How to choose the best kitchen set, the most popular criteria and colors

The kitchen is where the hostess spends several hours a day. An irrationally organized “faceless” space reduces motivation to do homework. Furniture is one of the most important elements of the interior. How to choose a kitchen set to feel good in the room? This concept means a friendly arrangement of furniture, household appliances and a positive mood.

Planning influence

The kitchen set is produced in the form of modules, which allows you to combine its elements when placing. When choosing a model, the volume of the room and the configuration of the perimeter of the kitchen are taken into account.The helmet is purchased based on:

• the distance in the kitchen between the walls;
• ceiling height;
• window sill;
• the location of the battery, sockets, switches;
• the size of the door and window opening.

Basic rules for placing kitchen furniture:

1. The kitchen should not be cramped: the free movement area is 100-120 centimeters between the walls and the whole.
2. The perimeter between the refrigerator, stove and sink should look like a triangle. The distance from the stove to the sink can be up to 1.5 meters, from the stove to the refrigerator - up to 2.5 meters.

Taking into account these requirements, the headset and its layout are selected.

L-shaped

The L-shaped (L) layout set is suitable for kitchens of any size, square/rectangular configuration.

The corner sink allows you to create an ergonomic combination from a minimal kitchen set.

U-shaped

Such a set has the most functional layout that allows you to place the optimal number of kitchen items and household appliances on two levels for convenient use. There are cupboards/sinks on the side of the window. The length of the parallels is 1.5-2 meters, the lintels are 2.5 meters.

Linear

The set is located along a wall. To increase ergonomics, they use built-in kitchen appliances, pull-out systems. The dining table is placed against the opposite wall of the kitchen.

Island and peninsular

A kitchen set with an island layout requires a space of at least 20 square meters.In the center of the kitchen there is a worktop with a sink, a stove, a worktop, lower shelves in the form of a rectangle or a square, on one side not less than 1.2 meters.A set in the peninsular version is an L-shaped set with a length of 1.2 to 1.8 meters with a protruding bar counter.

Double row

A set with a parallel arrangement of kitchen units is used in the following cases:

• square kitchens over 15 square meters;
• by bringing the dining room into the dining room;
• the presence of a bar counter.

The window is either in the aisle or outside the cabinet.

Model Selection Criteria

After choosing a layout, it is determined which kitchen model is suitable for the room:

• its physical size;
• design;
• style.

In this case, the cost of the furniture and the manufacturer are taken into account, a guarantee of quality and reliability.

Room size

Kitchens with an area of ​​​​12 meters or more can accommodate a set of any configuration. The exception is elongated rectangular rooms, where it is impossible to put a U-shaped and two-row module. For kitchens from 8 to 12 square meters, linear, L-shaped, peninsular options are possible. In kitchens up to 8 square meters, linear and L-shaped layouts are used.

Interior styling and design

The interior of the kitchen should be in harmony with other rooms in the apartment depending on the colors of the walls, the ceiling and the appearance of the furniture. The age and architecture of the building leave an imprint on the choice of kitchen style. For example, the presence of stucco moldings on a high ceiling in the kitchen will not be associated with design in the form of techno, high-tech.

Budget

The cost of furniture depends on the number of running meters, the materials used and the brand.A standard kitchen module will be 15 to 20% cheaper than a custom module. When calculating the financial possibilities, you need to know what you can save on when buying.

A helmet with:

• strict geometric design;
• a cabinet of length equal to two;
• standard cabinet heights;
• replacement of wall cabinets with shelves;
• furniture made of artificial materials.

Manufacturers, online stores often offer kitchen furniture at a discount on a promotion that you can use.

Maker

The headset purchased from Russian companies is not inferior in quality and price to foreign counterparts. The choice of kitchen should be made based on customer reviews and information about the manufacturer on the Internet.

