How to create a harmonious rectangular kitchen design?

What is the best layout for a rectangular room?

The layout of a rectangular kitchen depends on the size of the sides and their ratio. Let's take a look at each option.

Linear

The single-row layout is suitable for rectangular kitchens of all sizes, especially if the room is narrow and long. Furniture is placed along one wall, and the refrigerator and hob are placed on opposite sides of the sink - so the kitchen will be ergonomic.

In the photo there is a linear layout for a standard kitchen

Double row

The location of the headset along opposite walls is suitable for wide rectangular rooms from 2.5 meters. To make the cooking process as comfortable as possible, the distance between the two rows should be at least 90 cm.

In the photo there is a two-row kitchen with a dining area

Corner

L-shaped furniture set is installed on 2 adjacent walls. Corner placement of furniture in a rectangular kitchen improves the proportions of the room, increases the work area and storage space. You can also expand the countertop by using a window sill by placing a sink in front of the window or by organizing a storage area under it. The premeditated filling of the corner module will ensure the useful use of this space.

In the photo there is a white set with pencil cases

U-shaped

The large number of cabinets guarantees maximum kitchen space, but leaves almost no free space. With this design option for a rectangular kitchen, it is necessary to take into account the minimum distance between opposite modules (90 cm) and think over the filling of the corner sections. To prevent the kitchen from looking overloaded, wall cabinets are completely or partially replaced with shelves or removed altogether.

Photo of the U-shaped furniture layout

How to equip?

The interior of a rectangular kitchen is created based on its size and the needs of residents.

The design of a large rectangular kitchen can be absolutely anything. A small suite, a lot of free space for a dining table and a seating area with a sofa, a spacious kitchen with many modules and a standard table, or zoning the room into 2 separate rooms - a kitchen and a dining room: the choice is up to you. Color options are also limited only by your desires. Light shades will make the room even larger, dark ones will emphasize the individuality of the room, bright accents will dilute the interior.

For a small kitchen, there are fewer correct solutions, but it can also be made functional. The set should be placed in one row or at a corner, and for the dining table, choose an alternative from the next section. In the design of the kitchen, give preference to light colors, so the room will become more spacious. Glossy materials also visually expand the space.

Dining area in a rectangular kitchen

The dining area can be separate or built into the headset.

• Separate dining area - round, oval or rectangular table with chairs or sofa.A place for it can be arranged in the center of the room, at the end wall (by the window), at the wall opposite the headset. You can save space in the kitchen by using a folding table - this is an option for a small family that often has guests.
• The dining area built into the headset is a bar counter or a window sill table. These options are suitable for a small family that does not receive guests often. Or as a place for everyday dinners, with a separate dining room. If the kitchen has an insulated balcony, you can make a bar counter on the windowsill, after removing the double-glazed window with the door.

Photo of a dining area in a rectangular kitchen

Cooking area

The convenience of using the kitchen and the speed of cooking directly depends on the location and organization of the working area.

Any layout should take into account the functionality of the "stove-sink-refrigerator" triangle. The most difficult thing is to furnish a rectangular space with a linear set - in this case, the sink is located in the center, and the hob and refrigerator are on either side of it.

If the kitchen is L-shaped, the sink is located in the corner module, the stove is on one side, the refrigerator is on the other. The same rule applies to the U-shaped arrangement in a rectangular room.

With a two-row layout, it is convenient to separate the equipment and sink on different sides: a stove on one wall, a refrigerator and a sink on the other.

General recommendations for arranging the cooking zone:

• the minimum surface length for comfortable work is 90 cm;
• the refrigerator does not need additional lighting, so it is convenient to place it in a corner;
• the sink can be positioned opposite the window, if there is no more than 3 meters to the sewer;
• the distance between the hob and the sink must be at least 40 cm;
• the oven and microwave are more convenient to use if they are at hand level, rather than in the lower section.

Photo of the working area with a sink under the window

Storage systems

Proper storage organization ensures that you get the most out of a rectangular room, these tips will help you plan ahead:

• Consider filling the corner cabinet by placing rotating or sliding systems in it. Another option is to place corner boxes.
• Install a pencil case if you need extra storage space in your small kitchen.
• Replace wall cabinets with shelves to visually expand the space and make it easier to use the items you need.
• Add a railing system to keep your kitchen utensils and essentials close at hand.
• Set up storage under the bar to make the most of your space.
• Place drawers underneath the headset instead of a plinth for baking dishes, party dishes, towels and more.
• Equip the entrance group - the door can be framed with shelves around the entire perimeter or you can make a mezzanine above it.

In the photo on the left there is a hidden additional cutlery drawer, on the right is an option for replacing the corner module

What to do with a small kitchen?

A large or small kitchen of the correct shape does not cause difficulties in design, which cannot be said about a narrow elongated rectangular room. But even such a space can be made functional.

1. White or gray in the interior will make the kitchen wider, a dark or bright accent on a narrow far wall will bring it closer, changing the geometry for the better.
2. With the help of an additional upper row of cabinets under the ceiling, you can solve the problem of insufficient storage space, but you only need to put in them what you use less than once a month.
3. Mirrors are the best optical illusion tool. If the apron or facades along the long wall are mirrored, the room will become wider.
4. Rejection of cabinets in favor of shelves will also add the desired air and comfort to the rectangular space. A two-row kitchen set will help to compensate for the lost storage space.If the room is less than 2.5 meters wide, replace standard cabinets with narrow ones.

In the photo there is a narrow kitchen with wall cabinets to the ceiling

Design options

The design of a rectangular kitchen can be absolutely anything and depends only on your preferences and the style of other rooms, for example, a living room.

A kitchen with a large area will look great in a classic or Scandinavian style, it is also suitable for a loft - with a sufficient size, you can afford an interior in dark colors.

For a small room, it is better to choose hi-tech or minimalism, any of these solutions will help increase the space.

Pictured is a classic rectangular kitchen

• The Provence style is replete with decorative elements and it is better to use it in a rectangular room of at least 10 square meters. It is also desirable to have a large window, because the main feature of the style is an abundance of light. Other important elements are pastel wallpaper with small patterns, aged furniture, many forged details and indoor flowers.
• Country design is more suitable for a private house, but it will also decorate the interior of a city apartment. While recreating this style, be inspired by rustic motifs: a large table, a massive table top made of natural wood, bright textiles, old but solid kitchen utensils.
• The characteristic features of neoclassicism are the combination of traditional and modern solutions. This interior is distinguished by light colors, furniture with clear lines and rich design. Pay special attention to the choice of a chandelier; it should become a contrasting accent.

Photo gallery

The rectangle is one of the simplest shapes to design. Consider the room size and aspect ratio, as well as your needs and preferences, to create a stylish and functional rectangular kitchen design.