How to choose kitchen furniture: 9 most important rules

2019-06-11

Author: Belfan

From this article you will learn:

Where to start choosing kitchen furniture
What are the key rules to follow?
How to choose the color of kitchen furniture
What materials are best to choose kitchen furniture from?
What style to choose furniture for the kitchen

Without a comfortable and beautiful kitchen, even the most comfortable home will be incomplete. Therefore, those who are planning renovations always ask many questions about this room. How to choose furniture for the kitchen and at the same time not go wrong with quality, as well as stay within the budget? You will find a lot of rational and practice-tested advice in our article.

No. 1. Determining what furniture is needed for

Some aspects of kitchen use may differ from family to family, so different furniture will be needed in different situations. It is important, before purchasing an entire kitchen or its individual parts, to clearly define for yourself the scenarios for using a given room, so that later it does not turn out that some pieces of furniture are not functional, not needed, and some are completely missing.

So, a kitchen can be in an apartment “for beauty,” no matter how strange it may sound. If the owners do not like to cook and do it extremely rarely, then minimalism should reign in the kitchen: only the most necessary items to perform the simplest things when needed. If the housewife is a businesswoman who wants to devote a minimum of time to cooking , then the organization of space will need to be approached with the utmost care so that all objects are located very close, and it takes a minimum of time to perform some action.

Those who like to cook something delicious to please their family, and all those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen creating the next culinary masterpiece, can be advised to pay attention to kitchens with the maximum possible number of shelves, cabinets and bedside tables that can only fit into the space . But do not forget that it is very difficult to transfer communications, so you should choose furniture sets very carefully, or opt for modular systems.

If a lot of time is spent in the kitchen outside of cooking, for example, during family conversations, drinking tea , and there are often guests , then it is important to pay attention not only to the work area, but also to the dining area. It should be as comfortable as possible and conducive to long gatherings. It would be nice to somehow separate it from the food preparation area, if possible: different finishes, zoning with a bar counter, etc. are used. By the way, a bar counter , which often becomes a decoration for studio apartments, is an excellent option to separate space, but at the same time make good use of every square centimeter of space. A combined kitchen and living room, in which you can place a dining area, is convenient, stylish and fashionable, and the kitchen space increases by one and a half to two times, and you can fit much more useful things in the form of furniture and appliances.

How to choose the right size

Not only the size, but also the equipment of the future headset is very important. Naturally, everyone has their own needs: some are used to cooking every day, while others just brew coffee in the morning and prepare a light salad for dinner. All this is individual, but there are three mandatory zones that must be:

Cooking area;
Washing area;
Storage area.

Ideally, all three zones can be connected by an imaginary triangle, the distance between the vertices of which does not exceed 2.7 meters. It’s good if the working surface is a single line. Then the items should be placed as follows - refrigerator, work surface, sink, work surface, stove. This is the most convenient option from an ergonomic point of view. In this case, the distances should not exceed 90-100 cm. In small kitchens, the requirements are more stringent, and L-shaped shapes have to be used. To make it convenient for you to work, the edges should end with a zone for one operation. Try to make the most of every inch of space. Built-in appliances and a work area that smoothly flows into the window sill will help to significantly save space. Use the free wall around the window opening for tall pencil cases. Now let's talk about dimensions.

If ceramic tiles are used as a kitchen apron, then the distance from the floor should be 0.8 meters, and the top row should not exceed 1.6 meters.
The standard tabletop height is 85-90 cm. This is the most convenient option for people with a height of 160-170 cm. Do not forget that this takes into account the thickness of the tabletop.
Floor cabinets should be placed on a plinth that will hide their legs. Its standard height is 10-15 cm.
Frame for base cabinets 75 cm.
The standard tabletop width is 60 cm.
The standard depth of the lower modules is 55 cm. The upper ones are 30 cm.
width lies in the range of 15-90 cm.
The height of the front part of the facades is 70-90 cm.
The recommended distance between the bottom and top rows of cabinets is 60 cm.
Between the hob and the hood is 75 cm. For clarification, read the instructions for your model.

