Planning a kitchen is one of the most difficult tasks facing those who want to make a practical and modern renovation in their apartment. Specialists who professionally plan interiors devote a lot of time to this room, so you should definitely listen to their advice, which you will find in this article. We will talk about direct cuisine, which is quite popular today.
Direct kitchen: what is special?
Owners of apartments and houses often do not know what they really want and what they need. For example, it is not easy to change your long-standing habits. If you had one arrangement of furniture, refrigerator, dishwasher and even cutlery drawers, it would be difficult to move away from it. Or maybe it's worth a try? Consider a straight kitchen - this is an excellent option for a room of different parameters.
Many people think that if a refrigerator has been standing next to a gas stove for ten years, then it should be left that way. Nothing could be more wrong, as this environment is certainly uncomfortable. Therefore, you should immediately get rid of such placement and, at the first opportunity, arrange the kitchen in accordance with the principles of ergonomics.
Everything, however, depends on what kind of room you have. If you are dealing with a proportional and large territory, then there will be no problems. You have a lot of room for maneuver, and the result depends only on personal preferences, which kitchen set to choose. If you have a small kitchen, narrow and long, then it is best to place furniture and appliances along one wall. Although many people are afraid of this decision, this fear only arises from the poor placement of cabinets, shelves and equipment. Carefully thought out placement of all these elements will make the straight kitchen very comfortable for users.
Zoning in the kitchen
In interior design, zoning techniques are often used, and in any room. More often, this method is used when space is limited and there is a desire to create several functional zones.
The kitchen has separate cooking and eating areas. The dining area has a table and chairs, but often it is a soft set with a table.
Zoning is used when combining 2 rooms. When combining a kitchen with a living room, you cannot do without separating zones.
Zones are distinguished by different colors or types of finishes, a small partition or counter. Often one of the zones is made higher.
The bar counter is a good zoning technique; it immediately becomes clear where each zone is. When positioned correctly, it can create a surprisingly cozy atmosphere in the room. Often the counter completely replaces the dining table and performs its functions.
Having a bar table is not advisable if there are small children or elderly people in the house - it will be inconvenient for them to use such furniture. Read more about kitchen design with a breakfast bar.
Decorating a room measuring 3 by 4 meters is not as difficult as it might seem. Having a clear idea of the end result will help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams. The main thing is not to rush - plan in advance the arrangement of furniture and equipment, style, think through all the nuances and then the result will please you for many years.
Rules for installing a direct kitchen
Currently, the most popular rule that should be followed when placing a kitchen on one of the walls is the principle of the technological line. All elements should be laid out in such a way as to make cooking as easy as possible. You should start with the refrigerator. You need to place a countertop right next to it without any equipment (microwave, toaster, coffee machine, etc.). This will allow you to prepare dishes that require further processing in advance. This free space is also ideal for preparing morning meals or snacks that do not require further processing.
However, if further preparation steps are necessary, the next element in the kitchen production line should be the sink. You will use it to wash all your products or simply rinse them. You can peel vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and transfer them to the next countertop where you can cut or shape your signature dishes. Then it’s time to cook, bake or fry - which means preparing the heat treatment zone. It is best if there is a powerful hood above the stove, since the air circulation here will not be so strong. After removing the dish from the oven, it is finally time to serve it. Of course, not right away, because you need to have room to transfer to plates. To do this you will need another tabletop.
It seems that in a straight kitchen there are only countertops, of course this is true, but you must remember that they are also counters or, for example, the panel that covers the dishwasher. It is also worth choosing hanging cabinets. They are the same width and fill up quickly.
Functionality is an important feature of a direct kitchen
The principle that should be followed when laying out a direct kitchen is the rule of the processing line. All appliances should be planned so that work in the kitchen is quick and convenient. So, first of all, install the refrigerator. Then place the countertop, followed by the sink, followed by the countertop, followed by the cooktop. This arrangement will allow you to conveniently prepare food without unnecessary movements.
What is the limit of the distance between walls with and without furniture should be in the kitchen?
