There are frequently asked questions when it comes to designing a kitchen. At what height should a countertop be installed? What width should be left between elements? How to interact in the space?
It is true that there is nothing worse than a sink that is too low or an inaccessible high cabinet!
We have gathered here a few basic rules and tips to keep on hand to prevent it from becoming a real headache.
The importance of circulation in the kitchen
No matter the size of your kitchen, the important thing will be how you are going to make it functional. We will therefore try to imagine a space with 4 essential points that should not be overlooked.
- the washing area, which includes the sink and the dishwasher
- the cooking area, with the cooktop or stove, the oven, and the microwave
- the storage areas: cabinets, upper and lower units, refrigerator
- the preparation area, meaning the countertop and possibly a dining corner
The different heights for furniture
Designing a kitchen is not done randomly. There are indeed standards, but it must primarily adapt to you and your morphology.
Some important numbers:
• For lower units, care should be taken to respect a height between 66 and 104 cm, including the thickness of the countertop and any base. Note, however, that the optimal height is between 90 and 93 cm.
• The oven can be installed from 20 cm up to 90 cm from the floor. Under the countertop, it frees up space; at mid-height, it can be installed in the niche of a storage column; and finally at a height for the most comfortable use.
• The dishwasher can be installed from 20 cm up to 70 cm from the floor. For this last option, there are risers that allow easier access to the dishwasher while gaining storage space.
Think about it! Our tips for an optimal kitchen
If your space and budget allow, choose furniture where the storage volumes are perfectly utilized. We particularly think of sliding lower units, which can be used to store bottles, groceries, and household accessories; trash units, which allow them to be hidden but also provide comfort, especially for sorting waste. We will also consider sliding drawers, which are practical because they often have a nice depth.
There are also accessories that help optimize the countertop: the Duplex storage from Mobalpa allows organizing the space while keeping everyday items within reach.
Wall-mounted design is also another interesting solution as it occupies the splashback, which is the space above the countertop. Shelves, hooks, paper towel dispensers… Many accessories can be added.
Points not to be overlooked in kitchen design:
• The necessary clearance for the doors of the various elements (furniture and appliances). Therefore, at least 70 cm should be left free in front of the furniture.
• Whenever possible, place hot elements away from cold elements.
• The same goes for the access from the sink to the dishwasher: the farther apart they are, the more your movements between the two will be significant, and this can quickly become tedious!
• Natural and artificial light is essential. The best option is to rely on ceiling spots, but also under the upper units to illuminate the countertop.
In images, an ambiance signed by Mobalpa, composed of matte black facades, oak decor laminate, and handle-less profiles.
