How to choose a kitchen: tips from professionals

Stylish, beautiful, ergonomic kitchen - the hostess's dream and her little paradise in the house. Long ago, when people only began to build high-grade houses, the hearth became the focus of life, all households were drawn to it, and it was right next to it that was the warmer and cozier thing. Centuries passed, the stoves were replaced with modern stoves, massive, roughly hewn tables and shelves - with ergonomic sets, clay pots - with unbreakable dishes, but the role of the kitchen in the house has not changed.

It still remains the center of attraction for households and a small oasis of comfort and warmth. Beautiful and comfortable decoration is important not only for the hostess, who will spend most of her free time here, but also for the rest of the family who adore “tea time” and have long conversations in the evenings after a busy day. So, the preparation for the repair is in full swing and that very difficult question has come up: how to choose a kitchen? What should it be to make everyone feel comfortable here? How to fill it, so that culinary inspiration does not leave the hostess, and the appetite - of the household? About this and talk further.

Features of the choice of kitchen set

In the kitchen, everything is important: the decoration and filling. This room is used daily, “extreme” conditions (high temperature and humidity) are created here, and during cooking, large amounts of waste (water, grease, dirt) settle on the surfaces of furniture and decoration, due to which the room is regularly cleaned (much more often than the rest). premises).

The furniture must withstand such loads, endure abrupt changes in the “climate”, it is easy to clean and serve the person faithfully for a long time. For kitchens, they often use not separate items, but sets of furniture sets.

For the first time they appeared in the USA in the last century and the hostesses liked it so much that their mass production was promptly arranged. This experience was adopted by Americans from Europeans, "tasted" the idea to the taste. In Soviet times, in popular speech, headsets were called “walls” and were actively used not only in kitchens, but also in living rooms. Furniture, selected by the manufacturer, eliminates the buyer from the need to independently "collect" a set of different items.

Perhaps this is the main advantage of headsets. In addition, the price of the kit is lower than the cumulative cost of all the items included in its composition, if you buy them separately. The furniture complex usually consists not only of the “wall”, but is also complemented by a dining table, chairs and movable elements.

When choosing a kitchen set, you should pay attention to four characteristics:

  • Aesthetics (appearance).
  • Functionality.
  • Long service life.
  • Usability (ergonomics).

Let's talk about each of them in more detail.

Aesthetics

The aesthetics of the headset is its beauty from the point of view of the person choosing (this is important, because everyone has their own ideas about beauty). What can you say about the appearance of kitchen furniture? Of course, it should look appropriate in combination with the rest of the furniture and at the same time please the hostess and the household.

You can not just choose your favorite model, for example, in the style of Provence and put it in the kitchen, which is already decorated in the direction of high-tech. Filling and finishing must match.

Functionality

It is possible to determine what possibilities a headset can provide by acquainting oneself with its content, that is, with its component parts. What should be included in the furniture complex for the kitchen so that it is considered to be complete, fully satisfying the requirements of the person using it? The standard list of modules and add-ons is as follows:

  • Floor constructions. These include lockers, cabinets and shelf systems (mostly closed type).
  • Pencils. High narrow lockers, which are designed to accommodate built-in appliances and kitchen utensils.
  • Lockers of hinged type. May be closed and open. Usually represent a mixed storage system of shelves and drawers.
  • Mobile elements. Screens, partitions, tables on wheels, furniture-transformer. These elements are usually complemented headsets designed for cramped kitchens.
  • Free-standing furniture: tables, chairs, sofa-corners.

Filling of the headset is selected depending on the characteristics of the kitchen and the needs of the hostess, that is, individually for each house. Someone needs more drawers, and someone prefers to give half of the storage system for new home appliances.

Ease of use

Any furniture should be comfortable to use. Even before buying, you need to “try on”, that is, try what she is at work, if the mistress is suitable for height, if the shelves are conveniently located, if she reaches all the boxes. Next, you should carefully carry out measurements and think in advance about the location of the headset in the room. It is necessary to take into account the convenience of movement between the tops of the working triangle and the possibility of additional “routes” from the dining area to the work area, stove and refrigerator.

Durability

The durability of the headset is primarily determined by the materials from which it is made. For hull and facades is considered the best solid wood. Countertops are better to choose from natural stone. The kitchen apron will last longer if it is made of stainless steel or folded from ceramic tiles.

Design and layout features

Proper kitchen layout will create all the necessary conditions for its convenient use. Experienced designers are aware of such a concept as a "working triangle". This conditional geometric figure locates its vertices at three points: a tile, a refrigerator, a sink. Zones must form a triangle, only in this case the hostess will conveniently move around the kitchen during cooking.

