How to choose furniture for the kitchen: 9 most important rules

Most families spend a lot of time in the kitchen: this is cooking, and daily meals, and just home gatherings for tea, and receptions of guests. Therefore, it is very important that comfortable and multifunctional furniture surrounds us, which at the same time would also please the eye. It is important to choose the right piece of furniture in the kitchen, carefully consider all the nuances, up to shelf locations and systems for opening them. If the kitchen is not very large, then the task is complicated, because you have to enter all the necessary elements, while trying to leave free space for movement and make the room visually more spacious. But there are no insoluble problems, and for any kitchen you can choose the perfect furniture.

No. 1. Determine what the furniture is for.

Some aspects of the use of the kitchen may vary in different families, so the furniture in different situations will need different. Important before purchase whole kitchen or its individual parts, clearly define for yourself the scenarios for using this room, so that later it does not turn out that some pieces of furniture are not functional, not needed, and some are completely missing.

So, the kitchen can be in the apartment “for beauty”, no matter how strange it may sound. If the owners are not cooking enthusiasts and do it extremely rarely, then the kitchen should reign minimalism: only the most necessary items to carry out the simplest things when needed. If the hostess is a business woman who wants devote minimum time to cooking, then it will be necessary to approach the organization of space with the utmost care, so that all objects are located very close, and to complete some action it takes a minimum of time.

Lovers cook something tasty to please your family, and all those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen creating the next culinary masterpiece can be advised to pay attention to the kitchen with the maximum possible number of shelves, cabinets and cabinets that can only fit into space. But do not forget that it is very difficult to transfer communications, therefore it is worth choosing furniture sets very carefully, or to opt for modular systems.

If in the kitchen a lot of time is spent outside cooking, for example, for family conversation, tea drinkingas well as often there are guests, it is important to pay attention not only to the working area, but also to the dining area. It should be as comfortable as possible and conducive to long gatherings. It is good to somehow separate it from the cooking areaif possible: different finishes, zoning by the bar, etc. are used. By the way bar counterwhich often becomes an ornament studio apartments - A great option to separate the space, but at the same time usefully use every square centimeter of the area. The combined kitchen and living room in which you can place the dining area is convenient, stylish and fashionable, and the space of the kitchen at the same time increases one and a half to two times, and there are much more useful things in the form of furniture and appliances.

No. 2. Furniture color

Choosing the color of furniture for the kitchen, it would seem, is not so difficult, but in order to end up with a harmonious stylish room, you need to think through a lot of details in advance. You can use the services of an experienced designer, or you can try to cope on your own by scrolling through successful examples on the Internet. It will be best if the furniture is selected in the kitchen in which the repairs are carried out: immediately it will be possible to choose the appropriate color of the walls tilelinoleum or tiles and other details. It is worth immediately deciding whether one color or a couple will be used, what color it will be, and from the selected shades it is already repelled when choosing everything: from the furniture itself to curtains and accessories.

As for the specific colors, it all depends on your preferences, and the kitchen now can be all conceivable and unimaginable colors. The well-known rule applies here: light shades visually expand the space, so if you have a small kitchen, then do not load it dark furniture, which will look harmonious in a spacious room. You can choose vibrant colors: orange, green, yellow, red, and then the kitchen will become a stylish interesting place. Can even use contrasting juicy shades, but remember at the same time that they are only relevant in spacious rooms. In small rooms, light and pastel shades save, and so that the kitchen does not look very dull and faded, just add a few bright accessories: curtains, tablecloths or napkins. Moreover, for miniature kitchens Shades such as light green, light blue, light yellow, peach, light gray, etc. are suitable.

By the way, psychologists have long proved that our mood depends on colorthat surrounds us. To improve appetite, in the design they use bright colors characteristic of fruits and vegetables: green, yellow, orange, red. White in this case remains neutral, but is able to enhance the effect of other colors. If appetite is not in your plans, but proper nutrition and diets are planned for the coming years, then for the kitchen you can choose colors such as gray, olive, swamp, blue, purple, blue.

