Dom.by magazine has long convinced its readers that own apartments They are not only owners, but also designers. Any color and texture has a different effect on space, and we regularly reveal these secrets to you. But there are requirements, without which visual aesthetics will not give you pleasure. This is the knowledge that the experts will share with us.
Which material to choose?
The material you choose for your kitchen set will determine how long and faithfully your kitchen will serve you. Alexander commented on the features of the most popular materials,"Etalonstyle":
Tree- environmentally friendly and the most expensive material, but its high cost justifies. Firstly, it is resistant to mechanical stress, and secondly, it is durable. Products made from pine and birch are considered a budget option, while walnut, oak and beech are valued higher. The kings among wood species are mahogany and rosewood. However, these materials also have disadvantages: the appearance of the front side of the tree may suffer from knots, internal voids (the so-called “twists”) or cracks. Another weakness of natural material is intolerance to moisture, which chipboard copes with better as an example. To summarize: wood is a high-quality material, but it is worth purchasing it only if your financial condition can easily bear such costs.
Chipboard (chipboard)- a leader among materials for cabinet furniture. Due to its increased moisture resistance, ultra-lightness and fire resistance, chipboard can be used in a variety of conditions: it is perfect for both the office and the home, even the bathroom high humidity and regular temperature changes will not detract from the advantages of the material. Among other things, chipboard is considered an economical option, which means it won’t hit your pocket hard. Although it does have a drawback: from the name of the slab it is clear that it consists of sawdust and wood shavings, all of which is bound by formaldehyde resins, which in turn are dangerous to humans. Of course the level negative influence is determined by the concentration of evaporation, but it would not be worth placing chipboard in children's rooms. Environmental standards divide the material into 2 classes - E1 and E2. The first group is characterized by greater environmental friendliness, the second has less stringent requirements. Note to buyers: Japanese manufacturers have the most stringent requirements for these indicators.
Laminated chipboard (LDSP)- the same plate, covered with a specially treated paper-resin film. This coating can imitate the texture, color and pattern of various types of wood and other materials, therefore choice of chipboard very rich. The material is also resistant to mechanical damage and is not afraid of boiling coffee pots and hot steam, but, of course, within reasonable limits. The disadvantages are similar to ordinary chipboard: formaldehyde fumes and the impossibility of fine processing of the material.
Fiberboard (fibreboard) or the so-called hardboard - these are the back walls kitchen cabinets, bottoms of drawers in economy class furniture. Fiberboard is essentially compressed cellulose fibers, synthetic polymers, special additives and water. The material has a characteristic “mesh” texture. Fiberboard has good thermal insulation properties, the price and service life are good, but it does not tolerate moisture. In addition, the material is considered “consumable” and is used for “rough” work.
MDF- also a fibreboard, but of medium density, as indicated by the abbreviation (Medium Density Fiberboard). This variety is characterized by better properties, which means it has a wider range of applications. Another advantage of MDF is that a very small amount of formaldehyde is used in its creation, so that the environmental friendliness practically reaches the natural level. In addition, the texture of MDF is more uniform. This expands the possibilities of use: the slabs are actively used for finishing walls, ceilings, and floors. This material is actually twice as strong as chipboard and withstands moisture and thermal changes better. The cost of MDF is no less pleasing, but since this market in Belarus is not particularly developed, the material increases in price precisely on the territory of our republic.
"Etalonstil" company
Yulia Sergina, designer of kitchen furniture at the furniture salon “YOUR HOME”, spoke in more detail about the use of certain materials in interiors of various styles:
In order to choose facade material for the kitchen, you need to understand what you want to get, what properties are important to you in furniture and what appearance it should have.
Natural wood facades - required condition to create a kitchen in classic and country styles. Another material simply will not allow you to create decor, boxes and all those features that customers love so much in furniture of these styles. Solid wood is durable, gives the furniture a cozy feel and modern processing very practical and prestigious.
MDF can be coated with paint, veneer and plastic. Painted MDF has the most shades compared to other materials. If a special color is critical to you, this is the best solution. It can withstand high temperatures and humidity, but is more susceptible to scratches than plastic. In this façade you can make internal cutters different shapes and design a kitchen in a neo-classical style.
The metal frame is very durable and also allows you to work with non-standard sizes. Aluminum is absolutely not afraid of moisture and high temperatures, and is combined with a variety of materials, which is relevant today. However, there are also disadvantages: the price of an aluminum profile is much higher than average. Add to this special fasteners and you can forget about budget. In addition, aluminum is a rather soft material, which means scratches can be left on it not only by your children, but also by abrasive detergents. Speaking of care: aggressive detergents will leave a white coating on the surface.
To summarize, we can classify solid aluminum profiles as not the most practical. To confirm this, here is the opinion of our expert Yulia Sergina, designer of kitchen furniture at the furniture salon “YOUR HOME”:
Steel profiles for framing facades are used extremely rarely. The main reason is the high price. But you can’t do without them if you choose plastic with a special effect for your kitchen facades. You simply cannot find a suitable PVC edge for processing the ends of the facade. I consider finishing the ends of the tabletop with aluminum impractical.
Salon "YOUR HOME"
How tall will your kitchen be?
The height of the kitchen wall varies from 500 to 600 mm and depends on the width of the countertop, the height of the customer and the height of the ceilings in the room. Any other height will be inconvenient to use. The height of the floor part depends on the mechanisms and equipment that is built into it and ranges from 860 to 950 mm and is adjusted to the client’s height. It changes mainly due to the height of the base and the height of the table top. Do not forget that a kitchen is a product that consists of a huge number of elements, and therefore has a strict unification. A custom-made kitchen is a kitchen made from standard elements and individually selected.
Fittings and accessories
Most buyers consider kitchen fittings only auxiliary material, and therefore they are trying to save money on it. Meanwhile, a variety of hooks, handles, loops and much more are the key to the ease of use of a kitchen set. In order not to encounter drawer jamming, hinges rattling and other mechanical problems, you should take the choice of fittings seriously. What other parting words will the experts give us?
