SoCalVipers]

I really love this format. It's so helpful to discuss and criticize the floor plans. I'm about to build a U shaped kitchen with seating in the peninsula. I know you don't like that, be we really do love to eat at the counter. I was planning placing the kitchen sink in the peninsula. Tell me why it might be a bad idea. I think it's part of the perfect work triangle - sink in the peninsula, stove on the next wall, and the fridge and wall oven on the third wall. Thanks!

[@MTKDofficial]

Nothing wrong with a sink in the peninsula! With the seating giving the added depth for the countertop.

[@lindagoncalves785]

Hi Mark - New follower here. In the first layout with the beautiful wood cabinets, do you know/can you share the what the cabinet-facing is or who the cabinet maker is? We are the very early stages of our remodel process. That's very much the look/style I want.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey Linda. Thanks for watching my content. I actually don’t know who made those cabinets. If it’s the ones I think you’re referring to, they look to be either walnut or maybe a teak. They are continuous grain.

[@lindagoncalves785]

@@MTKDofficial Thank you. Remodeling is a scary process for a first timer. We're just getting started.

[@tamaracovic-kovacevic5213]

I live in a condo that I just had remodeled before moving in. The condo is small and I wanted to maximize all the space because we are a family of 4. In my kitchen I decided to turn my island into my eating table as well. My island is used for storage and food preparation on one side and it also seats 8 people. My condo is open style. Living room and kitchen in one open space. I also made my cabinets go up to the ceiling. My ceiling is almost 3 meters high.

[@bluedrummajor2876]

Don't forget recycling. Depending on the local rules, recycling might go right next to the trash by the sink with the larger bins outside.

[@MTKDofficial]

Excellent point.

[@DFBurgermeister]

I think I’m really lucky with my kitchen layout - an L-shape with an island. A large single bowl sink sits between the dishwasher and pullout trash drawer. The refrigerator and walk-in pantry are on the same wall, directly across from a large counter. The entrance to the kitchen is located only a few steps from the garage entrance. The only thing wrong with it is the location of the microwave - over the range. I plan to correct that design flaw when I renovate the kitchen.

[@MTKDofficial]

Sounds awesome....except for that microwave. lol.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

There is no way more than one person could function in the small kitchen triangle that I have . For sociability, it has been opened up . That is enough. The "sitting" and "participating" is held at a small distance but just outside the kitchen area. No drawers or kitchen appliance doors are kept open. Open, close. That's the rule. Bruised eyes, split brows, knocked elbows and dropped bowls or plates a thing of the past when the rules are followed. Best consideration is a large, uncluttered workbench area and maybe a serving trolley with an enclosed slot that doesn't drip or leak fluids.

[@debrakroening3826]

Most trash is generated from unpacking food, as in opening packages. The trash should be in the prep area. Planning a hands free trash and recycling bin so items can be tossed in easily. When clearing plates you want your compost bin close by. Planning on adding a compost container built into island so prep scraps and plates and be scraped easily.

[@s.p.1536]

i want to change everything in my kitchen! but layout and cabinetry is first

[@V21IC]

I wish that this video would have been visual!

[@nancylpr]

So…. Does the triangle need to be larger for larger people? 5’9” wife 6’7” husband?

[@MTKDofficial]

There's no rule that says so, but more space is likely appreciated in this instance. Of course it depends on square footage what's possible.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I've worked as a commercial kitchen designer and wound up helping a family of 4 - mom, dad and two sons - all well over 6 ' tall with a residential design. I'm 5'6" and standard 36" countertops are perfect for me. I can't remember exactly what height the family decided on but it was at least 39" or 40". Height adjustments would make more sense than just more square footage. I also did numerous commercial kitchens for a group of 3 brothers that were all 6'4" or 6'5" with 37/38 sleeve lengths. I would have to remind them most of their kitchen help was always shorter than me - and as a woman, I have always been happy with my height! Look at height adjustments but consider who else may need to work in there. If resell even 20 years down the road is a consideration, cabinets can be installed in a way that they can be easily lowered later on. Find a helpful, detail oriented designer to help. It will make a world of difference.

[@Paula.dot.c]

Hey mark! If you ever do a 'kitchen projects around the world I would love your and the community's opinion on what I came up with. It has quartzite😊

[@MTKDofficial]

For sure! I'd love to take a look. You had me at Quartzite. lol

[@Paula.dot.c]

@@MTKDofficial Brazilian here, how couldn't I? Let me know how I can send it to you

[@kimherben7866]

3rd kitchen, the electric plates in the backsplash very low, seems to be a shock hazard for spills.

[@MTKDofficial]

Good eye!

[@erikafrance]

If I could change anything in my kitchen right now, I'd have cupboards 😅 I've been living for nearly 3 months without them (and will live for 2 more before they're installed) and it's been a pain in the arse.

[@Unitedflyier]

How does the kitchen triangle work when you have a separate cooktop and double oven. Wouldn't that be a square?

