The kitchen has long been not only a place where food is prepared, but also a cozy room for socializing with friends or gatherings with the whole family. Each hostess presents her in her own way. But what types of kitchens really exist, and how to design your own correctly so that it is truly comfortable and convenient in it?
Kitchen layouts
Planning is a rather complex issue that often causes controversy. Everyone sees it in their own way and it is very difficult to come to a universal version. It's good if the size of the room allows plenty of experimentation. And if the kitchenette is small, then you won’t particularly run away. Consider the basic requirements for the design of the premises and workspace.
- Rule of the golden triangle (in our case, it consists of a stove, refrigerator and sink, which should be located side by side).
- The distance from the stove to any work surface must be at least 40 cm.
- The ideal place for a refrigerator is the corner.
- The place of washing is determined first. And then the rest of the layout.
This is about the rules for the formation of a comfortable working area. And now consider the main types of kitchen layouts.
- Angular (L-shaped). A universal option for both large and small rooms, but it is still preferable in rooms with an area of 8 sq. m. This layout allows you to easily place all the necessary equipment and provide a sufficient number of jobs. Not suitable for narrow spaces.
- Linear (along the wall). Ideal for small kitchens, but leaves little choice for installing appliances. Only the bare minimum.
- Parallel (two rows). This option is used only in large kitchens, which are a walk-through (through) room, so we will not focus on it much.
- Circular (U-shaped). This layout is well suited for rooms ranging in size from 12 square meters. m and more. It is very convenient in terms of organizing the workspace, but you will have to dream up a lot with the dining area.
- Island. Only suitable for kitchens larger than 16 sq. m. In fact, this is a linear layout with a small extension (island) separately, the dimensions of which can vary from 1 to 2 meters in length.
- Peninsular. This option is well known as a kitchen with a breakfast bar. It is similar to the island, only the "island" here is part of the main cuisine.
Zoning
Unfortunately, in an apartment, it is rarely possible to separate the working area for cooking from the dining area. Increasingly, there are options when the kitchen is combined with the living room and divided into zones using various methods.
Furniture zoning is the easiest and mostconvenient. It is enough to visually separate the kitchen and the room with a small closet, shelves or at least a sofa so that the boundaries of the territory are visible, but the room remains intact and free.
Zoning using partitions is a more time-consuming method, because it requires a little repair and installation of a partition. Usually it is made of drywall with a height of 70 to 120 cm. It makes no sense to make it higher, because the "transparency" of the room is lost.
Zoning with light is a highly controversial technique that requires a referral to a specialist. On your own, you are unlikely to be able to correctly arrange the lighting. As a rule, a brighter light is installed in the work area, and an additional chandelier is hung over the dining room (ideally, movable so that it can be lowered above the table).
Zoning with podiums and ceilings is the most expensive of all options, which implies high-quality work of specialists. With the help of a podium (raising the floor), you can separate the working area from the dining area, and different ceiling heights can create the effect of separate rooms.
Design and theme
Of course, every housewife decorates the kitchen to her taste. There are many design options using different themes. We will look at the main types of cuisine styles that are popular always and everywhere. Of course, everyone can choose their own design. But before you decide, evaluate your capabilities and budget, consider the arrangement of furniture in the room, see what types of kitchens suit you, photos of the ones you especially likeit is better to demonstrate the options to the designer in order to create the perfect kitchen together.
Classic Cuisine
Strict and clear lines, discreet and unobtrusive shades, high functionality and rationality. This kitchen will last for many years and will never go out of style. But even the classics are different. Each designer uses different types of kitchen finishes. All types of classic kitchens involve the use of natural materials. Wooden cabinet doors, handles, walnut or oak finish. Kitchens made in black or dark brown are especially appreciated. As a rule, the classic is monotony, occasionally discreet patterns are used on textiles.
Country style
He is rustic, very popular lately and suitable for rooms of any size. If we talk about home types of kitchen design, then country is perhaps the most comfortable option. Light and warm shades, natural materials are somewhat reminiscent of the classics. However, the decorations on the furniture and the addition of the picture with various accessories make this style recognizable and unique. Even light scuffs and artificial antiquity look so harmonious here that it's hard to imagine this kitchen different.
Modern cuisine or high-tech
And this is the exact opposite of country style. There are no natural materials here and glass, metal and modern technologies rule the show. As a rule, all types of kitchens in this style are made in two contrasting colors using clear lines and ideal proportions. MainThe disadvantage of this design is its high cost. Yes, and the types of kitchen facades are far from suitable here.