Modern manufacturers make sure that the kitchen space is ergonomic. Thus, the useful space strives for maximum utilization. Corner sections under sinks, for example, are equipped with retractable mechanisms or “carousels”. The development is very useful, but not the most relevant for Belarusians, since the corner combined cabinet in this case must be empty and at least 1050 mm. In apartment projects, of which there are most of them in Minsk, this drawer houses the sink and drains, which makes it impossible to have any mechanism in it. Containers for sorting waste almost always have a small volume. These and many other elements are offered by the manufacturer or designer as needed or requested by the customer.
Among other kitchen bells and whistles is an anti-drip groove - a polymer sticker in the form of a tape on the underside of the countertop. Most often from postforming. It makes it possible to trap drops of water under the countertop so that they can be wiped away. This ensures that there is no moisture on the inside of the postform and is inexpensive. This solution is standard for German manufacturers.
Mechanical subtleties: how will the drawers be pulled out?
Any kitchen set today is equipped with a “turn-on” device. Thanks to this mechanism, retractable drawers promise to last longer and be quieter. Agree, the ability to push a box and hear it smoothly settle into place Right place, seduces. At the same time, some mechanisms allow the drawers to extend by 75%, others - completely. But why does this depend and what is more convenient?
The main type of furniture fittings are guides. They can be roller or ball. There are also metabox and tandembox systems. Drawer extension along these guides can be of two types: partial and full. Of course, the second option allows you to use the entire volume of the shuffle as efficiently as possible.
The most economical option is roller guides. One of the elements here is attached to the side of the cabinet, and the second - to the bottom of the drawer itself. This system is designed for no more than 10 kg.
"Etalonstil" company
In turn, ball bearings provide movement in ball guides. These elements are usually made of steel, so they are more wear-resistant. Ball guides are often equipped with telescopic full extension mechanisms and protect the system from rolling out. Their load-bearing capacity varies from 15 to 40 kg (the figure depends on the width of the guides). From our point of view, this is the optimal choice for furniture. In our furniture we mainly use this type of guides.
As for meta- and tandem boxes, these systems are characterized by the most technologically advanced mechanisms and can withstand up to 50 kg, but their prices are much higher. A drawer with a metabox system, for example, has only a front, back wall and the bottom, while the drawer itself becomes the side of the drawer. Tandem boxes are also not afraid of lateral loads.
What is the conclusion? Yulia Sergina, designer of kitchen furniture at the furniture salon “YOUR HOUSE”, advises:
In order to choose a retractable mechanism, you need to know what size drawer you are going to pull out. Deciding on a suitable system is the task of a kitchen furniture designer. The wider and higher the casing, the more complex and expensive the mechanism.
Now the tabletop
This element of the kitchen set is most often chosen based on aesthetic considerations - color, texture. Meanwhile, the tabletop will work area, which means it must be adapted to the appropriate actions. Here is what Yulia Sergina, designer of kitchen furniture at the furniture salon “YOUR HOME”, said about the features of the most popular materials:
Postforming is the most common material for countertops, as it is practical, has a variety of decors and a very reasonable price. Thickness - from 28 to 60 mm.
The typesetting board (wood) is relevant only in some styles of your furniture. It is important that the manufacturer guarantees that the tabletop will not change its size and shape during use. Wood is a living material and must be properly dried, joined and processed.
Table top made of of stainless steel used by European factories. If this is provided for by the model and you like it, go ahead.
Natural stone has more negative properties than positive ones. Today, natural stone is mostly replaced by artificial stone. Thus, acrylic artificial stone has excellent plasticity, looks good, and can have a complex shape in the product. You can have a sink that mounts under or connects to the countertop. The main problem of this material: due to its composition, it is easily scratched, and it has a high cost. Although it can be sanded later. Quartz (composite) artificial stone has a variety of colors and excellent operational properties. Suitable for solving complex problems and for open worktop elements. Does not scratch, withstands heat and looks great.
Sink: which material to choose?
Sinks are also different and each of them reacts differently to water and detergents. What is most popular among buyers in Belarus?
Yulia Sergina, designer of kitchen furniture at the furniture salon “YOUR HOUSE”:
Metal sinks are not losing their positions. Great for modern furniture. Ideally, the reference should contain 18% nickel and 10% chromium. In addition, they use a glass frame and various surface coatings. These sinks are hygienic and are produced by all manufacturers in the world. They have a very varied price from 150 USD. up to 2,000 USD
Composite sinks are especially suitable for classic kitchens. Composites have sufficient strength and are resistant to chemical influences and can withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees Celsius. Price from 200 USD up to 2,000 USD
Ceramic sinks are very rarely used in Belarus due to the price. Expensive! Made from natural raw materials. They can withstand high temperatures, are resistant to shocks and scratches, and are practically impervious to household chemicals. The number of factories specializing in the production of ceramic sinks is not large. Price from 600 USD up to 3000 USD
Salon "YOUR HOME"
4. Accessories.
5. Facades.
Alexander adds:"Etalonstyle".
What if you plan to move soon after purchasing a kitchen?
On this issue, the opinions of our experts absolutely agree: if you have no idea what an assembly diagram is, it is better to immediately entrust this matter to specialists. A professional knows everything about furniture: about materials, about manufacturers, and about how to handle this or that furniture. But, if you decide to disassemble and assemble everything yourself, then you need to do everything carefully and slowly. Although dismantling makes sense only if the new room matches the kitchen design project.
Salon "YOUR HOME"
What is the minimum price that those wishing to purchase a new kitchen should expect?
Alexander,"Etalonstyle":
Based on the prices of our company, the average price varies from 11 to 13 million BYN. rubles Such a kitchen will be made from Polish Kronopol laminated chipboard without the use of multiplex (melamine) gluing on the ends; everything will be covered with PVC edges. At this price we offer film facades and facades made of Kronopol or EGGER chipboard (Germany). The fittings, both external and internal, will be of good quality economy class.
