The Essential Guide to Choosing Modern Kitchen Units

At the heart of every home is the kitchen. This is the space where culinary magic happens and friends and family gather. But beyond the food preparation itself, the layout, design and organisation play an essential role in your kitchen’s efficiency. And designing a perfectly functional kitchen starts with choosing modern kitchen units.

What are modern kitchen units?

Kitchen units and cabinets have a multipurpose role in modern kitchen designs. They organise and store your cookware and grocery items, provide a hygienic space for food preparation, and contribute to the overall style and visual appeal of your kitchen.

Previously, kitchen units were characterised by standalone furniture, often mismatched, with exposed hardware and ornate detailing. With the rise of standardised units and integrated appliances, kitchen design now has a streamlined look. The focus shifted to functionality with emphasis on storage solutions and the use of bolder colours and laminate finishes.

Today, handleless designs, flat slab doors, and integrated appliances create a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic. Ergonomics is a priority in modern kitchen unit design with lower cabinet heights and pull-out drawers for easy access.

Assessing your needs and space

Choosing the perfect kitchen unit and cabinets is an exciting task but it can be a tough decision. Consider your cooking and storage requirements as well as the number of appliances you have. These factors can determine the amount of countertop space you require and can impact your modern kitchen ideas.

Evaluate the available space in your kitchen and decide whether renovation or extension is necessary. If a total kitchen redo is not in your budget, consider affordable ways to maximise your kitchen space.

Consider the layout and traffic flow in your kitchen. It’s important to achieve the “work triangle” (connecting the refrigerator, sink, and hob). Think about how people will move through the kitchen and position your units accordingly.

Types of modern kitchen units

Base Cabinets

• The foundation of your kitchen, with a height between 870mm and 1000mm.
• They house essential appliances like ovens, hobs, and dishwashers.
• Can also include drawers, shelves, and cabinets for storing pots, pans, and utensils.

Wall Cabinets

• Mounted on the wall above base cabinets, providing additional storage.
• Often used for frequently-used items like dishes, mugs, and spices.
• Can be various depths depending on the desired look and available space.

Tall Cabinets

• Offer maximised storage capacity, reaching the ceiling or near it.
• Ideal for housing pantry items, large appliances like ovens or fridges, and cleaning supplies.

Kitchen Islands

• Freestanding units positioned in the centre of the kitchen, creating additional workspace and storage.
• Can incorporate sinks, cooktops, breakfast bars, or a combination for a multifunctional area.

Pantry Cabinets

• Dedicated units specifically designed for storing dry food items.
• Can be tall and narrow or take the form of walk-in pantries in larger kitchens.
• Often feature pull-out shelves, baskets, and organisers for easy access.

Design and budget considerations

Kitchen units can greatly impact the visual appeal of your kitchen. There should be a seamless flow in the design and style of your units and the rest of the kitchen. Explore various ranges of fitted kitchens to find one that suits your needs and budget.

If you’re looking for affordability and high quality stylish kitchen design, opt for the Noblia or Schüller C or Next 125 kitchen ranges. Manufactured in Germany, these kitchens excel at utilising space-saving and organisation features while maintaining a contemporary style. You’ll be able to tailor the design of your kitchen whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a bold colour palette.

When it comes to the cost of modern kitchens, investing in quality is always the smart move. Your units need to be durable, functional and of the highest quality to last you in the long-term. So make sure you choose a reputable brand to design your new kitchen and install your kitchen units.

Explore our beautiful range of fitted kitchen units

Choosing modern kitchen units takes time and research. Luckily, at KDCUK, our friendly experts are on hand to advise you. Book a tour of our kitchen showroom to browse our stunning selection of units and modern kitchen ranges for yourself. You’ll be able to get inspiration for your own kitchen and chat with us about your design ideas.

If you’re worried about the cost, check out our financing options.

Get ideas for transforming your kitchen

Thinking about a kitchen revamp but stuck for ideas? Check out a real-life customer kitchen designed by us. With our expertise, we’ve created a beautiful, functional kitchen that meets the customer’s needs. Get inspired and see what we can create for you!

• Next125 Kitchen reviewed by Mrs Sheata Karim from Highgate, London
• Next125 Magnolia High-gloss Lacquer Handleless Units reviewed by Pam Ade
• Next125 Handleless Kitchen reviewed by Steven Law from Essex
• Polar White High Loss Lacquer Next125 Kitchen reviewed by Hieu Hoang from London
• Graphite Black Ultra Matte Nobilia Kitchen reviewed by Joanna and James