Modular kitchens in the interior

What it is?

Modular kitchen - This is a kind of furniture "constructor", consisting of separate blocks of a standard size, made in the same style and color.

The assembly of a modular kitchen can be carried out in various combinations by choosing cabinets that are suitable in terms of filling and size.

Usually module sizes are multiples of 5 or 10: 30, 35, 40, 60, 80 cm. But each factory has its own line of standard dimensions.

Various series of modular furniture include different elements:

• wardrobes with hinged doors;
• modules with drawers;
• corner details;
• high pencil cases;
• open and closed hinged boxes.

Pictured is a white modular kitchen

Pros and cons

Advantages of modular kitchens:

• There is no need to order a design project - you just need to use the help of a consultant in the salon or assemble a kit in the program on the manufacturer's website.
• Possibility of replacement of elements or their additional purchase.
• The dimensions of the finished kitchen are determined only by you by adjusting the number and sizes of cabinets.
• You can assemble and install kitchen furniture yourself.
• There is no need to wait for production - in most cases, items are in stock at a warehouse or in a store.
• Large selection of colors and designs.
• Prices for modular kitchen furniture are usually lower than custom-made ones.

Disadvantages of modular kitchens:

• The design does not take into account the architectural features of the premises: niches, recesses, protrusions.
• It is almost impossible to assemble furniture in such a way as to occupy absolutely all the free space: there will be empty spaces.
• Limited choice of materials used for manufacturing: this is often justified by a low price.

In the photo there is a U-shaped structure in the studio

Which is better modular or built-in kitchen?

When choosing between a purchased ready-made kitchen and a custom-made product, decide what is more important to you. For example, modular has a favorable price and fast delivery.

Built-in, in turn, takes into account all the features of the interior and allows you to use absolutely all the space of the room, in contrast to the modular one. Built-in furniture in the same size and room will be more spacious and functional.

In addition, on order, you can be offered non-standard materials and colors that you cannot find in the store. Relevant for designer interiors.

Output: modules for rooms with a standard layout and in order to save time and money, built-in - for rooms with architectural features and individual projects.

What types of layouts are there?

The availability of various solutions of ready-made kitchen furniture allows you to assemble a structure of any shape.

Single row

Ideal for small apartmentssince takes up little space. But at the same time, linear layout less work zone and limited storage space.

Another minus - difficulties with construction working triangle: in this case, it is better to pull the refrigerator out of the line, and place the stove and sink in the same row.

Double row

Parallel placement often used in tight, elongated spaces. For comfortable use, there should be 1.2-1.5 m between the rows.

AND there may be problems here: If you can select boxes of the required depth to order, it can be difficult to find them on sale.

Corner

Functionality Champion: L-shaped layout does not take up too much space, but at the same time is convenient for the working triangle. It also has enough storage space, and the tabletop is definitely larger than the linear one.

Important! You can adjust the storage volume using wall cabinets: there are models that are elongated upward or, conversely, flattened, which are installed in 2 rows.

U-shaped

Comfortable headset with the letter P not inexpensive: it includes many different items, each with its own price.

However, this is a suitable option for a home where they know how and love to cook. Firstly, you will have many places to store your utensils. Secondly, a huge working area will allow two or even three people to cook without interfering with each other.

Advice! Part of the countertop can be left empty at the bottom and used as a breakfast area.

Kitchen set with island

A separate island requires at least 100 cm around it for easy passage, so it will be possible to place such a kitchen only on an area of ​​at least 11-12 squares. But the island is multifunctional... It includes storage units and a worktop on which you can both cook and eat.

On the picture island layout of a small kitchen

What material for the modules is better to choose?

For the manufacture of frames, many manufacturers use chipboard: an inexpensive and practical material. Plywood is less commonly used. The back wall is usually made of thin fiberboard.

The situation with facades is more interesting. For them use:

• Chipboard... Looks simple, even budget. It is also worth it. But it serves as a door for an extremely short time - it quickly swells and deteriorates from moisture.
• MDF... The most popular material combining excellent price, quality and long service life. Because MDF is easy to process; both smooth and radius or milled facades are made of it. In addition to being practical, it has another advantage over laminated chipboard: environmental friendliness. MDF does not emit phenols and formaldehydes, which is often the case with wood-based materials.
• Array... It is rare in the context of modular kitchens, but you can purchase cabinet cases in the store, and order the facades by size in any workshop. An eco-friendly, durable and very beautiful way to decorate your kitchen.

MDF or chipboard, in turn, can be covered with:

• natural veneer - looks like wood, but costs less;
• PVC film - easy to care for, a large selection of shades;
• plastic - denser and more durable than film, does not peel off during operation;
• enamel is a practical option for the kitchen with an extensive color palette.

Another important nuance — choice of countertops... Some manufacturers equip each module with separate small "covers", but it is better to purchase cabinets separately, and order a worktop one-piece according to the size of the finished product. It can be made of chipboard (the most economical option), wood, artificial stone, acrylic.

What to look for when buying?

The main pointthat will directly affect the usability of the kitchen - fittings. The cheapest hinges and guides are supplied as standard with factory furniture. Doors with them will slam, drawers will slide out with a creak.

To avoid this, ask the seller to replace the hardware with a more expensive and high quality one. A guaranteed good option - Blum, but today there are many more profitable analogues of Russian or Chinese production.

Yes, the total cost will be higher, but the furniture will be much more enjoyable to use.

What does it look like in the interior?

Buying modular furniture does not mean that your kitchen will turn out “like everyone else”. Make beautiful wall decoration, select original glass apron, tiles or mosaics, build in the technique, change the standard handles for new, unusual ones.

Voila: you have a custom style headset.

You can see photos of modular kitchens in the interior by scrolling through our gallery: take inspiration and implement ideas in your home!

Pictured is a modern modular kitchen with top cabinets

When choosing what your designer will consist of, be guided first of all by your habits and desires. Do not look at fashion, then the furniture will serve you for more than one year.