Direct kitchen set: design and layout features, selection rules

Every housewife would like to see her own small kitchen in some other form and make it more functional and spacious. But what can you do if the room is not huge in size?

There is a solution and the most optimal way out of this situation will be a linear (straight) layout of the kitchen space. What is special about this design method? Let's take a closer look at all the intricacies of this style.

Direct kitchen: what is special?

Owners of apartments and houses often do not know what they really want and what they need. For example, it is not easy to change your long-standing habits. If you had one arrangement of furniture, refrigerator, dishwasher and even cutlery drawers, it would be difficult to move away from it. Or maybe it's worth a try? Consider a straight kitchen - this is an excellent option for a room of different parameters.

Many people think that if a refrigerator has been standing next to a gas stove for ten years, then it should be left that way. Nothing could be more wrong, as this environment is certainly uncomfortable. Therefore, you should immediately get rid of such placement and, at the first opportunity, arrange the kitchen in accordance with the principles of ergonomics.

Everything, however, depends on what kind of room you have. If you are dealing with a proportional and large territory, then there will be no problems. You have a lot of room for maneuver, and the result depends only on personal preferences, which kitchen set to choose. If you have a small kitchen, narrow and long, then it is best to place furniture and appliances along one wall. Although many people are afraid of this decision, this fear only arises from the poor placement of cabinets, shelves and equipment. Carefully thought out placement of all these elements will make the straight kitchen very comfortable for users.

Some tips from designers

Kitchen cabinets with drawers make the kitchen practical and multifunctional.

Designers advise thinking through not only the main aspects, but also small details of the interior: the location of drawers, sockets, towel hooks, and so on.

The kitchen must be practical, functional and comfortable. It should be convenient for the owner to reach or reach any section.

If we talk about the length of the set, then experts advise choosing a kitchen of 2.5 meters. This will make it the most convenient and functional. In addition, it is important to carefully consider the order of installation of all elements of furniture and equipment.

A straight kitchen is the most simplified option for placing a kitchen unit.

You need to start planning your arrangement by choosing a place for the sink. As a rule, its location is determined by communications. The most optimal location option is not against the wall, but in the middle of the kitchen unit.

It is important to note that a ready-made option will cost less than a custom-made one.

Rules for installing a direct kitchen

Currently, the most popular rule that should be followed when placing a kitchen on one of the walls is the principle of the technological line. All elements should be laid out in such a way as to make cooking as easy as possible. You should start with the refrigerator. You need to place a countertop right next to it without any equipment (microwave, toaster, coffee machine, etc.). This will allow you to prepare dishes that require further processing in advance. This free space is also ideal for preparing morning meals or snacks that do not require further processing.

However, if further preparation steps are necessary, the next element in the kitchen production line should be the sink. You will use it to wash all your products or simply rinse them. You can peel vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and transfer them to the next countertop where you can cut or shape your signature dishes. Then it’s time to cook, bake or fry - which means preparing the heat treatment zone. It is best if there is a powerful hood above the stove, since the air circulation here will not be so strong. After removing the dish from the oven, it is finally time to serve it. Of course, not right away, because you need to have room to transfer to plates. To do this you will need another tabletop.

It seems that in a straight kitchen there are only countertops, of course this is true, but you must remember that they are also counters or, for example, the panel that covers the dishwasher. It is also worth choosing hanging cabinets. They are the same width and fill up quickly.

Functionality is an important feature of a direct kitchen

The principle that should be followed when laying out a direct kitchen is the rule of the processing line. All appliances should be planned so that work in the kitchen is quick and convenient. So, first of all, install the refrigerator. Then place the countertop, followed by the sink, followed by the countertop, followed by the cooktop. This arrangement will allow you to conveniently prepare food without unnecessary movements.

What is the limit of the distance between walls with and without furniture should be in the kitchen?