Front and shell material

When deciding on the choice of material from which the helmet is made, one should not forget that it must withstand high humidity and frequent washing.

chipboard

For the manufacture of kitchen furniture, chipboard with lamination or veneer is used. Chipboard is a rough board, covered with a film on both sides under hot pressure. The material is produced in a wide range of colors, textures, textures, in the manufacture of furniture is combined with MDF, fiberboard. ShDSP is a raw plank with a double-sided natural wood veneer.

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The ends of kitchen utensils are sealed against water penetration, mechanical damage and evaporation of formaldehyde resins together with the edges of paper, plastic and rubber furniture. The lack of material is the impossibility of obtaining rounded lines and patterns.

Structurally, a set of particleboard is simpler, easier to maintain and affordable.

MDF foil

MDF is produced by hot pressing fine shavings. In terms of mechanical properties, the material surpasses natural wood in resistance to moisture and temperature drops. The surface treatment of the slab with a PVC film makes the kitchen facade indistinguishable from natural wood.

Painted MDF

The application of special paints makes kitchen worktops more resistant to chemical attack. A set with a variety of color palettes expands the possibilities of kitchen design.

Solid wood

The material for the kitchen set is obtained by gluing and processing wooden blocks of oak, ash, cherry, walnut, pine. Expensive branded furniture is made from such an array.

Plastic

A plastic set is a chipboard or MDF base, on which a plastic sheet with a thickness of 2-4 millimeters is glued. There is a division of surfaces into glossy and matte. Kitchen fronts can be any color, including prints, photo printing.

Veneered MDF

Slices of expensive wood, glued on MDF, imitate natural wood. Such a set for the kitchen is more expensive than analogues made of chipboard, laminated and painted MDF.

Additional countertop options

Artificial materials are used as work surfaces in kitchen sets. The worktop has the main load, so it must be mechanical-, moisture-, thermo-, chemically stable.

Strained glass

The glass table top can have any shape, color. This will give the interior of the kitchen more light and space. A set with glass surfaces is a dining table surface, an apron and a worktop.Environmentally friendly and heat resistant material. The disadvantages include special maintenance requirements: the surface must be treated in a timely manner with special (non-abrasive) agents.

Natural and artificial stone

A granite countertop will serve in the kitchen for decades without changing its appearance. The stone is not afraid of high temperatures, mechanical stress. The main disadvantage is the high cost. Marble slabs as a worktop are less practical: due to the impact, chips are formed, cooking fumes, food acids and alkalis will destroy the mineral, and the immovable stains of coffee and lemon will remain.

Corian is an artificial stone made from mineral chips, acrylic resin and pigment. Its properties are not inferior to granite, but it has an advantage in terms of weight, color and cost.

Metallic surface

A metal worktop is a substrate covered with a thin sheet with welded or sealed ends.

The work surface can be:

• stainless steel;
• the copper;
• tin;
• zinc.

Advantages and disadvantages of each coating:

1. Stainless steel. Metal does not rust, does not enter into chemical reaction with aggressive substances, is heat resistant. It does not form scratches and dents after impacts. The surface is polished in 8 reflection classes: from matte to mirror. A single sheet is made of stainless steel trays and sinks by welding. The disadvantage is the need for additional decor in the kitchen.
2. The copper. The copper worktops give the kitchen a vintage and cozy look. Disadvantages - special care for the surface of the kitchen due to the appearance of patina, scratches and dents.
3. Tin. A silver colored copper-tin alloy that tarnishes over time.The soft metal lends itself to the artistic treatment of the surface and the edges of the kitchen.
4. The galvanized countertop looks like a stainless steel surface, but in a softer shade. The metal is deformed by mechanical stress at high temperature.

The particularity of metal cladding in the kitchen is that the whole has an original design of the worktop.

Popular colors

In the kitchen, regardless of its area, there should be no more than 2 colors, harmoniously combined or contrasting. The set is chosen depending on the daytime lighting.

For the sunny side, "cold" shades are suitable, for the shady side - "warm".

white

In kitchen furniture sets, designers use shades of white: milk, ivory, cream. They are combined with pastel colors. Pure white can be in contrasting combinations with black, red, purple.

