Arranging a kitchen from scratch is a responsible and entertaining business.
Designing a luxurious kitchen requires effort and financial investment. Adding sophistication to life is easy – you just need to worry about creating comfort and cosiness.
There are many attractive options for kitchen furniture on the market, but it is better to pay attention to fitted kitchens. Luxury kitchens that will please even the most demanding customers. Luxury is not necessarily expensive, but definitely practical.
Where to start planning your kitchen space?
Designers recommend taking a closer look at the appearance of the cladding in the kitchen, the design of future furniture and the size of the room as a whole. Here’s what to take care of:
- stylish furniture;
- luxury design;
- quality of materials;
- modern technology.
The kitchen should become a place, where family dinners and romantic evenings will be organised. By installing the ‘Smart Home‘ system, you can greatly facilitate the life of family members, making it more convenient and comfortable.
To design a kitchen space, the following important points should be considered:
- Ergonomics. It is about optimal placement of the active working area, household equipment, and other surfaces. The best ‘ergonomic’ concept is the ‘Triangle’, where the refrigerator, stove with oven and a sink are combined into one main zone.
- Rational planning. Take into account size of the room – in a limited quadrature it is important to arrange everything you need along one wall; if the room is large – it is better to use triangle tactics. With a corner kitchen, the most winning combination will be L-shaped planning.
- Trends. Choose the right kitchen, using effective tips. The headset palette depends on the size of the room. The larger the room, the less gloss; the smaller the space, the more matte shades. For small kitchens tiny details, mirrors, and reflective glossy surfaces are selected; for large ones – stylish bottle cabinets, matte steel gratings are suitable.
- Countertops and facades. Make a reasonable choice of products by familiarising yourself with the quality, durability, as well as the features of the materials:
- HPL-coated chipboard, made from several layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper, is a great option. Differs in a variety of colors and at a reasonable price.
- MDF, created from fibreboard, covered with laminated plastic, which is resistant to microorganisms. Has a wide palette.
- Solid wood, which belongs to eco-raw materials. Possesses the increased durability to moisture and mechanical deformations.
- Artificial stone is a practical, durable option that looks beautiful on the outside.
- Natural stone – it is about marble and granite, resistant materials from which luxury kitchen furniture is made. Ideal for a large luxurious kitchen.
- Steel is a material that is not suitable for every kitchen, because the surface leaves stains, fingerprints and loses its luster over time.
- Soft-touch is a coating that is considered a leader in terms of operational features. Differs in shock resistance, protection against deformations, innovative and attractive appearance.
Whichever kitchen is preferred, it will become stylish only when each element is selected individually and in accordance with new trends.
Rational approach to kitchen space planning
The key point is the design of places to store food, household utensils, as well as small and large appliances. Therefore, built-in furniture with retractable cabinets and numerous shelves, becomes a justifiable decision. Here are few tips from experts:
- with proper design of the kitchen, the height must be calculated – this is important for comfortable cooking on the countertop, so the product is made with a height of 15 centimeters below the chef’s elbow;
- working area should not be less than two metres, but if the kitchen is small, then it is better to replace the hob with a two-burner one, and hide small appliances in built-in or hanging niches;
- It is important to calculate the free space for the convenience of opening each door – for this it is necessary to calculate the distance based on European standards – it is 90 centimetres. Then the lockers can be opened freely;
- practical use of the upper closed modules and niches is possible if a person can reach the first shelf of the wall cabinet, and the installation of an additional retractable step from the bottom of the headset will be a modern solution;
- it is more correct to place the refrigerator, sink and stove at a distance of at least 130-270 centimeters from each other, because with one step you can reach the refrigerator, with the second – to the sink, and thanks to the third – to the stove or dishwasher.
Creating the perfect kitchen
Make an effort worth the layout and selection of furniture. Depending on the area, you can choose the location of the kitchen set, which is possible in a straight line, with an ‘island’ in the center, in the form of the letter ‘P’ or ‘L’.
Since household appliances really facilitate the cooking process, it is better to place them in a single area.
Lighting is another accent that transforms the space. Today, spotlights built into furniture are popular, as well as LED strips under wall cabinets above the countertop. In order for the kitchen to be called a ‘dream kitchen’, it is worth adding houseplants, fridge magnets, interesting and useful additional details that decorate the interior and bring aesthetic pleasure.
Particular attention is paid to the functional sink, which has a bottom valve that allows you to block the drain. It should also be large and next to a special wing pad for wet dishes. A dustbin is located below the sink, because this method of arrangement is the most functional and common.
What is important to consider?
Not forget about practicality, which is directly related to the choice of furniture. By choosing cupboards in two heights, tall and hanging top cabinets, you can save a lot of kitchen space. It’s up to good design – with the help of mirror gloss, timeless classics and even wooden finishes, you can visually expand the room.
3D planning is now widespread, thanks to which you can determine the location of all kitchen elements, colour schemes, furniture design, placement of appliances and even the selection of lighting. Therefore, the creation of a dream kitchen is more real than ever.
