Multigenerational homes

Kitchen Circulation Design for Multigenerational homes

Give people and equipment a route that remains usable during normal work, arrivals and cleaning.

Kitchen inspiration: an L-shaped work surface and integrated lighting.

Plan in this order

Map separately who enters, what they carry and where they turn or pause.
Move stopping points out of through routes, especially beside doors and intersections.
Put the largest regularly moved item on the plan and trace the full trip, including both ends.

Worked example

Two people prepare breakfast while one repeatedly crosses between the refrigerator and the back door.

Move the snack and drink stop to the room edge and keep the door route behind, rather than through, the hot prep zone.

How to test it

Run two movements at once during the test walk. Note which person must stop, reverse or step into another activity.

Apply it to this space

Layout: Keep the primary work triangle clear and add a separate tea or snack point outside the hot zone.
Detail: Use labeled pantry sections, reachable everyday shelves and task lighting at prep areas.
Trade-off: A second snack station reduces kitchen traffic but duplicates appliances and storage.

Kitchen inspiration: two opposing work runs in a compact plan.

The Elixir portfolio

Photographs for design inspiration