Beige

A plain beige set creates a warm atmosphere in the room, but requires bright accents in the decor.

Purple

Not used in monochromatic version. The helmet looks great in combination with white. They are used in the design of plastic kitchen furniture, painted MDF.

Green

Color saturation - from light green to malachite. A set with a green facade is in harmony with a beige or ivory body.

brown

It looks like an expensive set made of solid natural wood, emphasizing the sophistication of the style of the kitchen.

Gray

Light shades of gray require additional decoration of the kitchen, darker ones are combined with white.

Blue

The silver blue set is a high-tech style in the kitchen.

red

A juicy color in combination with white and black makes the kitchen set bright and does not require additional decoration.

YELLOW

Yellow creates a positive mood, but when overabundant in the kitchen, it causes discomfort. Designers "dilute" yellow with shades of white.

Bright

A headset with a glossy front visually increases the volume, but requires the removal of fingerprints.

Mast

Matt surfaces of kitchen fronts are not so laborious to maintain, but they have a disadvantage: they absorb greasy traces.

The main factors affecting the cost

The price of a kitchen kit depends on several factors:

• what is it made of;
• what is equipped with;
• standard or original version;
• where it was ordered.

The cost of the optimal furniture for your budget can be obtained by combining these indicators.

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Materials (edit)

Materials are judged by the specifications of the kitchen set. Pay attention to the manufacturer. Well-known companies will have a higher price for the kitchen, but the quality is also guaranteed.

Fittings

It is not necessary to install expensive and high-quality accessories on all kitchen cabinets. It is needed where the load is greatest: most often doors open and close, drawers slide. On the rest, you can install cheaper counterparts, in accordance with the style.

Washing and extracting hood

The cost of a sink and hood has a significant impact on the overall price of a kitchen set. Acrylic and stainless steel sinks are much cheaper, do not require specialists during installation, unlike granite and artificial stone. The price difference for range hoods depends on the type of construction, the type of material and the number of filters. The most expensive are tempered glass.

Island hoods are the most laborious and expensive to install.

Apron

The apron has a size of 40-60 centimeters and is designed to protect the kitchen walls from traces of grease, burns, water. An inexpensive kitchen set can be decorated with an exclusive apron.

Ready to use or tailor-made

A custom-made set will cost a quarter of the price more than a ready-made kitchen cabinet.

Trader or private company

For a private entrepreneur, the cost of a custom-made kitchen set will be cheaper due to the use of inexpensive materials, the lack of technological equipment.

Style selection

Before deciding on the style of the helmet, you need to analyze the parameters of the kitchen:

1. Daytime light level. For some styles, such as Mediterranean, this plays an important role.
2. Edge. Layout and color characteristics can "add" or "subtract" sequences.

In general, all rooms in an apartment should be harmoniously combined. The vicinity of a baroque living room and a loft kitchen will seem strange to you.

Minimalism

The style inherent in small kitchens. A set of linear or L-shaped layout in muted colors, without additional decor.

Advanced technology

The kitchen set is characterized by underlined functionality and design rigour:

• lack of bright accents;
• hidden backlight;
• clear geometry of surfaces;
• silver and dark blue tone.

Refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave are hidden behind the front of the kitchen.

Country

A rustic kitchen means that the table can be covered with a tablecloth, ceramic dishes, jugs as decor. On the window is a flowerpot. The general tone is soft, pastel.Furniture such as chairs, made of wood, with worn paint. There are shelves with clay figures of animals and birds on the walls next to the kitchen cabinets.

Provence

Light colors of the walls and kitchen furniture. Tablecloth, napkins, napkins made of natural fabrics as decorative elements. China. The table and chairs are wooden, with traces of worn paint. The slight negligence in the design of the kitchen is a reminder of the French province.

Scandinavian

A set with a predominance of light shades. Structurally simple and light furniture elements. The kitchen windows are as open to light as possible or without curtains. Various textiles.

