Corner kitchen
Content:
Choosing kitchen furniture is an order of magnitude more complicated than developing a furniture plan for living rooms. The main difficulties arise due to the need to combine various selection criteria: functionality, ergonomics, aesthetic requirements for furniture and technical capabilities of the available area.
Criteria for choosing corner kitchens
Giving preference to corner kitchens, it is important to know about the advantages, disadvantages of this type of work furniture.
- Due to the shape of the arrangement, corner kitchens allow you to use the minimum amount of usable area, which is especially true for kitchens with a small quadrature.
- The wall space, which is also classified as part of the working area, is used to the maximum and allows you to arrange the required number of wall cabinets and mandatory household appliances.
- The best ways to arrange the dining area are possible only with an angular set of kitchen units. Dining and work areas are located at opposite ends of the kitchen.
- With the help of the angular arrangement of working furniture, the correct ratio of the storage zone, preparation zone (washing and cutting table) and food preparation zone is easily observed.
- In terms of composition, the corner kitchen has an advantage over any other type of work furniture.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the future kitchen set are selected individually, depending on the technical capabilities of the area. The main requirements for the dimensions of the corner kitchen are vertical and horizontal parameters (height and width), as well as general dimensions.
Vertical dimensions determine the height of each headset cabinet. Thanks to the correctly selected height of the furniture elements, it is possible to equip an ergonomic and comfortable space for work.
Four vertical zones
| Height (cm) | Appointment | |
| Very low | 0 to 450 | A very low vertical is suitable for storing large and heavy kitchen utensils that are not involved in daily cooking. |
| Low | 450 – 650 | Used to store large utensils for daily use. |
| Average | 650 – 850 | The vertical location of the working area of the table. |
| 850 to 1400 | Suitable for the location of household appliances and constantly used items of utensils. | |
| High | 1400 – 1650 | Conveniently located vertical allows you to store items of dishes and serving, as well as products of daily use. |
| 1650-1900 | A place for placing small dishes of rare use. | |
| 1900+ | Suitable for storing rarely used unbreakable dishes. |
The height of the floor cabinets and countertops is in the middle vertical range. The arrangement of wall cabinets has a lower border of 850 cm, and an upper border of 1900+.
The horizontal lines of the kitchen can be of two types: a single or different levels. The single allows you to easily move the dishes, as well as use the entire work plane. A different level horizontal has a working table located 2-8 cm below the stove, and a 10 cm overstated sink.
The depth of the floor cabinets and hanging cabinets is determined by the overall dimensions of the kitchen. The average depth (end width) is 450 cm.This size is taken into account not only when calculating the capacity of tubes and cabinets, but also when calculating the overall dimensions. The location of the working and dining areas should have a delimiting space of at least half a meter.
Materials
Material for the manufacture determines the life of the furniture and its aesthetic qualities. By the principle of assembly, kitchen furniture does not differ from other types of cabinet furniture. However, much more attention is paid to the characteristics of materials for manufacturing, since we are talking about the use of furniture in a room with high humidity and constant temperature changes.
Frame and facade
The basis of the furniture design is the frame. It can be made of any durable material. The most commonly used chipboard is a wood material with a laminated surface to increase wear-resistant characteristics. Stronger frame materials are rarely used.
Facade (front part) can be made of MDF, wood or aluminum profiles. Wood materials belong to the elite types of kitchen furniture facades and are characterized by high strength and decorativeness. Wear-resistant aluminum facades have a narrowly focused design and are used only for modern interior styles.
The most commonly used material is MDF, because it has a sufficient level of rigidity, does not respond to moisture and temperature. The main advantage of MDF is the variety of colors and textures.
Material for the facade of the kitchen - laminated MDF.
Countertop
The choice of material for the countertop should be approached in more detail. It is important to take into account equally the strength characteristics and decorative features of the material. For the manufacture of used: steel, artificial stone, natural stone, glass, chipboard and plastic.
Steel is a durable material, but chromed metal surfaces can only be used as part of specific interior styles. Natural stone is the best of materials, because it is highly decorative and durable, the only drawback is the cost. As an alternative, an artificial stone is used, which has all the decorative properties of natural and slightly inferior in strength. Impact-resistant glass is rarely used as a material for countertops, since complex processing of the material, to give it strength, affects the total cost, and glass surfaces can only be used in some modern design areas. Chipboard, which acts as the basis of the countertop and plastic, has a sufficient level of strength and at the same time offers a very wide range of colors.
