Questions and answers about the kitchen environment

What is the optimal arrangement of the elements that make up a kitchen?

It is well known that the kitchen is one of the pillars of the house and how often we are involved in the choice of its aesthetic and stylistic aspect. Although this factor is important because it is a room where we spend a lot of time and for this reason it must meet personal taste, it is equally essential that the functional aspect responds to specific needs. Every daily gesture must take place in a comfortable and spontaneous manner, without encountering obstacles and impediments.
If the space is narrow and long, the most suitable solution is the linear wall kitchen. In this case, standardized kitchens provide aggregations of 60 cm long modules, but it should be noted that today it is possible to study the most suitable solution for the space available thanks to the custom project.
The depth of most kitchens is 60 cm, while the length can vary depending on the spatial configuration. The modules, sized in multiples of 15 cm, must be arranged in order to correctly respond to the functions that follow one another spontaneously: food preservation - meal preparation - their relative consumption - sanitization of kitchen tools. This is the relationship that relates the four vital functions of the kitchen and establishes the optimal arrangement of the various areas. According to tradition, the single or double sink is located in the center of the composition and the refrigerator and the hob are placed on the two sides respectively. In this way it is easy to choose the foods to consume, cook them and wash dirty pots and pans.

In recent years, since designer hoods have been introduced, which are very scenic and able to furnish the room, the layout can include replacing the sink with the hob in the center.
Near the sink, it will be appropriate to insert the dishwasher, so as to make preliminary washing by hand and subsequent insertion of the dishes into the appropriate appliance easier. Above the sink, of course, the appropriate wall units will be indispensable, which will contain the drainer in the event that dishes are washed by hand. Next to it, in the part below the hob, it will be possible to find the oven, which however, lately, can occupy different positions and heights depending on the available space. Furthermore, the linear kitchen must be equipped with a generous support surface, essential for preparing food and for placing shopping products when necessary.

If you have a very large space, today the market boasts countless solutions that include the division of the kitchen into blocks sometimes placed one in front of the other or the island element, aesthetically priceless. In the first case, it is usual to divide the hob, the sink, the dishwasher and the wall units into a linear section and the refrigerator column and the oven column into a separate section. The island kitchen, on the other hand, in addition to the linear portion, includes a freestanding block, usually placed in the center of the space, the function of which can be that of cooking food, its consumption or sanitizing dishes.
A conscious choice of kitchen type and layout of its components can ensure functional comfort and daily well-being. 

Which refrigerator to choose?

An integral part of the kitchen, the refrigerator is an important element to be chosen carefully given its functional value and its considerable size. Depending on the type of composition chosen, you can opt for a single and decorative fridge which allows for free installation or for a built-in refrigerator, integrated into the kitchen. In both cases, this element is placed at the bottom of the solution, or for the free typology, in front of the kitchen provided that the room is deep enough to allow comfortable use and easy opening of the door. Furthermore, it is advisable to place the refrigerator in a ventilated area of ​​the kitchen, away from sunlight and heat sources, in order to minimize consumption. Depending on the needs, it is necessary to evaluate the size, capacity and energy savings, specific to each specific appliance.
In fact, large families will have different needs than couples or singles who will need a smaller amount of food to store.

As for the measurements, they range from a depth of 60 cm - 70 cm and a height varying between 80 cm and 2 m. Depending on your eating habits, you can opt for a single-door refrigerator, in the case where you consume fresh foods, because here there is usually a small freezer, or for a refrigerator with two doors that includes a large freezer compartment, suitable for those who usually freeze food in large quantities. Last but not least, to choose the best refrigerator, it is characterized by energy saving, since it is an element that works 24 hours a day, 24 days a year. To quantify consumption, each refrigerator has the so-called "energy label" that indicates its performance specifications such as power and consumption, through a classification at the top of which is the A+++ class.

Today there are countless proposals on the market that can satisfy the most diverse needs and tastes; an example of this are the products with colored, worked surfaces and rounded and extravagant shapes. Sometimes, in fact, the refrigerator becomes a real piece of furniture to show off with pride. Finally, not very common in Italy, but on the rise is the American-style refrigerator, with extra large dimensions, with two doors that house the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment inside, also including a dispenser for water and ice with relative external distributors. Naturally, these are much more expensive solutions and suitable for large families and very large spaces.