The optimal limit here is 190 centimeters - from the wall with a set to the wall without furniture. If the kitchen is larger than the specified distance, you can place furniture and equipment on two opposite sides. If, unfortunately, it is less, then the distance may be too small and the use of the kitchen wall impossible.

Where to store kitchen utensils

Once the basic equipment is arranged, think about how to use the remaining space to store kitchen utensils.

Wall shelves and cabinets.

To make maximum use of wall space, install shelves and cabinets up to the ceiling. Place items that are rarely needed on the top shelves. If there is a window in the wall, incorporate it into the overall design by placing cabinets on each side that are flush with the window frame, and hang a shelf on top to connect them.

Floor shelves and cabinets.

Drawers are convenient, but take up a lot of space when opened. Narrow wire holders for packages and small folders can be attached to the inside of the doors. They do not reduce the overall volume of the cabinet.

Middle space.

Don't forget about the space between the shelves and the work surface. Some companies make narrow shelves and various small fixtures for this space. You yourself can attach hooks to hang various utensils on them. There are special devices or shelves on sale for placing items such as a cookbook, kitchen towels, and jars of spices. Some items can be hung on a special staff using S-shaped hooks.

Many kitchens have microwave ovens. Unfortunately, they are quite bulky and can be placed in small kitchens using wall shelves or brackets. If you have nowhere to put a microwave, buy a multifunctional electric oven that also includes a microwave. This, of course, is an expensive pleasure, but here you kill two birds with one stone.

A double set of wedge-shaped rotating metal baskets mounted at the end of the line under the work surface takes up no additional space. Perforated baskets for storing fruits and vegetables provide good ventilation, important for maintaining the freshness of food.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Kitchen

Direct kitchens have many advantages. If the room is open to the living room, you can do kitchen work and participate in family and social life. With the kitchen closed, the owners are isolated. Furniture and household appliances can be placed in the kitchen on one wall without losing either the functionality or aesthetics of the room. Manufacturers of kitchen furniture convince of this using the example of their latest collections.

However, it cannot be denied that the single-row housing, with its many advantages, also has several disadvantages. An open kitchen requires constant cleaning. You can't afford to leave dirty dishes on the countertop or in the sink. In addition, the oven and kitchen fronts should be frequently washed to remove grease. It's also not a good solution for people who need a lot of storage space. Therefore, sometimes a much better solution may be the so-called semi-open kitchenette, that is, in the shape of an L or P, covering some areas of the unit

Recommendations for choosing a color scheme

One of the basic rules in kitchen interior design is a combination of light top and dark bottom. The lower shelves and countertops are two or three shades darker than the upper ones, even if you have chosen one predominant color.

The refrigerator and gas stove or electric oven are most often white, black and brown are less common. The last option is ideal for hi-tech or minimalism. If the refrigerator is white and the stove is black, then you can play up this contrast by making furniture in the same color scheme. The result will be a checkerboard effect.

But white is rightfully considered the king of the kitchen. It refreshes the room, makes it lighter and more spacious. If the kitchen area is small, then this is especially true. But it is important to take into account that in this case small inclusions of other shades are required. This is necessary to dilute the monochrome of the snow-white design, and thereby avoid association with an endless snow field or a hospital ward.

Green colors look very nice in the kitchen, evoking associations with nature and flowering plants. As a complement to it, pink, blue, beige, light brown tones are good. The rule of combining a dark bottom with a lighter top also applies here.

Blue and lavender tones are good on the south side. They reduce the effects of sunlight and give a feeling of coolness.

Emerald looks unusual and fresh. Good in combination with white and black.

The beige palette is the richest in the number of shades used. Milk, caramel, coffee, and wheat tones are good for the kitchen.

For any color scheme, you should not combine more than two basic tones to avoid unnecessary variegation.

