... Ideas, tip...

Ideas, tips and practical examples for furnishing your kitchen

15 luglio 2024

A well-designed kitchen is not only the heart of the home, but also a statement of personal style and functionality. Whether you love the clean and minimalist style of modern kitchens, the timeless charm of classic kitchens, or you are looking for smart solutions for small spaces or open-plan kitchens, this article will guide you through a list of useful tips that are the result of our experience and passion since 1966.

Let yourself be inspired. Make your kitchen a place where beauty meets efficiency. After reading these guidelines, your Ar-Tre retailer will be happy to help you design the kitchen of your dreams.

How to furnish your kitchen: general guidelines

Furnishing your kitchen requires a special focus on functionality, without compromising on style. That is why we have put together these basic guidelines to ensure that your kitchen is both elegant and practical.

How to make the most of the kitchen work triangle

The fridge, sink and hob triangle is a key concept in kitchen design.

First of all, you need to make sure that the fridge, sink and hob triangle is clear of any obstacles to allow freedom of movement. Here are a few tips:

The ideal size of the triangle: the sum of the sides should fall within the 3.6 to 6.5 metre range, in order to ensure maximum efficiency.
Clear access: keep the space between these three key points clear.
Preparation area: add a dedicated workspace near the sink and hob for greater efficiency.

How to choose kitchen materials and accessories.

Choose quality materials that are both stylish and easy to care for, so that your kitchen will always look its best, even after many years of use. We recommend melamine, veneer, lacquer or solid wood.

Go for smart pantry solutions to make the most of the available space, and avoid cluttering up the room with too much furniture.

And don’t forget about lighting: a good combination of general, task and accent lighting can make a difference to the atmosphere of your kitchen.

Depending on whether you want to create a modern or classic style kitchen, let’s take a look at the guidelines you need to follow.

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Tips for furnishing a modern kitchen

Modern kitchens favour clean lines, neutral colours and the integration of the latest technology. Here are some tips on how to help you create a functional and stylish space:

Choose solid colours and matt finishes. White, grey and solid colours are often used in modern kitchens for their clean, contemporary look and feel. That is why the new Elite collection of modern kitchens, showcased in Milan at Salone del Mobile 2024, offers a range of colours, from the simplest to the most striking.
Go for minimalist furniture. The most popular pieces of furniture for modern kitchens have smooth doors with no external handles. The Sky modern kitchen is one example of this style. It allows you to choose from different handle-free opening systems: built-in, classic and boxed grooves. These doors not only make the kitchen look sleek, but also make cleaning easier.
Integrated appliances. Create a harmonious and uncluttered environment with integrated appliances that blend in with the rest of the furniture. Ar-Tre modern kitchen furniture is designed, developed and made to measure for built-in appliances.
Make the most of modern lighting. Using LED strips under wall units or hanging lights over the kitchen island is a great way to give space a modern touch and make it more functional. Ar-Tre kitchens can include under-cabinet and under-shelf LED lighting solutions, as well as step lights to illuminate the plinth and floor, and specific lighting for the inside of wall and tall units. Choose customisable lights according to the size you need. You can switch them on using a touch sensor for an even more contemporary feel.
Add new materials for the worktop. Materials like HPL, quartz resin, ceramic or stainless steel are practical and give your kitchen a modern look.
Add your own style to your kitchen with some unique touches. You can add lots of accessories even to a modern kitchen, to make if feel warmer and more personal.

With these tips, your kitchen will be modern, practical and stylish, making it the perfect place for cooking and entertaining.

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Tips for furnishing a classic kitchen

The elegance of a classic kitchen is its ability to create a sense of warmth and comfort. This is often done by using traditional materials and handcrafted details. Here are a few tips on how to furnish your classic kitchen:

Choose natural materials. Solid wood for cabinet doors and ceramic for the worktops offer strength and beauty that will stand the test of time. The classic I Masselli kitchen is just one example of how a door with different finishes can be adapted to a wide range of styles, from classic to country.
Enhance your home with a brick-built kitchen. These solid, traditional structures are not only beautiful to look at. They also offer excellent durability and strength. They are perfect for those who want to have a kitchen that is the focal point of the home, with a rustic or country style charm. Create the brick-built kitchen of your dreams by combining different materials such as ceramic, stone and wood.
Add decorative motifs. Carved frames and shelves, ornate columns and decorative panels can all add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen. Classic-style handles or brass finishes can also make a difference.
Mix lighting with warm colours. Classic chandeliers or vintage-style wall lights brighten up the room, creating a cosy and functional atmosphere. When paired with colours like cream, beige and terracotta, they can make any space feel cosier and easier to match with different furniture items.