White granite countertop
Hardware
The service life of furniture is directly proportional to the quality of the fittings. Thanks to modern furniture accessories, furniture becomes more functional and convenient to use.
Drawers and baskets should have steel rails. Plastic and aluminum fittings for moving parts will last no more than two years. Closers have a more important role, not limited to ease of use. Thanks to the soft closing of the door, the shelf life is increased by 5-7 years. The closer should be made of a metal alloy with rubberized bends. Hinges should have the most primitive shape and be made of high strength metals.
Regarding decorative fittings (handles and skirting boards), it is enough to choose models that are close to the general style. The simpler the decor of handles and baseboards will be, the longer they will last.
Fittings as an addition to the design of kitchen furniture.
To order or factory?
Custom-made furniture has a number of advantages, but factory furniture is not inferior in demand. The easiest way to decide is to compare all the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
| Specifications | Custom-made furniture | Factory furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Custom-made furniture is developed individually, using all the elements of the area. | There are standards on the basis of which kitchen sets are designed. Standards are designed for average types of kitchen area. |
| Design | Individually made furniture will meet all the aesthetic requirements of the customer. | The range of shops offers the most striking representatives of all existing styles. |
| Quality | The customer personally chooses materials and accessories that determine the quality of the product. | According to the established state standard specifications. |
| Price | The cost can be adjusted, due to materials, design complexity and additional features. | The cost is set taking into account the consumption of materials, the complexity of the design, as well as in total with the percentage of sales (retail). |
Location of furniture and household appliances
The working area in the kitchen is organized in such a way as to form a triangle between the storage area, the sink and the cooking area. Since this is a corner kitchen, creating a triangular arrangement is much easier.
Most often, designers and interior designers arrange the zones as follows: a storage zone (refrigerator), after it - a food preparation zone (washing and cutting table), and a cooking zone (oven) completes the triangle.
Kitchen sink
From an ergonomic point of view, a sink located in the corner is not the most convenient option if there are cabinets above the sink. The advantage of a corner sink is space saving. For a more convenient location, you can choose a place for the sink close to the corner, but on one of the sides adjacent to the wall.
If the wall cabinet is located directly above the sink, it is better to choose a model of furniture for the kitchen with a protruding corner. Floor stand designed for the sink, which is located with a forward extension of 20-40 cm. It is much more convenient to use.
The shape of the kitchen sink can be rectangular or round, with various variations: beveled corners, divisions into several sections, etc. Round sinks are less practical and are used only if there is an urgent need to save centimeters on both sides. Rectangular options are more convenient to use.
The best use case for corner space.
Oven and range hood
The oven and burners, connected in one set or made separately, are located in the far corner from the exit. It is important to note that if the furnace is located directly at the window, then the required distance from the wall to the furnace should be at least 0.4 m. The height of the furnace is chosen flush with the working surface of the table. The hood should be at a height of 65-75 cm from the oven.
Oven and hood located in the corner of the kit.
Refrigerator
Variations in the location of the refrigerator may be two. In the first case, the refrigerator acts as part of the furniture set, in the second - as a separate object. When choosing a refrigerator, it is important to consider its technical capabilities and basic requirements for it, as a household appliance.
If the refrigerator is part of the corner kitchen, continuing a series of furniture, its color and shape must fully match the geometry of the headset.
A refrigerator located separately from the corner kitchen is used less frequently. The disadvantage of this type of communication between the storage area and two other working areas of the kitchen is the inconvenience. In addition, the refrigerator located separately occupies the space of the dining room area, violating the logic of the division of the kitchen. However, if such an arrangement is inevitable, the color and shape of the refrigerator is chosen with the same requirements as for large furniture objects, based on the style of the interior.
Refrigerator, which is part of the color scheme of the interior.
Style selection
The corner kitchen can be used with any interior style. Even the most complex and decorative interiors can be decorated in the kitchen with corner furniture set.
All existing interior styles are divided into classes that define the era and territorial traditions of the architectural style.
Classic styles
Classic styles require a large space for active decoration and large furniture. Bright representatives are the stylistics of antiquity, Gothic and Romanesque styles, as well as empire, Baroque and neoclassicism.