The optimal limit here is 190 centimeters - from the wall with a set to the wall without furniture. If the kitchen is larger than the specified distance, you can place furniture and equipment on two opposite sides. If, unfortunately, it is less, then the distance may be too small and the use of the kitchen wall impossible.
Selecting a layout
The layout needs to be decided at the construction stage: the placement of all communications depends on it. To do this, you need to know what advantages each option has.
- Linear , or straight (along one of the walls) leaves a lot of space for the dining area and allows you to save on furniture manufacturing and materials. With this layout, you need to pay attention to how compact the work area is and whether it will be convenient for you to cook.
- Corner (fully or partially occupies two adjacent walls) allows you to place all the equipment at arm's length, but visually reduces the space. Manufacturing such furniture is more expensive.
- U-shaped (occupies one wall and covers both corners) combines the disadvantages of the previous options.
Most kitchens are rooms with one window. It can be made a highlight, a feature of the room, if you show a little imagination. A work surface or sink opposite the window will add inspiration to the cooking process.
And if you put a table nearby, every tea party will be more interesting than an episode of your favorite TV show.
A wide, low window sill can replace a stylish sofa if you equip it with a thin mattress and decorative pillows. Of course, this trick is more appropriate in a private home. Residents of high-rise buildings should turn their windowsill into a place to store cookbooks.
If your kitchen has a balcony, you can create a convenient pantry or seasonal dining area. And if you take a responsible approach to insulation, then the season for breakfast on the balcony can last all year round.
Having decided on the layout, you can choose in what style the interior will be decorated.
The abundance of household appliances makes modern styles or their combinations appropriate. Clear lines, mirror surfaces and a minimum of decor - in such an environment it is pleasant to cook and try new dishes.
To make the room more comfortable, it is better to choose built-in household appliances, which the kitchen set will hide behind its doors. This will give more freedom in choosing the interior. Given the small area, it is worth considering the design option in the Provence style: simple furniture in natural colors, a large number of textiles and decorative items.
Country style presupposes a spacious room, but if we live in a private house, why not introduce country elements into the interior? Matte wooden surfaces, natural fabrics and kitchen utensils as decoration will create a warm country house atmosphere in the room.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Kitchen
Direct kitchens have many advantages. If the room is open to the living room, you can do kitchen work and participate in family and social life. With the kitchen closed, the owners are isolated. Furniture and household appliances can be placed in the kitchen on one wall without losing either the functionality or aesthetics of the room. Manufacturers of kitchen furniture convince of this using the example of their latest collections.
However, it cannot be denied that the single-row housing, with its many advantages, also has several disadvantages. An open kitchen requires constant cleaning. You can't afford to leave dirty dishes on the countertop or in the sink. In addition, the oven and kitchen fronts should be frequently washed to remove grease. It's also not a good solution for people who need a lot of storage space. Therefore, sometimes a much better solution may be the so-called semi-open kitchenette, that is, in the shape of an L or P, covering some areas of the unit
Small straight kitchen
A straight kitchen is ideal for small apartments. Furniture for one wall is best. Look how good the kitchen set looks. Furniture installation requires more attention. Single-row straight kitchens are usually chosen by people who are renovating their apartment for the first time, which is mainly due to the need to save space. Especially when the kitchen is long and narrow, a single-row layout is often chosen. It is important that in its interior you can move freely or sit at the table, and also that everything is at hand when preparing food. Therefore, proper placement of equipment in a single-line enclosure is critical.
Start organizing your small kitchen by measuring it and preparing a plan for the cabinetry. Furniture arranged in a single row along the wall is a solution that provides ease of work and freedom of movement in the interior. A straight kitchen also allows you to make the most of the available space, for example for a small table. This solution is also recommended for all kitchens.
Manufacturers' offer includes furniture in modern shapes, colors and styles. Practical cabinets and drawers allow you to organize kitchen utensils, dishes and small items. Multi-colored cabinet fronts, matte or varnished surfaces and decorative handles will give the interior a cozy atmosphere. You can also choose more minimalist, handleless furniture with simple, economical shapes. Most importantly, fashionable frames are available at a variety of prices. For example, they can cost as much as a good quality bicycle or car.