Small straight kitchen

A straight kitchen is ideal for small apartments. Furniture for one wall is best. Look how good the kitchen set looks. Furniture installation requires more attention. Single-row straight kitchens are usually chosen by people who are renovating their apartment for the first time, which is mainly due to the need to save space. Especially when the kitchen is long and narrow, a single-row layout is often chosen. It is important that in its interior you can move freely or sit at the table, and also that everything is at hand when preparing food. Therefore, proper placement of equipment in a single-line enclosure is critical.

Start organizing your small kitchen by measuring it and preparing a plan for the cabinetry. Furniture arranged in a single row along the wall is a solution that provides ease of work and freedom of movement in the interior. A straight kitchen also allows you to make the most of the available space, for example for a small table. This solution is also recommended for all kitchens.

Manufacturers' offer includes furniture in modern shapes, colors and styles. Practical cabinets and drawers allow you to organize kitchen utensils, dishes and small items. Multi-colored cabinet fronts, matte or varnished surfaces and decorative handles will give the interior a cozy atmosphere. You can also choose more minimalist, handleless furniture with simple, economical shapes. Most importantly, fashionable frames are available at a variety of prices. For example, they can cost as much as a good quality bicycle or car.

Small kitchen: a good plan

When arranging cabinets and household appliances in a small kitchen in a row, it is worth following the order: refrigerator, sink, stove. The location of the sink in the middle provides easy access to water during the initial cleaning of food and during preparation. All household appliances in a small kitchen should be separated by a countertop. The minimum length of the worktop between the refrigerator and the sink and on both sides of the oven is 40 cm. Every small kitchen should have a worktop at least 80 cm long. In a straight kitchen, the sink and stove are usually separated. In limited space, the stove can also be placed between the refrigerator and the sink.

Note: When installing a cabinet in a corner, it is good to use a spacer bar between the side and the wall to make the door and drawers easier to open.

Until recently, direct kitchens were found only in small interiors. Today you can also find kitchen units on one wall in large rooms. It’s not surprising, since single-row kitchens are a very popular trend.

Features of colors and style

The design of a straight headset and its colors can be any - here you should rely on your own taste.

From a practicality point of view, the best solution would be a snow-white kitchen. The popular belief that dirt is not visible on dark surfaces is wrong. Just the same, on light-colored headsets drops of water, soap stains and fingerprints are not noticeable.

To dilute the white color, you can use contrasting details - for example, countertops in dark or bright shades.

Light colors are also indispensable in a small kitchen - they allow you to visually expand the space.

A good alternative to a white kitchen are designs in pastel shades. If you want a dark set, then in contrast to it you can make a light design of the walls, floor and ceiling: then the furniture will not burden the space.

A linear kitchen can be designed in any style: from classic to high-tech. Minimalism, retro and rustic style (country) have gained particular popularity.

Direct kitchen options in closed and open rooms

Installing a direct kitchen is a simple and practical solution. All cabinets and appliances are in one row. If the wall is long enough, there will be no problem with placing all the equipment, but there will be a lot of cabinets. If your wall isn't too long, you might want to consider tall upper cabinets to reclaim some of that wasted space.

In the open kitchen

A straight kitchen is an excellent solution for interiors in which the cooking room is connected to the living room. In the open living area, the kitchen should become a single whole. Therefore, furniture should be selected to match the style of the living room, and also perform representative functions. The space between the kitchen and living room can be divided in different ways or left completely empty.

In a closed kitchen

Kitchen furniture on one wall is not only a solution for open kitchens. Ideal for small spaces where it is difficult to find another type of furniture. You can, for example, use the free space as a place to eat.

How to complement the interior of a kitchen with a direct set

The kitchen set consists of two main types of modules: floor cabinets and upper cabinets. To increase the functionality of the design, it can be supplemented with other pieces of furniture:

• An island is a free-standing structure that is located closer to the center of the kitchen and allows you to solve a variety of problems: organizing a dining area, positioning a work surface, integrating appliances. Using an island, you can also solve the problem of forming a working triangle;
• bar counter - a high tabletop, at the base of which there can be a storage system, bottle holder or mini-fridge. It is ideal for quick snacks;
• a pencil case is a tall and narrow element in which you can place appliances, kitchen utensils and dishes.