No. 2. Furniture color

It would seem that choosing the color of furniture for the kitchen is not so difficult, but in order to end up with a harmonious, stylish room, you need to think through many details in advance. You can use the services of an experienced designer, or you can try to cope on your own by looking through successful examples on the Internet. It will be best if the furniture is matched to the kitchen that is being renovated: you can immediately choose the appropriate color for the walls, tiles, linoleum or tiles and other details. You should immediately decide whether one color or a pair will be used, what color it will be, and then use the selected shades as a starting point when choosing everything: from the furniture itself to curtains and accessories.

As for specific colors, it all depends on your preferences, and kitchens can now be of all imaginable and inconceivable shades. The well-known rule applies here: light shades visually expand the space , so if you have a small kitchen, then you should not load it with dark furniture , which will look harmonious in a spacious room. You can opt for bright colors : orange, green, yellow, red, and then the kitchen will become a stylish, interesting place. You can even use contrasting rich shades , but remember that they are only appropriate in spacious rooms. In small rooms, light and pastel shades save the day, and to prevent the kitchen from looking too boring and faded, simply add a few bright accessories: curtains, tablecloth or napkins. In addition, shades such as light green, light blue, light yellow, peach, light gray, etc. are suitable for miniature kitchens.

By the way, psychologists have long proven that our mood largely depends on the color that surrounds us. To improve appetite , bright colors typical of fruits and vegetables are used in the design: green, yellow, orange, red. White in this case remains neutral, but is able to enhance the impact of other colors. If inducing an appetite is not in your plans, but proper nutrition and diets are planned for the coming years, then for the kitchen you can choose colors such as gray, olive, marsh, blue, purple, blue.

The degree of lighting also affects the choice of color scheme. If the kitchen faces south, it means the sun will constantly shine, and to make the room visually a little cooler, you can use cool colors: blue, green, purple, indigo, gray. If the situation is exactly the opposite, then your option is sunny warm shades: yellow, peach, sand, orange.

Green

Only the lazy have not heard that green color calms the nervous system. This is true, and the exceptional “naturalness” of this color is always pleasing to our eyes. From the lightest shades to the deepest brights, everyone will look amazing! Green color in the kitchen interior is quite a rarity, but this does not make it any less attractive.

No. 3. Deciding on a style

Choosing the right color is only the first step; then you need to decide on the style of the kitchen, which will determine the style of the furniture. There can be a lot of options: as many as there are currently interior styles. The choice should be based on your own tastes, as well as some features of the premises.

The classic style will certainly not go out of fashion, at least in the next few decades, so such a kitchen will always be relevant. True, such a solution will not be very cheap for the owner, since the style involves the use of natural wood or materials that are as close as possible to it in properties and appearance. Such kitchens are usually massive, so they are suitable for larger rooms with high ceilings and large windows.

Modern is an excellent option that will fit into any kitchen of any size. The main thing here is simplicity and functionality, and every detail is thought out, only the necessary furniture is present, which amazes with the laconicism of its forms. In addition, kitchens in the Art Nouveau style are most often executed in light colors, and there is no place for dark, contrasting and flashy colors.

A country style kitchen is comfort, beauty and functionality. The so-called rustic style is very well suited for arranging kitchens, however, this will require a sufficient amount of space. Everything natural is held in high esteem: wooden or wicker furniture, clay pots, linen textiles.

High-tech is one of the most modern interior styles. With it, the kitchen looks as if it is from the future, and all thanks to the presence of the most modern appliances and furniture with clear outlines, made of metal, glass or plastic. Such kitchens captivate with their simplicity, bordering on maximum convenience.

Close to high-tech and modern, minimalism , in which only the most necessary pieces of furniture are present, but at the same time they can be made from almost any material. The main thing in style is simplicity, the presence of free space and a single color scheme.

In addition, there are a lot of other styles that are also used in the kitchen, but less often: Japanese with its simplicity and compactness, Scandinavian with a predominance of light shades, Provence with an abundance of floral prints.

Internal filling and fittings

You can start choosing furniture based on what the interior content and fittings should be. The joy from the purchased set will quickly give way to disappointment if there are few cabinets, there are no divisions into sections and the fittings are poorly attached.