Yulia Sergina, designer of kitchen furniture at the furniture salon “YOUR HOUSE”:
You need to remember one simple thing: the price of kitchen furniture depends on its volume and customer requirements. If you are ready to carefully think about the information provided by the designers, draw clear conclusions and adjust your requirements, you will get the kitchen at the price that suits you. The cost of custom-made kitchens in Belarus ranges from 1,500 USD. up to 50,000 USD
For homeowners with small financial resources, the question of how to choose a kitchen set is not too complicated - they purchase a ready-made kitchen at an affordable price. Those who have the finances to fully implement their ideas have a more difficult time - the set must match the color scheme of the walls, ceilings, floors, or vice versa.
In addition, it is necessary to design the entire kitchen in the same design style, otherwise expensive furniture and the finishing materials in the complex will look ugly, and the funds will actually be wasted.
The designer will help prepare a future room project using its dimensions
That is why many wealthy homeowners, not trusting their own taste, prefer to use the services of designers. But you shouldn’t exaggerate the role of the designer - in case of kitchen renovation and choosing a kitchen set, you can do it yourself.
This will not only save money, but will also allow you to get rid of the imposition of someone else’s opinion, and refuse the dubious services of trading and furniture companies, with which designers often have friendly, mercantile relations.
Primary requirements
When deciding how to choose the right kitchen set, take into account the following aspects:
Aesthetics
All family members spend a considerable part of their free time in the kitchen; the housewife prepares food - the beautiful appearance of the kitchen will improve everyone’s mood.
Functionality
A large number of cabinets will help hide utensils and accessories, making the room more minimalistic
The kitchen houses greatest number home appliances: dishwashers and washing machines, ovens and hobs, microwave ovens - all these devices should be placed in the kitchen set as conveniently as possible for the housewife. The set must contain all the dishes used for cooking, cutlery and other accessories. You need a place for a trash can and storage of unwashed vegetables used on the farm.
Ease of use
In addition to the visual appearance, the kitchen should be comfortable; the location of all elements can be provided by the designer
Kitchen furniture should be easy to use and installed correctly; the well-known triangle rule: refrigerator - sink - stove, in which these items are located in the kitchen at a short distance from each other, must be observed. The layout should be such as to ensure convenience when cooking, cleaning and eating; all doors should not interfere with each other when opening.
Durability
When choosing a kitchen made from cheap materials, you get an option when it will last no more than 10 years, while at the same time, more expensive high-quality material for a kitchen set can increase this period by 2 times. Savings with a cheap option are also questionable from the point of view that expensive kitchens are more convenient to use and look more aesthetically pleasing.
Selecting the headset in the correct sequence
To get a decent final result without the help of expensive specialists, you must follow a certain sequence of actions when choosing a headset.
Style selection
There are styles that haven’t become boring yet, visually they look fresh
For a kitchen to look aesthetically pleasing and harmonious, it is impossible to do without implementing it in a single design style. Its full implementation is the ultimate goal of any kitchen renovation.
Choosing a style to suit your taste is quite simple - you can look at pictures on the Internet and descriptions for them.
The most common design styles in the kitchen are:
- Classic. It assumes unobtrusive color schemes for decoration and furniture that do not irritate the eyes, which is the key to its longevity. For the material of the kitchen set it is used natural wood light breeds. The main colors are beige, light or with a brown tint like walnut or cherry.
- Provence. Style that creates home comfort and warmth, made in light colors with an abundance of decorative elements and house plants. Impractical wooden furniture in this style is replaced by inexpensive kitchen furniture (laminated chipboard) with a light wood look, which makes it generally accessible. To give furniture lightness and elegance, consistent with the Provence style, glass inserts or metal trim are often built into its facades.
- High tech. It has clear, precise lines, is distinguished by the absence of natural materials, the main preference is given to glass and metal. It is successfully combined with all open surfaces of kitchen appliances and a large number of them, for the installation of which it is designed. The style is quite fashionable, its implementation is not cheap, the color range is limited to one primary color and a contrasting color.
- Modern. Convenient and practical style without interfering accessories, all household appliances are built into the kitchen set. The range of colors is quite wide, but it requires careful selection of color combinations. Lighting plays a very important role in this style; it is usually implemented in the form spotlights above the top of the kitchen unit or LED strip in the work area.
The styles of minimalism, loft, fusion, rustic, industrial, art deco, ethno, country, eclecticism, etc. are used less frequently when decorating a kitchen, so you can always stand out from the rest of the crowd by using one of them in the kitchen.
Color selection
Although many design styles impose certain restrictions on the color scheme, you need to know how to choose the right color for your kitchen set.
- No more than two colors are used in the set, and the upper kitchen cabinets should be lighter than the lower cabinets.
- Kitchen furniture in calm colors requires the use of more bright walls conversely, with contrasting furniture, it is better to use calm neutral colors for wall decoration.
- You can determine which color in a monochromatic kitchen goes well with others using compatibility tables.
- When determining how to choose a set for a small kitchen, it is assumed that it should be made in light colors that increase the space with a glossy surface of the facades.
- Using a kitchen window sill next to the countertop will increase its working area, while saving kitchen space.
- It is better to place the sink in a special corner cabinet to avoid cluttering the work surface of the table.
- The most acceptable option in a small kitchen is a round sink with one bowl; it takes up less space compared to a square one with the same efficiency.
- If, when calculating the kitchen, a small space (about 20 cm) remains free, it can be used to place a bottle holder - a pull-out cabinet with a row of horizontal shelves.
- A dining table in any kitchen inefficiently takes up a large space; in a small kitchen it can be made in the form of a cabinet with a protruding tabletop with cabinets for storing dishes, forks and spoons, and a bread bin.
- For the most convenient use of lower kitchen cabinets, roll-out drawers should be used.
- To save space, it is better to place hanging cabinets near the ceiling.
Taking measurements
A kitchen set made up of separate modules does not require complex measurements - all you need to do is know the length of the kitchen walls. Ready-made modular kitchens are available in standard sizes; when installing them, there is usually free space.
Accuracy of measurements is required when making a custom-made headset; the slightest deviation can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and call a full-time surveyor. If you decide to do it yourself, you should take the following measurements:
- The distance between the walls, from the corners to the door, the dimensions of all protrusions.
- The height of the kitchen is from floor to ceiling.
- Dimensions of all windows and doors, overlap areas when they are opened.
- Indicate in the plan ventilation water and sewer pipes, sockets and switches.
