Kitchen Design Tips: Magic #42

When designing your dream kitchen, every inch counts—and sometimes, even just a few inches can make all the difference in efficiency, convenience, and comfort. That’s why at Cedar Mill Group, we often talk about the “magic number” in kitchen building and remodeling—42 inches.

The 42-Inch Rule: Space to Move Easily and Work Efficiently

In kitchen design, 42 inches is the ideal distance between an island and appliances or cabinetry. This number is a time-tested standard for clearance, work efficiency, and traffic flow. For example, if you’re prepping dinner and someone needs to grab a glass or kitchen utensil, you want your space to be wide enough not to bump into each other or open drawers and doors.

TOO LITTLE SPACE: (36 inches or less) can make your space feel cramped, especially if more than one person is in the kitchen. 

TOO MUCH SPACE: (over 48 inches) reduces the efficiency of your work triangle by causing you to walk extra steps between your sink and appliances.

What 42 Inches Provides:

• Room for Two People to Work Comfortably in a Kitchen

• Space for Appliance and Cabinet Doors to Open Without Obstruction

• Smooth Kitchen Traffic Flow—Even During Busy Gatherings

• Aging-in-Place Support with Wheelchair Accessibility

>Watch the Video: Nick and Interior Designer Marcia Fletcher Discuss “Magic Number 42”

H2: More Than Measurements:  How a Space Feels

“At Cedar Mill Group, we recognize that design is not just about materials and measurements—it’s about how a space feels,” notes Nick Domeneci, Cedar Mill Group Vice President and Co-owner. “In our years of building and remodeling kitchens, we have found that 42 inches between appliances, cabinets, and islands just feels right to most homeowners,” he adds. Cedar Mill Group uses this guideline to keep kitchens open, welcoming, and functional—without feeling too large.

H2:  Bending the Rule

While 42 inches is a Golden Rule in kitchen design, we understand that every home (and family) is different. Our design-build team works closely with homeowners to assess how they use their space and identify which features matter most to them. While we may adjust this number for added accessibility or smaller footprints, we always start with standard design principles like this one.

Custom Kitchen Remodeling in Greater Concord, Central, and Southern NH

Whether remodeling your kitchen or designing one for a new home build, the right layout makes all the difference. Let Cedar Mill Group’s expert kitchen remodelers help you create a beautiful, functional kitchen built to last. To learn more about our remodeling services, please visit our website.