Ideally, cabinets should have sections for easy storage of kitchen utensils. A dish dryer is a must. If you put wet plates in a closet, mold will appear, there will be an unpleasant smell and the furniture will quickly become unusable. There should also be a tray under the dryer into which water will drain.

For corner cabinets, a swivel carousel is a great idea. It is convenient because you don’t have to search for the right pan in the depths for a long time; you just need to open the door and everything you need will be at hand.

Another device that can help save space is a column or narrow cabinet built into the set. You can store bottles, spices, and cereals there.

What does a column built into a façade look like?

No. 4. Furniture material

No matter how stylistically different and dissimilar the pieces of kitchen furniture may be, there are not so many materials for their manufacture.

Let's start with the frame material , which is hidden from our eyes. Wooden kitchens are luxury kitchens that are environmentally friendly and of high quality. But such material will require a special approach in difficult kitchen conditions, since it does not tolerate moisture well.

Due to the high cost of wooden furniture, its analogues are increasingly used. For example, furniture made from MDF is environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. Since such boards are plastic and flexible, furniture can have any shape, and at the same time it is also affordable. The disadvantages include not the highest durability and a high risk of peeling off the cladding.

Chipboard also has good performance qualities: modern processing technologies allow such furniture to withstand the negative effects of moisture and temperature, remaining in its original form for a long time. The cost is also reasonable, but the shape will be simpler than that of MDF, since the material bends poorly.

Another alternative to wood is multiplex , a material made by gluing together thin sheets of natural wood of different species. The result is a material that is resistant to deformation and moisture.

As for the facade of kitchen furniture , the range of materials used is expanding. In addition to the chipboard and MDF mentioned above, specially treated wood is also used, which will not warp when exposed to moisture. Plastic, glass and metal inserts can also be used.

MDF can be covered with enamel , in this case the kitchen facade will be resistant to moisture and deformation, will retain its original appearance for a long time, and at the same time there are a lot of options for appearance: a bunch of colors, glossy and matte surfaces, etc. If PVC film , then the quality of the furniture decreases: these are not the most durable sets, and in the area of the sink and oven the film will soon begin to peel off and fade.

Kitchen furniture can also have a plastic facade : in this case, the material is glued to a base made of chipboard or MDF. Quality depends on the type of plastic and how it is processed. In any case, this is a material whose disadvantages are more than offset by its advantages: varied appearance, resistance to sunlight and aggressive chemicals, moisture, etc. But laminated chipboard , although it remains the most budget option, will not last very long and is suitable for office space or as a temporary option.

Today, furniture designers combine aluminum profiles with other materials: plastic, wood, slabs, glass, and the result is stylish and original furniture, although aluminum may darken over time. But glass elements , which can be easily combined with any material, have been held in high esteem for many years: they add lightness to the kitchen and originality to the furniture.

As for the interior space of the furniture , the modern proposal is simply amazing. Kitchens combine pull-out shelves, bedside tables, rotating shelves, corner cabinets with completely different opening/closing mechanisms. You need to choose an option so that all the elements are convenient to use and so that they are located as ergonomically as possible. Also, do not forget that storage spaces can be expanded with all kinds of shelves, hooks, etc.

Deciding on a price category

There are no problems when choosing a sofa or table. Each one has a very specific and understandable price tag.

The kitchen set is a little more complicated; it consists of a lot of elements of different prices. Therefore, in order to talk at least about the approximate price, manufacturers introduced the concept of “linear meter”.

This is the average price of this or that headset. It should be taken into account that the cost of a set of the same lockers per linear meter can be either ten or forty thousand rubles. It depends on the internal configuration and dimensions. The manufacturer usually indicates a lower price threshold.

To find out how much we will spend on the selected headset, we need to imagine it as accurately as possible. Let's say we want to assemble this L-shaped set for a medium-sized kitchen.

What will you need for this?

Lower level:

cabinet under the hob;
cabinet for dishwasher;
two with drawers;
two swing-out cabinets;
corner element.

Upper cabinets:

three swing-out cabinets;
two open shelves.

With these calculations, we come to the salon we like and the consultant gives a fairly accurate price within 10 minutes.