- Measure all built-in household appliances.
Layout
The layout should be drawn on paper, you can take graph paper or a sheet in a box, taking one box as a distance of 10 cm. The main condition when planning a set is the location of the stove, refrigerator and sink close to each other, based on this you should draw up a drawing.
- It is preliminarily determined with household appliances whether they will be built-in, free-standing or located in the upper sections of the kitchen cabinet.
- The kitchen layout begins with a corner sink, marking on paper the space planned for it. If the kitchen is corner, then it is more practical to install a sink under the sink in a corner on two walls; in this case, its sides will be shorter than that of a regular straight sink. Typically, under the sink there is a trash can, household cleaners and detergents, and containers for storing vegetables.
- To the right or left of the sink, if there is one, a dishwasher or washing machine.
Location dishwasher is determined as follows: if you are right-handed, then the dishwasher is installed to the left of the sink, if you are left-handed - to the right.
- Next to the sink there should be a cooking area with a storage area for kitchen utensils and small household appliances necessary to help in cutting food (knives, hatchets, boards, coffee grinders, mixers, etc.).
- The next element according to the triangle rule should be a hob or refrigerator. If the kitchen is corner, then most often a hob with an oven is installed in the kitchen set along the long front wall, and a refrigerator along the short one. In the case of a direct kitchen, only a built-in or free-standing hob with oven is installed.
- Next, along a straight wall, if space allows, a refrigerator is placed, otherwise another lower cabinet.
- The dining group is located away from the cooking area on the opposite wall.
Wall cabinets with a standard height of about 75 cm should be placed in an area of easy access; for short people, fashionable designs with facades rising upward should be avoided - a stool may be needed to return them to their original state.
Tabletop and facade material
Each material will have its own approach when visualizing the room
When deciding which material is best to choose for the facades of the lower cabinets of kitchen units, you should take into account that they are covered with a countertop, and the upper ones are practically not exposed to water and mechanical stress. Therefore, even the cheapest laminated chipboard and MDF, which have a wide range of textures and colors, last for quite a long time. Less practical and expensive glass, metal, and plastic are rarely used in facades.
When making a custom-made kitchen set, you can choose an apron made from the material of the countertop - this solves the problem of protecting the walls and giving the set an aesthetic appearance.
Handles, as well as the material, should fit the overall style
It is important to choose the right handles for kitchen furniture, which, along with their functional purpose, perform decorative functions, they are produced by the manufacturer in various types:
- Ring handles made of coated metal with a noble, elegant shape look harmonious and beautiful in classic-style kitchens on wooden facades.
- Sink handles made of metal or plastic with carved surfaces look elegant in any type of kitchen.
- Knobs or drop handles are the least convenient to use and are more designed to give the kitchen set an exclusive appearance.
- Pull handles are the most practical and reliable, they are leaders in use in kitchen sets, and have a wide range of colors and shapes used in the manufacture of materials. Gold handles with porcelain inserts go well with classic furniture; they also suit the Provence style. High-tech presupposes the presence of roof rails - long, massive aluminum brackets of vertical or horizontal arrangement; they are suitable for the modern and minimalist style.
- Built-in handles are not really handles, but recesses in the facade panel.
The kitchen for any family is the most important part of the home and a favorite place for communication. We spend quite a lot of time there: we have breakfast, just talk over a cup of coffee or tea, cook soup or bake a delicious cake, discuss current affairs, and most importantly, we gather there with the whole family. It’s not for nothing that they say that the kitchen is a treasured place, since for a man it is a magical place where delicious food is prepared, and women see it as a workshop for their culinary delights.
And now the moment has come when you plan to purchase new kitchen. Nowadays, ordering it is not a problem – you can find anything you want on the market. But even here there are pitfalls. After all, our favorite kitchen should not only be practical, convenient and rational, but also aesthetic, beautiful and comfortable.
How to choose the right high-quality and practical kitchen so that the furniture in it does not restrict movement and pleases the eye with its appearance?
When choosing a kitchen you need to be guided by the following.1. Measurements. Be sure to take measurements of the room: - accurately measure the area and “useful” perimeter, the height of the room, the length of the window sill, the segment between the window sills and the floor, the length of the walls in the kitchen, etc. Record your results.
2. What do you need a kitchen for? Gather a family council and discuss the following questions: how much kitchen furniture you plan to buy, and what kind. Think for yourself for what purpose you are purchasing new kitchen furniture and other kitchen elements. For example, if you have a large family, then the kitchen should be very functional and spacious, with a well-designed work area, with wide passages between interior elements. But if you don’t particularly like to cook and are buying a kitchen “for beauty,” then you can get by with only its most basic elements.
3. Appliances. Be sure to decide which Appliances you will buy for the kitchen (maybe the old ones will still serve). Will they be built-in, combined or “open”.
4. Layout and functionality. Decide for yourself in what order your kitchen furniture, stove, refrigerator, sink, etc. will be placed. Common layout options are the letter “P” (along 3 walls), the letter “G” (corner), the letter “I” (in a row ), "island" or "peninsula". This is very important for the functionality of the kitchen space. In particular, for small kitchen spaces the most rational configuration would be to arrange the furniture “in the corner”. For too narrow rooms It is better to place furniture and appliances in a row, while for large areas a layout in the shape of the letter “P” or the so-called island placement with a stove in the center or with a peninsula in the form of a bar counter is acceptable. Think about what order the interior elements will appear in. For example, you can use the well-known rule of a working kitchen triangle with storage, washing and cooking areas. In other words, the refrigerator comes first, then the plumbing, then the stove, and between them you need to “squeeze” at least half a meter of countertop. The distance between zones should be at least 1.2 m, but not exceed 2.7-2.8 m. It is best to schematically transfer the plan of your future kitchenette onto a “checkered” sheet of paper, outlining its dimensions and the location of the main interior elements. Then it will be easier to consult with the designer. Also in this regard, it is important to decide whether it will be a kitchen-dining room, just a kitchen, or even a kitchen-studio.
