Any of us today understands that interior design is a series of activities that will help, rationally using space, to make a room harmoniously beautiful. In this context, a kitchen with a breakfast bar becomes a prime example of the ergonomic use of space. At the same time, the bar counter, however, like other interior structures, should not only fit into the general environment, but also create additional comfort. Thanks to a diverse range of designs, home bars can be present in the interiors of kitchens of even the smallest sizes and the most non-standard layout.
classic kitchen bar
The bar counter will successfully replace a bulky dining table, serve as a visual boundary between the kitchen and living room in a studio apartment. Using it in the kitchen interior will allow you to equally comfortably dine with your family and sit with friends over a cup of coffee. The decision to make a kitchen with a bar counter is often also due to the fact that the installation of the latter will significantly increase the working space, and this is very convenient for those who prefer to cook on their own.. It remains only to correctly plan the interior and prevent this magnificent design from cluttering up the kitchen and blocking the approach to the work area or recreation area.
Bar counter: design features
Bar counter - the name is generalized. In reality, its models differ both in design and in execution options. As for the structures, the racks can be:
- composite;
- on consoles;
- stand-alone;
- single-level;
- multilevel;
- with fitted wardrobes and appliances.
Since our kitchens most often cannot boast of the scope of the areas, the models of racks on elegant consoles remain the most popular. Practically without taking up space, they increase the working surface, which makes it possible not to use the dining group in the setting.
two-level bar counter: the 1st level serves as a dining table, the 2nd - its intended purpose
For large kitchens and studios, freestanding bar structures are more suitable. Lockers, a refrigerator and any other equipment can be built into them. This type of racks carries a double functional load: it gives the interior comfort and participates in zoning.
Whatever the design of this eccentric piece of furniture, it can always be equipped with hangers for glasses, a railing system, hanging shelves and cornices with additional lighting. The dishes in the kitchen with such a bar counter will always be neatly arranged, and the atmosphere will be filled with special festive notes.
original solution - a bar counter with a rounded top
How and from what to make a bar counter
In a kitchen with a bar counter, the countertops of the latter can be in tune with the coverings of the working area and merge into a single ensemble with a set or, conversely, stand out from the overall composition.
The exterior of a home bar counter is slightly different from similar furnishings found in a cafe. In the latter case, the height of the rack is always standard, but at home it is quite possible to adjust the dimensions of the structure to the anatomical features of the owners. Ideally, its height should be such that the person preparing behind it can do it without bending over.
The design with two-level table-tops is very convenient in use. In this option, the working area remains at a height of about 90 centimeters, and the overall “growth” of the counter can start from 115 cm. The solution is also great because it allows you to complement the interior of the kitchen with a bar counter with high bar-style chairs, which will give the atmosphere gallantry . When choosing the design of chairs, keep in mind that it is uncomfortable for people with small stature to sit on models that are too high, so stop at the best option with a height of 85 cm.
unified style design of the kitchen with a breakfast bar
Having decided on the structural features of the rack, you will have to think: what is it actually made of? Since there is no shortage of consumables, when choosing them, you will mainly have to focus on the general style of decorating the room. To create a rack frame, you can use:
- Drywall.
- Chipboard.
- Tree.
- Plastic
- Metal.
- Composite sheet materials.
Sometimes designers generally lay out a supporting base of stone, brick or wall blocks. This method of arrangement is undoubtedly easy to perform, the materials for it are always at hand, it is ideal for interiors in the style of folk, country, but when dwelling on it, it should be borne in mind that the rack will turn out to be heavy and increase the load on the structure of the whole house.
countertop for a bar counter made of stone is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical
If everything is clear with the frames, then the countertops deserve a special approach. In a kitchen with a bar counter, the countertops of the latter can be in tune with the coverings of the working area and merge into a single ensemble with a set or, conversely, stand out from the overall composition. From the materials you can take:
- natural or artificial stone;
- metal;
- acrylic or other polymers;
- hardwoods;
- glass;
- ceramic tiles or mosaics.
Any of the presented materials is durable and practical. They are not afraid of damage, exposure to acids and other chemically aggressive environments. They are not difficult to keep perfectly clean. All these characteristics guarantee that during operation the countertop of the rack will not lose its attractive appearance for a long time.
glossy bar countertop looks great in the interior of the kitchen in modern style
Stylish kitchen with breakfast bar: daring modern or classic elegance?
In a studio kitchen with a lightweight bar counter, the functions of the latter will be to soften the interzonal transition and visually separate the kitchen from the living room.
Modern women prefer to host stylish kitchens, so designers are increasingly offering to introduce bar counters into their interiors. However, do not think that this is done solely for the purpose of paying tribute to fashion. The bar counter is the grain of rationality that will help level planning flaws and solve the issue of zoning.