Classic

The imprint of strict taste is found on everything. In kitchen decor - gilding, stucco molding, patina. Symmetry in shapes, lines. Subdued shades. The set is made of natural materials.

Attic

The loft style is an eclectic fusion of ultra-modern furniture and late 1950s industrial design. metal lampshades, appliances built into the helmet, wooden stools or chairs.

Variety of drawers

The functionality of a kitchen kit depends on easy access to the items you need. The location, size, shape, number of drawers depends on the cabinet model. Types of kitchen drawers:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• angular, in the form of a "carousel".

The telescopic runners make it possible to extract all the contents of the cabinet at the same time. Instead of drawers, baskets can be placed behind the kitchen facade. To save space, the boxes are placed in the base of the cabinet, under the sink, in the corner cabinet.

Choice of fittings

The appearance, service life, convenience of the kitchen set depends on the equipment. Hinges: Whatever type, buy with a door closer, which will ensure smooth and quiet operation. If you want to save on fittings, you should buy a set with hinged doors without a lifting mechanism.

The drawers are equipped with rollers, balls. The first belong to the economy class, the second are more expensive, they can be with door closers.

Kitchen mechanisms for lifting the upper facades of furniture are in the above-average price range:

• folding (for two-leaf wall cabinets);
• folding (for hinged facades with one or two doors);
• vertical;
• pivot.

An inexpensive option is a lifting mechanism with fastening of the facade of a single-leaf cabinet. Furniture handles are one of the most important forms of kitchen decoration. The choice depends on the design of the kitchen.

Variety of kitchen aprons

How to protect the walls between the wall and the wall units and behind the hob is an important part of the kitchen interior.

The cost and complexity of installing an apron depends on the material from which it is made.

MDF wall panels

The MDF used for the coating is:

• laminate under the tree;
• with acrylic film;
• acrylic panels;
• photo printing on MDF or acrylic panels.

Advantages: inexpensive, moisture resistant. The downside is the possibility of fire.

Tile

Traditional material used for kitchen walls. Advantages: does not absorb water, grease, non-flammable, easy to clean, wide range. Disadvantage: Requires the skill of self-styling or the involvement of a specialist.

Mosaic

The mosaic design is suitable for any type of kitchen. In glass, ceramic, metal. The coating is durable, beautiful.The disadvantage is high labor intensity and cost.

Glass

The tempered glass finish of the kitchen walls allows you to use all design options:

• design;
• The painting;
• engraving;
• photo printing;
• photo paper behind the panels;
• toning.

Installing panels requires experience, which makes the apron more expensive. You can install glass tiles yourself.

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How to choose a sink

The choice of a kitchen sink is mainly determined by its ease of use and maintenance.

The main factors to consider are:

• the size;
• form;
• Material.

Size and shape can first be defined in the layout and design of the kitchen set:

1. Square, rectangular. A classic look that fits into any kitchen layout, except the corner one. Advantages: space, equipment with additional sections.
2. Round, oval. Elegant and spacious bowl.
3. Triangular, trapezoidal. Appointment - corner, to save space in the kitchen.
4. Five, hexagonal. Designed for large kitchen spaces, can be mounted along the wall, in corners.

Standard size (LxW centimeters):

• 50x50; 60x60 - square;
• 50x55 / 80/100/125 - rectangle;
• 45-55 is the diameter of the circle.

The depth of the bowl, so that the water does not splash the set and the floor, is 15-20 centimeters. How many compartments a kitchen sink should have (2.3) and whether wings (additional surfaces for draining water) are needed is determined by the volume and intensity of cooking. The option of two bowls is considered the best.