5. Style and color scheme. Be sure to decide on the color of the kitchen, as well as the style of the interior: will it be a classic room design with a little gilding, a light kitchen, a modern set with a light painted facade, modern minimalism or a sophisticated urban option. The most common style solutions for the kitchen are modern modern and solid classics, less often there is a rural country style or metal-glass high-tech. Coordinate the color scheme. Try not to choose a color that is too bright, too saturated, too contrasting or too dark. The color should match the mood.
For example, shades of bright red, although they can be irritating, cause a surge of appetite, while dark blue, on the contrary, suppresses it. Neutral shades of green, blue, gray, yellow, pink, as well as various light white shades are good for kitchens. Avoid too many designs and patterns. If the kitchenette is small, try to ensure that it is well lit, and the color of the set is light. If the room gets too hot, choose cooler tones: green, blue, gray. When the room is relatively cool, it is on north side or simply not lit enough, on the contrary, choose pastel shades - (pink, lemon, peach and other similar tones).
6. Material. Today, quite a lot of materials are used for kitchen furniture, the main ones being wood, chipboard, MDF, glass, aluminum and even stone. For example, for the facade of a kitchen unit in this regard we can distinguish:
- Chipboard is the cheapest material, but has a much shorter service life. It has little practicality, and it is better to buy it in an aluminum frame. Make sure that the chipboard is made from environmentally friendly materials;
- MDF film and laminated - average budget, costs 10-15% more than chipboard, has a very decent service life, good quality, moisture resistant, but is afraid of mechanical stress, loves proper care (quite delicate material). Painted MDF is a very beautiful material, with increased practicality, but it is also afraid of impacts. MDV is very suitable for modern kitchens;
- Natural solid wood - alder, ash, oak - a more expensive material (costs on average 15-20% more than MDF). High functionality, very beautiful material, increased strength. Wary of too humid rooms, sensitive to temperature changes, may begin to deform. So-called Scandinavian kitchens are made entirely of wood, which are impregnated with special compounds;
- Multiplex (multilayer glued wood) is more heat and moisture resistant than wood and is not subject to deformation, which is actually a more practical option than the previous one;
- Plastic facades are very durable, but plastic is not a natural material, it is advisable to buy it in an aluminum frame;
- “Metal + glass” is a modern, fashionable option! Along the front of the facade there is wear-resistant metal (aluminum or steel), and the shelves and cabinet doors are made of special glass. Although such a kitchen is expensive, it will last a very long time, it is not afraid of impacts and can withstand a lot of weight.
As for the countertops, here you can pay attention to materials such as:
- cheaper plastic with a chipboard base;
- wooden countertops (laid board);
- material made of laminated MDF (a good option in terms of price-quality ratio, material: heat-resistant, moisture-resistant and easy to clean);
- special tempered glass (very durable, comfortable, beautiful, not afraid of high temperatures, but quite expensive);
- synthetic stone, for example, Corian (this interesting material is very durable and non-toxic, resistant to chemicals);
- artificial stone (heat-resistant, lighter than natural stone, very practical and durable);
- countertops made of natural stone (granite, marble, etc., it’s different here: the same granite is the most durable and heat-resistant, not afraid of acids, while marble, although not afraid of heat, has a porous structure, which can lead to the appearance of grease and wine stains).
7. Internal structure and accessories. Plan so that the kitchen has all the necessary drawers for dishes, pots, etc. Provide, if necessary, open shelves with sockets or niches with louvered doors (for example, for a microwave or toaster). Consider whether you will store food supplies (cereals, seasonings, etc.) in the kitchen; if not, then reduce the number of cabinets. What about a minibar or at least a horizontal bottle holder? Think about whether you will order “additional options” and accessories - a variety of drawers, niches with dividers or double bottoms, wall rails for hanging dishes, auxiliary sections, baskets, cabinets, etc. You can order “carousel shelves”, board-tables with additional pull-out trays for dishes, door closing mechanisms and much more. Be sure to check how much weight a particular structure can support!
8. Accessories. Traditionally, fittings for kitchen furniture are made of plastic, aluminum, steel, wood and some other materials. Kitchen fittings should be reliable and easy to use. For example, for handles it is best to order metal chrome, nickel or satin fittings, which will last much longer. It is advisable to abandon plastic handles - they peel off and become deformed after 2-3 years.
9. Market analysis. Be sure to do some “reconnaissance” on the Internet. Go to the websites of furniture manufacturers or stores, look at the appearance of kitchens, read about prices and compare them, study customer reviews.
10. Family budget. Calculate for yourself how much money you can allocate to the kitchen. Will it be a purchase on credit or a one-time order. Remember that when purchasing a kitchen, the price does not include the cost of delivery and refilling of shelves various devices. A variety of accessories are also available separately. It is clear that household kitchen appliances also not included in the price. In addition, the market often offers “average” prices based on 1 linear meter kitchens, while the cost of the final order may significantly change upward. These points should be clarified with the sellers or the manufacturing company.
11. Preliminary inspection. Then everything needs to be viewed “live”. Visit several selected salons and talk to consultants. Yes, take with you your sketch plan with dimensions and location - as a rule, in showrooms you can model your kitchen set on a computer for free and calculate its cost, taking into account all additional options. Under no circumstances should you contact companies that do not have an office or a permanent separate sales location.
12. Life time. The service life of your kitchen directly depends on the quality of materials and workmanship of the kitchen itself. The spread between years is quite wide, but we can give averages:
- Italian cuisines – 20-25 years;
- German kitchen furniture 15-20 years;
- Scandinavian kitchens – 10-15 years;
- Czech cuisines – up to 10 years;
- Russian typefaces 5-10 years.
13. Where to buy household appliances. Decide for yourself how best to buy household appliances for your new kitchen:
- household appliances can be picked up in the same store as the furniture (if possible). The advantage of this option is that household appliances and furniture fit together perfectly;
- equipment can be purchased separately - in a specialized market. The main advantage here is that you can save money, but the main thing is to guess the size.
That's basically it. Good luck choosing your new kitchen!
The question “How to choose a kitchen and decorate the kitchen space?” worries every housewife (owner) who wants to make it functional, ergonomic and stylish. This can be ensured by a properly selected or custom-designed kitchen set in combination with well-chosen household appliances, plumbing fixtures and professional finishing of walls, floors, and ceilings.
