The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is a leading organization in the kitchen and bath design industry. They have established guidelines and standards for kitchen design that are based on research and best practices. These guidelines are essential for creating a functional and beautiful kitchen that meets the needs of homeowners. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 kitchen design rules from the NKBA that every designer should know.1. Kitchen Design Rules: NKBA Guidelines for Good Design | HGTV
The NKBA has created a comprehensive set of guidelines for kitchen planning, which covers everything from layout and storage to appliances and materials. These guidelines are based on universal design principles, which ensure that the kitchen is accessible and safe for people of all ages and abilities. This includes features like wider doorways, lower countertops, and easy-to-reach shelves.2. NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines with Access Standards
The work triangle is a design concept that has been used for decades to create efficient kitchen layouts. It consists of three points: the refrigerator, the sink, and the cooktop. These three elements should be placed in a triangular shape to minimize the distance between them and make cooking and preparing meals more efficient. The NKBA recommends that the total distance between the three points should be no more than 26 feet.3. Plan for the Work Triangle
In addition to the work triangle, the NKBA also recommends dividing the kitchen into different work zones based on the tasks that are performed in each area. These zones include food storage, food prep, cooking, and cleaning. By organizing the kitchen into these zones, it becomes easier to plan the layout and ensure that each area is functional and efficient.4. Consider the Kitchen Work Zones
Storage is a crucial aspect of kitchen design, and the NKBA has specific guidelines for the amount and type of storage needed in a kitchen. The organization recommends at least 158 inches of shelf frontage for upper cabinets and 140 inches for lower cabinets. They also suggest incorporating pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and other organizational features to maximize storage space and make it easier to access items.5. Maximize Storage Space
The NKBA guidelines also include recommendations for countertop heights based on the height of the primary cook in the household. The standard countertop height is 36 inches, but the organization suggests increasing it to 38 inches for taller cooks and decreasing it to 34 inches for shorter cooks. This ensures that the countertops are at a comfortable working height for everyone.6. Choose the Right Countertop Heights
Proper lighting is essential in any kitchen, and the NKBA has specific guidelines for the type and placement of lighting. The organization recommends using a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and functional space. They also suggest placing lighting above the work triangle and incorporating under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work surfaces.7. Include Adequate Lighting
Ventilation is often overlooked in kitchen design, but it is essential for maintaining good air quality and preventing odors and smoke from lingering. The NKBA recommends installing a range hood that is at least the width of the cooktop and has a minimum airflow of 100 cubic feet per minute. For larger cooktops or ranges, the airflow should be increased to 150 cubic feet per minute.8. Don't Forget About Ventilation
As mentioned earlier, the NKBA's guidelines are based on universal design principles, which ensure that the kitchen is accessible and safe for people of all ages and abilities. This includes features like lever-style door handles, touchless faucets, and non-slip flooring. By incorporating these features into the design, the kitchen becomes more functional and easier to use for everyone.9. Consider Universal Design Features
Overall, the NKBA's guidelines for kitchen design are essential to creating a functional and beautiful space that meets the needs of homeowners. By following these guidelines, designers can ensure that the kitchen is well-planned, efficient, and accessible. So, whether you're a professional designer or a homeowner planning a kitchen renovation, be sure to refer to the NKBA guidelines for a successful kitchen design.10. Follow the NKBA Guidelines for a Successful Kitchen Design