Advantages and disadvantages
There are pros and cons to a built-in kitchen. Let's take a closer look.
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The main disadvantages of a kitchen with built-in appliances
Despite the significant popularization of this type of furniture, few people have a clear idea of a number of negative aspects, the most common of which are:
- there is no possibility, in the event of such a situation, to replace part of the furniture or equipment with new and functional ones; in any case, there is a need for significant financial as well as time costs;
- it is difficult to change the location of household appliances (which may be especially unpleasant when selling an apartment, when the new owners do not want to make repairs and completely change the furniture);
- The cost level of built-in equipment, as a rule, is higher, sometimes by half, in comparison with conventional types of similar goods. At the same time, a built-in hood can even be 2 times more expensive.
Despite all that has been said, we should not lose sight of the existence of a set of positive aspects, the most important of which are:
Attractive design. There are two most common options.High level of ergonomics - if a real professional was involved in the creation of the project and its subsequent implementation, all elements should be arranged with maximum consideration of the individual characteristics of the person who spends the maximum amount of time in the kitchen.
Firstly, you can select the option you like best from the catalog and order its production. Secondly, it is permissible to make a kitchen with built-in appliances according to your own sketch (for example, developed by a designer).
We recommend reading:
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- Modular kitchens: features of the right choice, as well as photos of beautiful design
It should be noted that the second option has a much higher cost level. The positive thing is that the finished kitchen will have a truly exclusive look.
Its cost can be reduced by using other materials. At the same time, one should not lose sight of the fact that they must fully comply with the price-quality ratio, since otherwise, after a short period of time, everything will have to be redone.
How is it different from modular?
A modular kitchen consists of cabinets and drawers of standard sizes - 15, 30, 45, 60, 80, 100 cm. All modules are available with different contents - drawers, shelves, 1 or 2 door cabinets.
Another nuance is that factory kitchens are often made from the cheapest, and therefore not the highest quality, materials.
All you have to do is decide on the contents, order delivery of finished furniture from the warehouse - this will speed up the arrangement process. During assembly, you can install freestanding equipment or install a built-in one yourself.
The photo shows a beige built-in kitchen
If the kitchen is built-in, the design is selected exactly according to the size of the room. This means that even 5 cm of the wall will not remain empty. In addition, real places will be provided for the hob, oven, dishwasher, microwave oven, refrigerator, coffee machine, and other appliances.
The advantages include the absence of cracks and joints. Therefore, built-in furniture looks more aesthetically pleasing and is considered more hygienic.
However, it is impossible to take a built-in set with you when moving - because it is designed for a specific kitchen.
The photo shows a modern set up to the ceiling
Basic rules for choosing cabinets
When choosing kitchen cabinets, you must follow certain rules to increase their functionality. These include the following characteristics.
Compactness
It is better not to use bulky drawers in the kitchen, and especially in a small room.
It is important to make the most efficient use of the usable area for greater comfort and convenience.
A pencil case will be more useful than large elaborate drawers.
It's also important to make use of corners by choosing space-saving corner cabinets.
It is worth using the space in height.
If you need a lot of storage space, you can hang wall cabinets right up to the ceiling.
The items that are used the least should be placed on the top shelves.
Capacity
Of course, the more cabinets, the more space for storing kitchen utensils. However, even in a small area you can intelligently distribute the area.
Organizers are great options for saving space.
In addition, with their help it is easy to reach the most distant objects.
Drawers and dividers for dishes are also good helpers.
If the interior style allows, then in order to save space in the drawers, you can use rails on which many kitchen utensils are hung. In addition, this will allow them to always be at hand.
Easy to clean
Since there are temperature changes in the kitchen, and furniture may come into frequent contact with water and grease, it is recommended to choose a material with a protective coating that is easy to clean.
It is better not to use intricate patterns on the handles, since they are more difficult to wash.
Strength
The durability of a kitchen set directly depends on the material from which it is made.
Wood is definitely the most durable material, but its price is high.
MDF is a fairly high-quality and more budget-friendly option.
Chipboard is considered the cheapest and at the same time least durable, but this material is most widely used precisely because of its low price.
In addition to the material, strength is also determined by the layers of paint that cover the furniture. It is desirable that there be at least eight of them.
Single style
Of course, it won’t do without a design solution. All cabinets must correspond to the same style, be made in the same color scheme, suitable for the interior as a whole.
In addition, all cabinet details, including handles, the presence of patterns, and the clarity of lines should also have the same direction.
Thus, cabinets are part of the set and play a huge role in the kitchen.
They are necessary for storing all kinds of utensils, dishes, food, equipment and more.
Therefore, in order to fit everything you need, it is important to think through all the details and try to choose the most functional and spacious furniture.
To do this, you need to remember about the possible types of kitchen cabinets and choose from them those that will be most relevant for a particular room.
In addition, do not forget that aesthetic appearance also matters, and it is necessary to adhere to the general style.
How to choose?
In order not to make a mistake when designing a built-in kitchen, designers advise first selecting built-in appliances and then ordering cabinets.
When choosing electrical appliances, you need to take into account everything that may be needed. From the largest to the smallest and, at first glance, invisible. It can be built-in either a refrigerator, a mixer or a multicooker. You have to decide not only the number of elements, but also the dimensions: how many burners should the stove have, what size is the refrigerator, how wide is the dishwasher?
There are two types of placement of built-in appliances in a built-in kitchen, they are both interesting: fully built-in or partially built-in.
- In the first case, the devices are hidden behind the facades. This interior looks seamless, minimalistic. And guests will not see what is hidden behind the doors.