Which hob should I choose?

We have often heard about hobs and innovative solutions capable of providing a design that is very different from the traditional one. If once upon a time, the choice was unique and represented by the classic exposed burners, today the alternatives offer plates capable of completely camouflaging their function thanks to the linear design and hidden elements.

Modern hobs can be of three types: gas, electric and induction powered.. The first category is the classic one, with exposed burners and connected to the methane gas connection; the advantage is lower consumption and consequently economic savings, but there are significant dangers due to the presence of fire and the risk of gas leaks that are fatal to human life. The electrical plans, used in the past have proven to be very expensive and for this reason they are increasingly less used in favour of induction hobs. The latter, in fact, have numerous positive aspects. In the section below the hob, coils are placed that react to contact with the ferrous materials that the pans are made of and produce heat that is then transmitted to the food contained within them. It is interesting how the heat is produced only by contact, so that the rest of the plate does not heat up, remaining safe and also guaranteeing energy savings. Furthermore, cooking times are very short; the only negative note is represented by the pans that must be equipped only and exclusively with a ferromagnetic bottom. As regards the plate material, glass ceramic represents the best solution both functionally and aesthetically. Powered by electricity or induction, it has excellent resistance, is inserted flush with the kitchen top and is characterised by a smooth and shiny surface, with a pleasant appearance. 

Where to place the oven?

Starting from the size of the kitchen and the arrangement of all the elements that compose it, it will be possible to identify the most suitable position for the oven. The basic rule is to ensure a close connection of the elements belonging to the cooking area, in order to facilitate daily operations in the kitchen. Tradition wants it under the stove but often in modern kitchens it is found in a separate column, at a comfortable height for the adult who uses it. In the latter case, the oven is equipped with double glass in order to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of the house; the unusual position has the advantage of being more comfortable for checking the food while cooking but implies a greater footprint, as it takes up twice the length compared to a linear kitchen that has it under the sink (oven under sink > 60 cm total; oven and sink side by side > 60 cm + 60 cm). It is therefore clear that the traditional solution is the only suitable one in the case of limited-sized spaces, while if you have a fairly large kitchen, then the oven can occupy the high position. In both cases, what is important is that the area in front of the oven is free from clutter so that the appliance can be used in complete comfort and safety. 

Single or double bowl sink?

The area of ​​the kitchen used for hygiene and washing dishes and pots usually consists of the dishwasher, the draining cabinet and the sink. This area is limited by the position of the apartment's water system and therefore its location varies depending on the case. The sink is an integral part of the kitchen worktop and must be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Usually the dishwasher and the waste bin are located in the lower part, while the drainer is placed in the upper section above the sink. Depending on your needs, you can choose sinks on the market that differ in size, material and style: the first choice to make concerns the type, which can be single or double. The solution with a single basin is suitable for small kitchens where there is also a dishwasher; if space allows, it is advisable to choose a basin that is at least 40 cm wide, especially if the house is inhabited by a family. On the market you can also find the alternative of a tub and a half that can be convenient for washing vegetables by transporting them from one space to another.
If there is no dishwasher, it is essential to opt for a sink with two fairly large basins (at least 60 cm each) so as to be practical and very functional for washing large dishes and pots. If there is not enough space available for the double sink, it is preferable to opt for a single large basin which is the most used contemporary variation. Very convenient thanks to its generous dimensions, it gives a valuable aesthetic impact. 

Which hood to choose?

The kitchen hood is an important element that has the function of extracting the vapors and odors produced during cooking. Furthermore, lately, it takes on an aesthetic value, thanks to the countless design solutions available on the market. In any case, before choosing the type of hood best suited to your needs, you need to take into account the shape of the room and the compositional solution of the kitchen, your daily habits regarding the frequency and times of use of the stove and the style chosen for the entire room.

By law, the hood must always be present in the case of gas hobs and must have a length equal to or greater than that of the hob in order to cover it completely; it ranges from the classic 60 cm up to 120 cm.
The choice is twofold: there are two types of hoods, aspirating and filtering.

