The kitchen is the very place where modern men and women spend a lot of free time. Some people cook dinner every day for the whole family, others are used to getting together with friends in a pleasant environment. One way or another, the kitchen simply must be comfortable. Here are some simple tips to improve your space.
6 tips on how to make your kitchen comfortable.
Some people return to the kitchen every time because of dire necessity, but there are also many who really love being in the kitchen space. How are these two categories different? The former buy the kitchen “as is”, the latter plan the kitchen space and know exactly how to make the kitchen comfortable.
1. Size matters.
The modern furniture industry allows you to “customize” headsets to the anthropometric parameters of the person who plans to spend more time in the kitchen space. Convenience in the kitchen is determined by how comfortable for a person the numerous shelves, cabinets and other “storage departments” of important utensils are located.
Most headsets “by default” are produced in standard sizes; household appliances, such as a dishwasher and washing machine, correspond to the same parameters.
In turn, each person is individual. It is unlikely that even half of the world's population meets these average standards. Therefore, experts recommend spending a little more money and ordering a headset that is ideally adjusted to the height of its future owner. Otherwise, along with the discomfort, very serious diseases of the musculoskeletal system will come. If a tall person is constantly in a bent position, for example.
2. Use smart closets.
All tips for choosing a kitchen come down to one simple rule - it should be as ergonomic as possible
. Those who have not updated their kitchen set for a long time often still think in outdated stereotypes. In their minds, the kitchen is a set of traditional hinged cabinets. However, the furniture industry is developing much faster than many could imagine.
In modern headsets, literally every little detail is carefully thought out. Convenient cabinets for storing spices, hanging trays, a special place for storing bottled liquids. Some design solutions even require a completely open space - everything you need will always be freely accessible and in sight.
Pay attention to the return mechanisms in the design of the set, this will extend the life of the furniture.
3. Optimize corner space. How to make your kitchen comfortable and functional?
First of all, it is important to work out the functionality of almost every centimeter of space. Often a corner in a kitchen unit becomes a very difficult to reach place. However, modern engineering research effectively solves this problem.
Before choosing a headset, learn more about what retractable baskets or twin-corners, carousel-type rotating mechanisms are
- the use of such fittings in the kitchen space will allow you to store more useful things even in those corners of the set that at first glance may seem very difficult to reach.
4. Rational use of the kitchen.
If the main requirement for a future headset is functionality, you should pay attention to the introduction of a “
push - to - open ”
. It often happens that both hands are busy with a heavy saucepan or other important burden, in order to save yourself from performing unnecessary acrobatic sketches, you can adjust the furniture fittings so that the door opens by pressing your foot or... head - why not?
In addition, the “
push - to - open ” system will allow you to get rid of cabinet handles on the exterior of the doors, which will certainly appeal to connoisseurs of functional minimalism.
5. Convenient kitchen layout - comfort for the owner, durability for the set.
Modern headsets are equipped with special dampers - “closers”, which automatically ensure smooth closing of the door.
The uniqueness of this system is that it can be retrofitted to an already finished kitchen or implemented at the stage of creating a custom-made kitchen. An excellent solution for those who are used to taking care of things in their home.
6. Plan the location of your equipment wisely.
Some universal tips on the location of functional areas:
- Hob
- at least 10 cm from the cabinet, at least 5 cm from the back wall of the set;
Hood over the stove
— the width should correspond to the dimensions of the hob, the depth is not so important here. The volume of the hood must correspond to the dimensions of the room;
The dishwasher and sink are most conveniently located on the same line
, for ease of downloading. The distance between two functional zones is at least 5 cm.
Summer! Ahead are kilograms of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, liters of smoothies, lemonades, twists, jam, culinary experiments, achievements and victories. Time to look around, put things in order and make the busiest place in the house as comfortable as possible. Our advice will come to your aid.
How to determine the main functionality?
First, ask yourself questions: why do you need a kitchen? Do you cook often? Do two people cook at the same time (be it a husband, mother, beloved mother-in-law)? Do you receive guests in the kitchen? Think about it, how often do you, for example, use all four burners? If you have a small family or are on a diet and don't host dinner parties, you can replace the usual wide cooktop with a compact two-burner option, which will increase the work surface and make cooking easier.