What does a modern kitchen consist of?
The furniture frame to which the facades and tabletop are attached. Cabinets are almost always made from chipboard. This is a fairly wear-resistant and durable material at an affordable price.
Doors set. A decorative part of furniture that determines its primary color. Materials: wood, chipboard, MDF. The latter are coated with plastic, Alvic Luxe, films, enamel.
Tabletop
The working surface of the tables into which the sink and hob cut into. Made from plastic, artificial or natural stone. Much less often - made of wood, tiles, stainless steel.
A decorative element of a set that covers the wall between the work surface and wall cabinets (shelves). It happens from ceramic tiles, glass, tabletop material (plastic, stone).
Accessories
Handles, legs, hinges, latches, fastenings/ lifting mechanisms For furniture from different manufacturers are presented in a wide range, it is very important to make the right choice. The functionality and service life of the entire furniture set depends on the quality of the fittings.
Appliances
It is divided into built-in and conventional, free-standing (the first option fits harmoniously into any design, the latter is more economical). The list of the most common household appliances for the kitchen includes a stove (hob), oven, microwave, refrigerator, extractor hood, and washing machine.
A must-have component in any kitchen. Can be overhead or integrated into the countertop. Made from stainless steel, plastic, artificial stone.
How to choose the right kitchen, what to look for Special attention When selecting the above elements, our experts will advise you. This article will give answers to many questions regarding the arrangement of a kitchen space and will reveal the main aspects of choosing the right furniture.
In order to choose the right kitchen, without later regretting the decision, it is important to pay attention to the following aspects: manufacturer, material used to make each element, color, style, layout, equipment, cost of the kitchen.
How to choose a kitchen color
One of the most important aspects kitchen interior design - choosing the color of kitchen furniture. It should be done based not only on personal preferences, but also on the style of the interior, lighting, size of the room, and the color scheme of its decoration. If you are at a loss as to which color to choose for your kitchen, pay attention to the most popular color shades kitchen sets:
A fairly common choice for creating many modern interiors in classic style, high-tech style, minimalism, modern. Combines well with white and red colors, metal, glass. Requires a competent lighting device with indispensable illumination of the work area.
The white color of kitchen surfaces will expand the space of a small kitchen and make it lighter. But at the same time it will look boring, even sterile, if it is not diversified with bright accessories, color accents, and contrasting elements.
Brown (wood color)
The most common color when decorating this room. Kitchen fronts made of wood or imitated wood makes it feel homely and conducive to relaxed communication. A universal, almost win-win option.
A spectacular, exciting, very aggressive color, which is often chosen by people who do not bother with daily cooking and do not spend a lot of time in this room. Keep in mind that the rich red color will stimulate your appetite!
Depending on the chosen shade, a blue kitchen can be made calm and cozy or fashionable and dynamic. Too dark a blue is not recommended for use in rooms suffering from a lack of sunlight.
A calm, relaxing color of furniture after a busy day will restore your peace of mind and set you in the mood for cooking and a pleasant evening at home. Light green facades will help expand the space.
When choosing the color of the facades, keep in mind: too bright, contrasting or dark colors can negatively affect the psychological state households, quickly tire the eyes and visually reduce the area of the room. Therefore, if you have a small / poorly lit kitchen, or you spend a lot of time in it, light pastel shades will be more appropriate, visually expanding the space and guaranteeing psychological comfort to people - peach, beige, cream, pink, blue, pistachio. You can diversify this color scheme with bright accessories and decorative elements.
1. Be sure to consider the level of natural light in the room. If its windows face the shady side, choose light or bright cheerful colors. Otherwise, the lack of light will be felt even when the lights are on.
2. Remember that light-colored surfaces of cabinets and facades (especially white) will not only visually expand the space, but will also require particularly thorough cleaning, carried out with high frequency. And on dark glossy surfaces fingerprints are clearly visible.
How to choose a style for the kitchen?
If ready-made sets are presented mainly in common styles, then custom interior design solutions cover literally the entire variety of existing styles: high-tech, classic, modern, country, minimalism, Provence, loft, techno, art deco, etc. To choose from There is only one of them, it is important to decide on your preferences. Let's look at a few of the most popular options:
Classic
A style that remains relevant at all times. A kitchen made of solid wood or its imitation, designed in a classic style, is ideal for people seeking stability and comfort. Due to its massiveness, it looks best in spacious rooms with large windows and high ceilings. Distinctive features are the color of the wood, carved elements, and stained glass.
The most common style in modern kitchens. It is distinguished by maximum functionality and thoughtfulness of details. It offers a wide field for design creativity and experimentation due to the huge variety of shapes, colors, and materials.
The most avant-garde style, based on the use of complex shapes, designs, contrasting colors, synthetic materials (glass, metals, plastic). It is imperative to have the most modern built-in equipment and the absence of small things cluttering up the space. Minimalist solutions are welcome.
For this cozy and democratic designer style, often called rustic, is characterized by natural colors and materials (stone, wood). Wicker, wooden, metal furniture, wooden facades with elements artistic forging, hidden or decorated with brass household appliances, etc.
There are many styles used to decorate a kitchen interior, so first of all you should decide which one will make you most comfortable. Remember that the more avant-garde the design solutions, the more likely the created interior will quickly go out of fashion.
How to plan a kitchen?
When deciding which kitchen to choose and planning the placement of furniture, it is important to consider the following points:
Existing furniture arrangement options when planning the kitchen space: corner (L-shaped, L-shaped), linear/two-linear, U-shaped, island, peninsula. The choice between them depends on the shape, size of the room and the preferences of the owners.
When contacting a specialized company to make a custom-made kitchen, the designer will take this data into account and offer optimal solution on furniture placement, based on your budget and existing conditions. If you decide to plan the kitchen yourself, placing the furniture at your own discretion, we recommend adhering to the following order:
fridge
working surface
working surface
washing
(under the sink there is a trash container)
This sequence of workstations optimally corresponds to the sequence of actions of the housewife, allows for fewer unnecessary movements, and speeds up the cooking process. Ideally, the distance between food storage, preparation and washing areas should be no more than two arms' lengths. The most convenient location microwaves and ovens - at chest level. The dishwasher and washing machine are built under the countertop.