Degree of illumination also affects the choice of color scheme. If the kitchen is facing south, then the sun will constantly shine, and to make the room visually a little cooler, you can use cool colors: blue, green, purple, blue, gray. If the situation is exactly the opposite, then your option is sunny warm shades: yellow, peach, sand, orange.

No. 3. Determine the style

Choosing the right color is only the first step, then you need to decide on the style of the kitchen, which will determine the style of furniture. There can be many options: as many as there are at the moment interior styles. The choice should be based on your own tastes, as well as on some features of the premises.

Classic style certainly it will not go out of fashion, at least in the next few decades, so such a kitchen will always be relevant. True, such a decision will cost the owner not very cheap, since the style involves the use of natural wood or materials that are as close as possible to it in terms of properties and appearance. Such kitchens are usually massive, so they are suitable for more spacious rooms with high ceilings and large windows.

Modern - A great option that will fit into any kitchen with any size. Here the main thing is simplicity and functionality, and every detail is thought out, there is only the necessary furniture, which strikes with the laconicism of its forms. In addition, Art Nouveau kitchens are most often performed in bright colors, and dark, contrasting and flashy colors are no place here.

Country style kitchen - this is cosiness, beauty and functionality.The so-called rustic style is very well suited for the arrangement of kitchens, however, this will require a sufficient amount of space. All natural is held in high esteem: wooden or wicker furniture, clay pots, linen textiles.

High tech - one of the most modern interior styles. With it, the kitchen looks as if it is from the future, and all thanks to the presence of the most modern appliances and furniture with clear outlines made of metal, glass or plastic. Such kitchens conquer with their simplicity, bordering on maximum convenience.

Close to high tech and modern minimalism, which contains only the most necessary pieces of furniture, but at the same time they can be made from almost any material. The main thing in the style is simplicity, the presence of free space and a single color scheme.

In addition, there is also many other styles, which are also used in the kitchen, but less commonly: Japanese with its simplicity and compactness, Scandinavian with a predominance of light shades, Provence with an abundance of floral prints.

Number 4. Furniture Material

No matter how stylistically different and dissimilar the pieces of furniture for the kitchen are, there are not so many materials for making them.

Let's start with frame materialthat is hidden from our eyes. Wooden kitchens - These are executive class kitchens that are environmentally friendly and high quality. But such material will require a special approach in difficult kitchen conditions, since it does not tolerate the action of moisture poorly.

Due to the high cost of wooden furniture, its analogues are increasingly used. For instance, MDF furniture differs in environmental friendliness and simplicity in leaving. Since such plates are plastic and flexible, furniture can have any shape, and at the same time it is also affordable. The disadvantages include not the highest durability and high risk of peeling of the cladding.

Chipboard also has good performance: modern processing technologies allow such furniture to withstand the negative effects of moisture and temperature, remaining in its original form for a long time. The cost is also acceptable, but the shape will be simpler than that of MDF, as the material does not bend well.

Another alternative to wood is multiplex, a material that is obtained by gluing thin sheets of natural wood of different species. The result is a material resistant to deformation and moisture.

As for facade of kitchen furniture, then the range of materials used is expanding. In addition to the chipboard and MDF mentioned above, specially treated wood is also used, which will not warp under the influence of moisture. Plastic, glass and metal inserts can also be used.

MDF may be enameled, in this case, the facade of the kitchen will be resistant to moisture and deformation, will retain its original appearance for a long time, and at the same time there are a lot of options for appearance: a bunch of flowers, glossy and matte surfaces, etc. If it is used as a coating Pvc film, then the quality of the furniture is reduced: these are not the most durable sets, but in the area of ​​the sink and the oven, the film will soon begin to peel off and fade.

Kitchen furniture may have plastic facade: in this case, the material is glued to the base of particleboard or MDF. Quality depends on the type of plastic and how it is processed. In any case, this is a material whose shortcomings are more than overlapping with its advantages: a diverse appearance, resistance to sunlight and aggressive chemistry, moisture, etc. But laminated particleboard, although it remains the most budget option, it will last a very short time and is suitable for office space or as a temporary option.

Today, furniture designers combine aluminum profile with other materials: plastic, wood, plates, glass, and the result is stylish and original furniture, however, aluminum may darken over time. But glass elementswhich are easy to combine with any material, have been held in high esteem for many years: they give the kitchen lightness, and furniture - originality.

