2020 is finally here! In line with your objectives for this decade, why not fit your kitchen with the technology of our time? This room is meant to be functional and pleasant. Standard dimensions, tips on how to occupy the space or how to manage it properly, you will here find everything you need to know to make your dream kitchen a reality
The standard criteria
For a kitchen to be functional, it is compulsory for it to be in conformity with a few technical standards. You need to ensure that the proportions are up to the norms and that it is suitable for one’s lifestyle. The recommended dimensions of a kitchen are as follow:
The lower furniture
To avoid health and safety inconveniences such as neck, back or shoulder pains, the lower pieces of furniture - just as with the countertops - ought to be optimised so you can work at your complete ease. As we are not all the same height, there is no fixed dimensions. However, recommended heights are, for example, 85 cm up to 95 cm for those who are more than 1m80 tall. The width may vary between 20 cm and 80 cm, depending on your kitchen space.
The top furniture
Designed to facilitate additional storage spaces, the top pieces of furniture should not limit your movements. The relevant dimensions, so as not to be hindered, are a depth of 35 cm and a maximum height of 2m20.
The in-between spaces
It is essential to dedicate a minimum amount of space for your own movements in and around the kitchen. A distance of one metre on each side of the kitchen island would be ideal. Moreover, leaving 85 cm between two countertops is necessary if you store electric devices in difficult to reach places. This will prevent you from bending forward too much.
The layout: How to mix and match?
What are the primary spaces when planning a kitchen? An ill-matched space can quickly become a nightmare. L-shaped or U-shaped, with a kitchen island or not, you have to think about the interior design when designing the kitchen. The criteria to keep in mind are: the choice of equipment, the layout of the furniture, and the ideal configuration for custom arrangement. This will avoid odds and conception mistakes.
Mathieu Audiger, Director of Cuisines Raison, highlights:
“The essence of a kitchen depends on the people using it. Your kitchen should have separate spaces dedicated to cooking, towashing, the set up, storage as well as for the groceries. They are, as such, adapted to the lives of the users and to the type of dwelling, while also respecting the needs and wants of the customer as well as architectural restrictions.”
A contemporary kitchen is…
Between modernity and aestheticism, the kitchen is cherished! In addition to classy colours and unique design possibilities, some elements may be used to further modernise the room and make it much more pleasant and functional.
Stéphan Pilot, Director of Unique Concept explains what makes up a functional kitchen:
“Today, the main trends are electric devices which are hidden or completely integrated to the furniture. And even more so, thanks to a few small gadgets - such as USB ports to charge one’s phone, Bluetooth system integrated inside of the walls of the kitchen, or even lighting options varying from cupboard lightings to ambient filters. Transform your kitchen into a room full of life.”
