Two kitchens of the same size can behave differently once a door opens. Measure your chopping board, countertop appliances and full laundry basket. Walk through one meal and one load of washing, noting where someone has to turn sideways, move an item or wait.
How much of a long countertop can you actually use?
Mark the sink, hob and appliances that stay out. At ① compare the remaining continuous length and depth with your own chopping board. Is there room for a pan handle, lid and prepared vegetables? Two short gaps on opposite sides of a sink can be useful without fitting one large board. Record each usable rectangle.
Which doors should two cooks try opening?
Have one person reach into fridge ② while another stands at the sink. Does the door open far enough to pull a drawer? Try the dishwasher, base cabinets and kitchen door in turn. For an empty property use a paper strip to represent an appliance door. Record the conflict, such as an open dishwasher blocking the way to the table, then compare relocating it or using it at another time.
If the washer fits, does the laundry area work?
Try opening the lid or front door, unloading, setting down a basket and carrying it along ③ to dry. Check thresholds and turns. Compare the display machine with your model’s dimensions, door direction and required installation space. Check supply, drainage, power and ventilation against the manufacturer’s instructions with the installer.
Example: which measurement is worth a second visit?
Suppose A has the longer counter run but only 32 cm free after appliances, while the family’s board takes 40 cm in its usual orientation. B has 48 cm clear width; its depth was not measured. Record that A needs another prep spot and B’s width fits but depth is unknown. Take a paper template next time. The numbers belong only to this example.
Questions and answers
How much of a long countertop can you actually use?
Mark the sink, hob and appliances that stay out. At ① compare the remaining continuous length and depth with your own chopping board. Is there room for a pan handle, lid and prepared vegetables? Two short gaps on opposite sides of a sink can be useful without fitting one large board. Record each usable rectangle.
Which doors should two cooks try opening?
Have one person reach into fridge ② while another stands at the sink. Does the door open far enough to pull a drawer? Try the dishwasher, base cabinets and kitchen door in turn. For an empty property use a paper strip to represent an appliance door. Record the conflict, such as an open dishwasher blocking the way to the table, then compare relocating it or using it at another time.
If the washer fits, does the laundry area work?
Try opening the lid or front door, unloading, setting down a basket and carrying it along ③ to dry. Check thresholds and turns. Compare the display machine with your model’s dimensions, door direction and required installation space. Check supply, drainage, power and ventilation against the manufacturer’s instructions with the installer.