Essential kitchen design glossary: a guide to key terms

The three main types of kitchen furniture

A kitchen is primarily made up of three categories of elements:

• Base units

• Wall units (or wall cabinets)

• Tall units (columns)

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Base units

Base units are the cabinets that usually sit on the floor and form the lower part of the kitchen. The worktop is placed on top of them. Inside base units, there are drawers or shelves where pots, dishes, utensils, and food can be stored.

There are also wall-mounted base units, which are fixed directly to the wall without the use of floor-mounted legs. This solution not only creates a lighter, more modern visual effect, but also makes it easier to clean the floor. However, it is important that the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the cabinets and their contents.

Tall units (columns)

Tall units are vertically oriented cabinets. They can house built-in appliances (such as an oven or refrigerator) or be used as practical storage for food. These units also have doors and internal shelves.

Wall units

Wall units are cabinets installed high above the worktop. They are used to store everyday items, but nowadays, they are often replaced by open shelves or open storage, giving the kitchen a lighter, more modern look.

Furniture composition: carcass and doors

Each cabinet—whether a base unit, wall unit, or tall unit—is made up of two main elements:

• Carcass: The internal structure of the unit.

• Door: The front part, which can open in various ways (hinged, sliding, or lift-up, depending on the chosen model).

Every kitchen cabinet consists of two fundamental elements: the carcass (the internal structure) and the door (the front part that opens and closes).
Understanding these terms is helpful when navigating the many available variations and options.

Carcass: the structure of the cabinet

The carcass is the internal part of the cabinet, providing its supporting structure.
If the cabinet doesn’t house appliances or special accessories, the carcass typically consists of:

• Base (the bottom part)

• Top (the upper part)

• Two sides (the lateral “walls”)

• Back panel (the rear part)

The back panel is almost never in direct contact with the wall. A space, called the sanitary gap, is left behind it for the passage of pipes and electrical cables, as well as to allow for ventilation. This feature is especially important in humid environments, as it helps protect the cabinet from potential damage.

Finishing sides

The sides of the carcass can be made from the same material as the structure, or they can be finished in the same style as the doors. In this case, we refer to them as:

• Finished Side

• Edge Panel

This solution enhances the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, particularly if the side remains visible.

Door: the front panel

The door (also known as a panel, door leaf, or doorlet in some areas) is the panel that closes the cabinet.
It is equipped with mechanisms that allow it to open and close in various ways depending on the type of cabinet.

Types of door openings

• Hinges
  The most common: these are the lateral mechanisms that connect the door to the carcass, allowing it to open from right to left (or vice versa).

• Horizontal Openings
  Used mainly in tall wall units, these include:

  • Lift Doors
    The door is fixed at the top and opens by rotating upwards along a horizontal axis.

  • Up and Over
    The door is attached at the sides and moves slightly upwards, opening with a combined rotation and translation motion.

  • Bi-fold Doors
    The doors fold in on themselves, stacking together when open. This is an elegant and space-saving solution.

Unlike wall-mounted wall units, bases and columns rest on the floor, supported by adjustable feet, often concealed by a plinth.

Feet of bases and columns

The feet are the elements that support the furniture on the floor, creating a gap between the kitchen and the floor.
They serve three main purposes:

1. Lift the furniture off the ground

2. Allow height adjustment

3. Isolate from possible floor moisture

In our catalog, feet are available in various heights: 6 – 8 – 10 – 12 – 15 cm.
Each foot is equipped with a small mechanism that allows fine adjustments of 1-3 mm, which helps keep the kitchen perfectly level even if the floor is not perfectly flat.

Materials of the feet

If the feet are not visible, they are made of durable technical plastic.

If they are visible, for example, in living room furniture or in kitchens with a lighter design, they can be made of aluminum or other more refined materials.
(You can find examples in the page dedicated to living room furniture.)

Plinth: the profile that hides the feet

The feet are almost always covered by the plinth, a profile that closes the bottom of the furniture, enhancing both aesthetics and hygiene.

The plinth can be made from:

• Aluminum

• Plastic

• Wood or coated MDF

To better adhere to the floor, the plinth is equipped with a plastic gasket at the bottom, which adapts to small floor irregularities and limits the entry of dust or dirt.

Scilm’s Blink system

In our range, we use the Blink plinth system by Scilm, which attaches to the feet via magnetic hooks.
This system has two main advantages:

• Eases the assembly and disassembly of the plinth

• Allows quick access to the area under the furniture, for example, for cleaning or maintenance

Plinth and Available Finishes

The plinth matches the height of the feet and serves to completely cover them, enhancing the aesthetics and protecting the lower part of the kitchen.
It can be customized in various finishes, depending on personal taste and budget:

• Aluminum: Available in Brushed Silver or Black Anodized

• Lacquered: With smooth or matte finish, in colors from our range or custom orders

• Textured Effects: Like concrete or clay

• Wood Essence: For example, oak in various shades from our catalog

This variety allows the plinth to be matched with the doors or used to create a decorative contrast.