Four classes of kitchen sets

This division is quite arbitrary, but it will help us narrow down the search for a headset.

kitchens up to 100 thousand rubles - economy class;
from 100 to 200 thousand rubles - middle class;
from 200 to 400 - premium class;
above 400-500 thousand - luxury class.

What influences the class of a kitchen?

First of all, the manufacturer.

Economy class kitchens include inexpensive sets from domestic manufacturers or from the CIS countries:

Harmony;
CALL;
Maria;
Forema;
Announcement.

Mid-range kitchens can be found from European suppliers.

No. 5. The right countertop

The choice of countertop material is a separate issue. This is the place where all kitchen processes take place, such as cutting, washing, cleaning, etc., which are accompanied by constant exposure to moisture, splashes of grease, and possible mechanical deformations, so the material of the countertop must be such that it can withstand all this and not lose its original appearance.

Today, countertops are made from a variety of materials. A few words about the most popular of them.

wooden countertops are an example of beauty. They are durable and environmentally friendly, and the wood is treated with special oils that nullify the influence of moisture and other negative factors. But the beauty of natural wood requires special treatment: you can’t put anything hot on such a countertop, naturally, you can’t cut anything directly on it, and periodically you’ll have to use special means and wipe the material to increase protection, and drops and puddles of water must be wiped off immediately. Such care, combined with a high price, can be intimidating, especially since there are many other interesting options;
laminated countertops - an absolute modern hit, as they are inexpensive, and at the same time the variety of options is amazing. This tabletop is made of chipboard, which is lined with laminated plastic, or laminate. The layers are impregnated with special substances to withstand the influence of kitchen processes; there is also a layer with a certain pattern, so such a tabletop can imitate stone, wood, leather, and depict excerpts from films. The protective surface makes such countertops resistant to high temperatures, moisture, scratches, detergents, sunlight, and fire. However, it is better to wipe off all moisture immediately so that it is not absorbed, causing the material to swell. This disadvantage is compensated by low price, ease of installation, variety and other advantages;
A stone countertop is a real ideal for a kitchen. Natural stone is not affected by moisture, detergents, temperature, does not scratch, and does not lose its visual appeal. Depending on the stone, the countertop may look different: granite, marble, and basalt are most often used. At the same time, it is a heavy and expensive material;
artificial stone has almost the same advantages as natural stone, only it is lighter and cheaper. And the features of its manufacturing allow it to be given any shape, so this is an excellent option when you need an irregularly shaped countertop. This material is not afraid of scratches, moisture, temperature, it is easy to care for, and can imitate any breed;
brushed steel It has such advantages as durability, strength, hygiene, and resistance to most negative factors. And scratches on it are easy to sand out. This is not the most expensive option, but it will last a very long time, fits perfectly into a modern kitchen, however, steel does not differ in the variety of shapes;
glass table tops – it’s beautiful, but not very practical. Yes, they are not afraid of moisture, temperature and even aggressive chemicals. But still, the risk of chipping and cracking is high. Since tempered glass is used, even when a heavy object falls on it, blunt fragments are formed that do not fly apart and are not capable of causing harm. But the very possibility of damage can repel most users, although their appearance is indeed stunning, it also needs to be taken care of: dust and fingerprints are visible, and abrasive detergents can leave scratches;
The countertop can also be decorated with regular tiles used to line the kitchen apron - this is an excellent option for country-style kitchens. The tile also provides resistance to moisture and temperature, but the seams will require additional care;
acrylic countertops – a combination of acrylic resin, pigment and mineral filler. They are resistant to fungus, moisture and detergents, and even cigarette marks can be easily removed, while the variety of colors is very pleasing.

Materials and facades. What material and what kind of façade should I choose?

A kitchen set is cabinet furniture, which is assembled from standard and parametric modules.
There are quite a lot of them, so you can always choose the one you need. If any difficulties arise, our designers will prepare a project taking into account your wishes! It will be one of a kind, unlike any other. And it will undoubtedly become the “highlight” of the interior. The module body material is made of high-quality laminated chipboard with a thickness of 16 mm. The ends of the plates are covered with PVC film. This is a heat- and moisture-resistant material that guarantees long daily service. But choosing a façade in this case is quite difficult and it’s worth dwelling on each of them in detail:

Chipboard - chipboard, is gaining more and more popularity. Even as facades, this material has proven itself very well - for a long time it will delight you with its quality and aesthetic appearance. It is impossible not to note that it is also quite budget-friendly. And with a large assortment of colors and decors, you can definitely choose your own façade finishing option that suits you perfectly.

