How to design a kitchen?

A well-designed kitchen must primarily meet our expectations; it should be comfortable to use, functional, and practical. It should be adapted to our growth—which is often not obvious to us, because we are guided by the dimensions of standard kitchens. We need to take care of this already at the kitchen design stage.  

Design and execution: SENGO

Where to start a kitchen design?

1. Define what your kitchen should look like – what style do you like, what colors, be sure to look at the kitchens designed and built by us – GALLERY

2. Measuring the kitchen – we must accurately measure the height, length, and width of the walls in the room. 

2. Windows and doors – their location, opening direction, windowsill height,

3. Utilities – chimneys and ventilation ducts, outlets and electrical connections, light switches, gas connections, radiators, and all pipes within the kitchen.

4. Appliances– we need to decide if the appliances installed in the kitchen will be built-in or free-standing. Let’s focus on the dimensions of the refrigerator, oven, microwave, hood – if it will be built-in, the gas or electric hob, and the dishwasher.

In the case of a kitchen in a new building, let’s deal with the kitchen design before any utilities begin to be installed in the house, to avoid additional costs related to relocating them.

This is especially important if we decide on a kitchen island. This involves bringing in electrical and plumbing pipes. It is worth utilizing the services of an architect or a carpentry workshop, which will offer us a 3D kitchen visualization (we offer it for free). It will be much easier for us to approve such a design, make any necessary adjustments, or choose from several offered options.

Measurement and realization

When the Client approves the kitchen design, we perform a very accurate measurement using a laser distance meter. We then check the actual dimensions against the dimensions we based and develop the final design. 

The next step will be the selection of materials used to make the kitchen furnitures. We should also decide on the color of the floors and walls. It is important that the kitchen furniture complements the rest of the materials used for finishing.

Next, we wait for the realization of kitchen furniture. For wooden or veneered furniture, this is usually from 4 to 12 weeks. This time is for the Client to prepare the room for the arrival of the kitchen, i.e., painting the walls, laying tiles, and preparing the floor.

 

Which kitchen shape to choose?

If we are dealing with a small kitchen, we can usually only choose a single-row kitchen, because the available space limits us. If the kitchen is larger, we have the option of U-shape and L-shape furniture arrangement.

In such kitchens, the arrangement is the most comfortable because each of the zones (storage – washing – preparation – cooking) connects to the other two. Thus, only one distance needs to be covered, whereas in single-row kitchens, you usually have to move from one end to the other.

 

How to arrange furniture in the kitchen?

It is best based on ergonomics, which means organizing the arrangement: human – machine – environmental conditions, so that working in the kitchen is as efficient as possible. We also call this the working triangle. In the case of a single-row kitchen, we cannot apply the principles of ergonomics.

However, it is worth remembering the use of the configuration – refrigerator, worktop for taking out products, sink, main worktop, hob. This greatly facilitates work in the kitchen; it is comfortable because everything is within reach. It is assumed that if only the conditions allow, it is worth having our worktop totaling a length of 2 meters. This will allow us to use the kitchen freely. 

In the case of U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens, the matter is much simpler. We can apply working zones where the appropriate distances are also key, such as – between the sink and the refrigerator we should have a distance of 120-210cm, and between the cooker and the sink also 120-210cm (minimum 90cm in small kitchens). However, the desirable distance between the refrigerator and the cooker is 120-270cm.

If we focus on the aforementioned principle when designing, it will save us a lot of time when preparing meals. Remember – in an ergonomic kitchen, everything must be within reach and sight. The refrigerator, sink, worktop, and hob should be close to each other.

What should be the distances in the kitchen?

In order to use kitchen appliances comfortably, we must also focus on the distances of the units. It is best if the distance of the kitchen units from the table or kitchen island is 135cm. The optimal distance between the wall and the kitchen unit is 120cm, which will ensure free movement in the kitchen. However, in the case of distance between the wall and the table or kitchen island – maintain 120cm. 

What should be the height of the counter and cabinets in the kitchen?

The standard height of the worktop is 85 cm from the floor to the upper edge of the counter. However, if the user of the kitchen is tall, there is nothing preventing the kitchen counter from ending at a height of 90-95cm. We really need to adapt the counter to our preferences, the height of family members, and especially the height of the person who uses the kitchen most often.  The space between the counter and the hanging cabinets should be from 50 to 60cm, and this also depends on the user’s height. The optimal depth of hanging cabinets is usually 30-35cm.

How can we divide the kitchen zones?

1. Wet zone – which means, simply put, the sink, dishwasher, and trash bin. Important is their proximity to each other. This makes it easier for us to load dirty dishes from the sink into the dishwasher and dispose of leftovers while preparing meals.
2. Dry zone – which means the zone for food storage. This is the refrigerator, pantry, and storage cabinets. The proximity of the refrigerator and cabinets makes it less difficult for us when unpacking groceries.
3. Cooking and baking zone – hob, oven, microwave, food processors, and all necessary things for preparing meals, such as pans and pots. For us to cook comfortably, we must have them at hand. 
4. Meal preparation zone (worktop, kitchen island) – the counter should be large and spacious, so that all the ingredients we need fit on it. If the counter is small, we should ensure that the kitchen island, or even the table, is located relatively close to the counter so that we can also eat in this place, using it as an additional worktop. 

What mistakes not to make when designing a kitchen?

• hob or sink located close to the refrigerator or wall – large pots may not fit on the hob, and in the absence of distance from the wall, we will be forced to paint it frequently. We recommend a minimum gap of 20cm.
• no distance between the sink and the hob (should be 30-40cm);
• sink and hob on distant worktops (best if they are arranged in line – in the working area, close to each other);
• large distance between the sink and the dishwasher.
• freestanding refrigerator next to the wall – a gap must be maintained as recommended by the refrigerator manufacturer. 

What kitchen style? 

The choice actually depends on the Client’s preferences, but it is vital that the kitchen style matches the rest of our rooms. It is worth applying this principle so that the house or apartment forms a cohesive whole. We have modern, English, Provençal, classic, etc. styles to choose from. It is best to search for inspiration beforehand to see what we like exactly. This will make it easier to make a choice.

The additions used in the kitchen are also very important. They can dramatically change our decor. Also check out our article on which kitchen cabinet handles to choose.

What color of kitchen furniture? 

Let’s start by saying that for the kitchen, it’s not worth choosing loud, intense colors. Such colors get boring very quickly. The kitchen has to serve us for many, many years; colors that are fashionable currently won’t necessarily be fashionable in a few years. White color – an immortal classic, suitable for everything, every furniture style. We can combine it with many other colors, with wood, marble, every texture. Among the colors most often chosen by Clients – besides white – are pastels, grays, beiges. 

 

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