If you use the oven exclusively for storing pans and pots, you should obviously give it up in favor of a washing machine (at the same time, this will help relieve space in the bathroom). Or maybe you've been dreaming of a dishwasher for a long time, and now you've found the place! For culinary inspiration, you can use a slow cooker or an air fryer - the dishes in them are no less tasty, and the space and time savings are significant. In general, it is always better to choose the content based on the habits and needs of the family.
Design of a functional ergonomic kitchen - photos and functional design ideas
At the beginning of designing a kitchen area, you need to understand some points that will help you decide on its design and create the ideal space. Namely:
- Number of family members. A large family requires more kitchen utensils and, accordingly, more space to store them.
- Life style. If you often receive guests, then you need to take care of additional free space.
- Attitude to culinary skills. Avid cooks spend a significant portion of their lives in the kitchen and store a lot of kitchen appliances and cookware. They require more storage cabinets and a spacious work area.
- Interior style and personal preferences.
Let's consider modern and functional design ideas for a functional and ergonomic kitchen . Lovers of simplicity, light, cool tones and modern technology choose headsets in the Hi-Tech
or
minimalism
. And adherents of sophistication give preference to classics, country or Provence. It all depends purely on the taste and personal wishes of each person.
Rational use of space will help speed up the cooking and cleaning process. To do this, you need to correctly arrange the furniture ensemble. For a square-shaped kitchen, the ideal solution would be an L- or U-shaped layout of the work area, and for a rectangular one, linear or parallel placement of furniture.
Zoning is an important point in creating an ergonomic and comfortable kitchen space. Dividing the room into a storage area, utensil storage, washing area, preparatory and work area will simplify your work and increase efficiency.
We will help you create a unique, functional design idea for your culinary area, taking into account the layout features and all your wishes and preferences.
Finishing materials
Any surface in the kitchen should be moisture resistant and easy to clean. Artificial stone is best for the countertop, moisture-resistant plaster for the walls, and tiles or glass for the kitchen backsplash. Many people are afraid of wooden floors - and in vain! Dishes dropped on a wooden floor will most likely not break, and thanks to modern wood processing methods, it is easy to clean. To decorate the ceiling in the kitchen, it is better not to use suspended structures; they reduce the height of the room. A stretch fabric is ideal in this case.
Plastic dividers for middle and lower drawers
Another idea for your little kitchen tricks for convenience: look for plastic drawer dividers in Leroy or Ikea. There are similar devices in other well-known hypermarkets.
After such an addition, all containers and jars in the deep drawers of the kitchen set will stand fixedly, without moving or falling every time the drawer is pulled out.
Work triangle
The preparation of any dish has an algorithm. Usually we take the ingredients out of the refrigerator, wash and separate them in the sink and then cook on the stove/oven. This is why the work triangle is the refrigerator, sink and stove. The three main elements of the kitchen form the vertices of the triangle, and its sides form the route of the hostess. The length of the sides of the triangle depends on the area of the kitchen and can range from 1 to 2.5 m. The closer these items are located, the more convenient it is to cook, which means less time has to be spent on unnecessary movements.
Horizontal zoning
To ensure that the necessary products are always at hand, and that working in the kitchen is a pleasure, you need to fill the cabinets, taking into account the rule of horizontal zoning. It is better to place the heaviest objects and dishes at the bottom, while it is more convenient to fill the lower tier with drawers. Then there will be no dark shelves and corners littered with junk, all items will be in direct access. The middle level usually houses the most popular items in kitchen life, appliances and tableware. And out of old habit, you shouldn’t put supplies of cereals and sweets upstairs. You will forget about them anyway, unless you specifically hide chocolate bars for a sad day.
Cutlery trays in top drawers
Yes, some kitchen furniture manufacturers offer to install them right away. But we don’t recommend it: often the price for such an obviously convenient option turns out to be exorbitant. And you can always buy such a tray yourself in any hardware department - this is not a shortage. Moreover, this will be a more economical option.
A simple plastic or silicone tray will need to be carefully cut to fit the size of the drawer. This is simple, because the sides of most models are quite voluminous.
A little trick in the kitchen for convenience: cut the sides so that the tray is not inserted inside, but “lays” on top, with emphasis on the sides of the drawer. That is, it was the “top tier” - so the functionality of the drawer and capacity will be better!
After all, cutlery does not require great depth for storage. And under them, inside the drawer itself, you can store something less important that is needed from time to time. For example, baking dishes, trays, disposable plates, towels, etc.