MDF in PVC film is the most environmentally friendly and safest material for human health that is offered for use. This option will be more expensive than chipboard. At the same time, it is durable and much more adaptable to high humidity and temperature changes than all other materials used here as facades. And a huge number of decorative films will allow even the most demanding buyer to choose what they need. And in this case, it doesn’t matter at all what style you chose for the new furniture - classic or modern:

MDF in high-gloss film is a material for those who decide to create an interior in the “modern” style. A large palette of shades will awaken your imagination and set the right mood for the entire room as a whole. Glossy film is a seamless, practical and very beautiful coating. The film is applied to the facade and all edges, as if enveloping it. The absence of seams is a guarantee that the facade will serve you faithfully for a long time. And it will look as if you ordered the furniture just yesterday.

MDF in high-gloss or matte enamel is a slightly more expensive material than the previous one. At the same time, the range of colors and their shades is much wider here - there is plenty to choose from! The panel is covered with the paint of your chosen article in special boxes manually on all sides! The future façade goes through several stages of primer and varnish treatment. As a result, you get a seamless and fantastically beautiful coating of the shade you need.

MDF in veneer - stunningly beautiful facades. Solid and impeccably high-quality material for those who want to show off their furniture. Both those who want to choose a set in a classic style and lovers of modernism will find suitable models for themselves. Of course, this is an expensive material, which, however, does not require special care. Veneer is thin sheets of wood. They are applied to a frame made of MDF. Therefore, as a result, you get not only beautiful facades that will always look expensive, but also a product that will not require extra costs from you during operation.

Solid wood facades - such furniture will be the “calling card” of the owner. Nobility, sophistication and style will reign in your home and in your kitchen. Of course, this is an expensive option. And, like any expensive furniture, it requires special care and maintenance of the required temperature and humidity conditions in the room. However, if you choose solid wood facades and follow all the rules, then you will leave this furniture as an inheritance to your grandchildren - fortunately, such things never go out of fashion and even age beautifully.

Facades with decorative glass inserts are, as a rule, designed to make the kitchen visually “lighter”. And they cope with their function, as they say, “with a bang!” Transparent glass will look great on the headset body, illuminated from the inside; frosted glass or decorative plastic will slightly “retouch” what is hidden behind the sash. And decorative glass with a pattern can even set a special tone for the room.

Also pay attention to such a detail as opening the facades. They are divided into: hinged, retractable (drawers are hidden behind them), folding down, folding up (solid or folding), sliding facades (similar to sliding doors). High-quality mechanisms and time-tested fittings will ensure you comfortable use of each module individually and the entire structure as a whole. We guarantee that you will place your dishes on convenient shelves with trepidation and joyful excitement.

No. 6. We are drawing up a project

It is important not only what quality of furniture you buy, but also how you place it, which will determine the comfort and ease of use. That is why it is better to measure all the parameters and decide what will be placed where: you need to take into account the location of communications, the features of the layout, and personal convenience. It doesn’t hurt to draw a diagram or create a model in special programs. We arrange all the necessary furniture, sink, household appliances, table and chairs, etc. to scale. Make several options so you can choose the best one later.

While arranging a dining area is not so difficult, the working area requires close attention, because it is important that you can cook something there comfortably and quickly. The stove, sink and refrigerator - key elements - should be located in close proximity, so take this into account in your design. There are several options for the location of these elements:

