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Best kitchen setup


28 ways to configure cabinetry |

(Image credit: Tom Howley )

Looking to remodel and need new kitchen layout ideas? This professional design advice will help you make the most of your kitchen floor space. 

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and you can be spoilt for choice with kitchen layouts and formation options when starting out on a project. The key is to take things slowly, and think carefully about how you use and move within the space. 

Also consider how you see your family might use the room in the future. It may be all about food prep now. But down the line, it may need to double as place to finish homework, a 'teaching area' where your kids learn to bake, or a sophisticated entertaining spot.  

Practicality is key for kitchen ideas when it comes to the best kitchen layout, and the shape you select should be able not only to accommodate your lifestyle, but enhance it. We've got plenty of food for thought, so go ahead and dive into our layout options.

Kitchen layout ideas

Our guide will explore all the key kitchen layout ideas, but first, clue yourself up on the six types of kitchen layouts that will likely form the base of your space...

What are the six types of kitchen layouts?

There are six key kitchen layouts: 

1. Let your habits dictate the layout

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

'Every aspect of the kitchen, how it works and how it is used is based around the layout,' says Sally Hinks, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones. 'When starting to plan a kitchen, the first thing you must think about is how you're going to be using the space, as this will dictate what you need to include. Is your kitchen purely for cooking or will you be entertaining, too?

'Will the space be used as a working from home spot or will the kids be doing their homework in there? It's also important to look at the existing features of the room. In many cases, doors, thoroughfares and windows set the parameters of the layout out and guide suitable options. Many people like to situate their kitchen to make the most of a lovely view outside or to take center-stage in an open plan space, which can be a useful starting point.'

2. Think: practicality

(Image credit: Benjamin Johnston Design)

'The main thing to keep in mind during the layout planning process is practicality,' says Sally Hinks. 'Think carefully about which parts of the kitchen you're gong to be using the most from a cooking perspective and how easily you can move between them. Use the kitchen triangle method as a guide and focus on the refrigerator, sink and cooker as the core elements when mapping out your space.' 

For more guidance, see our exploration that answers the question, where should a refrigerator be placed? 

3. Use the galley layout for space efficiency

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Galley kitchens are one of the most space-efficient layouts you can choose. They are ideal for keen cooks, and perfect for maximizing storage and work surface space in smaller kitchens. This super-efficient layout is ideal if you are looking for small kitchen ideas that maximize every inch of space.

Allison Lynch, of kitchen design company Roundhouse , says: 'A galley kitchen usually occupies a relatively small space – they are often a walkway between two rooms. An ideal length would be 3.5 – 5m with space either side of the door opening to allow at least a standard depth countertop. 

'Although they tend to be quite small, they are very ergonomic spaces with everything usually within arms' reach – with, ideally, the sink one side and the hob on the other.' 

Placing these two important elements centrally within each run of units is the best approach, with the dishwasher on the sink side of the run and the refrigerator on the side of the hob.

4. Share your space with a U-shaped layout

(Image credit: Amanda Evans Interiors)

U-shaped kitchens are an ultra-practical option. They are comprised of countertops on three connecting sides, allowing plenty of room for cooking. 

It's one of the most efficient layouts to have in both small and open plan homes alike, and the easiest way to achieve the ergonomic triangle that is so often talked about in kitchen design – where your fridge, cooker and sink are all within easy reach of one another.

It also easily allows for two cooks in the kitchen at once for a team dinner-making effort.

Allison Lynch says: 'U-shaped kitchen ideas work best in spaces ideally from 3 – 3.5m, but remember that the bigger the space the more crossing the room you have to do.'

Larger kitchens can often accommodate the addition of a central island, too, like in this example by Amanda Evans Interiors . With plenty of room for cabinetry and built-in appliances around the edge, the island provides a casual seating area and additional preparation space.

5. Love your corners with an L-shaped layout

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

The most common layout is some sort of L-shape, with at least one straight run. The classic design uses two adjoining walls of a room to allow a continuous flow of worktops and cabinets. 

The central area is kept free, so you can enjoy a spacious feel or add an island for extra worktop space and storage.

'L-shaped kitchens are a classic, timeless design,' say the team at Magnet. 'And the open floor space it creates allows the kitchen to be accessible from any angle.'

6. Create distinct zones with an island layout

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Large kitchens and big families can really benefit from utilizing kitchen island ideas to add extra storage and preparation space. 

Multi-use spaces are increasingly sought after, and an island can be used to prepare dinner while also keeping an eye on the kids, as well as doubling up as a socialising area, work space, or homework desk.

