Does the layout of a kitchen intrigue you? Installation of elements, lighting… Nicolas Sallavuard, supported by his architecture agency Studio d’archi, explains how to fit out a kitchen according to the rules of the art.
The layout of a kitchen follows a well-established protocol. Direction of traffic, called the activity triangle , distances, storage and furniture … A well-designed kitchen plan will facilitate before and after meals. Nicolas Sallavuard, architect DPLG, reminds us of these 5 sacred rules that will make the kitchen a functional space, pleasant to live in and to cook.
Key tips for a child-friendly kitchen
The hob, the sink and the refrigerator are the three pillars of your kitchen plan layout : they are the main areas where daily work is carried out and the activity triangle of the kitchen . Much of the movement you make in your kitchen is from one of these points to the other. To facilitate movement, it is important that the distance between these three areas is as equal as possible, and not too great. In the corners, do not place the sink (possibly the drainer) or the hotplates .
Remember: Hobs, sink and refrigerator, it is important that the distance between these three areas is equal or almost. Also avoid excessive distances between these three points.
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Returning from the dining room , the dirty plates and dishes are placed on the work surface . Before being placed in the dishwasher, they go through the trash can and possibly the sink. These three elements (garbage can, sink and dishwasher) must therefore be close to each other, with simple and easy circulation. Cupboards , cabinets and drawers that store clean dishes should also be close to the dishwasher so that in one move you can empty one to fill the other.
Traffic rules for a pleasant house to live in
To remember: Think about the circulation of dirty plates and dishes : deposit on the work surface, going to the trash to throw away the leftovers, sink to possibly rinse, then dishwasher. This process should be simple, quick and hassle-free . It is the same for the path of the clean between the dishwasher (or the drainer) and the storage areas for the clean dishes.
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The heights of the worktop and household appliances depend above all on your height. Remember, however, that in the event of rental or resale, your successors will not necessarily be the same size as you. The worktop should be at waist height (between 85 and 95 cm) so that you can reach the bottom of the sink without bending over. The oven is preferably placed at eye level. A bar table should be at elbow height (between 110 and 115 cm). To avoid hitting your head against the extractor hood, the latter must be approximately 60 cm from the plates. In the tallest storage cupboards, the last accessible shelf should be about 220 cm away.
Remember: The heights of the worktop and the appliances depend above all on your size. Remember, however, that in the event of rental or resale, your successors will not necessarily be the same size as you…
it, personalize it when you are a tenant?
Large household appliances, such as the oven or the dishwasher, fit into a square with a side of 60 cm : this is therefore the minimum size of the worktop. But currently, kitchen designers are increasingly favoring deeper surfaces (65 cm) for more comfort. In order to facilitate movement in your kitchen , leave a minimum of 70 cm free in front of your furniture. 90 cm will allow you to easily get around an open cupboard or dishwasher. 120 cm allow you to work in pairs in the kitchen and to pass each other without getting in the way.
Remember: 70 centimeters are necessary for circulation in front of furniture and appliances, but this figure rises to 90 centimeters if it is a cupboard or a dishwasher, and 120 centimeters when there are several of you circulating …
Even if the sink is often placed in front of the window, natural lighting is not enough . The arrangement and equipment of other light sources should be carefully considered. Do you need general lighting? A ceiling light can do the trick to provide average brightness to the whole room. Also install powerful lights pointed at the different areas of the worktop. Directional spotlights , placed under wall units , are ideal. Do not neglect also mood lighting , especially if the kitchen is open to the dining room: backlit credenzas or dressers, colored LEDs embedded in the floor, colored neon placed on the wall units…