How to Choose a Kitchen: Professional Advice

The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in any home, and a kitchen set is usually purchased to last for several years, if not decades. That’s why it’s crucial to make the right choice: select the perfect layout that works for the whole family, and opt for high-quality, durable materials that can withstand high temperatures, moisture, cleaning chemicals, and staining foods.

If you want your kitchen to stay stylish for years to come, choosing the right color and style is equally important—there are timeless classics and trendy modern options. There’s no definitive answer to which is better; when ordering a kitchen set, follow your personal taste and values, and don’t overlook expert design tips.

Choosing a Layout

The right kitchen layout—tailored to your space and lifestyle—is the key to comfort and functionality. Today, there are three main layout types and three subtypes based on additional design elements.

Straight Kitchen

Also called a linear kitchen, this timeless classic is now a modern trend. Furniture is placed along one wall (or two parallel walls for a double-row layout), with no corner units. This design works beautifully in both large and small spaces.

Pros:

• Stylish Design: Straight kitchens complement almost any interior style.
• Compact: They take up minimal space and can fit along any wall or in a niche, even under a window.
• Functional Use: The entire countertop is available as a work surface, with no hard-to-reach corners.

Cons:

• No "Work Triangle": This is only an issue for single-wall layouts and heavy cooking needs. It can be resolved with the addition of an island or peninsula.
• Limited Storage: Unlike corner or U-shaped kitchens, there’s no spacious corner unit. However, tall cabinets and smart mechanisms can maximize space usage.

L-Shaped (Corner) Kitchen

One of the most popular layouts, the L-shaped kitchen places cabinets along two adjoining walls.

Pros:

• Spacious Storage: Deep corner units provide excellent storage, especially with accessories like lazy Susans or pull-outs.
• Versatile: Can fit into both small and large kitchens, with flexible dimensions.
• Zoning: Separates cooking from dining or living zones effectively.

Cons:

• Hard to Install in Narrow Rooms
• Corner Accessibility: Without internal mechanisms, corner units can be difficult to use. Experts recommend planning these into the initial design.

U-Shaped Kitchen

The most functional layout, but one that requires specific spatial conditions.

Pros:

• Symmetrical Design: Ideal for classical interiors where balance is key.
• Perfect Work Triangle: Ensures ergonomic placement of cooktop, sink, and fridge.
• Proximity of Zones: Reduces movement and increases efficiency while cooking.
• High Capacity: Two corner units offer ample storage, and the extended countertop provides maximum work surface.

Cons:

• Space Demands: Not suitable for narrow kitchens—at least 2.5 meters of width is needed for comfort.
• Higher Cost: More cabinets, corners, and wider countertops mean increased material use and expense.

With an Island

An island is a multifunctional standalone unit, often matching the main kitchen style. It can feature a cooktop, sink, or appliances, or serve simply as extra workspace.

Pros:

• Versatile: Functions as a workspace, dining table, and storage. Heights can be adjusted for dual use.
• Convenient: Helps create the ideal work triangle, even in linear layouts.
• Zoning Tool: Especially useful in open-plan kitchens to separate cooking and living areas.

Cons:

• Complex Utilities: Installing plumbing or wiring can be difficult, especially in finished spaces.
• Space Requirements: Needs a large, open area to work well.

With a Peninsula

A peninsula offers all the advantages of an island but connects to the main kitchen, making it easier to run utilities through the existing cabinetry.

With a Bar Counter

A bar counter is a stylish addition to both separate kitchens and open-plan kitchen-living spaces. It can serve as a snack station, work surface, or a compact dining area for one or two people. It’s also an effective zoning tool, especially in studio layouts.

Choosing Materials

The choice of materials impacts not just the look of your kitchen but also its usability and durability under intense daily stress like moisture, heat, and aggressive cleaning.

For Cabinets

• Chipboard (Particleboard): Made by hot-pressing wood shavings with resin binders. Affordable, stylish, and durable—especially when moisture-resistant. We use top-grade chipboard from Egger, AGT and other companies that meets eco-standards.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Produced by pressing wood fibers with natural lignin. It's more environmentally friendly than many think and offers better performance than natural wood in many applications.

For Front Panels (Cabinet Doors)

• Chipboard: Also used for fronts with coatings like laminate, plastic, veneer, or melamine. However, it's not suitable for detailed carving or curved designs.
• MDF: Ideal for intricate designs and custom shapes. Coatings can include veneer, thermoplastics, acrylic, and enamel.
• Solid Wood: Used mostly for decorative fronts due to cost and sensitivity to temperature/humidity changes. Frames are often solid wood, while center panels are MDF or chipboard to prevent warping.

For Countertops and Backsplashes

• Chipboard with Plastic Coating: Typically 4 cm thick, moisture-resistant, and coated with high/low-pressure laminate for strength and durability. Available in many colors.
• Artificial Stone: Made from acrylic resin—offering the benefits of natural stone without its downsides. It’s durable, repairable, and consistent in appearance.
• Tempered Glass: Custom-printed or solid color backsplashes, with options like aluminum frames, veneer backing, or tile-style glass panels. Easy to clean and heat-resistant.

Choosing a Style

Kitchen style is a matter of personal taste. Whether you prefer timeless classics, minimalist modern, or high-tech, here’s a look at the most popular design directions today:

• Classic Style: Defined by symmetry, clean lines, and natural matte finishes. Dining tables often anchor the room. Timeless and elegant.
• Modern Style: Sharp lines, bold contrasts, glossy textures, and plenty of lighting. A blend of classic, Scandinavian, and high-tech elements—versatile for any space.
• Scandinavian Style: Functional, cozy, and bright. Prioritizes light tones, natural wood, and minimalistic design.
• Country Style: A cozy, rustic feel suited to city living. Focuses on warm wood tones, vintage hardware, and homey décor.
• High-Tech Style: Sleek, futuristic, and functional. Glass, metal, and gloss dominate the palette—mainly black, white, and gray with accent colors. LED lighting and exposed appliances are key features.

Conclusion

Design consultants at Interium Cabinets can help you choose the perfect kitchen layout, materials, and style to match your space and preferences. With professional guidance, you'll create the kitchen of your dreams—beautiful, functional, and built to last for years.