'The benefit of an island layout is that it is great for zoning in open plan areas, which is what most people opt for today,' says Roundhouse's Allison Lynch. 'It’s a good piece of social furniture and effectively creates two different spaces, one for cooking and one for prep, with one person at the island and the other at the worktop. 

'Another big benefit in an open plan space is that an island can be made to look more like a piece of furniture.

'An island allows free movement all the way around, and people can enter the space from different directions. It can feel less monolithic, a much lighter piece of furniture than a peninsula, and with judicious use of plinth lighting it can be made to look like it is floating.'

7. Use a peninsula to disrupt a thoroughfare

(Image credit: Future / Manolo Yllera)

A kitchen island is wonderful, but if it will create a natural passage through the cooking space from one area to another, such as from the hallway through the kitchen into a garden, kitchen peninsula ideas may be a better choice.

'Consider alternatives to a kitchen island, even if you have space,' advises Homes & Gardens' associate editor Busola Evans. 'A peninsula, for instance, can provide many of the benefits of an island without interrupting the cooking workflow.

8. Choose an L-shaped layout for a party kitchen

(Image credit: Marlaina Teich Designs/Patrick Cline)

If your kitchen tends to be the life and soul of the party, choose a layout that will accommodate abundant entertaining. The open nature of an L-shaped kitchen means lots of space for guests to gather in the opposite side of the kitchen to where the units are based. 

As demonstrated in this home with interior design by Marlaina Teich , it is also a great choice for kitchen diner ideas, and open plan spaces that merge into a living area. This kitchen boasts a dining area off one side and a living room off another – the L-shaped layout keeps the kitchen neatly tucked in one corner, while the added island provides connection to the other spaces. 

9. Consider appliances early in your layout plans

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

'Another factor that will affect your kitchen layout is the type of appliances and tall cabinetry you want to incorporate,' says kitchen designer Sally Hinks. Tall cabinetry and appliances look strongest standing alone or on the end of a cabinet run, so this can dictate potential layouts during the initial stage.'

10. Make the most of a small space

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

'When designing small kitchen layouts, choose your appliances wisely,' says kitchen designer Sally Hinks. 'Any large appliances such as washer dryers that can multi-task are worth considering. Furthermore, integrating appliances wherever possible will open up the space visually and create cleaner lines. Smaller appliances such as coffee makers and microwaves can be housed in cabinets to free up valuable countertop space, keep surfaces clear from bulky devices and create a more minimal aesthetic.'

11. Make the most of natural light in small kitchens

(Image credit: Emily J Followill/Beth Webb Interiors)

Galley kitchen styles may be great for small spaces and ergonomically sound for keen cooks, but they can have a reputation for being a little dark and pokey. To counter this predicament, be sure to make the most of any natural light coming into the space when planning a kitchen. 

In this example with interiors by Beth Webb , a window at the short end of the galley has been extended to stretch from floor to ceiling. The window on the right hand side is free from the constraints of upper level cupboards, meaning that light can travel freely into the rest of the kitchen. 

12. Create a ‘Chef’s Table’ experience with a long island 

(Image credit: Richard Felix-Ashman Design/Aaron Leitz)

For serious foodies, cooking and serving dinner is the main event, especially when entertaining guests with equally strong culinary inclinations. Upgrade your island’s seating area from a casual breakfast bar to a full-blown dining area, by choosing a larger-than-life island that can accommodate a dinner party. 

Bringing guests into the kitchen space can help create a unique ‘Chef’s Table’ experience, as demonstrated in this stunning kitchen in a bar conversion by Richard Felix-Ashman . A large kitchen for entertaining, it also hosts two dining tables for when you want to give a more intimate feeling to a gathering. 

13. Bring personality to an open-plan space

(Image credit: Future/Polly Eltes)

'Open-plan kitchens can easily feel disjointed if the different areas aren't carefully linked,' explains kitchen designer Sally Hinks. 'Kitchen islands and peninsulas are a good choice to bring the kitchen out into the room, while accommodating seating areas within an island is a great way of tying dining areas and kitchen spaces together.'

14. Keep kitchen layouts simple to enhance space

(Image credit: Ginny Macdonald/Sara Tramp)

'Using light kitchen color ideas and mirrored backsplashes will open up spaces,' says Allison Lynch. 'Keep things simple. In galley kitchens in particular, keep tall cupboards for dry food storage and the fridge to the ends of the room, and perhaps limited to one side but not both.

'Too many details will crowd the space – keep to simple clean lines and lose the clutter. '

15. Pick storage that's truly ergonomic

(Image credit: Neptune)

Never underestimate the importance of good kitchen storage ideas. Nerine Vacher, kitchen designer at Neptune Fulham in London, advises: 'Effective storage is one of the simplest ways to create a happy and homely kitchen. 