Studio apartment: direct kitchen with living room

A single-row enclosure should not be a necessity due to space constraints. See how to decorate your kitchen beautifully and functionally. The combined living room and kitchen area is a very popular solution in modern apartments and houses. This works especially when you have limited space. The function of the kitchen in this case is the annex, the location of which becomes especially important since it affects the reception of the entire living area.

Single-row designs are ideal for a kitchenette. Single-wall furniture takes up little space and is also the easiest to coordinate with the rest of the room because it is less visually intrusive in a minimalist style, and the bright colors of the living room can complement the furniture perfectly.

A straight kitchen is not a compromise only for small interiors. This is, first of all, an excellent option for combining the kitchen with the living room. Cabinets and drawers built into one wall serve as a chest of drawers. The set also has a convenient worktop for cooking. A popular and fashionable solution is also the combination of a single-row kitchen corner with a spacious island, onto which you can move the workspace, and line the entire wall with cabinets and household appliances. Then you need to remember that the style of the kitchen should go well with the design of the living room.

Add an island!

If you want to organize additional cabinets and cabinets for storing dishes and various small items, try installing a kitchen island - a convenient design in the center of the kitchen.

Sizes can vary - from three square meters for small rooms to huge tables for spacious kitchens.

By placing such an island, you will be able to achieve two goals at once: unload the kitchen set and adjust the perception of the room - due to its distance from the wall, it visually adds volume.

A nice bonus: the kitchen island can easily be converted into a dining table. Just make sure that its lid protrudes ten to fifteen centimeters above the cabinets, otherwise it will be problematic to sit comfortably.

The island and the straight kitchen set, made in identical colors, look good. But it is better to avoid contrasting solutions: they can introduce dissonance into the interior.

Direct kitchen in a niche

Straight kitchens can be built into a recess in the wall, allowing the furniture to take up even less space. An interesting solution is furniture for one wall, integrated with a hinged door that can cover the work surface if necessary.

The single-row housing is also a very practical solution. The arrangement of all appliances, drawers and work surfaces in one row ensures ease of use of the kitchen without the need for long trips between furniture located under different walls. It is worth choosing models with upper cabinets directed towards the ceiling. Then you will make the most of the available space, and rarely used appliances will not clutter up the space on the kitchen countertop.

We arrange furniture and appliances correctly

Proper placement of furniture and appliances makes cooking comfortable and less energy-consuming. At the same time, it is important to follow the rules of ergonomics so that all kitchen equipment is at hand.

Professionals give the following recommendations:

1. Household appliances should not be placed close to each other. It is recommended to place appliances in the following order: sink, stove, refrigerator. The distance between them should be at least 40 cm. During cooking, the refrigerator will not heat up and the appliances will last much longer.
2. If the kitchen is large, try organizing a work triangle. For example, install the refrigerator away from the headset. Make the distance between objects at least 1-1.5 m. According to the laws of ergonomics, this layout is the most successful and functional.
3. Make the most of your built-in appliances. For example, a dishwasher and freezer hidden behind the facades will help save valuable meters. If the kitchen is very small, install a two-burner cooktop instead of a standard stove.
4. The lower tier of the set should be at least 80 cm, the distance between the lower and upper cabinets should be 45-60. Such parameters allow you to easily reach the drawers and their contents.
5. For convenience, install a multi-level tabletop. Clean your stove and work surfaces a little.
6. Place the sink in a wide bedside table - up to 80 cm. It is convenient to organize a place nearby for drying washed dishes.
7. If space is limited, install a folding transforming tabletop.
8. Use chairs that slide completely under the table.
9. If the kitchen has a large window with a window sill, organize an additional section under it for storing dishes. And lay a warm blanket and pillows on the windowsill itself. You will get a cozy relaxation area.
10. Organize your storage space using wall cabinets and long structures. To save space, choose lifting and sliding mechanisms.