Provence
We have covered the main types of cuisine, but that's not all. There is, for example, such a direction as Provence. These are soft light shades, thin and elegant furniture, a variety of fabrics and an abundance of house plants. Thanks to these little things, these types of modern cuisine are very cozy and comfortable.
Additional design
Finish is selected based on design and features. But it is worth remembering that in the design it is important to pay attention not only to the materials from which the kitchen and furniture are made, but also to details such as curtains, lamps and lamps, various accessories, whether it is a basket with artificial fruits or a vase of flowers. Each such trifle creates coziness in the kitchen and allows you to work without irritation even for a long time in a row.
Kitchen Materials
When ordering furniture, it is important to consider all the details. Carefully read what types of kitchen materials the manufacturer can offer, because it depends on this how long it will last you. There are many options:
- natural materials (MDF, chipboard, solid wood);
- semi-natural (PVC coated MDF);
- artificial (plastic, metal).
The choice depends not only on the size of the wallet, but also on what design you have chosen, because all types of kitchens have their own unique material selection criteria.
Furnishing
In addition to the work area, stove and refrigerator, it is extremely important to think about how to arrange the rest of the furniture. A dining area, additional tables, a high chair - all this must be determined in advance in its place.
For small kitchens, use small square tables and a few (2-3) easy-to-slide chairs. If the area allows, you can install a large round table in the center. In any case, it is important that the furniture not only harmoniously fit into the design, but also be comfortable.
Kitchen appliances
Any kitchen requires appliances. For example, both a dishwasher and a modern electric kettle and microwave will fit into high-tech. But the classics require a certain restraint, so a multi-colored trash can or a bright pink stove will hardly be appropriate there. Otherwise, there are no restrictions, because modern appliances are so diverse in design that they are suitable for all main types of cuisine.
Proper lighting
Lighting is a very important part of design. Firstly, it is necessary to think over the location of the fixtures in advance in order to make the wiring, since not all types of kitchens involve any changes in this regard. Here are some tips to help you avoid mistakes when choosing kitchen lighting.
- Plan the location of fixtures and sockets in advance, but not before the kitchen design project is ready. This is important, because the lamps should be clearly above the work areas, but there is no need for additional light above the stove.
- One lamp for allthe kitchen is the biggest mistake. Of course, in Soviet times this was considered enough, but today progress has stepped far forward. Of course, overhead lighting should be present, but it is extremely important that there are additional light sources for work areas.
- The lack of the ability to adjust the light is also a gross mistake. Think over your design so that you can turn on the lighting individually, for example, just above a table or work area. It will also help you save on your electricity bills.
How to create the perfect kitchen? Tips
The ideal kitchen is not only about beautiful design, but also about convenience. Therefore, it is important to take into account all the nuances during the creation of the project.
- See what types of cuisines are right for you. You can get photos of various layouts from the designer or look at thematic resources.
- Consider ahead of time what is important to you, such as where you want to place the refrigerator or close any wall defect.
- Think about what kind of kitchen appliances you plan to install, because it affects not only the size and layout of the kitchen set, but also the number and location of outlets. It would be sad if the kettle or oven were left without electricity, right?
- Remember the golden triangle rule. All the most necessary items should be nearby, ideally at arm's length. That is, standing at the sink, you must reach out to the cupboard, in which the plates andmugs, as well as to the stove on which the soup boils.
- If you have a small kitchen area, do not clutter it up with various accessories and massive furniture. But competent lighting and color choice will help visually expand the room and create the illusion of space.
- Many people neglect the hood over the stove, believing that it only clutters up the space and does not bring any benefit. And in vain, because it is very important. Firstly, it is getting rid of odors and temperature. Secondly, it increases the service life of the kitchen, because together with the steam, particles of fat rise up, which are very difficult to wash from surfaces, especially old ones.
- Don't install the TV in the kitchen. Of course, many housewives will now be outraged. After all, after a hard day's work, you have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to cook dinner for the family and make preparations for breakfast. Why not combine business with pleasure? In fact, TV not only distracts from cooking, but also from the dinner itself. It has long been proven that watching programs or movies and eating at the same time is a direct path to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and, as a result, to obesity. Watching cartoons while eating is especially dangerous for children, because in this way you provoke a change in their eating behavior from an early age.
Now you know what the different types of cuisine are called, and these simple tips will help you create a truly perfect one that will last for many years and will please the eye. For a good hostess, it is important that everything is at hand, and the house is warm.and comfort. After all, it is much more pleasant to drink tea in the comfortable kitchen with your family than in front of the TV in the living room.