'By including a single piece of furniture, like our Suffolk larder (above), a bi-fold cabinet, or even an island, you can completely transform your kitchen, by creating more surface space and keeping clutter out of sight.'

H&G's Busola Evans adds: 'Ensure your bottom units are drawers rather than cabinets. Deep drawers are a more efficient use of space and give easier access to items at the back.'

16. Consider the second work triangle, too

(Image credit: Rikki Snyder)

'I've moved house seven times – and designed seven new kitchens for myself,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'Plus, I've interviewed countless kitchen designers over the years, both for my kitchen remodels, and professionally.  

'In time, I've realised that there's a second kitchen work triangle that no one talks about overtly – but it's really important.

'The second kitchen work triangle is between the kitchen sink, the bin(s) and the dishwasher. These three elements need to be as close to one another as possible to make tidying up after dinner as easy as possible. You want to scrape plates, rinse them and stack them all in one easy move, without pacing up and down the length of the kitchen. 

'If you can ensure that the dining area is towards that end of the kitchen when planning its layout, too, you'll find it makes life even easier.'

17. Work out storage zones

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

When planning your kitchen layout, one key aspect is to consider how you want to use the kitchen and where you want items to be stored. 

Naturally, heavy pots and pans should be kept in lower cabinets, and within easy reach of your oven and hob. 

Likewise, mugs should never be too far away from your kettle. In this open plan kitchen, the dining table is in the same space as the kitchen area, so the addition of a tall dresser provides storage for crockery and cutlery, to make laying the table quick and easy.

18. Put in a pantry

(Image credit: Sustainable Kitchens)

Larder or pantry ideas separated from the rest of your kitchen can help keep things clear and tidy, as they are an ideal space to keep store cupboard staples and baking equipment. 

In this barn conversion project, the ceilings were low and natural light was limited, so a walk-in pantry was designed by Sustainable Kitchens . It has internal windows and under-counter cabinets only, so that it feels bright and connected to the rest of the kitchen. Automatic lighting makes it extra bright inside.

19. Maximize storage and workspace

(Image credit: Burbridge Kitchens)

Most L-shaped kitchens are fitted onto adjacent walls of a room, creating a practical corner design. They provide plenty of work surface as well as storage, though be mindful of where the two runs of cabinetry meet – the addition of pull-out drawers or an internal carousel will help to avoid wasting useful storage space.  

Consider keeping wall cabinets to one side of an L-shaped layout, opting for open shelving on the other so as not to make the room feel overcrowded. If space allows, you could add a dining table.

20. Use your alcoves

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

You are likely to inherit some unusual nooks in older country properties, so taking a flexible approach to your kitchen design may be necessary. 

Look for alcoves and recesses that you can build storage into and toss out the idea of a conventional fixed layout. Add single runs of cabinetry wherever they fit best in the space you have to work with, incorporating your appliances in between. 

To add to this flexible approach, go for a portable kitchen island or freestanding island design – units on legs open up the amount of floor space on show and can be moved around if needed, too. 

21. Build banquette seating

(Image credit: Martin Moore )

Banquette seating ideas mean you can fit more seating into the available space when it is built in to the design of your kitchen.

The fitted, upholstered benches not only provide storage beneath, but are a clever way to hide any unsightly wires or pipework. ‘These are a necessary evil that may have to be boxed in to be concealed,’ says Daniela Condo, designer at Life Kitchens . ‘See if services can be re-routed inside bulkheads, voids or under the plinth of the kitchen.’

22. Enjoy layout flexibility with freestanding furniture

(Image credit: Sebastian Cox X deVOL)

Often found in rustic-style homes, free-standing furniture offers a more flexible approach to kitchen design. It’s a relaxed look, enabling you to add single runs of cabinets around the kitchen to create your ideal layout, incorporating your appliances in between. 

This mix-and-match method works particularly well in older, country-style properties where the room may be unusually shaped. Paired with complementary wall-hung cabinets, a run of wooden free-standing cabinets will provide ample storage for small kitchens, as seen in this example by deVOL .

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

A kitchen-diner layout is ideal for busy family households, where both the cooking and dining zones sit within the same design. 

‘When planning a kitchen, take inspiration from the existing features in the room, such as doors, thoroughfares and windows,’ says Sally Hinks, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones. ‘Looking at these elements will help you site the table in the best possible position.’

24. Go with the flow

(Image credit: Naked Kitchens)

‘Always walk through the plan in your mind to ensure it flows well and works efficiently, making sure that you can easily and fully access appliances so there are no pinch points,’ says Jayne Everett, creative director of Naked Kitchens . 

‘If you go for an island, make sure there’s enough space around it to pass through and open cabinets,’ she adds. It’s the well-planned, seamless flow around the U-shaped layout and the double-ended island that makes this kitchen design work well.