Sinks are made of metal, plastic, ceramic and stone:

1. A stainless steel bowl is the most popular type of kitchen sink.The durable, easy to clean and safe bowl has two disadvantages - the sound of pouring water, scratches.
2. The acrylic container can be any color, quiet, easy to clean from dirt. The downside is low temperature resistance.
3. Terracotta or porcelain sinks are coated with enamel, which makes them insensitive to acids and alkalis. Kitchen bowls of this type are suitable for classic interiors, country style, Provence. The downside is fragility.
4. Granite kitchen, marble bowls are part of a classic natural wood style set. They have two disadvantages: high cost, high weight. A specialist is required for installation.

Sinks made of artificial stone are cheaper than natural sinks, they are not inferior to them in quality. Cons are weight, professional installation. The sink is included by default in modular kitchens; for this, they have bases for suspended basins (square, rectangular, triangular). To install round, oval and polygonal sinks, the mortise method is used.

The under-table method, where the sink is located below the level of the table top, requires the work of an installer.

When the worktop and the sink are made of natural, artificial stone or plastic, the kitchen set has a unique structure.

How to choose a blender

A kitchen faucet works with a heavy load, so it must be reliable, sturdy and durable. In addition, it must be in harmony with the sink and the overall design of the kitchen. What to choose :

1. Construction:

• from 2 valves;
• single lever;
• without contact.

A mixer with 2 taps is used in kitchens with a retro and classic design. The most popular is the monolever, the most expensive and economical of all is the contactless.

2. Material:

• bronze, brass;
• steel;
• ceramic;
• granite;
• silumina.

Silumin mixers are cheap and short lived. The faucet is made of granite and is used with a stone sink. Bronze and brass mixers are durable, stylish, more expensive than steel and ceramic products.

3. Beak size. The water jet should enter the center of the sink. The height of the faucet depends on the depth of the bowl: for shallow - higher, deep - lower.
4. Beak shape. According to preference.
5. Additional Features:

• angle of rotation - 140/180 degrees;
• retractable hose;
• water filtration system;
• switch for dishwasher, washing machine.

In order for the kitchen mixer to be in harmony with the sink in the design, it was convenient to use it, there were no problems with fixing them, they should be purchased at the same time.

Cover selection

The hood can be either a design element (for example, in the loft style), or invisible, hidden behind the facade.

When choosing an extractor hood, you need to decide what will be:

1. Principle of air purification. There are 2 main options and one intermediate. The first is ventilation by flow through the air duct. The second is with the use of forced ventilation and internal filters. It is possible to use 2 types of filter: from grease, from soot and from odor.
2. Location:

• ripe;
• island;
• angular.

The first two options are placed above the hob. The island hood is a kitchen design element.

3. Design. By type of installation, kitchen models are further divided into:

• discreet - hidden (for modular kitchens), telescopic;
• visible - domed, flat, box-shaped.

4. Dimensions. The hood should be the same size or larger than the hob.
5. Material.The most demanded products in aluminum alloys: for the price, ease of maintenance, to be used in any kitchen interior. A stainless steel or tempered glass hood is much more expensive and should be used as a kitchen design element.
6. Power. The performance of kitchen air purifiers is determined by the volume of the room and the airflow velocity in the kitchen.

Management depends on the cost of furniture: mechanical, electronic/tactile.

Difficulties in choosing furniture for a small kitchen

Small kitchens are limited in their choice of layout and style.

To increase the functionality of the cabinet, a combination is needed:

• compact built-in appliances;
• sliding systems of the "carousel" type, telescopic;
• placement of boxes in the basement, corner cabinets, under the sink.

A bar counter (with an L-shaped layout), an elongated window sill or a folding board with a linear serves as a dining table. To visually expand the kitchen space, select a set of light shades, including a glossy finish, mirrored doors.

Examples of ready-to-use designs

Small kitchen design. Linear placement between the window and the opposite wall. Lower row of 5 cabinets. The upper row of 4 hinged cabinets, 2 of them with glass doors, with built-in extractor hood. Handles - chrome brackets of the same size.

Milky facades. The table top is dark brown. The sink is square, black. The layout is symmetrical to the black hob. Apron in cream-coloured ceramic tiles with a design to match the worktop. The walls are in harmony with the facade furniture.