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Although you can't completely avoid cross traffic or keep it out of the kitchen, it is possible to organize the flow to reduce interference with the work area. When remodeling a kitchen, fixing the traffic problems could be more important than the style of the cabinet doors.

From the 1950s onward, homes began to have attached garages and generally lost the front and back porches. Family and friends, who once came in through the front door and suffused through the living area, now come in through the kitchen, since the car is being used for most trips. And the traffic flow often goes right through the food preparation area. During the 1950s, many builders took the opportunity to insert the stairs right next to the kitchen to keep things compact. A central kitchen table further interfered with the work triangle.

A few deft changes can improve the situation by channeling traffic to flow past the work zone, and defining areas used for cruising through or hanging out — it's best to keep these separate from the space needed by the cook and bottle-washer. Adding walls or arched openings can help accomplish this while adding a sense of classical organization.

Opening up stair walls for railings and adding windows improves the feeling of spaciousness. —Dick Kawalek, a registered architect for more than 30 years, is founder of Kawalek Architects, Cleveland. E-mail him at rck@rktekt.com.