Planning your kitchen: ergonomics and practical storage

1. The work triangle: useful, but not universal

The work triangle connects the fridge, sink and cooking area. It can reduce movement in a traditional kitchen. A straight kitchen cannot form a triangle; an island, several cooks or a second sink bring other priorities. Plan around real tasks: preparing, washing, cooking, serving and putting away.

Trace the route you take for an ordinary meal. Where do you put groceries, wash vegetables and keep knives, spices, bins and plates? This is more useful than mechanically applying a geometric rule.

2. Organise five activity zones

1. Provisions: fridge, dry food and bottles; make contents easy to see.
2. Crockery: plates, glasses and cutlery, preferably near the dishwasher.
3. Washing: sink, waste sorting and cleaning products; account for moisture.
4. Preparation: a clear worktop, knives, boards and utensils, with suitable sockets and lighting.
5. Cooking: pans, oil and spices, allowing for heat and safety.

Allow circulation and opening clearances suited to the room and its occupants. Validate dimensions on a plan with the chosen appliances.

3. Blum fittings: which problem do they solve?

A well-positioned drawer is often more useful than an elaborate mechanism. Check minimum dimensions, loads, opening clearances and drawer-system compatibility. These are options to study, not equipment automatically installed by Topart Home.

4. Hettich fittings: access, rotation and drawers

Some solutions appear in international exhibitions or announcements. Local availability in Belgium must be confirmed with the distributor. FurnSpin and door mechanisms require a precise clearance study. Follow the official links to see the manufacturer’s photos and demonstrations.

5. Choose storage for the actual problem

6. Innovations to explore

Retracting doors, divided drawers, modular pantries and swivelling units meet different needs. Hettich’s 2026 kitchen presentation includes WingLine L and ExeoTech; Blum’s interzum 2025 material features REVEGO, AVENTOS HKi and SPACE STEP. Presentation dates are not necessarily launch dates. The aim is convenient access and a coherent interior, not adding mechanisms for their own sake.

7. Mistakes to avoid

• Buying an accessory before choosing cabinet width and depth.
• Adding costly mechanisms where a simple drawer would work.
• Keeping heavy items too high.
• Forgetting pipes, sockets, plinths and opening clearances.
• Choosing a layout without simulating everyday tasks.
• Assuming handleless furniture is equally easy for everyone to open.

Frequently asked questions

Is the work triangle compulsory?

No. It is a design tool; activity zones and real movement take priority.

Are drawers or doors better for base cabinets?

Full-extension drawers often improve access, but generally cost more and must suit the loads and dimensions.

Can a custom kitchen use Blum and Hettich fittings?

Yes, according to the product family, specifications and cabinet constraints. Not all fittings are interchangeable.

What should a small kitchen prioritise?

Well-organised drawers, accessible tall storage, useful narrow spaces and a genuinely clear worktop.

Can pocket doors enclose a coffee station?

Potentially, provided ventilation, electricity, depth and appliance instructions are considered.

Your kitchen project

Topart Home designs custom kitchens in Brussels around routines, storage and appearance. Explore our kitchens and interior fittings or contact us.

Sources

• NKBA, kitchen planning guidance: nkba.org ↗
• Blum, cabinet solutions: Official images and product information · blum.com ↗
• Hettich, kitchen inspiration: Official images and product information · hettich.com ↗
• Hettich, kitchen presentation 2026: Official images and product information · hettich.com ↗