Do I need a bar counter in a small kitchen and how to equip it?

The bar counter is a complete replacement for the dining rooma desk, an additional workplace, or just a prestigious design element out of place in a small space? Let's try to figure out together the pros and cons of this popular kitchen solution At first glance, the bar counter will organically fit into the open space of the kitchen, combined, for example, with a living room and a dining room. Nevertheless, its use even in small rooms has become. Is an attempt to bring the romance of a date in a bar into the interior appropriate when every inch of useful space counts? Gives you extra space No matter how carefully thought out the work area of the kitchen, a little more space never hurts. Here, the advantage of the bar counter lies in its versatility. If you want, replace the table with it. Or use to comfortably cut vegetables or roll out dough. An important point: the classic height of the bar in bars is 110-115 centimeters, and in small kitchens it is still better to choose a level of 90-100 centimeters, close to, so that you do not have to stretch. Irina Zaitseva, interior designer: - The bar counter is very popular, many are ready to install it even in a small kitchen. In my opinion, it looks optimal in an open modern space, a room combined with a dining room or living room, for example. Before ordering a rack, think if it will block the benefit of the additional working area by blocking the aisles. The optimal counter for kitchens of young families who often host guests. When children appear, parents begin to think about the dangers of falling from high bar stools. Kitchen Strato factory EWE, salon "Kitchen interiors" Possesses complex surface geometry Yes, insmall space there are fewer accommodation options. But most manufacturers take this into account, pay attention, for example, to: the rack can be either an extension of the work surface, or a separate element, part of the kitchen island. It can be installed parallel, perpendicular or in the same row with the table top, even along the wall. Sometimes the bar counter occupies two levels at once: one is for having lunch or drinking tea, the second, lower, for work. Kitchen Senso factory EWE, salon "Kitchen interiors" Merges with the background If you choose for the bar counterthe same material from which the entire kitchen is made, it perfectly supports the general idea of space in the style of minimalism: nothing superfluous. Provide, by the way, bar stools that can be pushed under the counter. The smooth lines of the entire headset will not be disturbed, giving the impression of a single whole. It is also worth adding for a trendy laconic effect. Remember, the kitchen seems larger without visual noise. Kitchen Luxo factory Intuo, interior "Kitchen interiors" Stands out dramatically Another approach is to choosematerial that is different from what the tabletop is made of, give preference to bright colors and contrasting solutions. An additional plus: it's more obvious how the bar counter helps to zone the space. The kitchen will appear visually larger if, having examined it, you can clearly distinguish a place for lunch, a work area, and a mini-cabinet by the window, for example. Kitchen Kyton factory Varenna, salon "Kitchen interiors" Helps to exploit the possibilities of space Ba room where every centimeter counts, a full-fledged bar counter is not always appropriate, this is true. But both classic and modern kitchens benefit from the extra work surface. What trade-offs are possible? For example, a small counter, a kind of appendix of the table, it is also called a cocktail counter. Another option is to turn a wide window sill into a bar counter. Just imagine how pleasant it will be to have breakfast or work with a view of the street. Ruslan Kirnichansky, architect, designer and design critic: - A bar counter in an apartment is a phenomenon from the 90s, when people wanted something “like that”. A similar trend can be observed in kitchens now, there is demand, and manufacturers are responding to it. But think about it: the bar is so called precisely because it is intended for bars and clubs, and not for living quarters. Falling from a high chair injures an adult, and a child who loves to sway can be even more harmful. This is only one situation, but it reveals the ambiguity of such an element. But what if it seems that installing a bar is the only possible option? Install a table that will be an extension of the kitchen countertop. Two pluses: there is a dining area and an additional place for cooking. If the bar table is located approximately at the height of the table top, then there is no need to use high bar stools, which reduces the risk of injury. fab-im.com Kitchen Artex factory Varenna, interior "Kitchen interiors"