25. Make the most of a large kitchen

(Image credit: Magnet)

It’s easy to be spoilt for choice when considering kitchen layout ideas for a large area, but don’t overlook one of the most popular layouts, the U-shape, which can be the perfect match for a generously sized kitchen. 

To suit the open space, this particular layout is comprised of worktops on three connecting sides to allow for ample room for cooking. This design – by Magnet – is created for high efficiency cooking and accommodates the ‘working triangle’ perfectly, meaning you can easily move between the three key cooking components, sink, oven and refrigerator. 

This kitchen layout encourages smooth food preparation, plenty of practical storage space and allows two chefs to be operating at once, making mealtimes a real team effort. It also incorporates a peninsula breakfast bar idea, so visitors aren't excluded from the action.

26. Include an island in a different color

(Image credit: LochAnna Kitchens)

With open plan living proving increasingly popular, islands today come in a range of styles, functions and sizes to suit your space. Offering the possibility of extra room for 
both cooking and seating, they can help turn a kitchen into the hub of the home. 

To make an island the focal point, choose one in a different color from the rest of your cabinetry, as shown in this traditional kitchen design that combines earthy brown and off-white. 

The length of this island allows a variety of different elements to be included, including a sink and ample storage.

27. Create the heart of a family kitchen

(Image credit: Future plc / Darren Chung)

To tie a family kitchen together, the addition of an island can be the final piece to the puzzle. Usually suited to medium-to-large sized kitchen layout ideas, an island can contribute valuable extra storage and worktop space that’s so sought after by large families. 

When prepping meals at the island, parents can keep one eye on dinner and one on the kids, too. Then in the evenings it can transform into a dining table or even an office and homework club, offering the family a place to catch up and congregate, like the multi-purpose island in this stylish grey kitchen.

(Image credit: Future)

If your U-shape is more generous, it's worth sticking to the work triangle principle as closely as possible, but ensuring the three important elements are grouped on just two sides of the kitchen, with the third side given over to kitchen storage. 

'If your kitchen's third side is an island, like the one above, storing cutlery, plates, china – in fact any items use use for dining – is the best option,' advises Homes and Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 

'If you are keen, unflappable cooks who like to entertain regularly, having the hob on that unit with the cookware you need below will also work brilliantly – and be much more sociable.'

To avoid any costly kitchen design mistakes, the first step is to think carefully about how you move within the space and how you see your family using the room in the future – and this is where the well-known kitchen work triangle comes into play.

'The "work triangle" is the common sense principle that a kitchen plan revolves around the location of the sink, cooker and fridge and that the kitchen plan should be based on the most efficient workflow using these elements,' says Adrian Bergman, senior designer at British Standard by Plain English .  

'This is, of course true, especially in a busy kitchen, but there can be other considerations such as aesthetics and respect for the architecture of a room, so there are occasions where we might stretch the layout rules to achieve a result that pleases the eye as well as the brain.'

Adrian continues: 'Usually, the size and shape of the room will suggest the best kitchen layout ideas, but often there is a choice and there are pros and cons to each; a single long run, for example, can look smart but means a lot of walking between elements and the fact that guests will be looking at the chef's back while they cook. 

'I find that the best approach is to mock up and test any kitchen layout ideas in the actual space using battens and trestles, or with blocks of paper on the floor to represent the cupboards and appliances.'

Ailis started out at British GQ, where a month of work experience turned into 18 months of working on all sorts of projects, writing about everything from motorsport to interiors, and helping to put together the GQ Food & Drink Awards.  She then spent three years at the London Evening Standard, covering restaurants and bars. After a period of freelancing, writing about food, drink and homes for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Luxury London and Departures, she started at Homes & Gardens as a Digital Writer, allowing her to fully indulge her love of good interior design. She is now a fully fledged food PR but still writes for Homes & Gardens as a contributing editor.

The kitchen triangle – an expert guide

The kitchen triangle – you might also hear it called 'the kitchen working triangle' or, more alluringly, 'the golden triangle' – is one of those kitchen design rules that's been knocking about since researchers at the University of Illinois School of Architecture developed it in the 1940s to cut construction costs. 

Despite being created to save money, it was enthusiastically adopted by kitchen designers who felt it made kitchen layouts more efficient – and we've stuck with it for decades. But is it still relevant, and should you be incorporating into your kitchen remodel?

We asked the experts to demystify the kitchen work triangle – and put your most asked questions to them.

See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens

1. What is the kitchen work triangle? 

(Image credit: Neptune)

'The kitchen work triangle is based on the three main work areas: the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove,' says Adrian Bergman, Senior Designer at British Standard by Plain English . 'According to the rule, these should be laid out to loosely form a triangle, enabling you to perform day to day tasks with relative ease and without obstruction.'

