The kitchen is an integral part of any apartment or house. Even if you don’t like to cook, then in any case this room should be cozy to have a cup of coffee or tea. Therefore, special attention is paid to the design and layout of the kitchen so that it is comfortable, functional and at the same time has a pleasant atmosphere and design.
Corner layout is the most popular due to space saving and additional use of the corner. It will be discussed in more detail later in the article.
Characteristics of corner kitchen layout
Corner kitchen sets are considered the most versatile because they are suitable for rooms of any size and also fit into any design. They will especially be an excellent solution for studio apartments and small kitchens. This is due to the fact that such a layout can save space and can divide it into separate zones.
A corner kitchen contains three main elements: a corner segment and two side segments. The location is carried out along two walls of the room.
In this case, the layout should begin from the central part, that is, from the corner segment, and then expand the set to the required length. The main elements here are wall cabinets and lower cabinets.
There are also a number of additional elements, such as:
Bar counter
False boxes intended for communications
Chrome roof rails
Sections for built-in equipment
Hanging cornices where additional lighting is installed
Dimensions for various elements of the corner set
Spacious kitchens provide a lot of opportunities for realizing interesting ideas and wildest fantasies. However, not all property owners can boast of a really large kitchen. Therefore, we have to look for a compromise between what is desired and what is possible, to save space with the help of modern designs and compact household appliances, and the optimal arrangement of furniture elements.
Contrary to popular belief, “L”-shaped sets fit surprisingly well into small rooms of 5-8 m2. You just need to choose the right sizes. What do experienced designers recommend?
- The minimum length of both “wings” of the headset is 2 meters along the line of the lower cabinets. That is, it can be equal sides of 1 meter, unequal sides of 1.5 and 5 or 1.4 and 60 cm, or any other combinations. For such a set, purchase a miniature hob with 2 burners and a compact sink without wings.
- The minimum width of a built-in refrigerator is 60 cm. For a free-standing unit of the same width, it is necessary to leave 5-10 cm gaps for ventilation. In this case, the height of the refrigerator can be arbitrary, as far as the height of the ceilings allows. That is, the first option is more profitable for a small kitchen.
- For a 4-burner hob, the smallest width is 60 cm. For a two-burner hob, 30 cm. The latter option is in demand in small kitchens and in homes where cooking is not done very often.
- For the smallest sink, a cabinet with a width of 35 cm is required. If there are wings, a second compartment, then the width increases accordingly. If the sink is installed on a corner cabinet, you can place the wing directly in the corner and move the sink itself to the side.
- The width of the worktop for cutting food should be at least 50 cm. Ideally, free sections of the tabletop 40-60 cm wide are left on the sides of the sink and hob.
- The dimensions, quantity, and location of wall cabinets can vary widely. For small kitchens, they usually use tall models or install several tiers of cabinets or shelves, right up to the ceiling. This allows you to place a maximum of products, kitchen utensils and household appliances in a limited area.
The upper tier of cabinets may not be the same length as the lower one, or may be completely absent. The choice is made by the owners based on practical necessity. Often cabinets are completely or partially replaced with open shelves, racks, and organizers.
Pros and cons of corner layout
For any layout, you can highlight its pros and cons. This also applies to the angular location of the headset.
The positive aspects include the following:
- Ability to create an ergonomic work triangle;
- These are compact and roomy sets that allow you to save space in a small kitchen due to the presence of a large number of cabinets and smart fittings;
- It becomes possible to fully use the corner as additional space;
- You can zone the space into a dining and work area.
There are also negative aspects, namely:
- It requires more space than a straight line, so it is not relevant in cases where people rarely cook on it and do not need many cabinets for storing utensils;
- Not suitable for rooms with complex shapes, for example, in the presence of niches, ledges, air ducts, as well as in the presence of curved walls. In this case, the furniture will have to be made to order, which will increase its cost.
Sink selection
A sink is a very popular detail in the kitchen interior, because the process of washing food and dishes in a large family can take up to several hours a day. Therefore, the sink should not only be fashionable and beautiful, but also comfortable.
