Cocina moderna con isla de madera y muebles en tonos neutros

Parallel kitchens: how to make the most out of this layout

When it comes to designing a functional, beautiful and well-used kitchen, layout is everything. And although parallel kitchens are often not the first option that comes to mind, the truth is that this classic layout can be one of the most efficient… if it is designed well.

Moreover, it fits perfectly into many homes. Whether in closed or open kitchens (in this case the island is the queen), side-by-side kitchens have a lot to offer. Today we tell you how to make the most of them.

what is a parallel kitchen? 

Before we get into the subject, let’s take a brief overview. A parallel kitchen is one in which the units and appliances are arranged in two facing lines, leaving a central aisle between them.

It is a particularly useful layout in closed, elongated and rectangular kitchens, as it can offer you a large work surface without taking up a lot of space.

But it has many more advantages:

  • Ergonomics and efficiency: if designed well, you can achieve a very fluid work triangle between sink, hob and fridge.
  • Plenty of storage space: two complete cupboard fronts, drawers and wall units provide plenty of storage space.
  • Visual order: by having the units facing each other, everything is in view but in an orderly and symmetrical way.
  • Adaptability: it can be applied in both closed kitchens and kitchens open to the living room, and it works with a wide variety of decorative styles.
 
Cocina alargada en blanco con encimera clara y salida al salón

Sistema Cuina

Make the most of it

1. Take care of the distance between fronts

The key to making this layout work is the central space. Ideally, there should be at least 120 cm between the two fronts. This ensures smooth circulation, even if two people are cooking at the same time, and you can open drawers or appliances without any problems.

If the space is narrower, opt for shallow units on one side. For example, you can dedicate one front to columns or base units and the other to the main work area.

2. Cleverly distribute the areas

Good space organisation is essential. You can dedicate one side to the hob and sink, and the other to storage, ovens or fridge. Or even place the sink on one side and the hob on the other to balance the visual weight.

Think about your habits: do you like to cook with others, do you need a lot of worktop space, do you want to have the oven at eye level? Remember that a good design should adapt to you, not the other way round.

3. Play with colour to create more space

In side-by-side kitchens, especially if they are narrow, light colours help to visually enlarge the space. But you can also create interesting contrasts.

For example, one front in natural wood (preferably soft tones such as oak or beech) and the other in white, soft grey or moss green. The result will be warm and dynamic, without overloading. You can also use matt or satin finishes to avoid excessive reflections.

But here your imagination is the limit. If you need some inspiration, be sure to check out these 4 parallel kitchens that will make you fall in love with them.

Cocina estrecha en blanco con encimeras marmoleadas y detalles en madera.

Sanisans

4. Light both sides well

Light is key. If you have a window, try to make the most of natural light on both sides. And if not, play with good artificial lighting: LEDs under the wall units or even inside the glass cabinets.

A well-lit parallel kitchen not only looks bigger, but is also much more comfortable to use.

5. Integrate appliances well

In this type of layout, every centimetre counts. For this reason, integrated appliances are great allies: panelled fridges, camouflaged dishwashers, column-mounted microwaves… Everything adds up to a clean and tidy image. The key is not to break the visual harmony.