Small kitchen: a good plan
When arranging cabinets and household appliances in a small kitchen in a row, it is worth following the order: refrigerator, sink, stove. The location of the sink in the middle provides easy access to water during the initial cleaning of food and during preparation. All household appliances in a small kitchen should be separated by a countertop. The minimum length of the worktop between the refrigerator and the sink and on both sides of the oven is 40 cm. Every small kitchen should have a worktop at least 80 cm long. In a straight kitchen, the sink and stove are usually separated. In limited space, the stove can also be placed between the refrigerator and the sink.
Note: When installing a cabinet in a corner, it is good to use a spacer bar between the side and the wall to make the door and drawers easier to open.
Until recently, direct kitchens were found only in small interiors. Today you can also find kitchen units on one wall in large rooms. It’s not surprising, since single-row kitchens are a very popular trend.
Advantages and disadvantages
The design of a straight kitchen involves placing furniture in one row along the wall. It is noteworthy that such a linear layout is suitable for both large and small rooms, where the aspect ratio does not exceed 4 meters by 3. It is mainly chosen by people who do not really like to cook and want to focus on the dining area. The design of a kitchen of this type does not allow functional placement of all the necessary household appliances and leaving space for storing food. But this layout is suitable for working adults and young families without children.
Let us list the positive characteristics of a 3-meter straight kitchen.
- Straight kitchen sets, unlike corner ones, are much cheaper, because they do not need to be made to order. It is enough to measure the length of the wall and purchase the furniture you like. The price of modular corner kitchens is much higher because it includes custom designs.
- Furniture design is easy to think through on your own. In addition, a linear kitchen looks stylish, compact and saves several meters of space by being located close to the wall.
- The straight kitchen set is very easy to use. Moreover, its length can be varied and vary depending on the area of the room. To rationally use the space in the kitchen 3 meters straight (see photo below), you should choose high pencil cases with a large number of shelves, drawers and cabinets. There you can store things that are rarely needed.
Direct kitchen options in closed and open rooms
Installing a direct kitchen is a simple and practical solution. All cabinets and appliances are in one row. If the wall is long enough, there will be no problem with placing all the equipment, but there will be a lot of cabinets. If your wall isn't too long, you might want to consider tall upper cabinets to reclaim some of that wasted space.
In the open kitchen
A straight kitchen is an excellent solution for interiors in which the cooking room is connected to the living room. In the open living area, the kitchen should become a single whole. Therefore, furniture should be selected to match the style of the living room, and also perform representative functions. The space between the kitchen and living room can be divided in different ways or left completely empty.
In a closed kitchen
Kitchen furniture on one wall is not only a solution for open kitchens. Ideal for small spaces where it is difficult to find another type of furniture. You can, for example, use the free space as a place to eat.
Where to install a direct kitchen?
If the area of the kitchen area allows, then small elements in the form of an island, peninsula or bar are often added to the direct kitchen. They dilute the overall geometry and make the space more functional in its fullness. If the kitchen area is small, then it is best to fill the remaining space with a table, chairs, shelves or a seating area. A direct kitchen set will be an excellent option in the following cases:
- you are the owner of a kitchen of only 3-8 square meters (“Khrushchev” or small apartment);
- the kitchen area is very narrow and elongated, with niches, windows and doors in inconvenient places;
- the kitchen is combined with the living room into a common studio;
- number of family members – no more than two people;
- the desire to install not only functional furniture in the kitchen, but also to create a dining area with a soft corner;
- the design of the furniture itself suggests a straight appearance.
You don’t have to rely on generally accepted opinions and simply install a direct kitchen according to your own wishes. If, in your opinion, the kitchen will have an ideal appearance and design, performing all the functions and not taking up extra space, you can safely order or buy a direct kitchen set.
Studio apartment: direct kitchen with living room
A single-row enclosure should not be a necessity due to space constraints. See how to decorate your kitchen beautifully and functionally. The combined living room and kitchen area is a very popular solution in modern apartments and houses. This works especially when you have limited space. The function of the kitchen in this case is the annex, the location of which becomes especially important since it affects the reception of the entire living area.