La extractor hood It is equipped with an extraction system that releases harmful vapours outside the house via a special pipe. filter hoods Instead, they work via an electrical outlet and contain adequate filters that purify the air; for obvious reasons, these filters must be cleaned frequently and replaced in case of saturation, consequently maintenance is more demanding than with extractor hoods.
Unlike the first type, filter hoods do not eliminate vapors to the outside and therefore require a recirculation device through which to introduce clean air inside. The performance capacity of the hood must be carefully calculated in relation to the size of the kitchen in order to guarantee optimal elimination of vapors and odors.

For the aesthetic choice of the hood, it is strictly linked to the position of the hob: we will find it on the wall if the plate is on the top of a linear kitchen, corner if the burners are on a corner surface, on the ceiling in the case of an island cooking block and even hidden in the case of flat hoods inserted in a wall unit. Those that accompany the island or peninsula in an open space sometimes become real furnishing objects with a scenographic function. Finally, with new technologies the hood has become smart, it communicates with the hob through dedicated Apps and includes touch screen controls just like televisions, computers and tablets.

Classic or modern cuisine?

The beating heart of the house, the kitchen is a fundamental piece of furniture for domestic environments. The choice of type is closely linked to the style of the other rooms and of course to the personal taste of the inhabitants. Some prefer to maintain a traditional line by opting for classic kitchens, while others dare to make innovative and more modern choices. What differentiates one solution from another is represented by the material, the color, the appliances and the profiles specific to each solution.
For lovers of classic style, light or dark wood furnishings, with exposed handles and rounded hoods, will be perfect. The colors to prefer are the soft ones used on ceramic tiles and accessories. The environment, where rounded shapes and natural, high-quality materials will prevail, will be very warm and welcoming. Often, this composition is arranged in a corner, along two walls with a table and chairs in the center, so as to recreate a cozy and intimate area that favors sharing meals.

Among styles that characterize classic kitchens we find the rustic, with dark colours and natural materials with aged effects, the shabby chic with vintage references and the Provençal with romantic notes and pastel colors. For those who prefer the contemporary style, modern kitchens are able to satisfy the most particular needs. In this case the lines are more squared and minimal, the materials are shiny, the accessories are technological and the appliances are smart. Among the proposals, the solutions with island, with peninsula and those distributed on two sides are widely used. The first type is the most visually impactful: equipped with a central block of variable dimensions that often houses the hob, it is used in very large open spaces.

The peninsula requires less space than the island and is a valid alternative for lovers of multifunctionality. In fact, this extension of the work surface can be used as a "piano bar", as a conversation corner or as a surface for preparing food. The third proposal, arranged on multiple sides, allows you to use multiple areas of the room with great dynamism and according to the rules of ergonomics.
It is perfect when the walls are not very large or there are structural limitations such as pillars and columns. What you need to keep in mind is to always try to ensure that activities can be carried out in a comfortable manner, keeping the sink, countertop and kitchenette close together and placing the refrigerator and oven in the appropriate columns. Style is the cause and effect of aesthetic choices that also determine the functional success of the kitchen environment. 

Pros and cons of the kitchen island

For those who have large spaces and decide to furnish an open space, the island kitchen is an excellent choice. It is well known, in fact, that this type of solution guarantees a valuable result and ensures numerous advantages in terms of functionality. First of all, the storage space that is gained with the central block that in the base can house appliances or drawers and compartments for pots and pans, thus freeing the walls from unsightly wall units anchored to the wall. Another highly appreciated feature is characterized by the deeper worktop compared to those found in traditional kitchens. The worktop in question is often equipped and can be used for various functions: cooking, sanitizing with a sink or simply as a support surface. Furthermore, the shape and central position allow the island to be used by multiple people at the same time without compromising their free movement. This type of solution is also considered optimal from a social point of view since it encourages the sharing of important family moments such as preparing meals and their consumption around the central hub of the kitchen.
If it is inserted inside an open space, the island can act as a connecting element between the kitchen and the living room as it guarantees fluidity in the succession of the two rooms with different functions that are not divided by clear barriers. The resulting environment is visually valuable.

