Kitchen Design Glossary

Clear definitions of the kitchen design, planning, and cabinetry terms you will hear while planning a kitchen remodel, from an NKBA Member design studio in Boulder, Colorado. For questions about working with us, see our Kitchens Elevated FAQs.

Kitchen Planning

National Kitchen and Bath Association: The National Kitchen and Bath Association is a trade association that publishes kitchen and bath planning guidelines and supports design and remodeling professionals across the industry.

Kitchen Design: Kitchen design is the process of planning a kitchen’s layout, cabinetry, storage, lighting, materials, and finishes before any construction begins.

Work Triangle: The work triangle is the path connecting a kitchen’s three primary work centers: cooking, cleanup and prep, and refrigeration. NKBA guidelines recommend that the three sides total no more than 26 feet, with each side between 4 and 9 feet.

Work Aisle: A work aisle is the floor space between countertops, tall cabinets, and appliances where the cook stands to work. NKBA guidelines recommend a work aisle of at least 42 inches for one cook and at least 48 inches for multiple cooks.

Landing Area: A landing area is the open countertop space next to an appliance or sink where food, dishes, and cookware can be set down. NKBA guidelines recommend at least 15 inches of landing area on the handle side of the refrigerator.

Kitchen Work Zones: Kitchen work zones divide a kitchen into areas for specific tasks, such as prep, cooking, cleanup, and storage, so each task has its own counter space and tools within reach.

Kitchen Island: A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet and countertop unit, open on all sides, that adds prep space, storage, and often seating.

Universal Design: Universal design is an approach that makes a kitchen comfortable and usable for people of all ages, heights, and physical abilities without the need for later adaptation.

Cabinetry

Custom Cabinets: Custom cabinets are built to the exact dimensions, materials, and finishes specified for a single project, without being limited to standard sizes.

Semi Custom Cabinets: Semi custom cabinets are built from a manufacturer’s standard sizes and door styles, with options to adjust dimensions, finishes, and interior storage features.

Frameless Cabinets: Frameless cabinets have no face frame, so the doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box and the interior opens fully.

Inset Cabinet Doors: Inset cabinet doors sit inside the cabinet frame, flush with its face, rather than resting on top of it.