Important ! A straight 2 by 2 kitchen is an excellent option for the smallest kitchens. Affordable and attractive options fit into a variety of interiors. A straight kitchen of 2 by 5 meters is more suitable for spacious studios.

Straight narrow kitchen

Furniture and household appliances can be installed in the kitchen on one wall, without losing either the functionality or aesthetics of the room. Manufacturers of kitchen furniture convince of this by demonstrating the latest collections. The narrow space of the kitchen does not allow creating complex layouts of kitchen cabinets. Direct headsets remain. Even in the narrowest kitchen you can fit everything you need while maintaining an ergonomic layout and fashionable design.

Modern sets allow you to create the ideal kitchen, which would be designed in accordance with the principle of work areas, and for this it has everything that the housewife dreams of:

• wide drawers;
• convenient sink;
• Dishwasher;
• microwave.

Optimally designed by specialists, straight kitchens are the best way to quickly create a functional area for preparing and eating food.

The most advantageous styles for layout in one row

The design of a linear kitchen is simple and comfortable. A straight kitchen set is appropriate in any style, be it original fusion or functional high-tech. Designers prefer to use a single-row kitchen in the following styles.

Classic

The classic linear option will never go out of style. The material used for the facade is wood, multiplex or MDF. The furniture is durable and strong, and can withstand high humidity and sudden temperature changes without problems.

A classic kitchen is decorated in light and delicate colors: beige, coffee with milk, sand, ivory. For classics, a straight kitchen set of 4 meters is suitable. The combined version looks impressive: the top is made of light wood, and the bottom is dark.

High tech

Stylish high-tech is distinguished by the proper arrangement of furniture and household appliances. Equipment is hidden behind facades. The worktops are equipped with containers and organizers in which it is convenient to store knives, dishes, and kitchen accessories. Experts advise using silver, white, and beige glossy colors. If we are talking about a large space, experiment with bright green, yellow, and orange colors.

Important ! Use glass and metal elements, mirror surfaces in the interior. For example, go for shiny metal handles and glass doors. Such techniques emphasize the high-tech style and create a feeling of freedom and lightness.

Minimalism

This style is characterized by white, black, gray, olive, cream, and pearl colors. Finishing materials are harmoniously combined with the set. To decorate the walls, use plain thick wallpaper or decorative plaster. The floor and ceiling are painted with light, moisture-resistant paints.

Household appliances highlight the features of the room. Instead of traditional appliances, bright glossy refrigerators and dishwashers with transparent doors are installed. In the design of the kitchen, a minimum of decor is used.

Contemporary

This interesting style is secretly called modern classics. A straight contemporary kitchen is a functional and airy space. Most often, a straight kitchen of 2500 mm is installed. For decoration, light colors, matte surfaces, and stone countertops are used.

Contemporary combines tradition and technology. The advantages of the headset are emphasized by light textiles made from natural fabrics and soft lighting. Experts advise paying attention to blank facades and natural finishes.

Scandinavian style

Scandi cuisine is dominated by strict and simple forms. Particular attention is paid to light and free space. Straight sets in the Scandinavian style are made from affordable materials, for example, chipboard or MDF. It is better to install matte furniture - this will make the kitchen more comfortable and soft.

The set is decorated with wooden handles and fresh flowers. For decoration, linen tablecloths, candles, souvenirs made of natural stone and LED strips are used. Scandinavians love upper open shelves and tall closets.

Fashionable straight kitchen design

In ready-made kitchen sets, many color duets have been created that can match the interior of any style. Painted wood, such as pear, oak, pine or wenge, comes from a collection of the latest decors that can be successfully sourced from flooring or room furniture manufacturers, so you can easily create a coordinated interior and make your kitchen look like it's been custom-made. One way to organize a straight kitchen is to install two large cabinets with built-in appliances at two ends with a niche with a worktop between them. The kitchen on one wall allows you to create space for a comfortable dining nook. It can, for example, separate the kitchen area from the living room.