As for interior space furniturethen the modern offer is simply amazing. The kitchens combine sliding shelves, bedside tables, rotating shelves, corner cabinets with completely different opening / closing mechanisms. You need to choose such an option that it is convenient to use all the elements and that they are located as ergonomically as possible. Also do not forget that storage spaces can be expanded with all kinds of shelves, hooks, etc.

No. 5. Correct Countertop

The choice of material for countertops - this is a separate topic. This is the place where all kitchen processes, such as cutting, washing, cleaning and so on, are accompanied, which are accompanied by constant exposure to moisture, grease splashes, and possible mechanical deformations, so the tabletop material must be able to withstand all this and not lose it in the next few years. initial appearance.

Today countertops are made from a wide variety of materials. A few words about the most popular of them.

1. wood countertops Is an example of beauty. They are durable and environmentally friendly, and the tree is treated with special oils that negate the influence of moisture and other negative factors. But the beauty of a natural tree requires a special attitude: you can’t put anything hot on such a countertop, of course, you can’t cut anything directly on it, and from time to time you will have to use special tools and wipe the material to increase protection, and drops and puddles of water should be wiped off immediately. Such care in combination with a high price can scare off, especially since there are many other interesting options;
2. laminated countertops - An absolute modern hit, as they are inexpensive, and the variety of options is amazing. This countertop is made of chipboard, which is lined with laminate, or laminate. The layers are impregnated with special substances to withstand the influence of kitchen processes, there is also a layer with a certain pattern, so this countertop can imitate stone, wood, and skin, and portray movie clips. The protective surface makes such countertops resistant to high temperature, moisture, scratches, detergents, sunlight, fire. Nevertheless, it is better to wipe away all moisture immediately so that it does not absorb, causing the material to swell. This disadvantage is compensated by low price, ease of installation, variety and other advantages;
3. stone countertop - a real ideal for the kitchen. Natural stone does not give in to the influence of moisture, detergents, temperature, does not scratch, does not lose its external attractiveness. Depending on the stone, the countertop may look different: most often they use granite, marble, basalt. However, it is a heavy and expensive material;
4. fake diamond It has almost the same advantages as natural, only it is easier and cheaper. And the features of its manufacture allow you to give it any shape, so this is a great option when you need a countertop of irregular shape. This material It is not afraid of scratches, moisture, temperature, it is easy to care for, and any breed can imitate;
5. brushed steel It is distinguished by such advantages as durability, strength, hygiene, resistance to the effects of most negative factors. And the scratches on it are easy to sand. This is not the most expensive option, but it will last a very long time, it will fit perfectly into modern kitchen, however, steel does not differ in the variety of forms;
6. glass countertops - It is beautiful, but not very practical. Yes, they are not afraid of moisture, temperature and even aggressive chemicals. But still, the risk of chips and cracks is high.Since tempered glass is used, even when a heavy object falls on it, blunt fragments are formed that do not fly apart and are not able to cause harm. But most users can repel the likelihood of damage, although the appearance is really amazing, but you need to follow it: dust and fingerprints are visible, and abrasive detergents can leave scratches;
7. the tabletop can be decorated and ordinary tiledwith a kitchen apron is a great option for country-style kitchens. The tile also provides resistance to moisture and temperature, but seams will require additional care;
8. acrylic countertops - a combination of acrylic resin, pigment and mineral filler. They are resistant to fungus, moisture and detergents, and even the trace of a cigarette can be easily removed, while the variety of colors is very pleasing.

No. 6. We make a project

It is important not only what quality furniture you buy, but also how you put it, which will determine the comfort and ease of use. That is why it is better to measure all the parameters and decide what and where it will stand: you need to take into account the location of communications, and especially the layout, and personal convenience. Does not interfere draw a diagram or create a model in special programs. On a scale we arrange all the necessary furniture, a sinkhousehold appliances table and chairs, etc. Make a few choices, then to choose the best.