L-shaped kitchen

L-shaped layout is considered the best option for most kitchens, but is best suited to the rooms of square shape. The headset placement option allows you to equip a separate platform and easily position the vertices of the working triangle on two adjacent walls.

L-shaped layout leaves enough space for organizing a dining area. The advantages of the option include the possibility of using the built-in technology. The only exception where the L-shaped layout will be out of place is too narrow rooms, where the length of one wall will exceed the length of the other more than twice.

U-shaped kitchen

U-shaped or U-shaped layout is universally used in rooms with different quadrature, but it is considered the best solution for kitchens with an area of ​​12-15 square meters. The set is located along the three walls. There is a possibility of arranging a working triangle, each of the vertices of which can be placed on a separate wall.

U-shaped layout allows you to place a variety of technical stuffing with virtually no restrictions. Of the shortcomings, experts note only the impossibility of through traffic, but for a non-passage room it is not mandatory. It is not recommended to use the U-shaped layout in small kitchens of Khrushchev and in too spacious rooms of luxury apartments. In the first case, it is better to “trim” one side and resort to the L-shaped model, and in the second - to the island one.

Linear kitchen

Linear or single row layout suitable for small spaces. This compact option is often used in modern studio apartments, where a limited space is allocated to each zone and the kitchen does not belong to the areas “dominant” in the square.

The model of the location of the kitchen unit lies in the very name of the layout - linear, that is, the furniture is placed in a line along the wall. On the one hand, it saves a lot of space, leaving three others free, but on the other hand, the rule of the working triangle is simply impossible to observe. Experts only advise in the center to have a sink, and on the sides - a refrigerator and stove. This option will be more convenient than the other two.

Island and Peninsular Kitchens

Island layout is characterized by the presence of a small "oasis", which comes forward, as if separated from the rest of the kitchen "mainland" left behind. On this symbolic island, you can place a plate, a working or dining area, a bar. The option is suitable for very large rooms and for combined apartments.

The "island" as if unites the two spaces into one and at the same time unobtrusively distinguishes it between the culinary platform and the remaining zones. The peninsular layout repeats the island in everything with one small exception: the island does not "detach" from the "mainland" completely, but connects with it from 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. Option ideally zones the kitchen into two areas: for cooking and for its reception. Both types of layouts are not suitable for small apartments. In the conditions of an island and peninsular kitchen, it is easy to organize a working triangle by placing one of its peaks (usually a slab) on an island.

Double row kitchen

Two-row or parallel layout is a popular option for walk-through rooms and rooms with an area of ​​more than 15 sq.m. Kitchen set is divided into two parts, which are located along opposite walls. With such a plan, it is easy to follow the rule of the working triangle: the sink and stove are placed on one side, and the refrigerator is on the other.

The kitchen takes up a lot of space and allows you to decompose in numerous storage systems a large number of utensils and kitchen trifles, build in household appliances. Of the shortcomings, only the difficulty of placing the dining area is noted. In a two-row kitchen, there is simply no room for it, although the area for eating can be taken out of the kitchen area, by slightly shortening the length of the headset. Such a solution requires thorough work on the project so that the design seamlessly complements each other.

Material for the manufacture of kitchen set

In the furniture complex for the kitchen, several materials are used at once, since its individual components are intended for different purposes. The elements of the kitchen set can be combined into the following groups:

  • Corps and facades.
  • Fittings.
  • Worktop (also known as work area).
  • Apron.

Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of various materials used by manufacturers.

Kitchen cabinet and facade

The body and facade of the kitchen is often made of wood or its derivatives (MDF, chipboard, chipboard). They are a good combination of quality and price. Most of the furniture from the budget category is made of MDF and chipboard.

Sheets are easy to cut, they can be given any (even complex) shape. Unfortunately, the material crumbles badly in sections. After installation of the entire structure, they are necessarily treated by sealing with special veneer tape. The technology of lamination and bonding of PVC film allows you to give the surface of the facades and the body any texture. Most often it imitates expensive woods.

In parallel with this, the film protects the surface from the aggressive microclimate of the kitchen. Unfortunately, chipboard and fibreboard can not be attributed to durable. Any furniture has its own service life, but in comparison with solid wood, it has a very short chipboard and MDF. Wood for the kitchen is used less and less.

Its cost is higher, but the furniture is more solid. To protect the facades, they are often covered with a layer of acrylic, plastic sheeting, or generally made of impact-resistant, tempered glass. It can be transparent or matte. If the glass is complemented by chrome elements, then such a set will ideally fit into the high-tech kitchen.