According to the kitchen triangle rule, each side of the triangle should measure no less than four feet and no more than nine feet and, ideally, the perimeter of the triangle should be no less than 13 feet and no more than 26 feet.  

In other words, not too small and not too large. This should ensure that your working area is practical, comfortable and large enough – but not so large that much of your time is spent walking between one point and another. And, of course, there should be no interruption in the flow – of if you are plotting a table in the middle of your kitchen triangle, think again.

The kitchen triangle rule helps to address questions, such as, where should a refrigerator be placed?

2. What are the three items in a kitchen triangle?

Put simply, the three items that form the kitchen triangle are the sink, refrigerator and stove.

3. What is the purpose of the kitchen triangle? 

(Image credit: British Standard by Plain English)

Adrian says: 'The purpose of the kitchen triangle is to allow you to move seamlessly and easily between working areas of the kitchen. '

George Miller,  Home Designer at Neptune Fulham says: 'With three key elements at the core of its purpose, the kitchen triangle creates an efficient space and reduces the back and forth walking distance between each essential station of the kitchen; cook, store, clean.'

4. Is the kitchen triangle outdated? 

(Image credit: Our Food Stories/deVOL)

The overall opinion of kitchen experts is that the kitchen triangle is a good design principle, but that the changing needs of the modern family means you don't need to stick to it steadfastly. Cooking is no longer – or not always – the responsibility of one person in the modern household. And because many families now might have more than one cook operating at a time, the three points of the triangles are now likely to be 'working zones' (the cooking zone, the cleaning zone, the prep zone and the storage zone) within a kitchen – particularly in larger kitchens that have more generous space. 

In contrast, galley kitchens don't always lend themselves to the working kitchen triangle. That said, and whatever the size or shape of your kitchen, it is still worth keeping the efficiency of movement that a kitchen triangle can bring in mind when working up a new design.

Helen Parker, deVOL 's Creative Director, agrees it often forms naturally, saying: 'It is important to pay equal attention to aesthetics and functionality, if you only focus on one of these then your kitchen will not work, therefore such elements as kitchen triangles and zoning will generally just happen rather than being the main consideration. 

'We like to make simple open rooms that are comfortable and calm to live in and not focus on zoning, this is not to say we don't bear these factors in mind but we do not design with this as our main concern, it is not the key to a perfect kitchen.'

(Image credit: deVOL)

You can, of course, incorporate one of the triangle's corners – or an extra prep area to cater to a second cook – in the kitchen island. 

'The idea of the work triangle is not a rule we follow consciously or prescriptively,' says Adrian, of British Standard by Plain English. 'We always design to the client's requirements and the nature of the space, and often the triangle inevitably falls into place naturally. It is not a hard and fast rule as many clients prefer to have their fridges hidden in an adjoining larder or utility.

'Also, many people aspire to have a kitchen island which becomes the main prep area, adding a fourth corner, the kitchen rhomboid!'

6. What are new layouts to consider outside of the kitchen work triangle?

(Image credit: Blakes London)

Many contemporary homes now need to cater for different design layouts that work for the space and the family. Annie Ebenston, Lead Designer at Blakes London , says: 'We pay incredibly close attention to how a kitchen is used and the flow within the space, but each person and each home needs to be thought about holistically as not everyone cooks or uses a space in the same way.

'Factors to consider will be the amount of space that is available and the types of appliances a client uses. Drawer fridges are ever more popular, especially when combined with a walk-in pantry or second utility kitchen where a larger overflow fridge, dishwasher and sink may be located. Smaller prep sinks on islands or even two sinks on both runs are not unusual. 

See: Pantry ideas – versatile storage that’s equally suited to modern life

'A second kitchen or a dirty kitchen is an increasingly popular way of laying out a kitchen scheme especially in open-plan homes. All of these popular designs would kibosh the kitchen triangle concept.'

Kitchen material: how to choose the best one

In this section you will find answers to your questions

The kitchen in the house is a real “hot shop”. This is an energy center where food is processed, fire burns intensely, water flows. Every day, the kitchen set is subjected to serious tests. Water splashes, steam, high temperatures - this is a real test of survival. And if in other rooms you can afford to put more fragile furniture, then the kitchen is a place where everything around should be strong, solid, reliable. What material is better to buy a kitchen from, so as not to get into a mess and not pay twice? What should be the materials for the kitchen? Which is better - MDF, solid wood, or maybe plastic? Today we will answer these questions and show you how to choose the SAME headset that will become your faithful assistant.


So, what material should you choose for your kitchen?