The type of bar counter will depend on which part of the kitchen you plan to place it in. Accordingly, the functions that she will have to perform will also be different.
in a spacious kitchen, the bar counter can be placed in the center, which thereby forms an “island”
A progressive approach to the design of the space will be the design of the kitchen with a bar-island.This is a relatively new trend in interior design. Such a composition is characterized by placing it in the center of the room. Having a semi-oval or round shape, the counter looks like a real island in the open spaces of an infinitely large kitchen. It is possible to reproduce the classic rectangular options, which also will not be bad manners. Often, an island counter is a multi-level structure and has solid dimensions, so inside such a bar atoll it is quite possible to install an induction cooker and a sink, a refrigerator and a lot of other functional little things. Having seated guests on the outside of the bar, the hostess can go to the inner work surface and, without interrupting the conversation, start making sandwiches and brewing coffee.
The stand-island gives the hostess the opportunity to treat the household with culinary masterpieces, which is called "piping hot". This option is especially to the liking of creative people who even know how to make a holiday out of routine kitchen work. This form of rack is convenient for a large family, whose members, for certain reasons, find it difficult to gather for dinner at the same time. In general, in a kitchen with an island bar installed, there is no need for a headset. It will completely replace traditional furniture and at the same time bring dynamism and modernity to the atmosphere.
in addition to its functional purpose, the island bar counter can act as a work surface
In a pragmatic kitchen-living room, space zoning is indispensable, and the best way to do this is, of course, to assemble a bar counter. It can be installed along the working area with a kitchen set and separate it (visually) from the rest of the space. In an apartment of such a layout, it is more rational to install a stationary bar structure and supplement it with several tiers of shelves or equip it with built-in drawers. The crown of the composition can be a kind of visor with original lighting. In the interior in question, these additional elements will become the main focus.
If the overall decor is made in a minimalist style, then the bar counter can also be made light and airy by assembling it from chrome-plated metal tubes and glass tops. In a studio kitchen with a lightweight bar counter, the functions of the latter will be to soften the interzonal transition and visually separate the kitchen from the living room.
in the studio apartment, the bar counter zones the space
Brass and chrome-plated roof rails, sophisticated stands and canopies, on which it is convenient to hang wine glasses, will become an adornment of any models of racks. Those who like to spend their leisure time in a noisy company of friends will have the opportunity to install a phytobar, a tap for pouring their favorite beer, a coffee maker on the sand or an oxygen cocktail device on their bar counter.
Since the height of the classic bar counter is slightly higher than the side one, for a comfortable pastime, you will need semi-chairs with a footrest behind it.
A narrow kitchen is not a reason to say goodbye to the bar. To get it, you can very well extend the table top of the work area and complete it with a pipe leg made of chromed metal. Very often, such a leg is lengthened, passed through the table top and attached to the ceiling, equipping around it a decorative cornice with pendants for placing wine glasses. On the support itself, it makes sense to mount fruit and candy stands or decorate it with other accessories that can add functionality to the details. You can not install a support tube, but in this case, your bar counter will serve as a regular kitchen table.
for small spaces, a bar counter connected to a kitchen set will be an excellent solution
In the interiors of small kitchens, the bar counter is generally a godsend. Its tabletop can simply be attached to the wall and this will be enough for a comfortable dinner for a family of two.Contemplation of the wall does not inspire? Turn a window sill into a bar counter, then with a cup of morning coffee you can watch what is happening on the street.
In a small typical kitchen it will be cozy with a folding bar. Attached to the wall with flexible canopies and equipped with a transforming support, such a rack can be removed at any time. Such furniture allows you to completely forget about crowding.
kitchen with small breakfast bar
interior sketches
Since bar counters have firmly entered our interiors, today you can find many interesting proposals for their introduction into the environment.
The shape of the rack should always be chosen based on its functional purpose, which can be aesthetic and practical. Do not forget that structurally this decor element is always tied to the rest of the furniture. The stand can be combined with a dining table or mounted on high consoles.
The tabletop can be made from any material that matches the texture of the main set, or from universal and fit into all styles of impact-resistant glass. If you want to spend time with pleasure in the kitchen with a breakfast bar, then stop at the last option. Designs with glass tops look almost weightless and do not burden the space. Complement the decor with colorful, metallic sheen, high stools or chairs, equipped with a footstool for convenience, and the “domesticated” bar classic will become a favorite gathering place for the family.
extraordinary execution of the bar counter in a small kitchen
As for the shape of the tabletop, it can have right angles, be rounded, curved and even multifaceted. Which one will be suitable in your case, tell kitchen layout. Do not try to complicate the bar counter with ornate curves and an excessive amount of accessories. The main thing in the interior of the kitchen is not to violate its ergonomics.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of the vertical space above the counter. It must be filled with useful structures and interestingly illuminated. An alternative to shelves and rails can be a functional tree, on the branches of which glasses, straws, glasses and other necessary little things can comfortably fit. The overall interior with such an addition looks very extravagant, but in small kitchens you should not make this tree too sprawling.
tabletop and chairs are made in the same color scheme
Conclusion
Starting a kitchen renovation, someone expects to carry out a complete redevelopment, while someone just wants to update the situation. But no matter what the initial plans are, few people will refuse to have a stylish and comfortable kitchen with a breakfast bar in their house. This piece of furniture perfectly fits into the current rhythm of life and brings into it a barely perceptible, but still festive mood. Namely, these subtle notes are so lacking in our daily routine!
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