There are three standard designs for the location of a sink in a corner kitchen. It’s difficult to say which is better, because each has its own pros and cons.
Corner sink without separate module
The easiest option to implement: the sink is located in the very corner of the countertop. In this case, only two main modules are required.
With this implementation, the sink is built into the countertop and installed in the corner of the kitchen without a separate module.
Although this method is the least expensive financially, it is not particularly popular. Housewives don't like it for two reasons :
- The distance to the sink is too far . Is it convenient to wash dishes while holding them at arm's length? Not good. Too much strain on the lower back. While you can still rinse a couple of plates and cups, washing heavy cast-iron frying pans and cauldrons is very difficult and tiring for your back.
- Standing near the sink, a person with his body blocks access to several cabinets and drawers at once . If one of the household members needs any of the kitchen equipment while washing the dishes, they will need to constantly interrupt their work and step aside, which is not very convenient. Yes, and washing dishes together (one washes, and the other wipes and puts everything in its place) will not work with this layout.
Due to the fact that the process of using a sink without a separate module is very uncomfortable and can cause harm to health (lower back), such a layout is chosen only as a last resort, when all other options are unacceptable.
Sink with separate module
There are two types of bowl modules: straight and beveled. The desired option is selected based on the overall size of the kitchen.
For rooms with a small area, a straight corner module is better suited. It does not take up extra space, thereby saving space. At the same time, this layout maintains a comfortable distance to the bowl, without turning the process of washing dishes into torture for the spine.
With this arrangement of furniture, the sink is slightly shifted from the corner towards a flat surface, and in the very corner there is a dish drainer.
Most housewives choose this option. The slight overpayment for a separate module is fully compensated by the comfort during use.
Module with beveled corner
The most convenient sink to use is a kitchen with a trapezoidal corner. This layout ensures easy access to most drawers and creates a comfortable washing environment while maintaining the correct distance from the edge of the countertop to the beginning of the sink.
But the beveled corner module is suitable only for kitchens of a fairly large area, because in most cases it has parameters of at least 900x900 mm.
Losing almost a square meter of space for a five-meter kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building is an unaffordable luxury. Therefore, similar designs are popular for kitchens with an area of more than 10 m2.
Choosing the right angle for washing
When choosing the location of the sink, first of all, you should pay attention to communications, because the sink requires connection to water and sewer pipes.
Theoretically, modern technologies make it possible to move the sink to any point in the kitchen by connecting it to communications using soft and hard hoses.
Practically, every extra joint is an additional place for a possible leak, every turn of a sewer pipe is a convenient place for a blockage. Therefore, it is better to choose a place for the sink in the corner closest to the communications.
If two corners are at an equidistant distance from communications, then three factors play a role in the choice :
- Hob location . It is advisable not to install the sink too close to the hob, so as not to get burned by the steam during operation.
- Window location . Splashes that hit the wall are not as noticeable as dried drops and streaks on the glass. If you don’t want to additionally wipe the window after each dishwashing, then it’s better to place the sink away from it. Although it is convenient to look out the window while working (we wrote about all the advantages and disadvantages of placing the sink near the window here >>>)
- Who will use the sink more often: right-handed or left-handed? The sink can be right corner, left corner and double-sided (relative to the location of the tap and dish drainer). If a left-handed person often washes dishes, then it would be advisable to take this fact into account, or install a universal double-sided bowl, with a tap in the center and two drainers on the edges.
Also, when choosing a place, it would be a good idea to focus on the location of the rest of the kitchen furniture and appliances. So, the head washing dishes should not obscure the TV (if there is one in the kitchen). The gas water heater should not be placed at the other end of the room, entangling all the walls with pipes like a web.
If a kitchen with a corner sink has a bar counter or dining area, then it is worth considering all the distances for comfortable movement around the room.
Layout options
The corner kitchen can be arranged in several ways, taking into account the features and size of the room.