Kitchen furniture, in the style of antiquity, as a rule, has simple geometric shapes and is made of light wood or painted in light shades of beige. A decorative element is carved surfaces and gallery glazing of wall cabinets. Accessories made of dark metals, characterized by curved floral forms.
The Romanesque style takes on its character thanks to the dark wood and natural stone. Rough and heavy furniture elements are decorated with soft carved lines and large fittings. Wall cabinets can be both closed type and glazed. Small details give special aesthetics: dishes and Roman-style kitchen utensils.
Dark wood is also used in the Gothic style, but there is no luxurious decor here. The whole decorative role is given to carving and form. A large role is played by large metal fittings. Glazing can be used in small quantities.
Empire suggests combining luxurious forms of classics and catchy colors. Furniture made of elite wood with carvings and wardrobes is decorated with gold and ocher color with the addition of dark shades of wood. Handles and other accessories are selected for the background color of the furniture and do not act as a large contrasting element. Since the empire has a very deep texture, decoration is done using flowers and fruit vases.
Soft shades of beige in addition to decorative elements imitating gold determine the Baroque style. Large and massive furniture made of wood is made in shade, close to the color of the walls, and with the help of decorative elements, drawings and curly stucco painted in precious colors, the main accents are placed.
Neoclassicism is the most common style of kitchen furniture and offers the use of geometric shapes with soft angles, dark wood and a light version of decoration. Figured carvings, neat dark fittings and partial glazing are the only additions to this style of furniture.
Modern appliances in a classic style
Antique and classic interior styles are not located for modern household appliances. The complexity of the combination lies not only in the high functionality of modern household equipment, but also in the materials from which it is made.
The founding days of classical styles limited the list of materials to wood and natural stone, which served as the basis for creating the interior composition. Metal and glass, in the form of facing and decorative materials, began to be used much later, already at the turn with modern interior styles. Well, practical household appliances appeared in the middle of the twentieth century.
Stylization - the first of the applications for household appliances is most often used in modern interpretations of the classic interior style. Any of the household appliances installed in the working area of the kitchen is styled as a classic version of this type. The hood is designed in the form of a chimney, a stove in the form of a wood stove. Other devices are masked and installed in the closed parts of the coupon headset.
Household appliances stylized as an interior are developed individually, since they must comply with the interior design, colors and general ideas about convenience and style.
The second method does not require additional costs, but complicates the task of creating an interior design. The combination of modernity and the canons of classics is a difficult task, in which it is necessary to use an easy version of the interior, complementing it with household appliances. It is extremely important that the technique does not stand out and attract attention, since the fact that it is selected in combination with style does not give it authority to play a separate role in the composition of the classic interior.
The final version of the combination is correction or modification of the style. The classic style, taking into account all the requirements for the geometry of the room, colors and materials, is combined with a modern interior style, located to the use of technology. This option can be accomplished by dividing the space, where in one zone a modern interior with household appliances is arranged, and in the other, it is exclusively classic. You can also modify the style by replacing one of the materials with metal or plastic (corresponding in color to the main materials of the selected classic style). In this case, household appliances will not stand out from the overall composition.
Stylization of modern technology to the requirements of the interior.
European styles
The stylistics of the interior in European architectural traditions has very blurry borders, intersecting with classic and modern styles. Each of the European styles reflects the existence of different time periods and countries. From a large list of interior styles, one can distinguish Provence (French), Renaissance, Biedermeier, eclecticism, chalets, romanticism, Swedish, English, which are representatives of classical norms, as well as modern - as the border between classic and modern. The new generation of European interior styles highlight art deco, grunge.
Provence uses soft colors, natural shades and abundant decoration with household items. Kitchen furniture in Provence style is made of wood and painted in beige, peach, sand or white. In rare cases, a natural wood color is used, light shades. Simple, angular shapes are emphasized with open floor tables and blank hanging cabinets. Translucent glazing is used as a decorative accent.
Creating a composition according to the canons of the Renaissance style requires special attention to furniture. Furniture plays a major role in building color gradations. For the Renaissance, dark background shades are characteristic, which have their continuation, turning into lighter shades of furniture. Early Renaissance uses carved wooden furniture, with geometric shapes. Furniture features of the late Renaissance offer simpler furniture of strict forms and no frills.