linear option suitable for small kitchens. In this case, there is a sink around the sink on one side and a refrigerator on the other. Between the sink and the stove is the work area. Such a kitchen can smoothly flow into a dining table, which is placed near the window, or even a folding table can be arranged near the window sill;
two-line option often used in through and walk-through kitchens. For example, a stove and sink are placed on one side, and a refrigerator on the other, with the minimum distance between the two lines to ensure functionality and comfort is 1.2 meters. In this case, the table is used movable or folding;
Read also: Chests of drawers in the interior: photos and recommendations on how to choose the right products (101 photos)
L-layout Suitable for any kitchen, except narrow and long ones. It allows you to effectively use two walls, organize spacious storage spaces: corner, retractable, rotating, etc. The dining area will not interfere with the passage and is located in the corner;
U-layout – one of the most convenient options for arranging furniture. In this case, there is no through movement through the working area, and this is a bonus for convenience, but the distance between opposite walls should not be less than 1.2 meters and more than 2.8, otherwise cooking will be inconvenient;
island layout - very convenient, since you can place a work surface, a dining table, and storage space on the island, but at the same time, the kitchen area must be at least 16 square meters so as not to block traffic.

Wood decor

The tree fits this area flawlessly.
The nobility, chic and consistency of wood-look facades will demonstrate to your guests your exceptional and impeccable taste. Pay special attention to detail: furniture with wood-look facades requires support with decorative elements (cornice, plinth, sides, bronzed handles and rails). If you manage to choose everything in the same style, pattern and wood texture, the result will exceed all your expectations. Don't be afraid of bright combinations and bold combinations! Create the image of your interior as if you were a real artist! We will be happy to answer your questions! Experienced designers, who have designed and implemented more than a dozen modern kitchen projects, will be happy to develop a sketch for you. They will tell you how best to arrange the furniture here, how to decide on the choice of household appliances, how to choose the right colors, and even which handles will look most advantageous in each specific case.

We are waiting for you in Mr.Doors furniture showrooms, see you!

No. 7. The right kitchen table

The kitchen table must be comfortable. Ergonomists have calculated and established that each person sitting at the table must have at least 70 cm of space in order to feel comfortable. This is exactly what you should start from when choosing a kitchen table, knowing the number of people who regularly gather around it. In case of guests, there are transformable tables with retractable additional slats that can increase the size of the table by 2-4 times.

For a classic kitchen, a table made of wood or its imitation is suitable. But for more modern kitchens, you can choose a table made of glass, or even plastic or metal , or a combination of both. Transparent glass tables on metal legs are an excellent addition to a small kitchen, since despite all their functionality they do not clutter up the space, and since a person sees everything that is at the table, the tabletop is not perceived as some kind of object: therefore, the room seems more spacious.

Round tables are not so dangerous because they do not have corners, and more people can be seated there, and a more trusting atmosphere is created. However, a round table cannot be pushed all the way to the wall, so there may be some positioning issues. Oval tables have the same characteristics, but at the same time they are even more spacious.

Square and rectangular tables are true classics, comfortable and functional. But if square tables placed in a corner are an option for only two people, then a rectangular table is suitable for the whole family. Moreover, if you place it in the center, then you can receive a respectable company of guests. Tables with triangular, irregular or polygonal shapes are not an option for everyone, but they will attract attention and, with the right approach, even become comfortable.

Chairs for the table are selected in the appropriate style: material, presence of decorations, backs and handles - all this is individual. The main thing is that the entire set fits and is comfortable and practical.

Design and layout features

The correct layout of the kitchen will create all the necessary conditions for its convenient use. Experienced designers know about the concept of the “working triangle.” This conventional geometric figure places its vertices at three points: tile, refrigerator, sink. The zones must form a triangle, only in this case will it be convenient for the housewife to move around the kitchen while cooking.

L-shaped kitchen

The L-shaped layout is considered the best option for most kitchens, but works best in square-shaped spaces. The headset placement option allows you to set up a separate area and easily position the vertices of the working triangle against two adjacent walls.

The L-shaped layout leaves plenty of space to organize a dining area. The advantages of this option include the possibility of using built-in equipment. The only exception where an L-shaped layout would be inappropriate is in very narrow rooms, where the length of one wall will be more than twice the length of the other.

U-shaped kitchen

U-shaped or U-shaped layouts are widely used in rooms of different sizes, but are considered the optimal solution for kitchens with an area of 12-15 sq.m. The set is located along three walls. It is possible to arrange a working triangle, each of the vertices of which can be located against a separate wall.