Single-row designs are ideal for a kitchenette. Single-wall furniture takes up little space and is also the easiest to coordinate with the rest of the room because it is less visually intrusive in a minimalist style, and the bright colors of the living room can complement the furniture perfectly.
A straight kitchen is not a compromise only for small interiors. This is, first of all, an excellent option for combining the kitchen with the living room. Cabinets and drawers built into one wall serve as a chest of drawers. The set also has a convenient worktop for cooking. A popular and fashionable solution is also the combination of a single-row kitchen corner with a spacious island, onto which you can move the workspace, and line the entire wall with cabinets and household appliances. Then you need to remember that the style of the kitchen should go well with the design of the living room.
Direct kitchen in a niche
Straight kitchens can be built into a recess in the wall, allowing the furniture to take up even less space. An interesting solution is furniture for one wall, integrated with a hinged door that can cover the work surface if necessary.
The single-row housing is also a very practical solution. The arrangement of all appliances, drawers and work surfaces in one row ensures ease of use of the kitchen without the need for long trips between furniture located under different walls. It is worth choosing models with upper cabinets directed towards the ceiling. Then you will make the most of the available space, and rarely used appliances will not clutter up the space on the kitchen countertop.
Straight narrow kitchen
Furniture and household appliances can be installed in the kitchen on one wall, without losing either the functionality or aesthetics of the room. Manufacturers of kitchen furniture convince of this by demonstrating the latest collections. The narrow space of the kitchen does not allow creating complex layouts of kitchen cabinets. Direct headsets remain. Even in the narrowest kitchen you can fit everything you need while maintaining an ergonomic layout and fashionable design.
Modern sets allow you to create the ideal kitchen, which would be designed in accordance with the principle of work areas, and for this it has everything that the housewife dreams of:
- wide drawers;
- convenient sink;
- Dishwasher;
- microwave.
Optimally designed by specialists, straight kitchens are the best way to quickly create a functional area for preparing and eating food.
Modern interior
The layout can have several options, each of which is interesting and original in its own way. You can take a specific style as a basis - classic, modern, hi-tech, etc. Today, Provence and country styles are popular.
When decorating the room, remember that the kitchen space should be:
- functional;
- safe;
- beautiful and cozy.
What is meant by functionality: kitchen furniture and appliances are arranged in such a way that it is convenient for the housewife to move around the room, and essential items are within walking distance of each other. It is ideal if the housewife stands in one place and easily gets the necessary items. She does not rush from one end to another to take salt, a saucepan, etc.
The Internet often comes to the rescue - upon request, you can view many ready-made projects that have been brought to life, make your own adjustments and get the ideal option.
It is necessary to think through everything down to the smallest detail before the renovation begins. No spontaneous decisions. Decide in advance where the refrigerator and other household appliances will be located. Make sockets in the right places so that wires and extension cords do not stretch across the room. Convenient arrangement of items significantly increases comfort in the kitchen.
We must not forget about safety, since moisture, fire and electricity are present in the room. It is important that everything meets the standards. No wires near heating elements or plumbing.
A kitchen hood also cares about comfort and safety. When cooking, odors and substances are released that are not always pleasant and safe for humans, so the presence of a hood is simply necessary. There are no problems with choice - you can choose the right model for every taste and wallet size in accordance with the style of the kitchen.
Fashionable straight kitchen design
In ready-made kitchen sets, many color duets have been created that can match the interior of any style. Painted wood, such as pear, oak, pine or wenge, comes from a collection of the latest decors that can be successfully sourced from flooring or room furniture manufacturers, so you can easily create a coordinated interior and make your kitchen look like it's been custom-made. One way to organize a straight kitchen is to install two large cabinets with built-in appliances at two ends with a niche with a worktop between them. The kitchen on one wall allows you to create space for a comfortable dining nook. It can, for example, separate the kitchen area from the living room.
