A kitchen studio, photo, design with a bar counter, which is presented on the website, is an excellent opportunity to realize your creative potential and carry out bold experiments with design and interior. In English-speaking countries, an elongated tabletop on consoles is called a breakfast bar, but this design performs much more functions than it might seem at first glance.
The open layout of the kitchen-studio makes the room larger and the space more functional.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bar counter in a kitchen-studio
In the currently popular studio apartments, there is no layout that would delimit the space into zones, therefore, it is most welcome to have a bar counter, which can serve as an excellent partition for zoning the space. For a studio kitchen, a multifunctional design with many shelves is suitable, which will replace the dining table and add space for storing accessories.
Location at the intersection of the kitchen and living area
In addition to zoning the kitchen - studio, the bar counter has other advantages:
- Space saving. The design has compact dimensions - a tabletop of 90 cm and a height of 1-1.5 m. There remains free space for placing other furniture and small items;
- Replacement for dining table;
- Additional work surface;
- The presence of various roof rails, fruit bowls, folding shelves and other useful items in the package.
Flaws:
- The tabletop of the bar counter in a studio apartment is installed at a height of 110-120 cm from the floor. In order to sit at it, you need special high chairs, which are not comfortable for children and elderly relatives;
- No more than 3 people can comfortably fit behind the bar counter, that is, using it instead of a table in a large family (from 4 people) is impractical.
Kitchen layout options - studios with a bar counter
In order for the design of a kitchen-studio with a bar counter to be harmonious, you need to think about its location in advance. There are several basic layouts:
- Corner - installed perpendicular to the kitchen unit, crossing the free space of the kitchen - studio. Thus, a clear division into zones is obtained. A classic model with a chrome support will do;
- Linear - the bar counter continues the kitchen set of a studio apartment, most often installed against the wall. If the tabletop is used as an additional work surface, then it is placed immediately after the desktop;
- With a U-shaped layout, furniture is placed along three walls of the kitchen - studio. In order not to overload the space, choose a design with a high tabletop and connect it to the work surface. If there is one free wall in the studio kitchen, then the bar counter is installed next to it. The second option is a continuation of the kitchen set, being the third side of the letter P.
The tabletop is the third side of the letter P
The bar counter in a large studio apartment can be connected to the island. The convenience of this model is that it can be approached from any side. The distance between it and the kitchen unit must be at least 1.5 m to avoid inconvenience during work. There are models in which the island is a large, massive table, and the bar counter is superimposed on it. The result is a two-level structure, on one side of which you can cook food, and on the other, eat.
Island design in a modern studio
For small kitchens and studios, a peninsula counter is suitable; it is a continuation of the worktop, turning 90 degrees. It can be installed near a window or made a continuation of the window sill.
Continuation of the worktop
If the studio apartment has a balcony, then the bar counter can be combined with it, expanding the small kitchen space. The design is appropriate for those who do not use the balcony for storing things. There are several ways to place a bar counter in a studio kitchen. Along the entire window sill, which will eliminate the need to remove the wall between the balcony and the apartment or instead of a balcony partition.
Placement in place of the balcony partition
Preparation of materials and tools
The next stage of construction work is the selection of materials. For the frame part, wood or chipboard panels are most often used. It fully meets safety requirements: a fairly strong foundation.
To increase resistance to moisture, the development of pathogenic fungi and fire, all surfaces should be pre-impregnated with solutions of an antiseptic, antipyretic, moisture-resistant and antifungal composition.
Also, metal or profiled pipes are often used as the main material, which provide an even more durable base.
For the construction of countertops, shelves, and upper contours, wood is the material of choice. Before starting work, the breed is carefully selected, focusing on its safety and quality, reliability and durability.
The master will also need a well-organized workplace with sufficient lighting and the following set of tools:
- Jigsaw and plane for processing wooden surfaces.
- Epoxy resin, if you need to make an original tabletop.
- Special compositions for surface impregnation.
- Anti-corrosion solutions for processing metal parts.
- Welding and grinder for making frame racks.
- Fasteners (screws, self-tapping screws, metal corners).
You will need paints, acrylic varnish, decorative elements (painting and stencils), auxiliary accessories (grids, hooks, fittings for drawers). The interior of a kitchen with a bar counter is a fairly important criterion when working independently.
Materials for the bar counter
The most common materials for the production of bar counters are:
- The most budget material is chipboard. Its advantages are lightness and the ability to be painted in any color. But chipboard does not like moisture and is easily deformed. To somehow increase the service life, waterproofing is used;
- Structures made from natural wood look more beautiful. This model is suitable for any interior style. To ensure that it does not lose its original appearance longer, the wooden structure requires careful care. Suitable for classic style;
- The most durable material is artificial or natural stone, durable, resistant to moisture and elevated temperatures. The main disadvantage is that it is difficult to change. The main difference between natural stone and artificial stone is tactile sensations;
- For some styles, such as modern, glass structures are suitable. But they quickly become dirty and require constant care. Glass is a very fragile material, so it can easily be damaged by mechanical stress;
- A structure with a concrete base can become the accent of a studio kitchen, especially if it is decorated in a loft style.
