The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Dream Kitchens

The L-Type Kitchen

So much for the U-shaped kitchen. In the room we have been describing it gives more and better-lighted work surface and more storage space than the L-shape. Some may, however, like the L-type better. The same general ideas apply in planning this type of kitchen as in the U-type.

The L-shaped kitchen (shown below) allows dining space on the east wall near the window. Here it is out of the line of traffic between workroom and dining room.

In both types of kitchen good natural lighting and cross ventilation are provided by the two windows. Ceiling fixtures over sink and dining area give good general and local lighting. Electric outlets are needed for mixer, toaster, and other appliances.

A Step-Saving U-Kitchen

Maximum convenience for the housewife at her work is the aim of this step-saving kitchen, planned by the Department of Agriculture. It is a slightly larger room than the kitchen previously described, and therefore allows room for some features not possible in the smaller room.

The unbroken U-shape was chosen for arranging equipment because it forms a compact dead-end work center through which household traffic cannot pass. It also allows the dining corner to be planned and decorated as a separate center.

As shown on the plan, the three key pieces of equipment are brought within easy reach of each other—sink at center of U, refrigerator and range at ends. The U as shown here, while compact, is large enough to give two persons comfortable working space. There is also ample storage to accompany the activities usually carried on in a kitchen when there is a separate laundry and utility room.

The kitchen is planned to cut walking, stooping, and stretching to a minimum in accordance with modern work-simplification ideas. It is planned so jobs can progress smoothly from one work center to the next. The production line is from right to left, as preferred by most right-handed women.