Straight kitchens from wall to wall and to ceiling

If you want the kitchen to be located on one wall using maximum space, you should choose an XL solution, i.e. a set right up to the ceiling. This can be one row of tall, capacious cabinets or two rows of lower cabinets of varying depths. A kitchen that stretches right up to the ceiling is a real hit. It looks great and makes the most of the available space.

How can you improve the functionality of a linear layout?

Retractable countertops will be a godsend in any kitchen.

To make the kitchen truly comfortable, you need to think through every detail. Every piece of kitchen utensil should have storage space. It is better to think about how the various storage compartments will be located at the stage of planning and designing the space. To make it convenient to store all kitchen utensils, you can use the following options for swelling and storage locations:

• cabinet with built-in or hanging pull-out sections and shelves;
• containers for kitchen utensils;
• containers for bulk materials;
• dish dryers;
• sections for bottles and much more.

Ideal for saving space:

• retractable tables;
• retractable tabletop;
• built-in technology.

The best direct kitchens

A straight kitchen is a convenient solution for both large and small interiors. In the latter case, it works especially well because the absence of walls dividing the kitchen creates the impression of more space. See inspiring ideas for straight kitchens.

Until recently, kitchenettes were only associated with studios or small apartments in a block. Today, however, even in large apartments this type of furniture also looks great. This allows you to make better use of space, organizing a suitable style for the entire interior. If the kitchen is small and narrow, and the wall separating it from the next room cannot be used, then the best solution would be to demolish it. In this way, the kitchenette and living room will create one interior with the best proportions for use. The direct kitchen is also a solution readily used in the studio.

Which kitchen is better, straight or corner?

Today, there are two most common ways of arranging kitchen furniture - corner and straight.

The first type is in great demand and popularity. The peculiarity of a corner kitchen is that it is perfect for square rooms and will help create a comfortable and ergonomic design.

Often this method of placing furniture is performed with a beveled corner, into which the sink is subsequently installed.

Today, a corner kitchen in most cases has a modular structure, which makes it possible to arrange the sections in the order the hostess wishes.

The advantages of a corner layout include compactness and the ability to place the set in a small, but not narrow or oblong room.

As for straight kitchens, they represent a classic and universal way of arranging kitchen furniture. The distinctive features of this design are its convenience and functionality.

The linear layout is perfect for a kitchen of absolutely any shape, from square to rectangular. You will be able to get a large work surface on both sides of the stove or sink.

In addition, direct arrangement will allow you to play up the kitchen design in a very original color scheme, which will create a spectacular and eye-catching kitchen style.

Modern straight kitchen

A modern straight kitchen consists of many elements, the color and texture of the walls, the type and size of cabinets, the type of material from which the set is made. However, even if all this is found in the kitchen, it will not become a modern-style room if it is not properly organized. The room requires some effort from people who know how to select all these elements and put them together correctly. Most often, such a kitchen is characterized by simplicity of form, economical colors, practical and functional equipment.

A modern kitchen is visible at first glance. When entering such a room, one of the first features that can be noticed is the minimalism expressed in economical colors, so everything is in one color tone or two or three contrasting sets. It is also simplicity of form, manifested in furniture, materials used, as well as in the appearance of kitchen appliances and accessories. There is order in a modern kitchen because everything fits together and has its place, so when you enter the space you feel order and harmony.