When planning on your own: even if you have thought through everything carefully, it would not be a bad idea to consult with the designer of the company from which you order the production of the headset. Moreover, in most specialized companies, drawing up a design project is done free of charge!
Which kitchen is better to choose: materials of manufacture?
Today, quite a lot of materials are used to make kitchen furniture, the main ones being wood, chipboard, MDF, glass, aluminum, and stone (usually artificial). MDF to improve technical and decorative characteristics covered with special facing materials: plastic, laminate, PVC film, enamel, special varnish.
Familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of the main buildings / facing materials used for the manufacture of kitchen furniture, facades of sets, countertops, aprons, sinks, as well as the characteristics of fittings from various manufacturers can be found in the tables below.
| Facades | Laminated | MDF+PVC film | MDF+Plastic | MDF+Enamel | Alvic Luxe | Solid wood |
| Moisture resistance | ||||||
| High temperature resistance, fire safety | ||||||
| Stain resistance (to fingerprints) |
||||||
| Sustainability to fading/fading |
||||||
| Price | ||||||
| Strength | ||||||
| Life time | 3 years 5 years 20 years 20 years12 years | from 5 to 20 years | ||||
| PROS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MINUSES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
When choosing between glossy and matte colors Please note that on glossy facades fingerprints are more visible, on matte facades water is more visible. When choosing between dark and light colors, remember: dirt is more noticeable on dark facades.
| Tabletop | Plastic | Fake diamond | A natural stone |
| Moisture resistance | |||
| High temperature resistance | |||
| Resistance to stains (porosity) | |||
| Resistance to mechanical damage and scratches | |||
| Resistance to chemical damage | |||
| Sustainability to fading/fading |
|||
| Price | cheapest option |
the most expensive option |
|
| Strength | |||
| Life time | from 5 to 7 years | from 15 to 25 years | more than 25 years |
| PROS |
|
|
|
| MINUSES |
|
|
|
The kitchen is the most multifunctional and frequently used room in the house
The kitchen is the most popular and frequently used place in the house. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not just prepared here. This is where friends and relatives gather for tea or for a banquet. Kitchen furniture is subject to constant exposure external environment– water, steam, fire, chemical treatment of working surfaces. The main thing in kitchen interior design is to choose the right kitchen unit. The question arises - how to choose the right kitchen set? What will be the design and what will it be made from, how to choose the right materials, what kind of facades will the future set have and how much furniture may be required.
It is necessary to take measurements of the room before you start choosing furniture for the kitchen.
Before you go to the store to buy a headset, you need to measure the space in which it will be placed.
It’s better to follow a few rules and then nothing will be forgotten.
- Measurements are taken to know exactly how much space a kitchen set and other furniture can take up.
- The place where everything will stand is visually selected and a rough layout is made.
- The next stage is the project. On a piece of paper, draw on a scale where the set itself will be located, and where the equipment will be. The design must leave room for unobstructed movement and for all doors and cabinets to function easily.
- Selecting and purchasing the headset itself.
To get accurate measurements, you need to arm yourself with a tape measure. Need exact dimensions of window and doorways, and it is also worth measuring the length of the walls and the distance between them, the height of the ceiling, the distance from the floor to the window sill, and do not forget to measure the protruding elements - sockets, pipes, switches and taps. After the data has been recorded, it is necessary to design a detailed kitchen plan. Based on this drawing, it will be possible to determine exactly what kind of furniture there will be and how to rationally use the space in the kitchen.
Possible furniture layout in the kitchen
Thanks to modern headsets made according to a modular principle, you can not leave every corner in the kitchen space empty. It would be very rational to opt for a U-shaped set; if the kitchen space allows such a model, then it will be possible to use the window area. This will allow you to expand your working space for cooking.
According to experienced designers, a certain sequence should be followed for rational space planning:
- first the refrigerator is installed;
- the place where pre-processing of products will be carried out;
- washing surface and waste bin;
- countertop for cutting food;
- cooking stove;
- lunch group.
Functional areas of a perfect kitchen
True, not all kitchens are suitable for this perfect option planning. But thanks to the versatility of the headsets, you can choose an excellent option even for a small room. Once measurements have been taken and a design has been drawn up, you can begin choosing a kitchen unit. It is not an easy process to choose a kitchen set. The first thing you need to do is choose a high-quality material from which it will be made, and the second thing is to select fittings, decide on the facade and come up with a design.
How to choose a kitchen set: material and equipment
When choosing a high-quality set, make sure that the lower cabinets have legs. This will protect the product from moisture, and is also advisable in terms of hygiene and cleanliness.
Key points when choosing a product:
- dimensions of the future headset;
- decide on the manufacturer and price category;
- the material for the headset should be chosen carefully so as not to regret the choice in the future;
- ease of use and versatility of the future headset;
- design project (color scheme, lighting).
The height of the working space of the headset is selected based on the height of the person who will spend most of the time behind it. Usually it is 85-90 centimeters, and the size of the cabinets is 72-36 centimeters. The main thing is to maintain a distance of about 50 centimeters between the work surface and the cabinets.
Standard sizes and their ranges for kitchen furniture
According to experts, work surfaces and the stove should be on at different levels, this reduces the load during cooking, but often single-level surfaces are made, as it looks more aesthetically pleasing and beautiful. In addition, multi-level furniture must be made to order, and this increases its cost significantly.
Manufacturers of kitchen sets are both domestic and imported. The difference is in the price category. For example, domestic products fit perfectly into Russian small kitchens for quite reasonable money. Most parts are ordered from Europe, so the quality speaks for itself.
Italian cuisine is the best in the world. This is an exquisite design, high-quality assembly, high-strength materials and expensive fittings. Sometimes prices for such products reach a million. But it's worth it. True, you need a lot of space for such a headset, otherwise it loses its attractiveness.
Italian cuisines are considered the highest quality in the world
The material from which the future set will be created must be highly durable and also be protected from exposure to water and steam. To correctly determine the material, it is necessary to study the characteristics of each type.