Avoid dangerous proximity between household appliances
When distributing household appliances and appliances in the kitchen, you need to take into account the location of the riser and do not forget about the basic rules of neighborhood. It is important to leave a safe distance between devices, which can be found in the operating instructions. Violation of these rules threatens not only equipment breakdown, but also accidents. Without proper insulation, a refrigerator will not live a long life next to an oven or cooktop. They should be separated by at least 15 cm. Any equipment near a gas stove is a time bomb. For the stove, you need to set aside a separate area at a safe distance from other appliances and flammable objects (curtains, towels). The optimal distance of the hood from the hob is 70–80 cm.
Keep the refrigerator away from all heating and heating appliances (oven, microwave, gas water heater, stove, radiator). Leave at least 5–10 cm between the wall and the refrigerator. Place the TV away from the “hot” and “wet” zones.
Pair storage
Remember a simple principle: things that are used together should be stored together. This is very practical advice.
- Sink area: Keep dishwashing liquid, sponges and colander here.
- Cutting table: This should include knives, a cutting board, several bowls for mixing food, vegetable oils for cold dishes, vinegar and lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Stovetop: Keep frying oil, spices used during cooking, and a net to prevent oil splashes nearby. It’s convenient if the cabinet with pans and pots is also nearby.
- Baking: sieve, measuring cup, molds, special paper, scales, mixer are best stored in close proximity to each other.
- It is also better not to put tea, coffee, coffee grinder, Turk and sugar in different cabinets.
- It is convenient to group food supplies by category: cereals, canned food, seasonings.
Identify and reorganize places that attract clutter
One of the famous kitchen Bermuda triangles is the space under the kitchen sink. The key to organizing it is to pay attention to what accumulates there. Sponges for washing dishes, rags, cleaning products - all this can be stored directly on the pipe using plastic hanging structures. Make this space more functional. But remember, the place is quite easily accessible, so do not place substances there that are toxic or dangerous to children and pets, or place these products in a container or box with a lock.
Space for notes
It is very practical to have a place in the kitchen for notes. This could be a magnetic notepad where you can keep a shopping list. Each family member can always add the necessary product at any time. Thanks to such a list, it is easier to track and maintain the quantity of all stocks. You will always see what you really need to buy at the moment, avoiding random costs. Cookbooks that you often use when cooking are also useful in the kitchen; you can organize them on a narrow shelf on the wall. You don’t have to constantly run to another room and search. A magnetic board for exchanging information with family or creating a weekly menu can work as a decorative element and a children's corner.
A beautiful modern kitchen is a functional concept that takes into account the volume of space and optimally combines work processes and aesthetics. Let's look at specific tips that will allow you to rationally equip even the smallest kitchens. This means that there will be more space in your kitchen.
Equipment of kitchen cabinets in the preparation area
We wrote earlier that for convenience, all the necessary kitchen utensils should be at hand! Dishes and cutlery should be stored directly in the cooking area, that is, near the stove, and baking supplies should be stored near the oven. And it’s easier to keep order in the kitchen not in cabinets, but in drawers. Which should have a full extension mechanism so that you can get the necessary item at any time. In the drawer under or next to the hob, it is convenient to store ladles and ladle, and in the lower ones - pots, pans and lids. For baking accessories, narrow pull-out cabinets 150-200mm wide are provided, where everything you need will be placed: baking trays and molds can be placed vertically, and rolling pins and baking paper can be stored on the top shelf. And be sure to plan drawers for spices, bottles and cutting boards. Equipment for a compact kitchen An important point in designing any kitchen is to place the necessary equipment and the kitchen appliances desired by customers.
In small spaces, the implementation of this task borders on fantasy. We recommend, and the pros make the most of built-in appliances, which have many advantages and allow you to find optimal solutions for using the kitchen space.
— The customers of this project are a middle-aged couple with a child. The owners lead an active lifestyle, often receive guests and cook a lot at home. Hence the main wish of the customers when designing the kitchen and living room - they wanted to make the kitchen-dining and living room areas a single space, but at the same time they wanted to make the kitchen work area as inconspicuous as possible. As a result, we designed the kitchen in such a way that it was located in the back of the room, around the corner. With this arrangement, the process of cooking and cleaning after cooking is as hidden from view as possible, since the hob, sink and dishwasher are located just in the back of the kitchen around the corner. www.goldensilk.ru
Alexander Krivov, interior designer
— In the kitchen I wanted to place as many appliances as possible without cluttering the work surface. As a result, the choice fell on built-in compact equipment. In particular, we installed built-in Electrolux appliances: a microwave oven with grill function; an exclusive oven. The uniqueness of this oven is in the functions of cooking with steam and at low temperature in a Sous Vide vacuum. This device will also replace a steamer, since there is a 100% steam mode, in addition to other modes with steam. And a huge number of automatic recipes will give our customers ideas for dishes and select cooking parameters. And thus, with the help of these two devices, owners will be able to cook in almost any possible way.