Drawers, Pull-Out Baskets, and Pull-Out Bins

Bases and columns can be equipped with drawers or pull-out baskets, which are removable containers mounted on side rails that allow smooth and full opening.
These elements, also called pull-out baskets, offer a significant functional advantage: they allow full use of the internal space of the cabinet, including deeper sections, making it easily accessible.

Solutions for Difficult Corners

Corner bases, which typically feature hard-to-reach areas, can be equipped with specific pull-out baskets. These mechanisms rotate or slide outwards, making even the least accessible parts of the cabinet usable.

Wall-Mounted Bases

Wall-mounted bases are furniture without feet and plinths, fixed directly to the wall.
Like wall units, they remain elevated from the floor and are attached to the masonry using retractable hinges (metal hooks) that are fastened to a supporting bar (called the wall unit bar).

This solution offers several benefits:

• Visually lightens the composition

• Facilitates floor cleaning

• Is particularly suitable for modern kitchens with a minimalist style, or for furnishing entrances or living areas

The Worktop in the Kitchen: Choosing the Material

The worktop (or top) is one of the most crucial elements in the kitchen. Being the surface used daily for food preparation, it must be resistant, hygienic, easy to clean, and suitable for your habits.

Materials for the Worktop

There are several materials for the kitchen worktop, each with specific aesthetic and functional characteristics. Here are the most common:

1. Laminate

   • Economical and versatile, available in a wide range of finishes and colors.

   • Pros: Easy to clean, available in various styles, and very affordable.

   • Cons: Less heat and impact resistant compared to other materials.

2. Unicolor

   • A type of laminate that offers a more uniform and refined effect compared to traditional laminate.

   • Pros: Elegant aesthetic and easy maintenance.

   • Cons: Can be less durable compared to more robust materials.

3. HPL (High-Pressure Laminate)

   • More resistant to heat and humidity compared to regular laminate, and is an optimal choice for high-use environments.

   • Pros: Very durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.

   • Cons: It may be more expensive than basic laminate.

4. Fenix NTM

   • An opaque material with a silky touch surface, resistant to fingerprints and easy to repair.

   • Pros: Modern aesthetic and pleasant to the touch, resistant to scratches.

   • Cons: May be delicate if exposed to heavy use.

5. Laminam (Technical Ceramic)

   • A thin ceramic material that is highly resistant and offers great durability without compromising thickness.

   • Pros: Scratch, heat, and stain-resistant.

   • Cons: Can be more difficult to work with and install, requiring specialized work.

6. Quartz

   • A composite material that combines resin and natural stone, with excellent resistance and a variety of colors.

   • Pros: Highly durable and easy to clean.

   • Cons: Can be expensive and does not withstand extreme heat.

7. Marble or Granite

   • Natural materials that are elegant and highly sought after for their sophisticated aesthetic.

   • Pros: Unique elegance, smooth and durable surface.

   • Cons: More delicate, especially marble, which can be easily damaged by acids or impacts. Requires regular maintenance.

How to Choose the Right Worktop for Your Kitchen

When choosing the worktop, it’s essential to consider not only the aesthetics but also the daily practical needs. If you cook frequently and need a heat-resistant surface, materials like HPL, quartz, or granite may be the best choice.
If the budget is a priority and you still want a durable product, laminate or unicolor are excellent options.

When designing a kitchen, it’s essential to carefully consider the appliances, as they impact not only the aesthetics but, most importantly, the functionality of the space.

The Main Kitchen Appliances

1. Cooktop and Oven
   These are the tools dedicated to cooking. The cooktop can be gas, induction, or electric, while the oven can be traditional or multifunctional.

2. Sink
   The sink is where you wash dishes, cookware, and food. It can be made of stainless steel, ceramic, or composite materials, and may have one or more basins.

3. Refrigerator
   The refrigerator is the appliance for storing fresh food. There are various models: two-door, combined (with a freezer), column-style, or built-in.

4. Extractor Hood or Filter
   The extractor hood removes odors, steam, and fumes during cooking. Extractor hoods expel air outside, while filter hoods purify and reintroduce the air into the room.

5. Integrated Lighting
   Good lighting is essential. You can opt for recessed lights, under-cabinet LED strips, or decorative pendants. The important thing is to properly illuminate the work areas.

Don’t forget to check the energy label: Choosing efficient appliances reduces consumption and environmental impact.

The Work Triangle: What It Is and Why It’s Important

When designing kitchen spaces, the “work triangle” is often discussed. This concept refers to the strategic arrangement of three key areas:

• Sink

• Cooktop

• Refrigerator

These three elements should be positioned to form an ideal triangle, facilitating movement between the preparation, cooking, and storage areas. The result is a more convenient, fluid, and functional kitchen.

What is the Kitchen Layout?

One of the first terms to know is “layout”: it refers to the arrangement of elements within the kitchen.
There are several types of layouts, each with specific advantages:

• U-shaped: Ideal for large spaces, with surfaces on three sides.

• L-shaped: Perfect for open or small spaces.

• Island: Requires space, but it’s very scenic and practical.

• Peninsula: Similar to an island, but attached to one side of the kitchen.

Choose the layout based on the available space and your lifestyle.