Functionality in a straight modern kitchen

A modern kitchen should be functional, that is, where everything is at hand, where equipment makes it easier to prepare dishes, as well as clean up after them. The selection and arrangement of furniture and all appliances are precisely planned and designed to enhance the comfort of people using the kitchen. For this reason, in a modern direct kitchen you can easily find three zones related to the activities that are performed on their territory:

• food preparation area - there is a stove, a countertop on which dishes are prepared, an oven, a microwave, a convenient shelf with spices and the most necessary accessories (mixers, large spoons, ladles, etc.);
• washing area - here, of course, there is a sink and a dishwasher, there should be a place for drying dishes, a drawer with cutlery, cutting and other accessories;
• storage rooms - cabinets and shelves with pots, dishes, products necessary for cooking (flour, sugar, salt, etc.), as well as a blender and other appliances and accessories.

Designers claim that in the most functional kitchens, these zones form a triangle. In addition, it is believed that the kitchen worktop should be as long as possible, as it provides optimal comfort and practicality to the straight kitchen.

Lighting

Lighting is extremely important in a straight kitchen, and in a modern kitchen it is indispensable. Therefore, designers always take care to properly illuminate the work surface, table and individual areas. For this purpose, various types of lighting are used:

• traditional;
• halogen;
• scattered;
• spot.

Lamps appear along the edges, inside cabinets, on the walls and on the ceiling. They perform not only an auxiliary, but also a decorative function.

Direct positioning of the headset: all the pros and cons

The linear layout option is considered one of the best ways to organize a design on your own. In addition, the cost of a linear layout is much cheaper than other types, since it does not contain corner cabinets and an end cabinet.

The following advantages speak in favor of linear solutions:

• The kitchen is compact and laconic, so it does not weigh down the room, which will look more spacious;
• The simple design of the small kitchen allows you to keep everything you need at hand. Drawers, shelves, cabinet shelves with dishes will always be within reach;
• This arrangement is appropriate in a standard kitchen if you want to place a spacious dining area, a large table with chairs, or a comfortable sofa or soft corner;
• The straight facade is aesthetically pleasing, looks attractive, and also harmonizes with complex interior solutions of modern or classic style.

Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that if your kitchen is longer than 3-4 m, this will affect the ease of use. In this case, it is uncomfortable to move many times between the stove, sink and refrigerator placed in one row.

In addition, in a small kitchen it is difficult to fit a set along one of the walls. These points must be thought through and adjusted, because the kitchen should be as practical and functional as possible and provide comfort to the owner.

Straight kitchen in rustic style (country)

Country kitchens are still popular. Their sentimental charm, mood, warmth and reference to tradition mean that people are keen to choose such a device for their apartment or home. Consider the rules and requirements for arranging such a kitchen.

To be considered rustic, a kitchen must meet several conditions. First of all, it is equipped with furniture and appliances made from natural materials, wood, brick, stone, ceramics, wickerwork, and lace. The vast majority of items found in a country kitchen fit into this style. These are, for example, clay or ceramic dishes, brass pots, wooden spoons, lace curtains, tablecloths and napkins, linen fabrics. You can find stylized stained glass windows, galleries, decorative cornices, and folk decorations. Some items are specially seasoned to look original. A modern country kitchen might look like the photo below.

Appropriate Accessories

Country-style kitchens may belong to different regions, featuring special furniture decor, stylized embroidery or embellishment, but what connects them is more important. And such elements that are found in each of these types are practical and impractical additions. These include various types of ornate containers, colorful jars and wicker baskets. They are placed on shelves, on windows and cornices, and hung on walls. You can add old family photographs, paintings and landscapes, clocks, and patterned plaques on the walls.

Little tricks

• The front doors of the lower cabinets can be made of the same material as the upper ones. Both will form neat, continuous lines. True, they will cost more. You can save money by making a wider work surface. If it protrudes 7.5 cm forward, you will be able to hide a dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer behind the doors. There will be space at the back for gas and water pipes and electrical wiring.
• A small kitchen definitely needs an exhaust fan to get rid of unpleasant odors and the formation of greasy deposits on surfaces. Choose a stainless steel model that is attractive in appearance and blends harmoniously with other kitchen equipment. The hood can be mounted under the closet or above it along with the microwave.
• Alternate closed cabinets with open shelves on the front wall to avoid monotony. Another way to avoid a boring, standard look is to mix colors. Stylish combinations - cream and natural wood color, red and black, black and white, green and yellow.