Alexander Krivov, interior designer - And also: a built-in coffee machine with a full cycle of preparing perfect coffee; a compact wine cabinet - the best in its class in terms of energy consumption; a built-in TV for the kitchen with a stainless steel frame and the ability to rotate the screen, which is especially convenient in compact layouts.
— In addition to the full range of Electrolux compact series of built-in kitchen appliances, it is also attractive that all appliances are the same size, which allows them to be placed together in a row, in a column, or in a group of four - this is both convenient and looks very harmonious.
Unique design
Evgenia Krivorog, architect
— Follow a few tips for arranging a small kitchen: Don’t be afraid to make contrasting colors. For example, the kitchen facades are dark - the floor covering is light. It is a big misconception to do everything in light colors. I advise you not to use “all shades of beige” in the interior of small kitchens. It is next to dark shades that light shades look brighter, as they reflect light, especially glossy surfaces such as tiles or marble on the floor. Consider also cool shades, such as light blue or dusty pink, for example, when using wall colors. www.evgeniyakrivorog.com
Evgenia Krivorog, architect
— The ceilings should not be made at different levels; it is enough to decorate them with ceiling cornice. It is better to place the stove and oven as far away from the passage as possible and, of course, to place it at a distance from the sink. The kitchen work area should be as functional as possible.
Therefore, it is necessary to make an effort to place everything conveniently, and especially think through the location of areas with household appliances www.evgeniyakrivorog.com
Finishing the facades of a kitchen unit is an element of kitchen design that will emphasize the individuality of your interior and make it possible to choose a winning combination of colors and materials. A modern kitchen is not only a monochrome glossy one, and a classic one is not necessarily a brown wooden concept. There are a huge number of unique solutions for each room.
— The main wishes of the customer were to create a cozy space for a family of 2 adults and 2 small children during their stay at the resort. Warm shades of walls and furniture, wooden beams on the ceiling, floral patterns, and a large amount of wool textiles were agreed upon immediately. It is a very rare case when the project was fully agreed upon the first time and no serious problems arose during the implementation of the project that required adjustments to the project. shipkova.com
Olga Shipkova, interior designer
— The kitchen set and table were custom-made by the ArtInterior studio. Facades - painted MDF with patination; wood-look countertop and apron. Belgian chairs J-line series. Textiles, wallpaper, stucco elements - Empire Decor company. A special wish was to equip the premises with equipment that would allow you to prepare delicious and light dishes without hassle. The choice was made in favor of the customers' favorite brand, Electrolux.
— In this small apartment in Moscow, it was necessary to create a cozy interior in light classics with notes of American aesthetics for a married couple without children. When arranging a kitchen, attention to detail, thoughtful functionality of the kitchen, and, of course, visual effects of interior design are very important. In the overall color scheme we settled on a combination of dark chocolate, vanilla, baked milk and warm gray, but in the kitchen I suggested adding the color of sage leaves - not bright and in the context of the main shades of the apartment, this color brings freshness and seems to me to visually expand the small kitchen. bogacheva-interiors.ru
Anna Bogacheva, interior designer
— Kitchen set Donato furniture factory Stylish kitchens are embodied in a neutral gray color. Lately, I have been offering customers to combine furniture of different price categories, but I never advise saving on the basic components - flooring, paint, textiles, in my opinion, what makes the interior whole and “correct”.
I must say the kitchen is only about 7 square meters. and therefore there were many tasks, in addition to being functional, it was necessary to visually expand the kitchen - for this I used mirrors and an advantageous color combination, light curtains, open shelves, an “airy” lamp. An important component of the convenience of the kitchen is lighting: work areas, general lighting around the perimeter and lighting for the mood: sconces, lighting or a beautiful lamp above the dining table.
