SUSPENDED KITCHEN UNITS. AN EVER MORE POPULAR CHOICE IN ITALIAN HOMES

Of the latest trends in modern design, suspended kitchen units provide a solution that combines good looks and functionality by creating different compositions. This article will describe the pros and cons of this type of kitchen furniture.

WHY CHOOSE SUSPENDED KITCHEN UNITS?

Suspended units can give an elegant touch of airiness to both smaller rooms and open space concepts, where the kitchen is united with the living area.

Such a solution is ideal for those who appreciate contemporary, minimal design, where aesthetics and functionality must find the right balance, particularly in terms of optimising space. Doing without floor-standing cabinets inevitably means less storage capacity, but this is compensated by better hygiene and optimised costs where underfloor air conditioning is involved.

TYPES OF SUSPENSION

You can choose to have all or just some suspended kitchen units, maximising customisation with your choice of which base/tall units will not stand on the floor.
As with all kitchens, it is essential to consider the position of connections and pipes and the weight capacity of the wall involved.

If the wall is load-bearing, the units are attached with special L-shaped steel brackets. With other types of wall, the units will be supported on feet specially designed to be discreet while still providing the necessary support.

Now let’s analyse more closely the advantages, disadvantages and factors to bear in mind when choosing wall-hung kitchen units.

SUSPENDED KITCHEN UNITS. ADVANTAGES

Hygiene and easy cleaning
Suspended kitchen units are generally installed approximately 50cm from the floor. This greatly facilitates cleaning, as it is easier to reach the areas beneath the units. In the case of traditional kitchen cabinets, the plinth does not guarantee perfect hygiene as dust and residue collects around it and is not always visible.
Underfloor heating/cooling
If the room has a radiant system of underfloor heating and cooling, suspended units help to make maximum use of its potential as heat and cool air are evenly distributed, without being ‘trapped’ under cabinets.
Ergonomics and practicality
Suspended appliances such as ovens and dishwashers provide better ergonomics as there is no need to bend down to use them.
We will look more deeply into this subject in this article.
Aesthetics
Choosing suspended kitchen units means opting for a composition that focuses on good looks and design, making your home original and unmistakably stylish, thanks also to solutions such as lighting on wall-hung cabinets

SUSPENDED KITCHEN UNITS. DISADVANTAGES

Complex assembly and attachment operations
Kitchens with suspended units must be carefully planned, particularly where all the modules involved are wall-hung. Appliances such as dishwashers and ovens must be carefully selected from models designed for this type of solution.
Reduced storage space
There is less space for drawers and shelves than in traditional kitchens. Storage capacity can be recouped without affecting aesthetics by opting for a mix of wall-hung and floor-standing units, with the possibility to integrate an island.

SUSPENDED APPLIANCES

Modern suspended kitchen units are designed for use with household appliances specially developed for wall-hung installation, featuring compact dimensions and original manufacturing solutions.

A dishwasher can be fitted into suspended base or tall units. In the former case, it is in any case advisable to provide support feet. The higher position will facilitate loading and unloading, in particular where the appliance is positioned next to a sink.

Ovens can also be built into a suspended base or tall unit. Installation does not require any special operations, particularly when the oven is entirely electric, and ergonomics and functionality are actually improved with the appliance at a higher level than usual.

TIME PROGRAMME

The Time programme by Gentili Cucine includes suspended base units with handles at a height of 36 cm, 48 cm or 60 cm, and suspended base units with grip profiles at a height of 39 cm, 51 cm or 63 cm, available in all finishes.
Gentili Cucine also provides a wide range of solutions with wall-hung cabinets for the décor of the Living area