Height and depth of cabinets in a straight kitchen

The best way to choose a cabinet type is to analyze what you have most and least in your kitchen, from dry foods to pots and kitchen utensils. If you have a lot of cutlery, knives and other tools, it's worth planning for more drawers. With several jugs, bottles or thermoses for example, maybe you only need one high shelf. A large collection of cups, on the other hand, fits comfortably without being too high, allowing you to make better use of more cabinet space. If you use many types of flour, it would be good to lay them out, for example, on shelves, and the butter collection will conveniently fit in the narrow baskets of the cargo cabinets.

Standard cabinet depth:

• standing - 60 cm;
• hanging - 30 cm.

Standard cabinet height:

• standing - 80-87.5 cm;
• hanging - 80 cm.

Note! The height of the cabinets depends on the level at which you want to place the countertop. When setting up a kitchen, it is best to adapt it to your personal height, that is, a few centimeters below the level where your elbow is when you stand upright.

Remember that when choosing the height of standing cabinets, you must take into account the thickness of the countertop that will be installed on top of them. The recommended minimum distance between the top and bottom of a wall cabinet is 45cm.

Layout and placement of equipment

To line up a standard kitchen set of furniture and equipment, you need at least 140cm (4ft 6in) of free floor space. On the remaining surface you can move comfortably and open doors and doors.

Start with the wash. It is best placed in the middle of the line or as close to the water and sewer system as possible. Place a stove and a refrigerator with a freezer on the right and left. Ideally, there should be a work surface between the sink and the stove. If this is not possible, make sure that next to the stove there will be not the sink itself, but a table on which you can place hot pots and pans.

The work surface next to the stove should be covered with a heat-resistant material on which you can place hot pots from the stove or oven. If the area is very limited, the sink base should be adjacent to the stove.

Stove and refrigerator. It's good to choose a built-in stove with an oven underneath.

It is better if the oven door opens to the side: it is more convenient in a narrow kitchen than a folding one. It’s a good idea to find a model with an exhaust grille.

A one-line kitchen is ideal equipment for a multifunctional room (dining room / kitchen) or for a small family apartment.

Undercounter fridges and freezers are small in volume, so choose the much more practical one-for-one model, i.e. a set that includes cooling and freezing compartments.

Place the refrigerator on the edge, that is, next to the door or window, but so that the door can be opened without creating inconvenience for you when you take food and transfer it to the table.

Although ideally the sink is located in the center, you can place it in another location, closer to the water and sewer pipes, to save money on rearranging them. Place a brush drawer or refrigerator/freezer in the corner.

Washing machine and dishwasher.

In a kitchen with one line of equipment, it is difficult to find space for a washing machine. Of course, you can put it somewhere else, such as in the garage at home or under the stairs.

A dishwasher is a useful unit in any kitchen, but not in the smallest one, where it’s cramped without it. The 450 mm (18 in) wide model, which washes 6-9 appliances, is ideal for this situation because after use it can be folded and stored under the sink base.

If you have a dishwasher, you can skip the dryer by using a sink (or two) with a drainage rack.

The most convenient furniture for narrow kitchens is furniture with curtain doors made of wooden slats that are rolled up at the bottom. By opening such a door, you do not invade the free space of the room.

Economical doors

Conventional hinged doors are not the only option. When planning a one-liner kitchen, consider the following options:

• Doors with two doors are hung in the middle of the cabinet and folded in half when open, allowing access to the entire cabinet at once. In some cases, this system connects 4 doors or even more.
• Sliding doors (compartments) take up little space, but only open half of the closet.
• Tambour doors (curtains) are made of wooden strips joined together, rolled into a roll; by lifting the curtain, you gain access to the entire cabinet. Quite expensive kitchen sets are equipped with such stylish doors.