Kitchen lighting
The kitchen work surface should always be illuminated. The current standard for quality is LED lighting, which provides a good flow of light while being more durable than traditional lighting systems. The best illumination is provided by those lamps that have a high color temperature. The best solution is a temperature of 5000 Kelvin, 24 LEDs per 1 meter of strip. Work area lamps should have an inconspicuous appearance, while pendant lamps can be interesting accents.
— Before starting renovations, it is important to provide good lighting in the kitchen. In vain, some people think that one light source is enough for a small room. At the project stage, it is planned to illuminate the work area, the eating area and turn them on separately to create a different mood in such an important room of the house. avetiska.wixsite.com/decor
Marina Sargsyan, interior designer
— This kitchen was designed for a small one-room apartment, one of those in old houses, with complex geometry, with protrusions, ventilation ducts... In such a kitchen it can be very difficult to place all the necessary equipment. The presence of compact built-in equipment helps. It can be placed in a tall cabinet one above the other, for example, a built-in small refrigerator and an oven, and it is convenient to integrate a compact coffee machine and microwave into wall cabinets, thereby freeing up space for the work surface.
Marina Sargsyan, interior designer
— For small spaces, I mainly use a two-burner hob. An induction hob is installed directly in this kitchen. And I install a small dishwasher, for 6 sets of dishes; it takes up little space, having dimensions of 55x44 cm, and is hidden behind the kitchen facade.
The placement of a dining area in a small kitchen should also be thought out in advance. There are many options for placing a table and chairs. This is the format of a bar counter, which the designer used so successfully, playing with the existing geometry of the room. Or a small coffee table and chairs with a lightweight design or light colors so as not to burden the space. Architects and designers revealed the secrets of their craft, and using the examples of the projects provided, we were convinced that there are many interesting solutions for a small kitchen - modern design trends and developments of kitchen appliance manufacturers embody the desire to combine functionality, aesthetics, and a sense of free space.
: bedrooms, living rooms, children's rooms, hallways and more.
The article provides the basic rules for - they are generalized and therefore apply to all types of kitchens. One of the main requirements for kitchen design is functionality and convenience. After all, cooking here is convenient, and dining is pleasant if the design is thought out for a specific room and for the required needs.
Small space
Everyone knows that small spaces create a lot of inconvenience. However, arranging a small kitchen is quite possible. It is important to arrange furniture and appliances correctly - then you will be able to compensate for the lack of space. The main task when creating an interior is to expand the room with the help of visual effects. This can be achieved with light finishes, mirrors, glass and chrome products. Well-designed lighting will have the same effect.
You should not place large-sized furniture in a small area, because it will look too bulky. But you can play with the contrast of sizes, for example, choose compact furniture and a massive shelf for dishes. We include any free space (even a window sill) in the work.
Furnishing a small kitchen with furniture is not an easy task. It is better to place it away from the entrance so as not to clutter up the space. We use only the most necessary items and place everything thoughtfully. We organize a place for a small set or a dining area that can be moved outside the kitchen. You should not load the interior with a large number of decorative elements.
Excess dishes and accessories can be hidden in out-of-sight areas, such as a box under the dining table. Attractive souvenirs will be placed on open shelves. An island in the center of the room will help organize the space. All the necessary utensils are placed on it. We place kitchen cabinets on the walls parallel to each other. Built-in or hanging equipment on brackets will help save usable space.
Video on the topic “Quality Formula”: Choosing a sink for the kitchen
To understand the essence of the concept of “comfortable kitchen,” you need to understand that the kitchen, being a single room, consists of separate functional areas. Each zone performs a corresponding function, but some zones are used more often, some less frequently. Based on this rule, you need to decide how the room will be used and set priorities. But how to do it right? Let's figure it out together. To avoid confusion, the action plan consists of several main points, each of which is then clarified.
Little tricks in the kitchen for easy storage: making drawers in the basement
Perhaps all kitchen sets are now available on adjustable legs, 100-150 mm high. And they are closed with a special strip, a plinth, which can be removed from the clips (fastenings) during cleaning.
But the removable plinth is, in fact, another potential place for storing some small and narrow items. And even vegetables. You can simply purchase plastic containers of the appropriate height and width to slide between the legs. Or you can design and make special boxes with your own hands.
Another idea for the collection! Inside the drawer you can organize a “dining room” for your pet so that it doesn’t get in the way. But, of course, you shouldn’t hide a bowl of drink like that; water should always be available.