Since we have to live in the era of new technologies, let's look at what materials kitchens are made of in the 21st century. Today in the TOP of popularity - solid wood, MDF and plastic. The qualities of each "candidate" who wants to reign in your kitchen, we will consider in detail below, and now we will talk about the general requirements. Any kitchen set must have:

What materials are kitchens made of: more about each “applicant”

Now let's take a closer look at what kitchens are. The material for a modern headset must be chosen carefully and thoughtfully. There are several alternatives today - for different tastes and pockets:

Plastic kitchen furniture: pros and cons

Don't worry, a plastic kitchen is not an artificial environment where you will find it "hard to breathe". The plastic layer is only external, it ranges from 2 to 4 millimeters. At the heart of the same - the same MDF or chipboard. Now let's look at what types of plastic for the kitchen exist. So, the surface of plastic facades can be:

Advice from the pros: do not chase the cheapness of rolled plastic (of course, if we are not talking about temporary or “seasonal” housing). Over time, this thin coating loses that elegant look that shone in the window or on the photo of the online store. If you want to preserve the beauty of the kitchen interior for a long time, opt for a sheet covering.

A huge plus of plastic, in which it "plugs" any other material, is the variety of colors. Tired of routine? Want juicy shades? Please - there is everything here: ultramarine, neon orange, phosphoric purple. Such shades are especially “liked” by the futuristic high-tech interior style.

MDF - what kind of material is this for the kitchen?

This material is based on pressed and glued wood chips in a special way. The resulting sheets are then covered with the same plastic, enamel, acrylic or PVC film. The result is a wear-resistant headset that can withstand even serious temperature fluctuations. And yet, enamel or film for the kitchen - which is better? The strengths of enamel are durability, aesthetic appearance, a variety of colors. But there is also a “fly in the ointment”: firstly, fingerprints remain on the surface of the furniture, so the habit of the owners should be to periodically wipe the facades with a soft cloth. And secondly, if you still manage to damage the enamel coating, its restoration will be a difficult task. These are, in brief, the features of a painted MDF kitchen, the pros and cons of an enamel coating.

As for the film coating, it has its own "trick" - a noble shine. The film creates the effect of a glossy, slightly mirror surface, which visually expands the kitchen area. This coating is not afraid of moisture and steam. However, there is the same minus here - fingerprints visible to the naked eye. If periodically wiping the facade is not a problem for you, and a pretty design plays an important role, this is your option.

Solid wood kitchen: pros and cons

The solid wood sets a special energy in the kitchen, which cannot be confused with anything. If a friend came to visit you and you sat up in the kitchen, know that there was a special atmosphere here. After all, wood is a human-friendly natural material. But such furniture has a minus - its bulkiness. It will not be so easy to move the elements of the headset when rearranging. Another drawback of the kitchen from the array - its production is quite expensive.

Kitchen made of plastic or MDF - which is better?

In fact, a plastic kitchen is the same MDF set, just the kitchen facade is protected by an additional coating. To the usual properties of MDF - strength, insensitivity to odors - plastic adds ease of care, increased moisture resistance and its main "trump card" - a huge color palette. But remember: such a coating reduces the environmental friendliness of MDF, closes wood pores.

Suppose you have made a choice in the direction of a "plastic" headset. What then to prefer the protective material of the kitchen - film or plastic? If you are not a fan of constantly “bringing shine” in the kitchen, stop at acrylic or HPL plastic - they require minimal maintenance.

Which kitchen is better - solid wood or MDF?

MDF is an economical material, so if the purchase budget is limited, this is your option. To the credit of MDF, it must be said that it retains many of the advantages of natural wood, because it is based on wood shavings. It is an order of magnitude lighter than solid wood furniture, and at the same time less whimsical to care for. You will not be afraid to scratch the doors of the cabinets - the MDF kitchen can be handled more unceremoniously. By the way, wood veneer can serve as a coating for such a headset, which will add points to the appearance of the furniture.

What material should the kitchen be purchased from? It's up to you to decide!

So, what is the best kitchen to buy? Buy a ready-made solution or make a custom-made headset? We just told you what to look out for. The final answer to this question is up to you and your household. Get together, look through the catalogs, discuss all the options. And in the end, the kitchen will become the real heart of your home!

What is the best material for a kitchen? in 2023

Choosing a kitchen set is one of the most important decisions made during a renovation. It should not only harmoniously fit into the interior, but also be functional and ergonomic. A beautiful, but inconvenient headset in operation will poison the life of the owner of the apartment. When choosing a kitchen, three components are taken into account: appearance, functionality and material. In the article, we will consider the main pros and cons of materials for the frame, facade and countertops and provide a summary table of characteristics for the main parameters.

