Options, tips and trends for your kitchen layout
The kitchen is probably the most complicated room to design, because there are so many things to consider: space, materials, organizational elements and design are just a few examples. Passionate for three generations about creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces, we'll guide you through the process to create the kitchen of your dreams.
1. Space planning
Before you start choosing materials and colors, it's essential to plan your space carefully. Think about the layout of your appliances, the placement of cupboards and the possible island. A well-organized kitchen makes daily tasks easier and creates a pleasant environment for cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. During this stage, you should also consider the location of the various sockets, the space for the sink or drainer, and the space you'll need to leave certain small appliances.
2. Should an island be added?
When it comes to renovating or designing a kitchen, the question of the island is often at the heart of the debate. Kitchen islands have become essential elements of modern design, offering both functionality and style.
However, it's essential to take the time to consider their relevance to your project. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons in relation to your kitchen, your needs and your budget to determine whether installing a kitchen island is the best decision for your interior.
Benefits
- It provides additional work space for meal preparation, cooking and other culinary activities.
- Convivial, the island can become the focal point of your room, ideal for informal meals, family conversations and entertaining.
- Versatile, it can be used for a variety of tasks, such as washing vegetables, storing kitchen appliances, or even as a bar for a quick breakfast.
- Aesthetically pleasing, kitchen islands add a "professional" touch to your space.
Disadvantages
- Beware of space requirements: an island takes up space, which can be a challenge in smaller kitchens. It's not a substitute for a table, and you need to think about allowing enough space for both.
- A poor configuration can make traffic difficult.
- A table attached to an island doesn't offer the same flexibility as a real table
- The installation of an island is costly, as electricity and plumbing have to be installed. While some islands offer additional storage space, they can sometimes eliminate the space that would have been dedicated to storage furniture.
3. Kitchen styles
Kitchen styles abound. From old wood - very popular in our Valais mountains - to contemporary or blends, choose a style that matches the aesthetics of your home. You can opt for solid wood cabinets for a warm ambience. On the other hand, if you prefer a sleeker, more contemporary look, modern materials such as the smooth, matte surfaces of our laminate models combine technology and sophistication.
The choice of kitchen style is crucial, as it can influence the overall aesthetics of your interior. Don't forget that you can also combine different style elements to create a unique look that suits your personal tastes.
4. Lighting
In general, if possible, maximize the amount of natural light in your kitchen by using large windows, patio doors or skylights. This creates a more pleasant environment and reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Adequate lighting of areas such as the worktop, stove and sink is crucial. Under-cabinet lighting or recessed ceiling fixtures are excellent options for ensuring optimum visibility during meal preparation.
In addition, to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, consider integrating ambient lighting. Hanging lights above the kitchen island, wall sconces or strip lights can add a touch of style while gently illuminating the room.
Recessed lighting with dimmers can also be used to adjust light intensity to suit the occasion. And let's not forget glass cabinet lighting, which highlights crockery and decorative objects.
Discreet LED strips inside cabinets can create an impressive visual effect. In addition, under-cabinet lighting can not only add an aesthetic dimension, but also help illuminate work areas.
5. Choosing the right place for appliances
Built-in appliances need to be positioned in a way that follows the logic of your actions in the kitchen. Take into account circulation, ergonomics and accessibility.
Organize your appliances according to work zones. For example, place the refrigerator near the preparation area, the oven near the cooking area, and the dishwasher near the sink to facilitate the flow of movement.
6. A spacious worktop
The worktop will be used on a daily basis. Its material and ergonomics are essential.
It's possible to design a pleasant kitchen in a small space with an attractive worktop, ideally with maximum clearance. As for the choice of material, here are the options:
- Ceramic is renowned for its combination of style and performance. Ceramic surfaces offer an elegant, modern aesthetic.
- Granite is a natural, durable stone available in a variety of colors and patterns. It resists heat and scratches, offering an elegant, timeless appearance.
- Stainless steel is a divisive material: either you love it or you hate it. However, it is the material of choice in professional kitchens because of its hygiene and ease of maintenance.
- Acrylic stone is a strong, versatile composite material, offering a wide variety of colors and finishes. It is non-porous, stain-resistant and can be shaped to create personalized designs.
- Solid wood worktops bring a warm, natural ambience to the kitchen. They can be sanded and repaired in the event of minor damage.
- Laminates are elegant, easy to maintain and available in a variety of colors and patterns. They are stain-resistant and offer a wide choice of finishes. They are also the least expensive worktops.
- Others: there are still other choices for your worktop, less often used, but nonetheless highly appreciated by those who take the plunge. Quartz is composed of natural quartz and resins, making it durable and stain-resistant. They are available in many colors and sometimes imitate the appearance of marble or granite. Natural stone worktops bring a timeless elegance to your kitchen and a beautiful added value. Their unrivalled durability makes them a popular choice for those seeking a classic aesthetic combined with resistance to heat and scratches. Concrete embodies contemporary, industrial design. Its raw appearance is a mark of modernity.
Even a small kitchen can provide a comfortable, spacious workspace
7. Accessories and decorations
Kitchen accessories are not only practical, they can also add a touch of style to your space.
From ceramic utensil holders to magnetic spice racks, there are plenty of options for personalizing your kitchen.
Once you've finished designing your kitchen, have fun personalizing it by adding clever accessories: small designer appliances like an electric kettle, top-of-the-range coffee machine, toaster or even a retro-style blender are just some of the options you can use to assert your style.
When it comes to decoration, think plants and herbs, an original credenza, a magnetic board for displaying recipes, a picture frame or even photos.
If you wish, our decorator will be happy to help you with this step.