The conciseness of the Empire style and the romance of European styles together represent the interior features of Biedermeier. The emphasis on practicality and quality is emphasized with the help of expensive wood, and the simple form of a corner kitchen. Design without architectural decor and comfortable, functional fittings complement the basic idea of style.
Eclecticism opens up new facets of classical forms of furniture. Expressive decor focuses not on the quality of carpentry, but on graceful classical forms in a European design.Not heavier than large ornaments, elegant furniture made of wood and painted in bright colors of warm shades is complemented by relief glazing and large countertops.
The interior of the chalet uses exclusively natural materials, the main of which is wood. The corner kitchen can be made in any of the wood shades, the shape is much more important. Simple horizontal and twirling lines of kitchen furniture are emphasized by the contrast and texture of natural materials. A style-defining feature is a massive countertop made of natural stone or wood.
Romanticism is lightness and sophistication, complemented by plastic and elegant furniture forms. The main material is wood and white marble, in contrast with the dark metal fittings. Simple furniture designs, with soft decorative lines and neat but practical worktops. Preference for milky, white, gray or pale pink. Glazing from corrugated translucent glass acts as an addition, but the bulk of the wall cabinets with blind doors. Romanticism seeks to emphasize the individuality of space at the expense of household items, which is why tableware, cutlery and fruit vases are often found in decor.
The representative of severity and modernity - the Swedish (Norwegian) style, offers to get rid of the cult of form and color saturation. The main requirements for a corner kitchen in the Swedish style are clarity, geometricity and predominantly white color. Wooden furniture sets are complemented by mandatory fittings and household appliances. Without glazing, without patterns and without color contrasts, the Swedish kitchen sets express themselves in a small but bright decoration: fruits, kitchen utensils, colorful mosaics on the wall near the work plane fill the composition with meaning.
The English style has high demands on the quality of materials, as well as strict zoning, which emphasize restraint and chic. The corner kitchen should be made exclusively from solid wood of any shade, depending on the overall color scheme of the interior. Smooth logical lines of furniture are emphasized with the help of not saturated decor in the traditional English style. The countertop should stand out from the overall composition with protruding parts or with a dark woody color. Glazing of doors in hinged cabinets made of transparent glass allows you to add decorativeness due to china.
Art Nouveau is a style open to experimentation. The aesthetics of Modernism requires getting rid of strict forms, and using new materials as the main ones. Since there are no legislative standards for style design, it is worthwhile to be guided by a number of features that distinguish corner kitchens in the modern style. First of all, these are complex art lines. In the classical representation of Art Nouveau - preference is given to fairy tales, wood furniture with floral bends. Modern variations allow the use of strict sealed furniture, bright colors with glossy surfaces. Glass plays a special role and is widely used for decorative purposes.
Art Deco prefers dark shades of cool colors and a classic storyline. The corner kitchen, made of wood and painted in dark or whitish colors with abundant carpentry decoration and glazing, can be supplemented with large metal fittings. The focus is on texture and contrast. Art Deco is a bohemian style, characterized by exceptional dignity and an artistic combination of color.
Grunge, as the art of decorating living space, offers a democratic view of objects and colors. The philosophy of simplicity and vintage allows the use of geometric kitchen furniture, in style close to the standards of 60-70 years. The colors of the style create a composition of creative space, without highlighting the basic elements, but with an expressive plot.For the corner kitchen, beige, sand colors and rough accessories of simple shapes are chosen. Attention is paid to the texture - artificially aged furniture elements that emphasize the counterweight to luxury are the main element of this style.
Household appliances in European styles
European styles, despite their wide variety, are easily combined with modern household appliances. The development of European culture as a whole leaves its mark on interior features, modifying and perfecting the style, adapting canons to the requirements of modern man.
Interior styles using ceramic surfaces, glass or dark colors are easily complemented by any household appliances matched to the general requirements in color.
More constructive interior styles, playing in midtones, have a personal feature - compatibility with the technology of the “new generation”. Delicate and sophisticated forms are easily combined with modern household items related to the latest technology. However, do not forget that the combination of color and shape is necessary even for this case.
Simple, democratic interior styles that set the task to create coziness, the home environment can also be adapted to the present. Since none of the democratic styles have special color requirements, use darker colors that are compatible with household appliances.