Although it is a very advantageous solution, the kitchen with island also has some problems that should not be underestimated. The first is its poor adaptability, as it can only be used in very large spaces: in order to ensure the right functionality, there must be at least 120 cm between the central section and the linear section close to the wall. Furthermore, it is good for the block to have a depth of at least 80/90 cm.
The second constraint is represented by the systems: if it is a detached house or under construction there will not be major problems, but if it is an apartment to be renovated, a custom design of the gas and water connections is necessary, which will be arranged on the floor, in the center of the room, in correspondence with the island counter. From a practical point of view, to avoid the spread of bad smells produced by food preparation throughout the open space, it is essential to insert a hood with optimal suction capacity that is able to overcome this unpleasant inconvenience. Last but not least, it is also necessary to pay attention to the correct lighting of the island since, representing a real work surface, the diffused light of the room cannot be enough. For this reason, it is a good idea to equip it with LED strips or recessed spotlights, thanks to which the light beam will be directed on the most used areas. 

Electric oven and microwave oven: how to arrange them?

Often in kitchens, in addition to the traditional oven, there are additional solutions that make cooking easier in terms of time: these are electric and microwave ovens. These two small appliances can be built into the oven column or, in the case of the free-standing models, they find space on the kitchen worktop. If they find space in the aforementioned column, usually 220 cm high, the electric and microwave oven allow you to gain useful space on the worktop, which would instead be occupied by the free-standing models. In fact, if the oven occupies a high position, it is possible to have a larger worktop, cook more easily by checking the cooking of the food at the right height and preserve the safety of children who cannot touch the appliance operating at high temperatures.

English: When it comes to countertop oven models, you need to be careful about your choice: sometimes, a small budget means limited performance. One problem could be the appliance overheating on the surface; in this case, it is best to place it away from objects and panels and to have feet on the base that lift it from the surface, allowing air to circulate. Furthermore, it is advisable to place the oven at an adequate distance from the sink and cooking area, while, unlike what was believed in the past, today it can also be located near the refrigerator, thanks to the high-performance insulation of the two elements. Since they are countertop ovens, and not built into the kitchen, since they require electricity, they must be placed near a socket. Depending on your needs and space availability, these two types of ovens are available on the market in various models with different capacities: from 10 liters to 30 liters for those who need to cook larger quantities of food, such as large families or those who do not have a traditional oven. In any case, all choices must be tied to functional and safety needs. 

Kitchen Flooring: Which Material Is Best? 

The choice of finishes for the interior spaces of the house must be made with great care and adjusted according to the characteristics of each room and above all according to the function. In the case of the kitchen, some additional elements must be considered compared to the other rooms such as the presence of the water system and the wear and tear caused by frequent use and the risk of accidental falls of food and dishes. For this reason, it is best to opt for less porous, waterproof and long-lasting materials, able to resist the rubbing of tables and chairs, the corrosion of liquids and the possible and unexpected infiltration of water.

Tradition has always wanted the use of classic ceramic tiles, which however have suffered a decline today due to the introduction of numerous innovative materials. There are different types of products on the market but the most popular is represented by stoneware, waterproof and resistant, it prevails over terracotta which is much more porous. The advantage of this solution is also given by its versatility thanks to the countless finishes with stone, wood and marble effects that allow its use in environments with very different styles. Also from the maintenance point of view it is easy to wash and sanitize.

