Basic kitchen furniture: complete guide
The kitchen is one of the most lively spaces in the home. Cooking, talking, sharing moments… everything happens around this space. That’s why choosing the basic kitchen furniture correctly is key to achieving a functional, comfortable, and personalized environment.
At Kitchen Grup we design custom kitchens that adapt to every lifestyle, but they all share the same foundation: a design created to make the most of the space, improve storage, and offer a pleasant and modern environment.
Below, we review the elements that cannot be missing in any well-planned kitchen.
Kitchen Modules: the foundation of storage
Modules are the heart of kitchen furniture and one of the most important basic kitchen furniture pieces. They are divided into:
- Lower modules: usually house the sink, oven, and the most used drawers. Perfect for storing pots, pans, or daily-use utensils.
- Upper modules: utilize vertical space to store dishes, glasses, or non-perishable food.
A good distribution between both helps keep the kitchen organized and optimizes ergonomics.
Pro tip: custom modules (a specialty of Kitchen Grup) allow you to take advantage of tricky corners, adjust the height to your needs, and optimize every inch.
Countertops: the operational and aesthetic heart of the kitchen
The countertop is an essential element within basic kitchen furniture. It’s not only the surface for food preparation but also a visual component that defines the overall style.
Most common materials and their advantages:
- Granite: extremely resistant to impact and heat.
- Quartz: modern, very durable, and easy to maintain.
- Laminate: affordable, versatile, and available in numerous finishes.
- Wood: warm and perfect for rustic or Nordic kitchens.
When choosing a countertop, consider its durability, maintenance, and how it fits with the rest of the furniture.
Kitchen Islands: functionality and modern design
Islands have become a highly desired feature, especially in open kitchens. They offer multiple functions:
- Additional surface for cooking
- Area for eating or breakfast
- Extra storage
- Integration of sink or cooktop
Before installing an island, consider the available space. To maintain ease of movement, it’s recommended to leave at least 90–100 cm of clearance around it.
If the kitchen is small, a peninsula or semi-island can be an ideal alternative.
Recycling Area: essential in a modern kitchen
Waste management is another essential component in any modern kitchen. It is usually integrated into a lower module, often under the sink.
Nowadays, there are very practical solutions:
- Pull-out bin systems
- Compactors
- Recycling dividers
- Automatic or silent openings
Having a well-designed recycling area makes home sustainability easier and keeps the kitchen organized.
Auxiliary Furniture: lightness and extra storage
Auxiliary furniture serves a dual purpose: it provides additional storage without visually cluttering the space. Some useful options:
- Open shelves
- Glass cabinets
- Mobile carts
- Decorative shelves
Perfect for utensils, cookbooks, plants, or decorative items that add personality to the space.
Integrated Appliances: order and visual spaciousness
Integrated appliances have become a key trend for those looking for a clean and visually uniform kitchen.
They can be integrated:
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Concealed range hoods
Besides improving aesthetics, they save space and reduce visual noise.
Smart Storage Solutions: making the most of every corner
Besides traditional cabinets, there are elements that help maximize space:
- Pull-out baskets for corners
- Deep drawers for pots
- Sliding columns
- Tall modules up to the ceiling
- Vertical pantries
In custom kitchens (like those we make at Kitchen Grup), these solutions allow you to take advantage even of irregular or difficult spaces.
Conclusion: planning basic kitchen furniture well makes a difference
Designing a functional kitchen does not only depend on style or color. The key is choosing the basic kitchen furniture, layout, materials, and storage correctly.
Every kitchen is unique and deserves a design meant to be enjoyed every day.
At Kitchen Grup we can help you create a custom, personalized, and durable kitchen with the best materials and solutions tailored to your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which basic kitchen furniture pieces are essential?
Essential basic kitchen furniture includes lower and upper modules, the countertop, well-organized storage solutions, recycling areas, auxiliary furniture, and optionally an island if space allows.
How do I choose the right basic kitchen furniture for my space?
Consider the layout, available space, the type of storage you need, and materials. Choosing custom kitchen furniture allows you to make the most of every corner and adapt height, width, and depth to your needs.
What is the best material for a countertop in basic kitchen furniture?
It depends on usage and desired style: granite is very durable, quartz is long-lasting and modern, laminate is affordable and versatile, and wood adds warmth to rustic or Nordic kitchens.
Is it recommended to install an island in basic kitchen furniture?
Yes, as long as you have enough space. Islands provide workspace, storage, and can function as a dining bar. A minimum of 90–100 cm of clearance is recommended around it.
How can I make the most of space in small kitchens?
With custom modules, deep drawers, pull-out baskets, sliding columns, and tall cabinets up to the ceiling. Integrating appliances and using open shelves also helps visually lighten the space.
What are the advantages of integrated appliances in a kitchen?
They provide a uniform aesthetic, save space, reduce visual noise, and create a sense of spaciousness. Ideal for modern and minimalist-style kitchens.
Why choose custom kitchen furniture?
Because it optimizes ergonomics, adapts to the user’s lifestyle, makes the most of irregular or small spaces, and achieves a fully personalized and durable design.