- With partial installation, additional elements are located in cabinets, on shelves or in the work area. Take care of the appearance of the appliances, their harmonious combination with each other and the kitchen. It is best to purchase household appliances from one manufacturer from one series.
Don't forget about the storage system: it should be spacious and convenient. When ordering a built-in kitchen, do not skimp on fittings: carousels for a corner cabinet, roll-out baskets, and additional drawers will not hurt. Decide how much and what you will store, and the designer will select suitable ideas.
An equally important element is the sink. It should be roomy if you don't have a dishwasher. Or, conversely, compact, if an automatic assistant is provided.
The photo shows the design of a corner kitchen with pencil cases
Pencil case dimensions
Approximate dimensions of the cabinet (HxWxD): 2040x600x550 mm.
The area of the room and design features make adjustments to the overall dimensions of the cabinet.
Dimensions for installation. Gorenje ovens are purchased complete with similar installation instructions. The graphic example shows the Gorenje B2000P2 model.
Scheme of installing an oven into a pencil case
Equipment options
Built-in kitchen options come in different configurations. Basic equipment required in most cases:
- Fridge. They hide it behind the facade or decorate the original door. Depending on preferences, it can be a standard two-chamber, or maybe a wide two-door.
- Cooking surface. First of all, decide on the number of burners and style. For modern design, choose minimalist models with touch controls; for classics, choose convex models with handles.
- Oven. Contrary to the usual ideas about kitchens, the oven can (and sometimes needs to) be hidden behind the façade. To do this, the module is made a little deeper, designing in such a way that the cabinet door does not interfere with the free opening of the oven door.
- Dishwasher. In addition to the standard 45 and 60 cm, there are more compact models. They will help save space if you have a small apartment.
Optionally, the following can also be built in:
- washing machine;
- hood;
- microwave;
- multicooker;
- bread maker;
- coffee maker;
- juicer.
It is recommended to build in small appliances, so they will not take up space in the cabinets and will remain in their places.
In addition to the set of equipment, its location differs. The oven is located in the lower module or at arm height in the pencil case. The dishwasher is raised slightly above the floor, making it easier to unload/load.
The microwave oven is built into a pencil case or upper module. The same applies to the coffee machine.
The built-in kitchen is equipped with other “helpers” - additional tables, retractable cutting boards, dish drainers, vegetable baskets.
The photo shows a built-in U-shaped set
Built-in electric stove: distinctive features
A built-in electric stove, or hob, is a rectangular flat panel with a thickness of 3 to 6 cm, on the front side of which heating burners are placed for cooking. The electric stove is built directly into the kitchen countertop, for which a corresponding hole is cut in it. The panel is inserted there and secured from below with special fastening plates.
The built-in stove can be installed anywhere on the countertop
What does it look like in the interior?
Built-in kitchens come in different varieties and are used in absolutely any room. If you have a small room, a custom-made kitchen will ensure maximum use of space down to the millimeter. To do this, follow a few rules:
- Buy only the equipment you need.
- Order glossy facades in light colors.
- Use modern fittings that provide greater capacity.
The photo shows compact kitchen furniture in a niche
In terms of appearance, a custom kitchen will look best in modern styles.
- High tech. Prefer partially built-in technological appliances; the design of such a built-in kitchen looks like it’s from the future.
- Minimalism. The fewer details the better. Hide all equipment behind the facades, creating a single outline.
- Loft. Play with texture: concrete countertops and sink, natural wood facades, red brick apron.
- Scandinavian. Select 1-2 details (for example, an unusual sink and hob) and highlight them in the interior; they will become a functional accent.
See photos of real projects in our gallery.
The photo shows an example of an interior in Provence style
Ideas for a kitchen apron
Tile splashback
The most popular and practical option for finishing an apron. Centuries will pass, and the tiles will have the same presentation and in the same place. In addition, there is now a very large assortment of tiles that will allow you to create a nice kitchen design: boar-type tiles, mosaics, chevrons, hexagons, and triangles, in general, there is something to choose from!
Tempered glass apron
This type of finishing opens up wide possibilities in kitchen design. You can create minimalism when you can see the monochromatic painting of the walls behind the transparent glass. Or, as an option, you can paste classic wallpaper under the tempered glass - an excellent option for a neoclassical kitchen. Skinali (glass with photo printing) is a technique that can be found quite rarely.
Wood effect apron
Those who want to slightly dilute the asceticism of a modern kitchen decorate the apron with a wood look.
Previously, the apron was finished with laminate. This material is quite practical and washes well. The only weak point of laminate is the seams. If water gets into them, the seams will swell a little. Nowadays, wood-effect tiles are increasingly used for backsplashes instead of laminate. Lots of ideas for an apron!
Grey colour
in kitchen design
This is what happened with the gray color. Just a few years ago, gray was undeservedly called dull and depressing. Now this color, as they say, is “on horseback,” which I am very happy about. This color adds rigor and seriousness to the interior. And if you mix gray with bright colors, they become more noble. For example, kindergarten yellow turns into a noble olive color.
There are gray kitchens here!
Lighting
in the kitchen interior
Lighting in the kitchen is distributed according to the same logic as in other rooms. There should be 3 types of lighting: general light, local and decorative. General light is usually used when cleaning and receiving guests. Local is used in the evening to create a cozy atmosphere. And with the help of decorative light they emphasize the texture of surfaces, for example, a brick wall. It is very important not to forget to provide power for illuminating the work surface. This wire can also be used for lighting inside the upper cabinets.