The combination of traditional style with new modern technologies.
Modern styles
The interior styles of our generation have one generalizing feature - comfort. The main idea of each of the modern styles is to create a comfortable space in every way, using not only design and furnishing methods, but also methods of constructing an artistic composition. Modernity rejects the global concept of comfort, paying particular attention to the individuality of space.
Expressionism, positioning itself as a counterweight to the chaos of color, streamlining, creating harmony between the brightest and variegated colors within the same area. The corner kitchen can be made in any of the colors, since the elements of furniture are deprived of attention, the composition of colors in the interior as a whole is of greater importance. Since plastic shades are used, the kitchen can be made not only of wood, but also of plastic, metal and glass. The form of a kitchen set is, as a rule, strictly geometric, close to minimalism. It is imperative that the fittings are highly functional, since the modern style in the interior of expressionism requires convenience and advanced features.
Vanguard uses furniture as part of the scenery for the interior. It is typical for this style to create a composition of three colors, the brightest of which (dominant) highlights the main objects in the interior. The corner kitchen is the defining furniture part for the construction of the picture, therefore it should be selected in accordance with the dominant color. In interior styles using color as the main element of plot construction, decorativeness and texture are not used. Glossy and glass surfaces are the best choice for a kitchen unit.
As the second side of modernity, using bright and catchy compositions of color, the style of minimalism denies any excesses in form, color or decor. Strictly geometric furniture, with glossy surfaces in traditional colors of minimalism (black, white, red) - will always be an appropriate addition to the interior of this type. For the most part, plastic is used as the main material, frosted glass can act as an addition.
The loft uses dark scales, so it is suitable only for kitchens with a large quadrature. Furniture in the style of a loft is the most modern approach to arranging a kitchen. Strict, sealed headsets, metallic, gray black and dark brown colors, in addition to modern appliances. Contrast is created using a worktop that has a whitish hue.Nothing superfluous, various additions and household items are completely hidden behind the blind cabinet doors without glazing.
Techno - the final style of modernity, in which technological progress plays a major role. The composition is built of two complementary colors and strict geometry of the form. For emphasis on the main subjects, the second color is metallic. All household appliances are brought out without hiding cabinets. The headset does not need additional decor; frosted glazing can be used to highlight individual zones of the upper part.
Modern styles and household appliances
Most modern styles are based on the concept of the century, which marked the beginning of the development of technology as such. Almost all modern interiors are easily complemented by various types of food processors, stoves, refrigerators and other necessary attributes of the working area.
Some of the styles require special attention to the modernity and relevance of household appliances. Outdated models will look aggravating, destroying the concept of modernity. When thinking over the style details, special attention is given to the relevance of a particular model of household appliances and its combination with the basic requirements of the style.
A combination of modern styles and household appliances.
Lighting
The location of lighting devices is an extremely important and substantive subsection, which is taken into account when choosing the style and design of a corner kitchen. Considering that the headset is oriented in a corner, lighting is not so much a design requirement as a necessity, for arranging comfort.
In the tradition of classic kitchen sets, additional lighting is not provided. The entire space of the kitchen is illuminated with central lighting fixtures. It is important to emphasize that compliance with traditional classical canons does not mean the arrangement of a living space at the level of comfort of past centuries. Composition, colors, shapes and the interior as a whole does not preclude the use of modern lighting methods. To preserve the style, it is better to use hidden lighting located under the wall cabinets and fully illuminate the work area.
European interior styles, as well as classic ones, have their own style of lighting, not including local lighting of the working part of the corner kitchen. Since European styles are easily combined with the requirements of our time, you can use not only hidden lighting installed under the wall cabinets. You can also complement the interior with the help of stylized sconces and floor lamps, which will be located in the upper part of the apron (wall plane in the working area of the kitchen).
Central and hidden lighting for the work area.
Modern interior styles have begun to successfully use additional spotlights that increase the level of comfort and safety. Any of the existing types, from LED strip and ending with open spot lighting, is easily used in modern interiors. The main feature is the combination of a lighting fixture with the basics of style and color requirements.
For all interior styles, the light intensity, as well as the fading, warmth of lighting, is chosen individually, depending on the chosen colors. Cold lighting is required for light colors or to emphasize cold shades. Warm lighting will complement dark interiors, as well as add coziness to compositions based on shades of beige.