So, the first of them is the placement of the headset along two perpendicular walls. This is a classic option. It can also be considered the most versatile, as it is suitable for most rooms. In addition, in this case, appliances and cabinets can be arranged to your liking.
The layout in the second option is a corner kitchen with a peninsula. One side of the headset here is located along the wall, and the second is perpendicular to it, without affecting the other wall. The free-standing side of the headset is the peninsula. In this case, the room is divided into a working and dining area. This layout is only suitable for large kitchens.
Finally, the third option is a corner kitchen with a breakfast bar. Most often, such a set is U-shaped. However, an F-shaped layout is also possible, when the bar counter is installed in the middle. This choice is more relevant for large rooms.
Advice! This option would be a great way to replace the dining area in a small kitchen to save more space. If you are planning a full-fledged dining area, then there is unlikely to be room for a bar counter in a small area.
What do modern manufacturers offer?
Following trends, many manufacturers have developed new facade designs and also replaced the filling of cabinets.
For example, in IKEA today you can already find a set with rotating sections and a carousel in a corner cabinet, with a convenient L-shaped door.
Among the Swedish company's assortment there are fashionable wood-look facades with a beautiful natural texture and a pleasant shade.
Leroy Merlin modular headsets are no less popular. Among the new products are facades with imitation of natural materials.
Facades "Sosna Loft"
In terms of the quality of fittings and storage systems, Leroy is inferior to IKEA.
Maria kitchens are more expensive, but the price is always justified by the quality of materials, fittings and facade design. The company offers options in eco style, with the texture of natural wood, concrete, metal, stone, which is just relevant now.
also offers several options for arranging modules, so creating a small-sized, but at the same time very convenient corner kitchen is not difficult.
Work triangle
The most convenient layout is considered to be the one that complies with the rules of ergonomics. It is the corner kitchen that allows them to best suit them by using a working triangle.
Its tops are the sink, hob and refrigerator. According to this principle, it is desirable to arrange these sectors in the form of an isosceles triangle. The order of elements is based on the cooking sequence.
This means that first the products are taken out of the refrigerator, then they are washed, and then they are prepared and heat treated. Due to this, cooking time is reduced, as the movements of the cook are minimized.
Advantages and disadvantages of L-shaped space
Like any other layout, corner placement should be viewed from opposite sides. After all, it has both positive and negative qualities.
The main advantage of such a layout is that the entire space can be used to the maximum.
Pros of an L-shaped kitchen
- This layout is perfect for rooms of any size: from the smallest to the spacious and even huge.
- With this arrangement of furniture, there is no unused space, which allows you to make the kitchen as functional and comfortable as possible.
- Thanks to the use of retractable and rotating systems, storing kitchen utensils becomes more organized and practical.
- The space under the countertop becomes additional space in which you can safely place large household appliances (dishwasher, oven, etc.).
- The corner placement of kitchen furniture allows you to zone the space into a place for cooking and eating.
- The L-shaped space allows you to create an ergonomic kitchen triangle (stove, sink, refrigerator). This makes access to work surfaces involved in the cooking process easier and more convenient.
- The modules located in the corner are distinguished by their large capacity and will become an indispensable find for every housewife.
This advantage is especially noticeable in miniature kitchens, in which every centimeter of usable space counts.
Note! Kitchen triangle - arrangement of functional surfaces and appliances at a short distance in accordance with the order in which the main processes are performed: we take food from the refrigerator - clean, wash, cut (sink) - cook (stove). Its use is optional, but it will greatly simplify cooking and save your time. Photos of a similar design of corner kitchens and their diagrams with a refrigerator will help you correctly arrange the furniture and organize your workplace.
In cabinets under the sink you can store a lot of kitchen utensils (from dishes to various household appliances).
Cons of an L-shaped kitchen
- This layout is not always suitable for narrow rooms (parallel or linear placement of the headset is better here), if there are protrusions and unevenness on the walls.