The U-shaped layout allows you to place a variety of technical fillings with virtually no restrictions. Among the shortcomings, experts note only the impossibility of through movement, but for a non-passable room it is not necessary. It is not recommended to use a U-shaped layout in cramped kitchens of Khrushchev-era apartments and in overly spacious rooms of luxury apartments. In the first case, it is better to “cut off” one side and resort to an L-shaped model, and in the second, to an island one.

Linear kitchen

Linear or single-row layout is suitable for small spaces. This compact option is often used in modern studio apartments, where limited space is allocated to each zone and the kitchen is not one of the areas that “dominates” the area.

The model for the location of the kitchen set lies in the very name of the layout - linear, that is, the furniture is located in a line along the wall. On the one hand, this greatly saves space, leaving the other three free, but on the other hand, the rule of the working triangle is simply impossible to comply with. Experts only advise placing a sink in the center, and a refrigerator and stove on the sides. This option will be more convenient than the other two.

Island and peninsular cuisines

The island layout is characterized by the presence of a small “oasis” that protrudes forward, as if separated from the rest of the kitchen “mainland” left behind. On this symbolic island you can place a stove, a work or dining area, or a bar counter. This option is suitable for very large rooms and combined apartments.

The “island” seems to combine two spaces into one and at the same time unobtrusively delimit it into a culinary area and other zones. The peninsular layout repeats the island layout in every way, with one small exception: the island is not “detached” from the “mainland” completely, but is connected to it on one side.

In fact, such a kitchen can be L-shaped or U-shaped, but the second or third side is not placed along the wall, but replaces it, leaning against the end. This option ideally zones the kitchen into two areas: for cooking and for eating. Both types of layouts are not suitable for small apartments. In island and peninsula kitchens, it is easy to organize a working triangle by placing one of its vertices (usually a stove) on the island.

Double row kitchen

Double-row or parallel layout is a popular option for walk-through rooms and rooms whose area exceeds 15 sq.m. The kitchen set is divided into two parts, which are located along opposite walls. With this layout, it is easy to follow the rule of the working triangle: the sink and stove are placed on one side, and the refrigerator on the other.

The kitchen takes up a lot of space and allows you to arrange a large number of utensils and kitchen items in numerous storage systems, and to integrate household appliances. The only drawback is the difficulty of placing the dining area. There is simply no room for it in a two-row kitchen, although the eating area can be moved outside the kitchen area by slightly “shortening” the length of the set. This decision requires thorough work on the project so that the design organically complements each other.

No. 8. Selection of household appliances

A kitchen is unthinkable without appliances. If you still have an old refrigerator or washing machine, you will have to work hard to choose a suitable kitchen, or have it made to order. But if you need everything completely, then in the store you can choose a complete set so that there are no problems when combining: a guarantee that all items will match each other. True, if you take furniture and appliances separately, you will be able to save a decent amount.

By the way, today built-in appliances are not only fashionable and stylish, but also very convenient. It allows you to organize space as ergonomically as possible, and even save about 20% of the area, not to mention the harmonious appearance. But there are also disadvantages: you will have to buy new equipment, and if you want to change the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen, problems will arise.

Buy a ready-made kitchen or make it to order

How to choose a kitchen set: buy ready-made or make it to order - this is another common question. Before you decide, you need to weigh all the pros and cons.

The advantage of a ready-made headset is its price. In stores you can find stylish and inexpensive options. But you will have to choose the design that will be presented in trade. You will also have to select furniture of a certain width and length so that it fits in the room.

Furniture made to order from a professional designer will cost much more, but the master will know exactly what material is best to make a kitchen set from. It will be easier for a specialist to select high-quality materials and the kitchen will be durable. One of the advantages of custom-made furniture is the opportunity to create your own design. Also, such furniture will be made based on the layout and size of the room.

No. 9. Decorating the kitchen

Accessories should be present in the kitchen in optimal quantities. You can also use quite functional things as decoration: curtains, tablecloth, napkins, pillows with bright interesting colors . If the colors match, the kitchen will turn out incredibly stylish. Beautiful dishes, salt and pepper shakers, cutlery, glasses and other elements, even fittings are excellent kitchen decorations. In addition, appetizing paintings or photographs , plants, and decorative lamps are appropriate here. Even ordinary kitchen utensils hung on the wall can become decorations and create a cozy homely atmosphere.