As a rule, plinth drawers are recessed between the legs of the kitchen, flush with a standard plinth and are invisible to outsiders. Therefore, it will also be convenient for you to use the kitchen.
Little tricks for the kitchen for convenience: you can make the base drawers not retractable, but roll-out, on wheels. The option on wheels is cheaper - after all, the guides themselves are more expensive and require the installation of additional sidewalls for attaching the drawers.
Kitchen furniture
The furniture was chosen as the first point quite rightly, if only because don’t rearrange the furniture; if it doesn’t match the size and features of the kitchen, comfort may not be achieved at all. Let's start with the headset. The set is selected, taking into account the area of the kitchen in accordance with taste, preferences, desired requirements, but the smaller the room, the narrower the choice. A corner set would be the ideal choice. There are two options: create a set yourself by choosing the appropriate modules, or order it. The first option is cheaper, and besides, many companies now make designer headsets, and the buyer himself can choose the desired configuration. The second option is more expensive, but in this case the furniture will fit into the interior as much as possible, using every useful centimeter - what is needed. In addition to the area, you need to take into account the shape of the kitchen - a corner set will fit perfectly into a square kitchen, but will create cramping in a rectangular one.
Video on the topic “Functional kitchen with Fiera”
Kitchen table. From the very beginning, you need to decide whether a dining table is needed in the kitchen at all - in a small kitchen this is especially important. Whether the family dines in the kitchen or in another room, whether the family is large - questions, answering which, you can make the right choice. If the size of the kitchen allows, it is quite possible to install a full-size rectangular table, at which a large family will be comfortable. If the kitchen is smaller, it is better to choose a round table so that the corners do not interfere. If the family consists of two or three people, and the kitchen is very small, you can use a folding tabletop or a transformable table for a family meal.
The remaining parts of the furniture - hanging drawers, bar counters - are installed at the request of the owner, taking into account the area of the room and the location of the rest of the furniture. The increasingly popular island design is good for a larger-than-average kitchen, but it has its advantages, which will be discussed below. The selected furniture must be positioned correctly. That's right - this is so that everything is at hand and nothing interferes with movement around the kitchen. Here we need to say something about the functional areas that were mentioned at the very beginning. The three most used of them - the stove, sink and refrigerator - should ideally be spaced at equal distances from each other.
Kitchen ergonomics: convenience comes first!
Hello, friends.
Sometimes in articles on this blog you can come across such a perhaps incomprehensible word as “ergonomics”.
Today I propose to talk about what this word means.
In the understanding of furniture makers, this is the correct layout of the kitchen unit.
“Correct layout” implies a layout in which the kitchen set will be as convenient to use as possible.
And the ease of use, in this case, is influenced by the following factors:
- Kitchen room
- Headset layout
- Headset dimensions
- Location of kitchen centers relative to each other
- Accessories used
Now let's look at each of the factors separately.
Kitchen room
The set can be designed for large, medium and small rooms.
In each of the options, it will be planned differently.
In a large kitchen space, you can plan a set of absolutely any configuration.
Naturally, in this case there are a lot of options to make it convenient to use.
For medium and small rooms, solving the issue of ergonomics is already more complex.
In this case, a lot depends on the size of the room itself and its configuration (location of doors, windows, etc.).
Headset layout
Depending on the room, the kitchen set can be designed differently.
For example, in a large room there can be straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, and other types of headsets with a non-standard layout.
Any of the options, for example, can include a kitchen island, which improves the usability of any kitchen significantly!
In a small room, as a rule, straight and L-shaped kitchens (or variations thereof) are planned.
From practice, the most convenient to use is the L-shaped layout.
Headset dimensions
In order for a kitchen to be convenient to use, its dimensions (especially in height) must be designed for its specific owner (or hostess).
We are talking, first of all, about the height of the lower kitchen base, and the distance from the countertop to the upper (wall) boxes.
In this matter, you should not rely on generally accepted standards; you need to approach it individually.
And, if, on average, the height of the lower base (on the table top) is 850-860 mm, then this is calculated for the average human height.
For a person whose height is below (or above) the average, such a height will no longer be acceptable.
The same can be said about the location of the upper hanging modules.
In the tolerance (from the countertop to the top box) from 400 to 600 (mm), you need to find a value that corresponds to the height of the specific person who will work in this kitchen.