For lovers of continuous surfaces, the resin, capable of restoring a clean and minimal look. Its elastic properties ensure long-lasting durability and resistance to water and stress. However, installation, even on pre-existing floors, requires longer times and higher costs. A valid alternative that gives character to the environment and is suitable for modern-style homes, is represented by concrete surfaces, which are cheaper and quicker to install. Resistant to trampling and weight, they are fireproof and waterproof; furthermore, the numerous treatments to which concrete can be subjected make it an excellent ally for those who love personalized finishes. The only defect is the coldness to the touch that can be resolved with the use of underfloor heating. If, however, you prefer materials that are warmer to the eye, since wood is too delicate for this type of environment, there are some valid alternatives that can reproduce it more or less faithfully.
The first is represented by the PVC in the form of slats or rolls. This synthetic material can reproduce the effect of parquet, with the difference that it does not suffer damage from accidental contact with water because it is waterproof and has no joints that are dangerous for infiltrations. Furthermore, if installed correctly, it has a long durability and a low cost compared to other materials. Similar but different for the natural origin of its components, linoleum is another widely used solution. Composed of cork, wood dust, jute and resin, it is considered an ecological and resistant material as well as thermal and acoustic insulator.
Cleaning is made easier by the absence of joints and the aesthetic result is better than that of PVC because it ensures the warmth and uniqueness of natural materials. An intermediate option is laminate, consisting of an internal wooden panel and several layers of synthetic material that make the material more resistant and waterproof and reproduce the desired textures and the grain of wood.
The triple advantage of laminate parquet is represented by the aesthetic result very similar to that of real wood, by the much less demanding maintenance and by the reduced cost. The negative aspect is given by the lower value compared to natural fibers and by the lower insulating capacities. If the kitchen does not occupy a separate room but is part of an open space, it is necessary to ensure equally resistance to humidity and stress with an eye to the functions of the entire room. The advice is to adopt two different finishes that go well together or that fade depending on the use of the specific area. What is important is to maintain the harmony of the entire room, without sacrificing the technical performance essential to the most functional areas. 

Kitchen wall: what is the best solution? 

As with floor finishes, those of the kitchen walls must be chosen with care, paying attention to performance characteristics and aesthetics. Specifically, the section between the base and the kitchen cabinets or shelves must be water-repellent and must withstand frequent use since it is a work area where meals are prepared and pots and pans are sanitized. To this end, in the past, classic ceramic tiles of various shapes and colors were widely used. However, today new needs and ever-changing tastes have led to the use of innovative and sometimes unexpected solutions for this use. Often, the desire to include LED strips, jar holders, spice racks and glass dispensers push users not to opt for tiles that, once laid, would have to be drilled with the risk of causing damage to the material. Whatever type of finish you choose, you should always keep in mind that the covering must be fireproof due to the presence of the stove, it must resist the stresses caused during food preparation and surface sanitization, it must ensure waterproofing since water is used to a large extent.

Let's now see what the most popular solutions are. Thanks to their low cost, their resistance and the large typological offer, tiles continue to be used in today's kitchens.
The most common materials are the porcelain stoneware , mouldmaking; the first, very durable and more robust, is made of clays and minerals and can take on various aspects thanks to the countless processes and new technologies that favor graphic customization. Very similar to stoneware, ceramics are a little more delicate but ensure resistance to vapors and high temperatures and are very easily washable. The advice for both is to choose medium-large sized tiles with very thin joints, so as to maintain a good level of hygiene with less effort.

Another option is the use of natural stone such as quartz, marble and granite, which can provide a satisfactory aesthetic result but involve higher costs and more demanding maintenance. Above all, the treated surfaces are more delicate and therefore great care must be taken to prevent accidental contact with corrosive substances (food and cleaning products). In order to ensure continuity between the top and the splashback, with the consequent easier sanitization, Corian is used for the coverings, a high-quality resin, without joints thanks to the continuous installation, capable of restoring an elegant and minimal appearance. Furthermore, if you only want to change the material of the splashback, the resin can be laid over pre-existing layers, ensuring reduced times and costs compared to complete renovations of the finishes.

Similar from an aesthetic point of view for the fluidity of the solution, is the trowelled concrete, superficially treated to be waterproof and particularly suitable for lovers of modern kitchens. Completely innovative and with a scenographic appearance, is the choice not to place tiles, slabs or lamellar elements between tops and wall units, but to apply the wallpaper that best meets personal taste. This is a very original option, capable of giving strong personality to the environment but it is necessary to choose the right materials, processed to be completely water-repellent, fireproof and resistant. The most commonly used products are composed of fiberglass and resin and ensure high performance. Finally, if you love the minimal style, it is also possible to cover the affected surface, only with paints or enamels that are strictly washable and interchangeable over time. Today's market is able to satisfy every need ensuring functionality and aesthetics right inside all domestic environments. 

Where to place the television in the kitchen? 

