Modular kitchens as an element of interior design

What is it?

A modular kitchen is a kind of furniture “constructor” consisting of separate blocks of standard size, made in the same style and color.

Modular kitchens can be assembled in various combinations, choosing cabinets that are suitable in terms of content and size.

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

Different series of modular furniture include different elements:

• cabinets with hinged doors;
• modules with drawers;
• corner pieces;
• high tall cabinets;
• open and closed wall drawers.

The photo shows a white modular kitchen

Pros and cons

Advantages of modular kitchens:

• There is no need to order a design project – just use the help of a consultant in the showroom or assemble a set in the program on the manufacturer’s website.
• The ability to replace elements or purchase them additionally.
• Only you determine the dimensions of the finished kitchen, adjusting the number and size of cabinets.
• You can assemble and install kitchen furniture yourself.
• No need to wait for production – in most cases, the elements are available in the warehouse or in the store.
• A large selection of colors and designs.
• Prices for Modular kitchen furniture is usually lower than that made to order.

Disadvantages of modular kitchens:

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

The photo shows a U-shaped structure in a studio

What is better, a modular or a built-in kitchen?

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

A built-in kitchen, in turn, takes into account all the features of the interior and allows you to use absolutely all the space of the room, unlike a modular one. In the same size and room, built-in furniture will be more spacious and functional.

In addition, you can be offered non-standard materials and colors to order, which you will not find in the store. Relevant for designer interiors.

Conclusion: modules for standard layout rooms and for saving time and money, built-in ones are for rooms with architectural features and individual projects.

What types of layouts are there?

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

Single-row

Ideal for small apartments, as it takes up little space. But at the same time, the linear layout has a smaller work area and limited storage space.

Another disadvantage is the difficulty in constructing a work triangle: in this case, it is better to move the refrigerator out of the line, and place the stove and sink in one row.

Two-row

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

And here there may be problems: if you can order drawers of the required depth, then finding them on sale may be difficult.

Corner

A champion in functionality: the 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 elongated models or, conversely, flattened ones, which are installed in 2 rows.

U-shaped

A convenient U-shaped set cannot be called inexpensive: it includes many different items, each of which has its own price.

However, this is a suitable option for a home where they know how and love to cook. Firstly, you will have plenty of places to store utensils. Secondly, the huge work area will allow two or even three people to cook without disturbing each other.

Tip! Part of the countertop can be left empty below and used as a breakfast area.

Kitchen set with an island

A separate island requires at least 100 cm around it for convenient passage, so it will only be possible to place such a kitchen in an area of at least 11-12 square meters. But the island is multifunctional. It includes storage modules and a countertop where you can both cook and eat.

The photo shows an island layout of a small kitchen

What material is best for modules?

Many manufacturers use laminated chipboard for the frames: an inexpensive and practical material. Plywood is used less often. The back wall is usually made of thin fiberboard.

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

• Laminated chipboard. It looks simple, even budget-friendly. It is also expensive. But it does not serve as a door for very long – it quickly swells and deteriorates from moisture.
• MDF. The most popular material that combines excellent price, quality and long service life. Since MDF is easy to process, it is used to make both smooth and radius or milled facades. In addition to practicality, it has another advantage over laminated chipboard: environmental friendliness. MDF does not emit phenols and formaldehydes, which is often the case with wood-chip materials.
• Solid wood. Rarely found in modular kitchens, but you can buy cabinet frames in a store and order facades according to 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 is cheaper;
• PVC film – easy to care for, large selection of shades;
• plastic – denser and more durable than film, does not peel off during use;
• enamel – a practical option for the kitchen with an extensive color palette.

Another important nuance is the choice of countertop. Some manufacturers equip each module with separate small “lids”, but it is better to purchase cabinets separately, and order a solid countertop 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 point that will directly affect the ease of use of the kitchen is the fittings. As a standard, the cheapest hinges and guides are supplied with factory furniture. Doors will slam with them, drawers will slide out with a creak.

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

Yes, the total cost will be higher, but the furniture will also bring much more pleasure in use.

What does it look like in the interior?

Buying modular furniture does not mean that your kitchen will turn out “like everyone else’s”. Make a beautiful wall decoration, choose an original apron made of glass, tiles or mosaics, build in appliances, replace standard handles with new, unusual ones.

Voila: you have a kitchen set in an individual style.

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

The photo shows a modern modular kitchen with upper cabinets

When choosing what your designer will consist of, focus primarily on your habits and desires. Do not look at fashion, then the furniture will serve you for many years.