Kitchen body materials

The frame of the kitchen is hidden behind the facades, so when choosing it, pay attention to the technical characteristics. The main materials are:

LDSP (laminated chipboard) - pressed wood chips and sawdust. The connecting link is formaldehyde resins. From above, the board is covered with a polymer film (laminated).

There is another type of laminated chipboard, in the production of which a special varnish is used. Thanks to him, the stove is not afraid of water and scratches, but it costs more. The use of chipboard in furniture cases is justified by a number of advantages:

The disadvantages of LDSP include:

MDF (fine fraction) boards are similar in production to chipboard. But there are also significant differences. The amount of resins is less (varies from 4 to 8%), components such as paraffin and rosin are added.

Complex turnkey apartment renovation

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MDF is a more environmentally friendly material. In terms of properties, it is similar to chipboard, but has a denser structure, which means it is more durable and can carry a greater load. Self-tapping screws cannot be re-fastened in the chipboard frame (the holes loosen and crumble). Due to its density, the MDF frame will be more reliable. The main disadvantage of the MDF frame is the high cost.

Rarely, but there are kitchens made entirely of solid wood. Not only facades, but also the internal frame. This kitchen looks spectacular, but it is very expensive. In addition, not all wood species are suitable for this role. Even a durable and moisture-resistant array must be treated during operation with special compounds to prevent the appearance of mold, fungus and dark spots.

The main parameters are presented in the summary table:

frame material
chipboard MDF solid wood
Price low average high
Strength, ability to carry load, hold fasteners low good good
Moisture resistance low average medium (requires processing)
Environmental friendliness Low, may be toxic average high

Front materials

The facade of the kitchen is what catches the eye in the first place. It is necessary to choose not only the design you like, but also think about the operating conditions. Facades can be made of the following materials:

The properties of MDF and chipboard were discussed earlier. The final cladding option will give them additional properties. In addition, attention should be paid to the finishing of the edge of the facade. For example, laminated chipboard in an aluminum frame will be virtually invulnerable to water. Chipboard in plastic is used less often, because. this technology is expensive, which means that it makes no sense to use a low-quality plate. The main advantage of using chipboard is its inexpensive price. It is impossible to give a shape, to make radius panels from such material.

MDF facades can be milled into various shapes and patterns, from classic frames to abstract patterns. In modern kitchens, 3D milling is also used, when a pattern is applied to the entire surface of the plate, giving it volume due to deep textures. In addition, the MDF facade can be made rounded or in the shape of a wave.

A variety of design solutions for MDF facades is their significant advantage. MDF in film can be made in any color, be bright glossy or matte. The film can imitate various textures - wood, metal, leather, fabric. The disadvantage of such facades is the loss of color saturation when exposed to direct sunlight.

The plastic facade will withstand the proximity to the stove and will not be afraid of moisture. Under the influence of hot steam, MDF will not swell or deform. Plastic is not easily scratched. The plastic kitchen is hygienic and easy to clean. It is important to choose a decent manufacturer, because. if low-quality plastic is used, it may eventually move away from the main panel.

Important! A plastic headset can easily "discolor" an alcohol-based product. It will help keep the kitchen clean with ordinary dishwashing gel mixed with glass cleaner.

The painted MDF panel can be damaged by chemicals, and is also capable of fading in the sun. The painted kitchen will successfully fit into the interior in Provence style. Fans of “antique” solutions use patina coatings. One of the controversial advantages is the ability to repaint the headset.

Veneered MDF facades are a classic of the genre. The noble appearance and relatively low cost (compared to a solid wood kitchen) are the key to their popularity. Good veneer is almost indistinguishable from natural wood. The veneer is not subject to cracking, it will not dry out or warp in conditions of high humidity. In this case, it is also important to choose a reliable manufacturer. Low-quality products can delaminate and lag behind the base.

The most expensive version of the facade is natural wood. Solid wood furniture always looks expensive and solid. The material has a pleasant texture, an aristocratic look. Naturally, it is environmentally friendly and safe for humans.

Different types of wood used in production have certain properties. Most often, furniture is made from pine. It is easy to process, but has a lot of knots. The most expensive, durable and hard wood species is oak. It has a rich texture, does not rot.

The disadvantages of wooden kitchens include the high cost and difficulty in care. It is better to wash a wooden kitchen with special products, and also treat it once a year with oil or impregnation.

Facade materials
MDF or chipboard in foil MDF or chipboard in plastic Painted facade Veneer array
Price the cheapest advantageous expensive Expensive very expensive
Design Colors, various textures, radius elements - for MDF Colors Color, texture, radius elements - for MDF effects classical classical
Coating durability not durable, fade, scratch more durable scratched, can be updated durable durable
Resistant to steam and high temperatures low average average average high
Chemical resistance, possibility of using aggressive cleaning solutions No No No No No
The ability to eliminate small chips, scratches. maintainability No No Yes Yes Yes

When choosing a facade, think about how much time you are willing to spend on caring for the kitchen, how often you cook and how long you expect to use your set.