Straight kitchens from wall to wall and to ceiling
If you want the kitchen to be located on one wall using maximum space, you should choose an XL solution, i.e. a set right up to the ceiling. This can be one row of tall, capacious cabinets or two rows of lower cabinets of varying depths. A kitchen that stretches right up to the ceiling is a real hit. It looks great and makes the most of the available space.
Color palette
The color of the furniture walls affects not only the design of the room, but also the appetite. In a small kitchen it is better to use beige, light brown and yellow tones. Blue, green and purple do not cause headaches. They should only be used if the kitchen will be separated from the dining room.
Designers agree that yellow is a friendly shade that creates a positive mood. A room with yellow walls can be decorated in any style and with any equipment.
A white kitchen symbolizes the beginning of something new and unusual. For those who are afraid of creating a boring atmosphere, designers advise diluting the color with bright inserts in the form of textiles, kitchen utensils or paintings.
Related article: Roller blinds for plastic windows: selection and installation
The color brown symbolizes the origin of nature. This is the most popular shade among furniture manufacturers. You can choose a set to suit any style of room.
Red is a fashionable color. But for a small room it is better to apply it locally.
Blue color causes loss of appetite. Therefore, it should be used either locally or exclusively in light shades.
The best direct kitchens
A straight kitchen is a convenient solution for both large and small interiors. In the latter case, it works especially well because the absence of walls dividing the kitchen creates the impression of more space. See inspiring ideas for straight kitchens.
Until recently, kitchenettes were only associated with studios or small apartments in a block. Today, however, even in large apartments this type of furniture also looks great. This allows you to make better use of space, organizing a suitable style for the entire interior. If the kitchen is small and narrow, and the wall separating it from the next room cannot be used, then the best solution would be to demolish it. In this way, the kitchenette and living room will create one interior with the best proportions for use. The direct kitchen is also a solution readily used in the studio.
Modern straight kitchen
A modern straight kitchen consists of many elements, the color and texture of the walls, the type and size of cabinets, the type of material from which the set is made. However, even if all this is found in the kitchen, it will not become a modern-style room if it is not properly organized. The room requires some effort from people who know how to select all these elements and put them together correctly. Most often, such a kitchen is characterized by simplicity of form, economical colors, practical and functional equipment.
A modern kitchen is visible at first glance. When entering such a room, one of the first features that can be noticed is the minimalism expressed in economical colors, so everything is in one color tone or two or three contrasting sets. It is also simplicity of form, manifested in furniture, materials used, as well as in the appearance of kitchen appliances and accessories. There is order in a modern kitchen because everything fits together and has its place, so when you enter the space you feel order and harmony.
Functionality in a straight modern kitchen
A modern kitchen should be functional, that is, where everything is at hand, where equipment makes it easier to prepare dishes, as well as clean up after them. The selection and arrangement of furniture and all appliances are precisely planned and designed to enhance the comfort of people using the kitchen. For this reason, in a modern direct kitchen you can easily find three zones related to the activities that are performed on their territory:
- food preparation area - there is a stove, a countertop on which dishes are prepared, an oven, a microwave, a convenient shelf with spices and the most necessary accessories (mixers, large spoons, ladles, etc.);
- washing area - here, of course, there is a sink and a dishwasher, there should be a place for drying dishes, a drawer with cutlery, cutting and other accessories;
- storage rooms - cabinets and shelves with pots, dishes, products necessary for cooking (flour, sugar, salt, etc.), as well as a blender and other appliances and accessories.
Designers claim that in the most functional kitchens, these zones form a triangle. In addition, it is believed that the kitchen worktop should be as long as possible, as it provides optimal comfort and practicality to the straight kitchen.
Lighting
Lighting is extremely important in a straight kitchen, and in a modern kitchen it is indispensable. Therefore, designers always take care to properly illuminate the work surface, table and individual areas. For this purpose, various types of lighting are used:
- traditional;
- halogen;
- scattered;
- spot.
Lamps appear along the edges, inside cabinets, on the walls and on the ceiling. They perform not only an auxiliary, but also a decorative function.
How to arrange furniture in a 3 by 3 kitchen?