If it is not so difficult to equip the dining area, then the worker requires close attention, because it is important that there you can conveniently and quickly cook something. Plate, sink and refrigerator - key elements - should be located in close proximity, so consider this in your project. There are several options for the location of these elements:

• linear version Suitable for small kitchens. In this case, there is a sink around the sink on one side and a refrigerator on the other. Between the sink and stove there is a working area. Such a kitchen can flow smoothly to dining tableplaced near the window or even equip a folding table in windowsill;
• two-line option often used in through and through kitchens. For example, a stove and a sink are placed on one side, and a refrigerator on the other, and the minimum distance between the two lines to ensure functionality and comfort is 1.2 meters. The table in this case use a mobile or folding;
• L layout Suitable for any kitchens, except for narrow and long. It allows you to effectively use two walls, organize spacious storage spaces: corner, pull-out, rotating, etc. The dining area will not interfere with the passage, and is located in the corner;
• U layout - One of the most convenient options for arranging furniture. In this case, there is no through movement through the work area, and this is a bonus to convenience, but the distance between the opposite walls should not be less than 1.2 meters and more than 2.8, otherwise it will be inconvenient to cook;
• island layout - It’s very convenient, since the work surface, dining table, and storage places can be brought to the island, but at the same time, the kitchen area should be at least 16 sq.

Number 7. The right kitchen table

The kitchen table must be comfortable. Ergonomists counted and established that for every person sitting at the table there should be at least 70 cm of spaceto feel comfortable. It is from this that it is worth starting from when choosing a kitchen table, knowing the number of people who regularly gather for it. In case of guests are provided transformer tables with retractable additional slats that can increase the table 2-4 times.

For a classic kitchen wood table or its imitation. But for more modern kitchens, you can choose a table from glass, or even plastic or metal, or combinations thereof. Clear glass tables on metal legs is an excellent addition to a small kitchen, since for all its functionality they do not clutter up the space, and since a person sees everything at the table, the countertop is not perceived as an object: therefore, the room seems more spacious.

Round tables they are not so traumatic, because they are devoid of corners, and they can accommodate more people there, and the atmosphere is more trusting. However, the round table cannot be completely pushed against the wall, so some layout problems may occur. Oval tables possess the same characteristics, but at the same time they are even more “capacious”.

Square and rectangular tables - A true classic, comfortable and functional. But if square tables set in a corner are an option for only two people, then a rectangular table is suitable for the whole family. Moreover, if you put it in the center, you can take a respectable company of guests. Tables of triangular, irregular or polygonal shapes - The option is not for everyone, but it will attract attention and with the proper approach will even become convenient.

Table chairs are chosen in the appropriate style: material, the presence of jewelry, backs and handles - all this individually. The main thing is that the whole kit fits and is convenient and practical.

Number 8. The choice of household appliances

Kitchen is unthinkable without technology. If you still have an old refrigerator or a washing machine, you will have to work hard to choose the right kitchen, or make it to order. But if you need everything completely, then in the store you can choose a complete set so that there are no problems when combining: a guarantee that all items will correspond to each other. True, if you take furniture and appliances separately, you can save a decent amount.

By the way today built-in appliances - It is not only fashionable and stylish, but also very convenient. It allows you to organize space as ergonomically as possible, and even save about 20% of the area, not to mention a harmonious appearance. But there are also disadvantages: you have to buy new equipment, and if you want to change the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen, problems will arise.

No. 9. We decorate the kitchen

Accessories must be present in the kitchen in the optimal amount. As a decor, you can use quite functional things: curtains, tablecloth, napkins, pillows with bright interesting colors. If at the same time the coloring will match, then the kitchen will turn out incredibly stylish. Beautiful dishes, salt and pepper shakers, cutlery, glasses and other items, even accessories, are excellent decoration of the kitchen. In addition, appetizing paintings or photographs, plants, decorative lamps. Even ordinary kitchen utensils hung on the wall can become an ornament and create a cozy home atmosphere.

Finally

The functionality and style of the kitchen largely depends on the selected furniture, which is why it is worth approaching this issue with all responsibility and seriousness. Furniture should be practical, functional, withstand difficult conditions that are not uncommon in the kitchen, suitable for the parameters, but at the same time pleasing to the eye. The task is not the easiest, but with the proper approach, it can easily be solved.