- When placing a corner sink, which can often be found when arranging this type of kitchen, a problem arises in accessing and working on this important attribute. Therefore, such placement should be avoided if possible. To make sure that your decision is appropriate, it is recommended to review real photos of corner kitchen units with a sink in the corner.
For convenience, special retraction mechanisms are used: hidden metal carousels, magic corners.
Kitchen corner
The internal corner can be beveled or straight. The chamfered corner makes it easier to access the interior of the space. You don’t need any complex structures for this, just open the door.
Such corners are very roomy and also convenient, since there is much more space in front of the sink or stove. At the same time, the disadvantage will be a very deep beveled corner, which will complicate access to the apron. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the depth of the module is not large.
Right angles are relevant for small kitchens, as they take up less space. However, obtaining the internal content is often very difficult. At the same time, today there are many options for folding or pull-out cabinets, which greatly simplifies the task.
Corner kitchen in modern design: about trends
First of all, let's touch on the most important question: what angle to make - beveled or straight?
Yes, a beveled one will provide the best access to the contents of the cabinet, but today it is corner kitchens with right angles that are in trend. And this solution also has advantages - such modules will take up less space than trapezoidal ones, so they can be used even in the smallest kitchens. And the issue of access to content can be easily resolved by using “smart” accessories.
Photo from source: homify.ru
Reducing the countertop on one side by 10-15 centimeters is a trend and also a trick that will free up more space in the kitchen.
Photo from source: ivd.ru
Creating a peninsula or bar counter will help create an additional work area and zone the space.
Photo from source: mykaleidoscope.ru
Choosing tall, narrow modules will help make the ceilings appear higher.
Photo from source: 3ddd.ru Ergonomics
Corner kitchen and bar counter
Quite often, a bar counter is simply an indispensable element in the kitchen.
It is capable of performing several tasks, such as:
- Additional work surface;
- Replacement for a dining table in a small kitchen;
- Zoning the room, when there is a need to separate the work area from the dining area, the kitchen from the living room;
- Extra storage space.
The bar counter can fit into any chosen style. There is a huge selection of furniture on the market with a built-in bar counter, or it is possible to make it to order, taking into account the features of the kitchen and wishes regarding shape and size.
What types of corner sinks are there?
So, if you have already decided on the type of angle, then it’s time to start directly choosing a sink . The space of options here is truly endless: you can satisfy the most demanding aesthetic needs, but the ideal option is a compromise between sincere sympathy for lines and shapes and the practical convenience of a particular option.
Material
If you look at the material from which they are made, then most often it is:
- stainless steel - cheap and cheerful;
- artificial stone is much more expensive and even more impressive both in terms of use and appearance;
- ceramics - can be either with a glossy or matte surface, looks great in kitchens of any stylistic format.
If you are so tempted to save money and choose “stainless steel”, then be prepared for the constant noise that is created by the stream of water breaking on the surface of the bowl. In addition, the service life of such a sink will inevitably be less than the other two options.
Depth
The ease of use of the sink depends on the depth of the sink. There are certain standard values that are used in most cases - these are 18-20 centimeters.
Anything smaller is considered a small bowl, anything larger is considered a large bowl (up to 25 cm).
However, these numbers should not be taken so unequivocally: in the end, context decides everything. If, for example, you have a small kitchen, then a shallow sink will allow you to deceive the visual perception a little and make the room appear larger.
Form
There are no comrades in taste and color. The same can be said about the shape of the bowl for installation in a corner kitchen set. Some people prefer the strict dictates of straight lines and do not accept compromises, while others, on the contrary, fall into aesthetic ecstasy at even the slightest hint of roundness. We invite you to find out what you like best.
Square
A classic option that can be found probably in every second kitchen. Its demand is quite justified - it’s convenient, after all.
Some square sinks may have rounded corners.
Rectangular
Also a popular shape with strict line geometry. Compared to the same square, it is more spacious.
Triangular
An interesting option that will certainly fit brilliantly into a modern interior. Including small rooms.