Today, unfortunately or fortunately, domestic environments accommodate several TV devices, on average almost one for each room. The biggest doubt concerns the kitchen: where to place the TV? The TV in this room represents for many a habit that is impossible to give up: watching your favorite program while preparing or eating a meal has now become a widespread habit. First of all, it is a good idea to study what daily gestures are and understand where you spend most of your time, whether around the table or on the sofa if present in the case of larger rooms. Once the position has been established and the measurements taken, you need to understand whether you want to leave the TV on display or whether you want to hide it inside wall units and built-in furniture.

There are many solutions to satisfy the first need according to which the household appliance becomes an integral part of the furniture and sometimes an object to be displayed with pride. The classic example, recurring especially where space is limited, is characterized by the television hanging on the wall: positioned so that it can be seen both standing and sitting, if accompanied by shelves and paintings, it becomes a furnishing object that enhances the entire room. The same goes for walls equipped with compartments that function as pantries with the space for the TV in the center, even if this solution is not very widespread today and is mostly found in the living room. Sometimes, it is preferred to integrate it with the appliances of the kitchen composition, in a column specifically designed to house it, or in niches designed specifically and obtained directly from the wall.

In very large spaces, such as open spaces, the television can surprise in an innovative way by providing rotation on itself which ensures viewing from different points of the room depending on the need.
For those who do not like to show it inside the furniture, there are retractable solutions thanks to which when it is not in use, the television remains hidden. Inside a piece of furniture with doors, hanging in the kitchen cabinets and even, part of a custom-designed structure, visible during use, it is no longer visible when turned off. The retractable TV can work in different ways: mechanical or electric lifting, sliding inside furniture designed for this purpose or with mechanical systems. Whether visible or retractable, the choice of placing the television inside the kitchen environment is subjective, in fact for some it can be an important aid in entertaining children while preparing meals, for others instead, it is considered an obstacle to family dialogue. In any case, it is essential to ensure the comfortable use of the appliance by positioning it away from direct light sources, in order to avoid unpleasant reflections to the eye and providing it with adequate artificial lighting essential for use during the evening hours.

Dining Chairs: How to Choose Them

What may seem like a trivial choice is actually not at all. The kitchen environment is one of the most lived-in spaces for those who live in the house and for this reason the choices that concern it must guarantee practicality and satisfy aesthetic needs. As regards the area intended for eating, there are numerous types of tables and chairs on the market that can satisfy specific needs from a functional point of view. In the case of chairs, care must be taken to ensure that they are comfortable and complementary to the support surface. The ideal height, including the backrest, is not greater than 90 cm and the total size must not be too large in order to guarantee freedom of movement and use. Furthermore, it is preferable to opt for products with a limited weight. At the basis of every type of material and stylistic choice is personal taste and the style of the house. Despite this, the tendency to combine different seats from the table is increasingly frequent, sometimes even different from each other, especially in the case of vintage ones, perfect for lovers of eclectic style. If you have a lot of freedom of choice from a stylistic point of view, the dimensions of the chair must respect the correct proportions between the heights of the seat and the table.  

The average distance between the support surface and the seat should never be more than 30 cm but at the same time it should ensure the easy movement of the legs of those who sit. Furthermore, the chair should have a comfortable width but not excessive, in order to avoid these furnishings being too close and bumping into each other.
The 50 cm are calculated with at least 5 cm between one chair and the other. In the specific case of kitchen chairs, armrests are not necessary but if you appreciate them, it is a good idea to check that they do not touch the support surface and therefore allow you to get close to it comfortably.

Since the kitchen is the place where you spend most of your time during the day, lightweight, comfortable, easy to move and foldable chairs are preferable in case of limited space. From the point of view of materials, there are countless on the market but they must be chosen carefully in order to ensure optimal use and simple maintenance, remaining consistent with the style of the kitchen. They range from natural fibers of wood and leather, to synthetic ones of plastic and polycarbonate, up to steel and textiles.
The latter are a little more complicated to sanitize because they tend to absorb liquids and get dirty more quickly. However, today you can also opt for stain-resistant fabrics, designed to be waterproof and easily washable, often applied to covers that can be easily removed from the chair and reinserted once cleaned. Furthermore, it is easy to find solutions that combine different types of materials: for example, metal structures go well with seats in wood, fabric or eco-leather. Whether they are classic or modern chairs, made of homogeneous or differentiated materials, the important thing is that they are designed for personal ergonomics and daily needs.