The main types of material for the manufacture of kitchen sets:
- solid wood.
Chipboard is the main material for making furniture, as it is cheap and quite practical. It comes in a variety of colors and is made from particle board, which is then covered with laminate or other resistant material. There is a lip along the edges of the parts that protects the product from moisture.
Inexpensive kitchens are made from particle board covered with laminate or other durable material.
MDF is an environmentally friendly material at a very reasonable price. It tolerates all kinds of temperature changes, exposure to steam, and is resistant to fungus. Kitchen furniture made from this material is practically no different from furniture made from wood. The color scheme can be very diverse.
MDF kitchen sets come in a huge variety of colors and textures
Solid wood is one of the most expensive materials. Usually it is oak, ash, walnut or cherry. Solid bars are glued together and treated with special means so that in the future the wood will tolerate moisture well and not dry out. Kitchen sets made from solid wood amaze with their aesthetics and versatility.
Kitchen furniture made of solid wood
Now it’s worth talking about the material from which facades for kitchen furniture are made. Laminated chipboard and MDF are usually used.
laminated chipboard is laminated chipboard. It has earned its popularity due to its low cost. These are the most economical kitchen fronts available to the average buyer. But laminated chipboard also has its downside. The edge of the parts is poorly protected from moisture, so with prolonged exposure to moisture and steam, it comes off and over time the facades swell and become unusable. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, at least very quickly, be sure to hang the cabinets from the hob at a distance of approximately 60 centimeters.
Kitchen in beige and pink tones with laminated chipboard facades
MDF - unlike laminated chipboard, is more practical, and it is also environmentally friendly and safe to use; it does not contain formaldehyde resins, as in chipboard. MDF facades are popular for their durability, and manufacturers use the most different kinds finishing, which allows you to preserve the product even longer. For example, the most popular finishing elements are veneer, plastic and PVC film. All this protects the facades from chips, scratches and temperature influences.
Classic kitchen with white semi-gloss MDF fronts
After choosing the material for the future kitchen facade, you need to take care of its coating. The four main types of coating are PVC film, acrylic, plastic and enamel.
The first option suits consumers quite well in terms of price and variety of textures. The kitchen can be decorated brightly and dynamically. But the film has its main disadvantage - sensitivity to high temperatures. So, at a temperature of 100 degrees, the film can be damaged, so in such a kitchen you need to use the stove carefully.
It would be more practical to choose plastic. It will protect the furniture from chips and scratches; it is possible to choose any color scheme. The downside of plastic is its cost.
Also, the facades can be painted with enamel, but this is not very practical option. Over time, the paint loses its brightness, and very noticeable chips and scratches appear on the headset.
Acrylic coating adds shine and shine. You can choose any color scheme. But this also has its drawbacks. Dust, finger stains and scratches are clearly visible on acrylic facades. True, there is also a peculiarity - cracks can be sanded out.
What kind of coating the façade will have is up to the buyer to choose. Some will choose beauty, others practicality of use, others low cost.
The next stage of choosing a kitchen set is the work surface
As experts suggest, it is better to choose a solid countertop along the entire length of the kitchen space.
Materials from which countertops for kitchen sets are made:
- laminated MDF;
Laminate countertops come in all colors and textures and are inexpensive
- typesetting board or stainless steel;
Durable and resistant solid wood tabletop
Due to its composition, a stainless steel tabletop best meets the standards
- use in the manufacture of natural stone or granite;
Kitchen set with stone countertop and built-in sink
Granite countertops are not susceptible to chemical and physical effects from appliances, products, and household chemicals
- tempered glass (looks very rich, costs the same);
Glass countertops for the kitchen are practical and functional
- ceramic dust compressed with rubber;
The ceramic countertop is durable, moisture-resistant, resistant to mechanical damage
- marble and corian.
Beautiful marble countertop in a chic kitchen
Corian artificial stone kitchen countertop
First, let's talk about marble and Corian. The second material is very practical to use and resistant to chemical influences. What can you say about marble? It begins to deteriorate from exposure to high temperatures, hot water and blows. If you choose a stone, it is better to opt for granite. Very strong and durable material. This tabletop will last forever.
Laminated MDF or typesetting board are the materials more commonly known among ordinary people for creating work surfaces. Affordable price, environmental friendliness and the ability to choose any color palette.
How to choose the right kitchen style
The styles of kitchen sets are very diverse. Particularly popular are high-tech, country, classic and modern.
The classic style in the set is wood, glass and natural stones. The product itself is made in light colors. Built-in appliances hidden behind facades. Typically, such sets are decorated with carvings and balustrades.
Chic kitchen in soothing colors in a classic style
As for country style, it is a combination of wood and artificial materials. The facades are decorated with bright glass or plastic, country style prevails - elements of nature and village life.
Bright kitchen with island in country style
High-tech - the materials used are mainly artificial. Glass, metal, and the main emphasis is on the combination of colors. In the high-tech style, muted and austere shades predominate.
Kitchen interior in high-tech style
Art Nouveau style - classic rectangular shapes that go well with non-standard rounded facades. The color scheme is dominated by cool shades, and the materials used in the design are glass, metal, stone or plastic.
Green corner kitchen in Art Nouveau style
In any of the listed styles, the headset is made as comfortable as possible. This is the presence of all kinds of cabinets, both with folding doors and retractable structures. Still often used metal tubes, which is very convenient for hanging both cabinets and all sorts of small things. Another option for cabinets in the set is on wheels. Very convenient if space is limited in size.
When choosing a color for the kitchen, experts advise choosing a combination of no more than two shades. Also, you should not choose too dark shades, firstly, everything light visually expands the room, and secondly, gloomy colors make the kitchen set boring and nondescript.
Kitchen color
In conclusion, it is worth saying that the choice depends only on the personal wishes of the buyer himself, his material capabilities and the size of the room. The kitchen is the place where humanity spends most of its life; it should be as comfortable and cozy as possible. Therefore, the choice of style, color, and materials from which the future kitchen set will be made should be approached competently, and it is better to seek advice from specialists. And then the kitchen will become not only a work space, but a comfortable and favorite habitat for all household members.