Round and oval
The capacity of such bowls leaves much to be desired. However, they are indispensable if your interior has a lot of rounded lines. Otherwise, a strict rectangular sink will look like a foreign body.
Plus, the absence of corners plays into the hands of pedantic housewives - caring for such a sink takes less time.
Beveled (trapezoidal)
They provide owners with a much larger internal volume. If your family is large, then it’s worth considering!
Functional
Sinks, of course, influence the perception of the design of the room, but first of all they perform a practical function. Accordingly, the better adapted this or that option is to solve the maximum possible number of problems, the more attractive it seems in the eyes of the consumer.
With two bowls
The presence of a second bowl significantly expands your arsenal of actions: you can use the main one for washing, and the additional one for drying fruits or vegetables.
The bowls can be the same in volume, but more often there are options where the additional one is about 2 times smaller. It is often used for drying cutlery and for defrosting.
With additional surface
They are often also called sections. Such surfaces form a wing and are typical for pentagonal and hexagonal sinks.
Functionally, everything is simple here: you can place washed dishes on such a section so that they dry faster - droplets of water will still flow into the main drain.
There may be several additional sections - it all depends on how much space you are willing to allocate for them. But we still recommend that you do not turn your kitchen unit into one continuous appendage of your sink.
Choosing an interior style
The style of a corner kitchen can be absolutely any depending on personal preferences. Let's talk about some of the most popular styles.
Classic style
This style has not lost its popularity to this day. It is practical and suitable for any interior.
The materials preferred here are natural wood. Most often this is massive furniture, so small kitchens are not recommended to be decorated in a classic style.
The set is decorated with decorated inserts, carvings, and expensive fittings. Insertion of glass facades is also allowed. Choose a noble color, such as brown, white, cream, plum.
Provence
This is a rustic and at the same time sophisticated style, attractive with simplicity and naturalness. It is characterized by a light palette of colors, floral prints, ornaments, the effect of aging furniture, and ceramic dishes.
Modern
This style is one of the most practical, so it is well suited for small kitchens. There is nothing superfluous here, only the essentials, without unnecessary parts and accessories.
Features include the presence of built-in appliances and a variety of hidden spacious cabinets. Materials can be very diverse, the main thing is to focus on lighting. Colors can be either bright or more subdued.
High tech
This is a modern style, rich in original solutions and technological innovations. Strict lines are important here, but at the same time glossy and glass surfaces make the design more original and unique. High-tech is suitable for a room of any size and shape.
Modern style
If we list the most practical interior design styles, then modern will probably take first place. After all, there is nothing superfluous here. All lines and shapes are clear and strict. Among the features of corner kitchens in a modern style are:
— the presence of a variety of hidden, but no less spacious lockers;
— use of built-in equipment;
- a restrained palette.
Finishes that imitate natural stone are also very popular here. Such materials can be used literally in everything: when finishing walls, floors, kitchen aprons, countertops. High-quality examples of the latter are available in the catalog of countertops from the Kedr factory.
Photo from source: pinterest.ru
Tabletop Cedar 3027/S Granite white
Tips for choosing furniture
The size of the room and the style of the interior play a huge role when choosing furniture. Therefore, some tips can help with choosing a configuration.
If the kitchen is small, then it is recommended to place the lower and upper cabinets on either side of the corner to provide maximum storage space.
If the room is spacious, then it is advisable to install the upper cabinets only on one side of the corner, and decorate the other side, for example, with paintings or hang shelves. The second option would be to use cabinets on the other side, which will contain built-in appliances.
Advice! In the latter option, cabinets should have blank fronts. This will imitate a wall, which will prevent the interior from becoming cluttered.
Even if the choice is a corner kitchen, this is not a reason to refuse a corner sofa. It can also fit into the interior, the main thing is to match the chosen design. In addition, it is not only more compact than a table with chairs, but can also provide additional storage space located under the seats.