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Worktop materials

The countertop is the most used part of the kitchen set. Materials for the manufacture of the working surface:

The tabletop based on MDF or chipboard can be covered with a film. This is the most economical option. If you spill water on the work surface, of course, nothing will happen to it. But if you periodically leave wet towels, cutlery, then moisture will seep through the scratches to the base. And then the countertop will become unusable.

A more durable and reliable option would be a plate lined with plastic. Often choose plastic countertops that imitate stone or wood. The weak point of such countertops is the edge, which is afraid of moisture. Corner tabletops have a joint, which eventually loses its attractive appearance - dirt clogs under it. The plastic countertop is afraid of high temperatures (you can’t remove the pan from the stove and put it on the work surface).

Important! Responsible manufacturers make countertops with a drip tray. This is such a plastic strip located on the lower edge of the countertop (on the protruding part). Installing a drip tray will prevent moisture from entering the unprotected part of the wood board.

Countertops made of artificial stone look spectacular and expensive. They do not have visible seams, and a sink made of the same material can also be integrated into the array. The working surface is chemically resistant and impact resistant. But some types of artificial stone (acrylic) are easily scratched. Scratches can be removed using professional polishing.

Another type of artificial stone is agglomerate. He is not afraid of scratches, you can cut food directly on the countertop. Due to the fact that the stone has practically no pores, such a countertop is easy to clean. The high cost of a working surface made of artificial stone can be called one of the disadvantages. In addition, you will have to pay for installation, which is approximately 10% of the cost of the countertop.

A wooden countertop does not have such high performance characteristics as a stone one. She is afraid of moisture, easily scratched. Due to the temperature difference, it can deform - swell or crack. Wood countertops are harder to care for. But they choose a tree for the kitchen because of its properties, but because of the natural warmth, beauty, aristocracy and environmental friendliness.

The most expensive countertops are made of natural stone. The natural, rich pattern of marble or granite gives the kitchen a luxurious look. The price for such material is appropriate. In addition, natural stone is inferior to artificial in many ways. For example, marble absorbs dirt and dyes due to its porous structure. Afraid of acids. It is less impact resistant. Stone countertops also require special care - once a month or a little less often they are impregnated with special compounds.

The stainless steel top is the easiest to use. It is suitable for high-tech or loft-style rooms. Modern technologies make it possible to make the work surface seamless, rounded, with or without sides. Such a countertop is not afraid of high temperatures. It is easy to remove any dirt from it. It does not absorb dirt or coloring pigments, chemically resistant.

A significant disadvantage of a stainless countertop is that water stains with a high chlorine content remain on it. Light spots, smudges can spoil the appearance of the countertop. And the cold look of such material is not to everyone's taste.

Countertop materials
In film in plastic Fake diamond A natural stone Tree Stainless steel
price low average high Very high high average
impact strength low low high low high high
Temperature resistance low low high high high Very high
Ease of care, the ability to absorb dyes, dirt, grease. needs attention
(monitor humidity) 		needs care easy care, repels dirt, does not stain demanding in care, porous structure demanding in care, constant impregnation easy to care for

When choosing what to make a body, facade or apron, proceed not only from the budget. Remember: what is more expensive is not always better. Consider who will use the headset and how.

For an apartment for rent, a cheap option from chipboard is hardly suitable. After all, the guarantee of its durability is careful operation.

When choosing a headset for yourself, consider how much time you spend at the stove, how important the appearance and environmental friendliness of the material are to you.

Natural stone top.

The choice of material for the headset is only a small part of the way to design a future kitchen. It should be based not only on external data, but also on the features of the room and kitchen appliances. For example, you cannot build a hob into a thin chipboard worktop.

When planning a kitchen renovation, think big. Maybe it's better to swap the sink and stove? Let the countertop along the window? Make underfloor heating? Provide spectacular lighting to match the color of the headset?

Repairs in the kitchen are done for many years, it will be a pity in the future to realize that something else had to be done in the process. For example, not just repaint the walls and install a headset, but also replace worn-out engineering networks or water pipes.

It is important that the kitchen is both stylish and functional. In this room there is a large number of household appliances, complex sewerage and electricity systems. All this should be thought out as much as possible at the design stage. Therefore, the most convenient option would be to order a turnkey apartment renovation. A professional designer will not only think over the style of the room, but also give valuable advice on additional power sources, lighting solutions, and furniture arrangement.

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