There is another mixed version for the fronts of the kitchen set, consisting of aluminum frames and inserts made of wood, MDF, glass, plastic. The metal "skeleton" provides the structure with strength and durability, but does not create additional loads, since the aluminum material is lightweight.

Table top

The top three materials, from which worktops, include:

  • Tree. Eco-friendly, stylish option that never goes out of style. Wood should be treated with special compounds that prevent its swelling and deformation during systematic contact with moisture and high temperatures.
  • Ceramic tile. Now this option is not used as often, but it is in perfect harmony with the apron from a similar material. If you choose a color with a difference of a couple of tones and a similar texture, then the tabletop and apron will become a single set in the kitchen.
  • Natural stone (marble, granite, quartz). These countertops will last a very long time. They are not afraid of absolutely nothing and will withstand any tests: heat, cold, high humidity, regular cleaning.

With a small margin from the leading trio located: stainless steel, artificial stone, glass, MDF, chipboard and plastic. They are not so durable (with the exception of glass and stainless steel), but at the same time please potential buyers with affordable prices.

Kitchen apron

Kitchen apron - the area of ​​the wall between the hinged and floor structures, which is covered with a special coating. The material should be easy to wash, withstand regular contact with household chemicals, do not respond to rising temperatures. As a rule, aprons stretch along the entire furniture complex, capturing the sink, work area and tile. These three areas are considered the dirtiest. Kitchen aprons are made using the following materials:

  • Ceramic tile. The undisputed leader of the list. “Quickly and for a long time” is her motto. The tile is not afraid of almost nothing, except for strong mechanical damage that can lead to splitting of the tile. A wide range of colors and textures allows you to choose the original version for your kitchen, which will be combined with the style of the room and the color palette of the headset.
  • Mosaic or mosaic tile. The material is made of ceramic, porcelain or stone, glass. It consists of numerous small modules, but is sold in an already assembled form on a grid-matrix. Mosaic tiles - strong, durable and reliable protection for the wall.
  • Metal. Aprons are made of stainless steel. She is not afraid of water, heat and cleaning products. The disadvantages of the material include only its "marco" - on the surface instantly remain fingerprints, fat droplets and water drips. A metal apron will have to be washed regularly.
  • Natural and artificial stone. Durable and durable materials. If you use natural granite or marble, it is better to choose the same countertop to match the set to look harmonious.
  • Glass. A transparent canvas will be an excellent protection for a “delicate” finish: wallpaper, photo collage, panorama. The material is not afraid of anything, except for abrasive cleaners, which will leave micro-scratches on the surface. Glass is the same brand as the metal. Requires frequent cleaning.

More rarely, for the apron use PVC panels and laminated MDF or chipboard. They will serve less ceramic tile or stone, but provide an opportunity for owners to partially change the design at no extra cost a couple of years after the repair.

Internal filling and accessories

Internal filling (in this case, dryers and trays) and small accessories (handles, hinges, shelf supports, angles) should be made of durable and reliable material. Metal is best suited for this role, but if we are talking about, for example, pens, other options can be considered here:

  • Tree.
  • Glass.
  • Plastic.
  • Any material with an extra coating of leather.

For dryers, pallets, corners, bolts, hinges, as a rule, choose stainless steel.

Style selection

The style of the kitchen is chosen solely on the basis of the preferences of the owners of the house. Any directions in the design are applicable for this room.

The popular styles include the following styles, to which is attached a short description of their characteristic features:

  • Loft. Brick, "threads" of communications, some metal and original lighting devices.
  • Scandinavian style. The combination of blue sky and snow white, glossy surfaces of the facades, glass and cold light.
  • Modern Restraint, minimal decor, smooth lines, rounded shapes, the original combination of stone, wood and glass or plastic.
  • Classic. Luxury, bright texture of wooden surfaces, ornate decor, stucco, massive chandelier, gilding and expensive textiles.
  • High tech. Steel, chrome surfaces, gloss, glass, cold light and a combination of gray, black, white in the color palette.

For cozy kitchens without a claim for luxury, the more simple and unobtrusive sub-directions of country (country style) are suitable: Russian, Spanish, Mediterranean (Greek), French Provence. Их всех объединяет использование натуральных материалов (дерево, металл) и целый комплекс приемов по состариванию поверхностей.

Сочетание цветов в кухонном пространстве

В оформлении кухни можно использовать любые цвета, но в определенных количествах. If we are talking about bright warm shades (red, orange, yellow), then they should be balanced with pastel tones. For cold colors (blue, blue, purple), it is better to choose warm notes as opposed to counterweight.