Lighting options
Lighting has many nuances. Basic moments:
- General lighting. This is one or more light sources built into the ceiling, usually one pendant lamp with a large shade or several arms. But such lighting is concentrated in the center and does not fall into the main working area. Therefore, it needs to be supplemented with light for the cooking area. Almost all corner kitchens in a modern style in 2022 are endowed with this design.
- Light in the work area. Installed together with general lighting. You can, for example, cook not with all the lamps on, but only with several light sources below eye level. For such lighting, spot or elongated lamps are chosen.
- Decorative – to emphasize style and beauty. Suitable for unusual and original kitchens. This kind of lighting cannot replace the main one, but it will look good in many designs. Decorative lamps are often installed for plants.
There is also interior lighting for kitchen cabinets. A good choice for places where general light does not reach. This is a purely utilitarian option. It will not spoil or improve the appearance of the room.
Apron
Such a decorative component as an apron plays an important role in terms of functionality and design. For a corner kitchen, a single apron for both sides is preferable. If it is made in bright colors or there are eye-catching designs and patterns, then you need to choose simpler and calmer furniture.
At the same time, if, on the contrary, the set is bright, decorated with carvings, original fittings, and decorated elements, then the apron should be unobtrusive, simple, most often monochromatic, with a calm tone.
Bright aprons, with decorative elements, and a choice of glass materials are preferred for modern styles. The classic style prefers restrained tones and natural materials, for example, wood and stone.
Color solutions
For a monochromatic kitchen, light beige or dark brown shades are suitable. This color suits most styles. Corner sets of these shades look especially good in small kitchens.
Successful color combinations:
- black and white;
- gray with orange;
- beige and gray;
- gray with wine;
- red with white;
- yellow with lilac.
The gamma can be not only monochromatic, it will add brightness to the design. For harmony, 2 shades are enough.
Small corner kitchen
For a small kitchen, a corner set is best suited. When choosing a design here, it is better to focus on modern options, such as minimalism, hi-tech, modern. They are the most functional, contain modern technologies, functional cabinets and shelves, and built-in appliances.
To visually expand the space, you should pay attention to light. It is better to choose cabinets that are tall and narrow, without sharp corners.
It is also worth using the window sill. It can be expanded, thereby adding an additional working surface. It is possible to place shallow cabinets under the window, providing additional space for storing utensils.
Thus, the corner set can be used for any kitchen and any style. At the same time, there are several layout options, tips for using which will help make the room even more functional, comfortable and cozy, and even a small space can be used profitably, without forgetting about fashionable design solutions.
How to use a corner in a corner kitchen wisely?
Don't forget that a corner is also a valuable area that can be very useful as a place to store or display something. Among the techniques for effectively using this space, we list the following:
- installation of a rectangular set combined with a corner cabinet - this solution will create a visual impression that these are two different cabinets, but inside it will be a single space. This technique is practical and ergonomic;
Photo from source: interiorexplorer.ru
- placing built-in household appliances in the corner will give the kitchen unit the most neat appearance and make the corner functional;
Photo from source: asko-russia.ru
— installation of a corner cabinet equipped with a “carousel” inside, which greatly facilitates access to everything that is stored inside the cabinet and provides the maximum amount of free space;
Photo from source: alimpia-mebel.ru
- appearance is something that should not be forgotten, even if the emphasis is on functionality - to make the kitchen space airy and light, the corner can be equipped with open shelves. In addition, this will help save a share of the budget spent on the manufacture of kitchen units and expand the free space;
Photo from source: pinterest.ru
— "train" fastenings in cabinets - structures specifically designed so that during the process of opening the cabinet, the shelves are pulled out one after another. Thanks to this, there is unhindered access to all items stored in them. Even those that are in the far corners of the closet;
Photo from source: sakhmebel.com
— placing a hob or sink in a corner is one of the most useful options for its operation. Sinks with two bowls look especially interesting;
Photo from source: hansloren.pl
— placing the dish dryer in the shape of the letter “L” will not present any difficulty and will provide easy access to the contents.
Photo from source: hypermarketmebel.ru