By the way, I would like to note the following point: in these matters, as strange as it may seem, dimensions of 10-20 millimeters are very noticeable.
Location of kitchen centers
This point is one of the most important in the matter of ergonomics.
How the kitchen centers will be located from each other will largely determine how many “kilometers” the kitchen owner will cover in a day, running from one kitchen center to another.
The main kitchen centers include: a refrigerator, a module with a hob (oven) and a sink.
Also, in a kitchen set there may be other kitchen centers, such as: a built-in dishwasher, a built-in washing machine, a module with a dryer, but they are not the main ones.
When working in the kitchen, the housewife inevitably has to move from one kitchen center to another; therefore, these centers, if possible, should be located not far from each other.
And this arrangement is best ensured by the L-shaped configuration of the kitchen set.
The arrangement “refrigerator - hob (oven) - sink”, for the convenience of general understanding, is called the “working triangle” of the kitchen.
You can read more about this “triangle” in this article.
Let's look at what nuances there may be in the location of these centers.
The refrigerator, located in the kitchen, is a storage place for all the products from which food is prepared. Therefore, it should be located within reach (if the kitchen also contains a dining area, then the refrigerator, naturally, should be located not far from it).
But, at the same time, if possible, it should be located away from heating elements (for example, from a module with a hob or oven).
In addition, the open refrigerator door should not block the passage between the kitchen modules (for example, in a straight or U-shaped set).
As a rule, in order not to disturb the overall design of the kitchen, the refrigerator is located at the edges of the unit.
The hob should be located away from the sink and away from the window.
Splashes of water may fly from the sink, which can extinguish the burners, and if the hob is close to a window, a fire may occur, since there are sometimes curtains, drapes or tulle on the window.
Also, the location between the kitchen modules should be such that the open doors of the oven or dishwasher do not block free passage (especially for the oven, in the area of which it is necessary to ensure maximum free passage).
Built-in fittings
Also, the ergonomics of the kitchen largely depends on the built-in fittings.
For example, using lower modules with hinged doors is not as convenient as using sliding doors.
Also, for ease of use, there are many specialized kitchen accessories, such as pull-out baskets, pull-out buckets, bottle holders, etc.
Any kitchen set containing such built-in fittings (if they are positioned correctly) will always be convenient to use.
Therefore, when planning any kitchen, it is necessary to take into account ergonomic issues, since it is probably one of the main components of the quality of any kitchen set.
That's all.
See you.
Video on the topic “How to make a kitchen functional”
By placing two zones on the same line, and placing the third separately, you can get the so-called kitchen triangle. Most often there is a separate sink or refrigerator. If the kitchen has an island design, the sink is built into. If a dining table is a necessity, it should not interfere with access to the main functional areas.
The height of the working surface and hanging drawers should also be chosen based on metric data, but in this case it is not the area of the kitchen that is taken into account, but the height of its owner. The tabletop should be located at waist level, and the cabinets so that you don’t need to reach for them. It’s better if the cabinet doors rise vertically, then you don’t have to worry about bumps on your head. Various devices designed to save space and provide quick access to kitchen utensils make a significant contribution to the convenience of the kitchen. The main “helpers” are railings and various suspension systems.
Hidden storage
A kitchen island can not only act as a dining table or work surface, but also include the entire kitchen storage system. Why force and cover the walls with cabinets and shelving? Your dishes, pans and other kitchen utensils will fit perfectly in the drawers of the island.
Photo: renoguide.com.au
Functional devices
Railing is a metal pipe that holds hooks and fasteners, shelves and various holders. They come in horizontal and vertical versions and are as easy as pie to install—you just need to screw two screws into the wall or ceiling. The most frequently used kitchen utensils are hung on the railing. But with all the convenience of this device, it is worth considering its location - it is better not to hang it above the stove, so that splashes of the prepared food do not stain the utensils, and mini-shelves with seasonings above the sink at least look ridiculous.
Another important detail is the trash can - it is better if it can be opened hands-free by pressing the pedal. And so that it does not get underfoot, it is placed in the corner next to the sink or in the cabinet under the sink itself, so it is better to choose this object of a rectangular shape. A kitchen, even if it is spacious, seems cramped if the design details are poorly thought out. For example, the best choice for a small kitchen would be pastel shades of facades, combined with enlivening bright tones of details - two primary colors, it is better not to use them anymore. Mirror surfaces, spot lighting of furniture does the same.