You need to combine colors according to one of the generally accepted principles:

  • Complementary. The combination of colors opponents in the circle of Itten.
  • Similar. Three colors are used that are adjacent to each other in the Itten circle.
  • Monochrome. One color from Itten’s circle and several shades of it are used.
  • The classic triad. A combination of three colors whose sectors become the vertices of a triangle inside the circle of Itten.
  • Classic tetrad. The colors are calculated according to a similar principle as in the triad, but using a rectangle, not a triangle.

If you decide to try your own way of combining colors, then keep in mind that designers do not recommend using more than seven shades in the interior. The more colors will be involved, the less bright they should be.

Location Tips

The selection of equipment and its placement is one of the stages of the kitchen arrangement process. The most important role is played by the tops of the working triangle consisting of a stove, a refrigerator and a sink.

The distance between the peaks should be between 1.2-2.7, and the sum of all sides of the triangle should fall in the range of 4-8 m. If this rule is neglected, then the kitchen will be closely, moving between three zones is inconvenient.

In addition to the working triangle, the kit of technical stuffing for the kitchen can include:

  • Hood, responsible for high-quality ventilation of the room. Located above the stove.
  • Microwave (oven, oven). It is located either in a special niche or in the corner of the tabletop.
  • Coffee maker (coffee machine), kettle. Usually placed on the countertop.
  • Food processors, blenders, toasters, steamers, bread makers. Usually they hide in niches and shelves of the headset.
  • Dishwasher. Embedded in the set and masked facade.

The kit can be complemented by other household appliances that the hostess uses, but the most massive ones have already been listed above, so for additional technical tweaks, a place is provided inside the headset on the shelves or in the boxes.

Lighting and lighting

The lighting system in the kitchen is divided into three zones:

  • Primary (ceiling lighting).
  • Working or local (lights above the table top).
  • Sometimes a third zone is added where decorative lighting is used. (Usually around the perimeter of the room, near the niches or along the contour of the furniture).

It is necessary to plan the lighting only after buying a kitchen unit. When all the furniture will be arranged, it is easier to calculate the correct location. Adjustable lighting - the last "beep" of interior fashion, so installing a dimmer will be a nice bonus. He will allow in the evenings to "turn off" the light, giving rest to tired eyes, and in the mornings, on the contrary, to make it brighter in order to cheer up.

For the kitchen, different types of lighting devices are used (overhead, tire, spotlights, LED lighting, ordinary incandescent lamps in chandeliers), the main thing is that they have a durable, moisture-resistant body.

Feng Shui in the kitchen

And now let us turn to the ancient Taoist practice, a set of rules for the harmonious design of the space through which the flow of qi energy flow freely. What does feng shui say about the kitchen interior? First of all, this premise symbolizes abundance and wealth, and even according to Taoist practice it is among the most important.

A big role is played by the location of the kitchen in relation to other rooms and the front door. It is clear that the owners of apartments do not have to choose, but those who are just starting to build their own house should be placed away from the hallway or hall. A person entering the house should not rest his eyes on the open kitchen from the threshold.

According to Feng Shui, this location contributes to the "leakage" of useful energy, which is responsible for well-being and prosperity. You can fix the situation: install doors or hang light curtains. Another option is to hang a bright decor in the hallway, which will draw attention to itself (picture, composition from ceramics on the table, mirror with lighting).

Feng Shui experts do not recommend zoning the kitchen using a podium. Variations in the height of the floor "cut" the flow of qi energy, like protrusions in a cascading waterfall, after which it "flows" chaotically. The popular idea of ​​using the podium to underline the dining area should also be abandoned. The kitchen should first of all coincide in levels exactly with the dining room.

The stove can not be placed next to the window, since its heat, symbolizing the welfare of the family, will "leak" into the street. Avoid using mirrored tiles and bulky ceilings (massive chandeliers). Bright, juicy red color of Feng Shui falls under the taboo for the kitchen. Do not litter the room. Ruthlessly get rid of unnecessary utensils, leaving only what is really used.

Conclusion

The design of the kitchen should take into account four components: color, lines and shapes, texture and light. These are the "whales" on which the art of design is based. If, when drafting a project, use this traditional recipe, season it with talent, add a couple of spoons of fantasy and a pinch of creativity, then the result will be an original dish. It may be slightly eclectic, extraordinary, unlike other "restaurant" masterpieces from the best chefs of the designer kitchen, but this culinary masterpiece will surely breathe warmth and comfort.

Watch the video: Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit. What You Need To Be A Better Chef (March 2024).

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