The design of a linear kitchen set in a modern format usually becomes multi-modular. And here we are talking not only about the division into bases and columns (low and high modules), but also about the variety of design options for upper cabinets, the main portal, types of columns, and apron design. To make a linear kitchen more interesting, a professional interior designer uses all the techniques available to him for combined finishing, lighting, design of fittings and faucets, and design of facades.
What is direct kitchen
The method of placing furniture and household appliances with a stove and sink along one wall is called direct. This is the simplest, most compact, laconic style, distinguished by a wide variety of styles, design and abundance of small details and accessories.
Looks practical in small spaces and has sufficient capacity. The method of placing one wall at a time is not a single one. Also common is the option of kitchens in two rows in parallel.
Fits perfectly into a room of any size, long, square and rectangular. The rest of the kitchen space is allocated to the dining area, in which you can place a refrigerator, a sofa or a soft corner, a dining table with stools.
The photo of a kitchen with a straight layout clearly shows several standard and design options that can be used in your own kitchen.
Small changes taking into account the characteristics of the room and the individual wishes of the customer can completely transform the room in accordance with its purpose.
Pros of accommodation
The advantages of direct kitchen design include:
- The optimal combination of working area and free space, when all important and functional items are located near the wall;
- This arrangement provides maximum free space. Perfect for small spaces;
- Thanks to one line of the facade and technology, the interior will look monolithic, hiding all irregularities, thereby creating a feeling of geometrically correct space and comfort;
- This option is perfect for those who spend little time in the kitchen cooking, since you can concentrate the entire necessary set of accessories in a small area;
- Design possibilities, the use of various styles is unlimited;
- Straightness can be used as zoning of space, to separate, for example, the kitchen from the dining room or living room. Often used in studio apartments;
- With this approach to arrangement, you will need a minimum of furniture, which will help save your budget and make the layout accessible to most people;
- There is no need to use complex structures; ready-made furniture modules can be used.
Color solution
After all the furniture and appliances are installed, there will be little space left in the room. Choosing the right color scheme will visually expand the area. It is better to do the design in white or beige - there will be more space and light.
It is strictly not recommended to use dark colors in the design. Also, do not make bright accents - in a cramped room they will only irritate the eye. It is advisable that all cabinets and other furniture be in the same color scheme.
Glossy surfaces look very good in the design of small rooms. The floor and ceiling also play a role. Geometric designs and variegated colors also visually reduce space, so it is better to use a light, uniform color.
You may be interested in: How to choose the right kitchen
In order for the space to look visually larger, you need to pay special attention to light. The lack of light sources affects a person’s mood and perception. It is best to make several lighting options - ideally at least three. For example, a volumetric chandelier in the middle of the room, lighting around the perimeter of the ceiling, plus an additional lamp above the work surface.
Disadvantages of the situation
With all the obvious advantages, it is necessary to mention the disadvantages:
- Direct arrangement does not allow using the golden rule of the work triangle, when the refrigerator, stove and sink are located two steps away from each other. A lot of effort and time is spent moving from one end of the room to the other;
- Small straight kitchens suffer from a lack of useful countertop space. Increasing the size of the set, if the room allows, leads to endless throwing along the line of the stove and refrigerator.
Important: Carefully thought out details, the facade and color of the doors, boxes for storing spices will create the necessary comfort and increase functionality.
How to arrange furniture correctly
It has been determined in practice that the most comfortable line of furniture is from 2.5 meters. Less or too long a strip will cause more trouble than benefit and convenience. You will need to give up familiar, practical things or waste extra energy.
Any layout begins with installing a sink. It’s good if the communications output coincides with the plan and suits you. Otherwise, the point is moved to another place: to a corner, to an island, or shifted. There should be a gap of 50 cm between the stove and the sink. It is best to place it in the middle.
To improve functionality, you can use some tricks:
- Fill all the free space with all kinds of drawers, cabinets, shelves, rails;
- At the preparation stage, draw a plan indicating the dimensions of the furniture, area, communications, location of sockets, lamps. The diagram will allow you to evaluate the merits of the arrangement and eliminate shortcomings before starting repairs;
- A white, straight kitchen will always be a winner because of the influx of light, the visual expansion of space, and the feeling of cleanliness, which is important for the room where they cook. Wood-effect facades with a glossy surface in solid colors are also popular.
Advice from experienced people
To ensure that the small size of the room does not depress you with its volume, you should take the following steps:
- We carry out a small redevelopment or remove walls (we do not touch the load-bearing structures);
- We combine adjacent rooms by removing doors;
- We are engaged in the refurbishment of balconies and loggias.
Corner design
The correct layout of a 5-meter kitchen will increase the room by those precious centimeters that we added through our actions. If this work is carried out competently and creatively, the area can increase by a quarter.
Read also the designer's tips on how to expand a kitchen space measuring 2 by 3 meters.
Where to install the equipment
One of the important problems that arise at the stage of designing a direct kitchen with a refrigerator is where to put it so that it is convenient.
- Often equipment is installed in a corner, and the rest of the area is allocated to the work surface.
- It's practical and functional. If the length of the furniture set exceeds 4 meters, then constant movements cause inconvenience.
- In this case, the refrigerator is placed in the middle, thereby shortening the distance during cooking.
- The solution could be a corner placement, but on the opposite side.
Important: Do not install household appliances near a sink or stove, so as not to damage the working part from overheating or water.
Recommendations from designers
The kitchen should be as comfortable, cozy and functional as possible. When planning, you need to carefully consider every detail, including the location of cabinets and drawers, appliances, dishes, and so on.
With coziness and comfort
You can add comfort to the room with the help of additional furniture. Traditionally, stools are used for seating in the kitchen, but many designers organically incorporate larger, upholstered furniture.
A sofa for a direct kitchen can be simple or corner, leather or fabric, with low or high legs, with or without a back. The options and range of products are huge, even made to order.
The modern range of kitchen sofas offers simple designs for dining, more comfortable for relaxing and chatting over a cup of tea, and folding out for a full-fledged sleeping place. More possibilities are offered by the transformable table, which is removed after eating, freeing up space.
You can place the sofa near the window, on the wall opposite the stove or in the corners. When choosing, you should focus on the style and area of the room, personal taste, and the shape of the furniture.
A straight kitchen gives you a lot of choice in organizing space and is convenient and practical.
Linear set in a studio apartment
Furniture with a straight linear configuration is often chosen for studio spaces. Such sets make it possible to visually divide the space into a living room and a place for cooking. Quite often, linear sets are mounted in niches - this trend is typical for interiors decorated in modern styles. When choosing this option, you should select furniture with the appropriate parameters.
In the kitchen combined with the living room, you can install a linear set with tall cabinets on the sides and an additional compartment in the form of an island (another popular option is a bar counter). Many people prefer furniture with two-level upper shelves that differ in size. For spacious rooms, this is a good option; the layout will not seem too massive.
Important! Although modern studio kitchens are more spacious compared to conventional kitchen spaces, elongated units do not always fit into them. Consider options for storing kitchen utensils and cooking when choosing a short set.
An island-type stand can be used as additional space and compartments for glasses, cups, and saucers. This stand can also serve as a table. With this option, to successfully decorate a rectangular room with an island bar counter, chairs of the appropriate height are also selected.
By correctly positioning a straight linear set and an island, you will divide the kitchen space into functional zones. The main thing is to maintain a distance between the island and other furnishings: free space for passage should be at least 1 meter.
Kitchens made of straight plastic, photo