[@MTKDofficial]

The oven is normally not necessary for the triangle, only the cook top. However this does not mean it shouldn’t be considered within the functional workspace.

[@DebbySaling]

That first floor plan design needs help. food storage should be together meaning the refrig and pantry. Having a tall item next to exterior doors where you take food in and out not a good plan. The refrigerator is closing in the work area and there is hardly any work space around the sink. Why is the microwave so far from refrig?

[@s.p.1536]

I forot to say that i have a mini galley style kitchen and am constantly bumping and bruising myself on the dishwasher.

[@kimherben7866]

My Nana made the Best pickles!! (I missed the live stream, so I'm going to submit comments!! Ha, ha)

[@MTKDofficial]

The more the merrier.

[@amberheywood2603]

No American cheese is American cheese in America... It's processed and different than cheddar, Swiss, provolone, etc.

[@kimherben7866]

I see homes called "upside-down houses" where the living area, including the kitchen is on the second floor, now you have to haul all of your groceries upstairs. Doesn't seem practical or safe.

[@MTKDofficial]

Unless you love stairs. I can't see that being super efficient.

[@trinaroe5132]

The ones I’ve seen like that were not designed for kitchen practicality, but to take advantage of great views in the main living area. Most of the homes I’ve seen with second floor living areas are on a lake or ocean and are more concerned with capturing the view than bringing in groceries.

[@karend.9218]

I live n suburbia, across the street from a house where the basement and garage are on the same level. Up a flight of stairs, outside or inside, are the living areas. Bedrooms are up another flight. Lots are narrow. Stairs are necessary for their lives and max house space. To each his own. We are moving to a high ranch and i am putting the principal bedroom in the basement where its always cooler. Otherwise, i wouldnt use the basement except for laundry. There are stairs to get up to the top floor which is the main floor, kitchen, 3 small bedrooms one bath. We will make 2 bedrooms, one office and remake the living area. Im looking forward to a big bedroom/walkin closet and ensuite in the lower part.

[@runningfromabear8354]

Designing our house we considered an upside-down house. There were logistical issues and realizingwe werebuildingforus, not our guests. After giving it a lot of thought we decided the guests don't need to see our beautiful mountain view. We'll have a gorgeous view from the bedrooms and our guests will need to be content with seeing us. Other people are just better hosts than me and more willing to share private spaces. An upside-down house is great if you care more about your guests enjoying the view. I don't consider the groceries that big an issue because a dumb waiter can handle that. But yeah, if I were a nicer person, we would have gone the upside-down house route. I'd rather wake up to a view and soak in a bath looking out at the mountains and river.

[@karennoyes1940]

Split levels are very common and stairs are not a big deal

[@kimherben7866]

Behave, Phil!

[@imscanon]

I'd much rather have the range/stovetop in the island than the sink. You're at the stove cooking and socializing. You aren't doing dishes and socializing and who wants to be having convos with guests over dirty dishes? I never understood the sink in the island. I do get the 2nd sink in the island though as you use that for prep while cooking while the dirty dishes get put behind you in the other sink. That makes sense to me. In the same plan, you wanted to swap the fridge with the oven/micro, but I disagree. When people open the fridge and are standing there a bit rummaging they tend to stand back a bit so you need that room in front of the fridge for that plus then you can't get around the person at the fridge if the island is there so I think it should stay where it is.

[@DebbySaling]

If you are right handed the dishwasher goes on the left!

[@Geronimo2Fly]

I'm genuinely curious about this comment. I'm right handed, my dishwasher is on the right of the sink, and I find it super easy when standing in front of the sink to just reach down and put the dishes in. If it were on the left, I'd have to do that with my left hand which seems like it would be more difficult. I'm currently designing a new kitchen so I'd love to know the logical reasons for having it on one side or the other.

[@Kain9407]

Actually American cheese is called that here.

[@SilentlyContinue]

Naa; We still call it American cheese. Couldn't call it just cheese; it's not cheese, so you have to have the American prefix.

[@tealkerberus748]

wow. Is the word "rubbish" really so difficult? lol

[@MTKDofficial]

English is difficult some days.

[@tealkerberus748]

If you have to rinse your plates before putting them in the dishwasher, you've just spoiled the point of the dishwasher. You might as well just wash your dishes yourself at that point.

[@MTKDofficial]

haha. maybe

[@allisonangier1631]

There are some good videos produced by appliance experts available. Homeowners would benefit from having the facts about maximizing the functionality and life expectancy of their appliances - and plumbing.

[@amytherese8402]

I'm in the minority.....I prefer not having an island.

[@MTKDofficial]

That's cool. Just because you can doesn't mean you should or would want to. I get that!!

[@bawillard2578]

I have very comfortable seating at my island.. leg room .. i spend a greatcdeal of my time at that space with different projects. Key. COMFORT. WINDOW S