A 3 by 3 kitchen is a regular square, so there are no strict restrictions on the arrangement of furniture. If you want to visually bring the room closer to a rectangle, choose a classic linear set. If you need a separate dining area, pay attention to compact L-shaped kitchens. U-shaped sets are the most spacious and functional, but they are often too bulky for a 3 by 3 kitchen. The same goes for an island layout with an external work surface. If you don't need a large dining table, consider replacing it with a spacious and stylish bar counter.
Straight kitchen in rustic style (country)
Country kitchens are still popular. Their sentimental charm, mood, warmth and reference to tradition mean that people are keen to choose such a device for their apartment or home. Consider the rules and requirements for arranging such a kitchen.
To be considered rustic, a kitchen must meet several conditions. First of all, it is equipped with furniture and appliances made from natural materials, wood, brick, stone, ceramics, wickerwork, and lace. The vast majority of items found in a country kitchen fit into this style. These are, for example, clay or ceramic dishes, brass pots, wooden spoons, lace curtains, tablecloths and napkins, linen fabrics. You can find stylized stained glass windows, galleries, decorative cornices, and folk decorations. Some items are specially seasoned to look original. A modern country kitchen might look like the photo below.
Appropriate Accessories
Country-style kitchens may belong to different regions, featuring special furniture decor, stylized embroidery or embellishment, but what connects them is more important. And such elements that are found in each of these types are practical and impractical additions. These include various types of ornate containers, colorful jars and wicker baskets. They are placed on shelves, on windows and cornices, and hung on walls. You can add old family photographs, paintings and landscapes, clocks, and patterned plaques on the walls.
Height and depth of cabinets in a straight kitchen
The best way to choose a cabinet type is to analyze what you have most and least in your kitchen, from dry foods to pots and kitchen utensils. If you have a lot of cutlery, knives and other tools, it's worth planning for more drawers. With several jugs, bottles or thermoses for example, maybe you only need one high shelf. A large collection of cups, on the other hand, fits comfortably without being too high, allowing you to make better use of more cabinet space. If you use many types of flour, it would be good to lay them out, for example, on shelves, and the butter collection will conveniently fit in the narrow baskets of the cargo cabinets.
Standard cabinet depth:
- standing - 60 cm;
- hanging - 30 cm.
Standard cabinet height:
- standing - 80-87.5 cm;
- hanging - 80 cm.
Note! The height of the cabinets depends on the level at which you want to place the countertop. When setting up a kitchen, it is best to adapt it to your personal height, that is, a few centimeters below the level where your elbow is when you stand upright.
Remember that when choosing the height of standing cabinets, you must take into account the thickness of the countertop that will be installed on top of them. The recommended minimum distance between the top and bottom of a wall cabinet is 45cm.
Size ratio of kitchen units and kitchens
Furniture in the kitchen is arranged so that a person spends less time and energy on performing ordinary actions.
It is better to make the location of the headset linear or L-shaped.
The dimensions of kitchen furniture depend on the area of the room. The minimum number of headset modules is three.
Standard set of modules:
- washing;
- cutting table;
- section with stove.
To make the work process convenient, the height of the tabletop should not be less than 85 cm and more than 95 cm from the floor. The width of floor-standing single-door cabinets with one or two doors is 30-50 cm.
The optimal depth of cabinets with standard height and width is 50-55 cm. It can be adjusted relative to the size of the countertop, but you should not reduce it too much, otherwise the necessary items will simply not fit into the cabinet.
The standard distance between floor and wall cabinets is from 45 to 60 cm, so that the housewife can reach the shelves.
In order not to disturb the interior, the height and width of hanging cabinets should be close to the parameters of floor cabinets, and their depth should not exceed 30 cm.
If the kitchen is small, designers recommend installing a corner set with a sink in the corner. The distance from it to the refrigerator and stove should be at least 20-30 cm.
In kitchens with high ceilings, standard size sets will not look harmonious. Wall cabinets in such rooms are suspended at a distance of at least 150 cm from the floor, and their height can be greater than that of floor cabinets.
Reference. Light shades and reflective surfaces of the set visually increase the area of a small kitchen.