Materials for making a bar
When making countertops, stone (natural, artificial), tile, and wood are used.
Now a material similar to marble, but stronger and cheaper, is gaining popularity. It is flexible and can be used to make parts of various shapes. For a small corner kitchen this is a good option.
Also suitable for a small room is the installation of a semicircular bar counter. There is not enough space; the sharp corners of a regular stand can cause bruises. And the semicircular shape will prevent this. Durable glass is suitable for making a tabletop of this shape. And the material for the base is selected according to the interior design.
Which style to choose
Each style differs in colors, materials, decorations, so the style of the bar counter should match the interior design of the kitchen studio:
- For classics and neoclassics, it is appropriate to install an island or wall countertop made of natural wood or stone, for example, marble, granite. Standard rectangular models with laconic packaging are also suitable;
- Almost all designs of different colors and designs are suitable for a modern interior. The main thing is that it harmoniously continues the design, emphasizing the chosen concept;
- The minimalist style is characterized by the most simple models without unnecessary decor. Usually this is a rectangular tabletop, revealing its beauty in combination with other interior items;
- For the loft style, models made of wood, concrete, stone with an all-metal or brick base are appropriate;
- In the Provence style, to emphasize the lightness, naturalness and simplicity of the French style, they choose countertops made of natural wood, painted in delicate tones - brown, beige, milky. Antique models also look beautiful in the interior, for example, with an antique effect;
- For the Scandinavian style, a retractable, folding, stationary semicircular or square bar counter made of solid wood is suitable.
To expand the space, furniture and decoration are chosen from a light palette. A good way to decorate any interior is to have bright accents against a neutral background, for example, eye-catching capes on bar stools against beige walls.
Orange accents on white background
To fill the interior with severity, choose restrained colors, for example, a combination of black and white. If the support is made of metal, its color should intersect with other elements: fittings, roof rails, sink.
Original ideas for countertops
Sometimes countertops are not made from solid wood or original methods are used for decorative finishing:
Wooden panel coated with a layer of epoxy resin and pigment dyes. The hardened resin can contain not only mixtures of paints, but also other decorative elements (beautiful leaves, details of a marine theme). Working with resin is quite easy; you only need ingenuity and a certain amount of dexterity.
Table top made of artificial stone. Stone chips and special thickeners, which manufacturers use in their technologies, give the table surface a unique design and beauty.
Use of veneer, PVC films with imitation of various materials. In practice, apartment owners purchase decorative coatings that can dramatically change the interior of a kitchen with a bar counter.
The role of decor can be performed by original stencil painting, which allows you to create a wide variety of themes for the interior.
Lighting organization
The biggest mistake in studio design is using one light source. Basic rules for organizing lighting:
- The main thing is functional zoning. Lamps can turn different zones on and off. An excellent option is a central chandelier in the living area and spotlights in the kitchen. Spotlights are also suitable for the work area. They can be installed at the bottom of cabinets, under the hood or above the stove. If there is a recreation area, then a separate lamp is installed for it, for example, a floor lamp with directional light;
- Lamps on long cords above the bar counter, hanging from the ceiling, perfectly zone the space. When the kitchen lights are off, they create intimate lighting for the living room, setting the mood for relaxation;
- A mandatory light source is a chandelier above the dining area. It sets the right mood: a solemn or romantic atmosphere, depending on the occasion. It is convenient to use lamps that are height adjustable;
- Use of decorative lighting - table lamps, sconces, floor lamps. They create a relaxing atmosphere and accentuate the decor. With the help of directional lamps you can highlight vases, paintings, and dishes. They can be ceiling, wall, built-in.
Bathroom
For each room, the designers chose a separate primary color: in the bathroom it was light pink, a little like peach. The bathroom combined with the bathroom turned out to be very delicate and mesmerizing. This effect was achieved through the use of glossy tiles and patchwork tiles, which look even more contrasting against the background of snow-white sanitary ware.
Photo:
Instead of classic shelving and storage systems, the designers chose a more stylish and original option - a staircase. At first glance, it seems that it is simply impossible to fit the necessary things on it, but this is not so. Its steps are perfect for towels, cosmetics, live plants and decorative items.
To finish the ceiling, we chose plastic panels into which spotlights were mounted. For the floor, we selected tiles that imitate natural stone.
