Properly fitting out your kitchen when you have your house built means making the right decisions from the start: where to place the cooking, storage and washing areas? What are the right dimensions for the units? How to choose the right hood? How to optimise the layout of your kitchen according to its dimensions? So many questions to ask yourself Maisons SIC, a builder of individual houses for over 50 years, will help you answer.
1. Kitchen layout: optimize it according to its dimensions
Kitchen design is a project that requires thought. The choice of location depends not only on the size of your room, but also on your functionality needs. There are several types of layouts, each with its own particularities and constraints.
What are the different types of kitchen layout?
To find the ideal layout for your future kitchen, don't hesitate to compare the different possible arrangements for your kitchen depending on the space available and your habits.
Kitchen layout in linear (or I-shaped) layout
This type of arrangement is ideal for small areas or narrow spaces, such as a long kitchen or a corridor. The linear layout, where all the elements are arranged on a single wall section, makes it possible to optimize the available space. With a minimum width of 1,5 meters to ensure clearance, this configuration simplifies the arrangement of household appliances and furniture.
Although the famous activity triangle (cooking, washing, tidying) does not apply in this layout, you can still create a functional area. The key is to position the cooking area in the center, surrounded by preparation and storage spaces, to facilitate movement.
Kitchen layout in L-shaped layout
The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most versatile layouts. It adapts to kitchens of all sizes, whether small or spacious. The L-shaped layout, on two walls, allows the different areas of the kitchen to be well distributed while freeing up space in the center to add a small table or an island.
This layout maximises the available space and can be adapted to suit your needs, whether you want more storage or a large worktop. It is also an ideal solution for integrating an open kitchen into the living room.
Kitchen layout in a U-shaped layout
If you have a large room, the U-shaped kitchen is ideal.. This type of configuration occupies three walls, thus providing maximum storage and work surface. The activity triangle applies perfectly to this configuration, each wall being dedicated to a specific area (cooking, washing, storage).
To make this implementation even more functional, you can add a central island to it. This island can be used as a dining area, additional cooking surface or storage. Make sure to leave at least 1 meter of clearance around the island to facilitate movement and opening of furniture.
Kitchen layout with central island
The central island is often preferred in large open kitchens. In addition to bringing a friendly touch to the room, It allows you to add storage and additional preparation spaceWhether it is to integrate a hob, a sink or simply a work surface, the central island is a multifunctional element.
When you choose this location, be sure to anticipate traffic around the island. A clearance of 1,20 meters is recommended to be able to easily open drawers and doors of household appliances.
Maisons SIC has a whole team dedicated to decoration and design, particularly for the kitchen and bathroom: contact us for more info!
2. Manage the different spaces to best fit out your kitchen
The layout of your kitchen is based on good management of work, washing and storage spaces. To do this, it is essential to structure these areas well in order to guarantee a functional kitchen that is pleasant to live in on a daily basis. A good distribution of spaces facilitates movement, optimizes storage and ensures comfort of use.
The right distances for your kitchen layout
The central element of kitchen design is the activity triangle, which connects the cooking area, the sink and the refrigerator.
To make your travels easier, it is recommended to maintain a distance of approximately 80 cm between the sink and the hob. This placement optimizes workflow and reduces unnecessary effort. Also make sure that these three elements are placed close to each other, while leaving enough space so that they do not hinder your movements.
In terms of traffic, It is advisable to allow at least 70 cm of clearance in front of furniture and household appliances. to move around easily. If your kitchen has several rows of cabinets or an island, leave 120 cm of space between them to allow easy opening of the doors on both sides and good freedom of movement.
Optimize the work plan
The worktop is an essential space in the kitchen. It must be large enough to accommodate preparations and household appliances. The ideal depth of a worktop is between 60 and 65 cm., with a height adapted to the size of the users, generally between 85 and 95 cm. Make sure you have at least 50 cm on each side of the hob to place your pans and hot dishes.
A well-organized worktop makes meal preparation easier and keeps everything within reach. Remember that it must be durable and easy to clean, as it is one of the most used elements in a kitchen.
Maximize storage
Storage is crucial to maintaining order in a kitchen. To maximize space, Choose high cupboards that reach up to the ceiling and corner units to make the most of corners. Also consider using the splashback to hang utensils or install drawers under the oven so as not to waste any centimetres.
- Also read: What kitchen in a new house?
3. Choose the right hood for a successful kitchen design
The hood is an essential element for a functional and pleasant kitchen. In addition to its aesthetic role, it is essential to eliminate odors, cooking vapors and prevent grease deposits on your walls. When choosing your hood, several criteria must be taken into account.
First of all, Make sure to install your hood 60 cm above the hob for optimum efficiency. Whether you choose a wall-mounted or island hood, make sure it fits well into your kitchen layout. The dimensions of the room and technical constraints must be taken into account to ensure a successful installation.
It is also important to think about the function of the hood: recycling or extraction. The extraction hood evacuates the steam-laden air to the outside, while the recirculation hood filters the air before returning it to the room. If you often cook dishes that generate a lot of steam or odours, an extraction hood could be more suitable. On the other hand, if your kitchen does not have the possibility of an external duct, the recirculation hood will be a good solution.
4. What is the best flooring for your kitchen?
Your kitchen floor must be practical, durable and easy to maintain. Subjected to frequent comings and goings, water and grease splashes, it is important to choose a suitable covering that will last over time while bringing style to the room.
Among the most common options, tiles and porcelain stoneware are distinguished by their robustness and ease of maintenance. These materials are resistant to wear and are not afraid of water or stains, which makes them ideal choices for a kitchen. They come in several finishes and even imitate other materials such as wood or concrete for a warmer or more contemporary look.
Cement tiles, on the other hand, bring a decorative and original touch with their varied patterns, but require more regular maintenance. PVC is also an interesting option, particularly for its affordable cost and shock resistance. It comes in many styles, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
Finally, for those who prefer a more natural floor, treated wood can be a nice option, provided it is specifically designed to withstand humidity and temperature variations.
For a small open kitchen, opt for a floor that is different from the rest of the room to better distinguish the kitchen space.
5. Optimize the brightness of your kitchen
Brightness plays a key role in the design of a kitchen. Much more than a preparation space, the kitchen is now a real living space where we eat, share and even work. This is why Proper lighting is essential to combine comfort and functionality.
In addition to natural light, well-designed electric lighting is essential. A central ceiling light or recessed ceiling spotlights can provide effective general lighting. However, for work areas such as the worktop, sink or hob, more direct and powerful lighting is recommended. Adjustable spotlights under wall units or LED strips installed under cupboards can illuminate these key spaces while adding a modern touch.
In an open kitchen, suspensions above the worktop are a great option for creating ambient lighting while visually delimiting the space. If your kitchen is closed, central lighting accompanied by small, strategically placed light sources will provide the comfort needed to cook in good conditions.
At Maisons SIC, our specialists in kitchen decoration and design are available to advise you and help you create a bright, functional and aesthetic space.