With these features, you can create a classic kitchen that not only meets classic aesthetic requirements, but is also a great place to spend time with family and friends.

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Tips for furnishing a kitchen according to its size

Furnishing a kitchen according to its size requires specific strategies to make the most of the space and ensure functionality without affecting aesthetics. Whether you have a large kitchen space, or are trying to fit out a small one, these tips are useful in any situation.

The first thing to do is to make the most of every centimetre. In any type of kitchen, it is important to make the most of the space available with tailor-made solutions.

You also need to choose suitable materials and colours that are harmonious and consistent. For example, if you are thinking about how to make a small kitchen look bigger, the use of glossy materials and light colours can make small spaces feel airier and brighter. Whatever the size of your kitchen, keep the style consistent to create a harmonious environment.

Here are a few specific tips for different types of kitchen configurations:

How to fit out a small kitchen

Use multifunctional furniture. Choose compact appliances and furniture that fulfil a number of functions, such as extending tables or islands with integrated storage space.
Make use of the walls by installing open shelving systems, metal storage units and tall cabinets to free up worktop space. Hooks for utensils and pots and pans are a great way to keep things tidy.
Use light and bright colours to make the room feel larger. Adequate lighting, both natural and artificial, can make a huge difference.
Keep the furnishings simple and functional to avoid the effect of visual clutter. Integrated appliances can help to maintain a tidy and uncluttered appearance.

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How to furnish a long, narrow kitchen with a table

When furnishing a rectangular kitchen, you can maximise the space available by placing furniture and appliances along one wall or against two opposite walls.
Choose a folding table or a wall-mounted counter that doubles as a dining area as well and an additional work surface.
Use under-cabinet lights and wall lights to illuminate every corner. Mirrors can also help reflect light and make the room feel bigger.
Use space-saving solutions such as pull-out drawers and internal storage systems for base units and tall units to maximise the use of space.

Tips on how to furnish the kitchen and living room in the same room

Creating a single room that doubles as a kitchen and living room requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that the space is functional, comfortable and harmonious. Here are a few tips on how to furnish an open-plan kitchen and living room:

Define different areas. Use carpets, different lighting or flooring solutions to visually separate the kitchen from the living room.
Stylistic consistency. Choose a colour or style that flows seamlessly between the kitchen and living room, to create a sense of unity.
Multifunctional furniture. Choose furniture that can be used in both areas, such as stools for the kitchen island that double as extra seating in the living room.
Integrated pantry solutions. Incorporate storage solutions that extend from the living room to the kitchen, such as bookcases or open shelving systems that provide space for everyday items.
Layered lighting. Make sure there is enough light in both the kitchen and the lounge areas, using a combination of general, task and accent lighting.
Use partitions. Consider the use of partitions, such as sliding glass windows or modular freestanding open systems that maintain visual continuity and clearly define space functions.

These tips will help you create a unique environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, perfect for the modern kitchen and living room lifestyle.

Furnishing an empty kitchen wall: your style meets functionality

When it comes to furnishing an empty wall in the kitchen, open-plan metal kitchen units offer an attractive solution where decorative art meets functionality.

These systems, with their industrial finish and modern design, not only provide an aesthetic focal point, but are also extremely useful for storage purposes.

The installation of metal shelves or perforated panels can be used to display elegant crockery, kitchen utensils or aromatic plants. This transforms the space into a visually appealing area full of personality, where beauty and practicality are combined in every detail. The system is modular and customisable, and the open elements can be adapted to the size and style of the kitchen.

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Ask your retailer for advice on how to furnish your kitchen

Our guidelines looked at how to make the most of any space, combining functionality and style in both modern and classic environments. We saw how important it is to choose the right materials and use smart solutions for kitchens of all sizes, including those that are part of the living room, and how an empty wall can be enhanced with open-plan metal elements.

Take a look at our Kitchen stories and get some new ideas on how to decorate your space.

Now that you have all the information you need to transform your kitchen, feel free to get in touch with your local Ar-Tre retailer to find the perfect solution for your style and needs.

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