Kitchen Design Bulgaria 2026 | Modern Kitchen Planning Guide
The kitchen is the heart of any Bulgarian home—where family gathers, meals are prepared, and daily life centers. Well-designed kitchens combine functionality with aesthetics while fitting your budget and cooking style.
This guide covers kitchen design principles for new home construction in Bulgaria.
Kitchen Layout Principles
The Work Triangle
The classic efficiency concept connects three key points: the refrigerator for storage, the sink for preparation and cleaning, and the cooktop for cooking. Ideal distances place each leg at 1.2m to 2.7m with a total perimeter of 4m to 8m and no obstacles crossing the triangle.
Layout Types
Common kitchen configurations suit different spaces and needs. Galley or corridor kitchens use two parallel counters, working efficiently in small spaces with a good work triangle when maintaining minimum 90cm between counters.
L-shaped kitchens with two perpendicular counters open well to living spaces with flexible work zones, though corner storage presents challenges. U-shaped layouts offer three walls of counters for maximum storage and workspace, needing 3m by 3m minimum and potentially feeling enclosed.
Island kitchens feature a central workstation for social cooking focus, requiring larger space of 4m by 4m or more at premium cost. Peninsulas offer an island-like extension connected to main counters as a space-efficient alternative working well for open plans.
Space Requirements
Minimum Sizes
Functional kitchen dimensions:
| Kitchen Type | Minimum Size | Comfortable Size |
|---|---|---|
| Galley | 1.8m × 3m | 2.2m × 4m |
| L-shaped | 2.5m × 2.5m | 3m × 3m |
| U-shaped | 3m × 3m | 3.5m × 3.5m |
| With island | 4m × 4m | 4.5m × 4.5m |
Clearance Zones
Working comfortably requires proper clearances. Counter depth is 60cm standard, wall cabinets hang 50-90cm above counter, and aisle width needs 90cm minimum or 120cm if two cooks work simultaneously. Appliance clearance follows manufacturer specifications.
Cabinet Selection
Cabinet Types
Base cabinets provide the foundation with standard height of 85-90cm, depth of 56-60cm, and widths from 30-120cm in drawer or door front configurations. Wall cabinets at 30-35cm depth come in heights of 40, 60, or 80cm, installed 50-60cm above counters with optional glass fronts.
Tall cabinets serve pantry and utility storage at full height of 200-240cm with standard 56-60cm depth, offering integrated appliance possibilities.
Quality Levels
Budget cabinets (€150-300/linear m) use particle board with melamine coating, basic hinges and standard handles, lasting 5-10 years. Mid-range options (€300-600/linear m) feature MDF or better particle board with quality laminate or paint finishes, soft-close hinges, and better hardware for 10-20 year lifespan.
Premium cabinets (€600-1,200+/linear m) use plywood or solid wood construction with high-end finishes, premium hardware, and custom features, lasting 20 years or more.
Door Styles
Flat or slab doors offer modern minimalist style that is easy to clean with handle-less options available in various finishes. Shaker style provides classic versatility with frame and panel construction that works from traditional to modern settings with timeless appeal.
Raised panel doors create a traditional look with more decorative detail at higher cost for classic elegance. Glass front doors display contents and create an open feel, though they require organization and work well as accent pieces.
Countertops
Material Options
Laminate (€30-80/m²) offers budget-friendly surfaces with many patterns, easy replacement, and moderate durability. Solid surface (€150-300/m²) provides seamless appearance that is repairable with good durability and moderate heat resistance.
Granite (€200-400/m²) delivers natural stone beauty with exceptional durability and heat resistance, though it requires periodic sealing. Quartz (€250-500/m²) offers engineered consistency with very high durability, low maintenance, and a wide color range.
Wood countertops (€100-250/m²) provide warm appearance but require maintenance. They can be refinished and are available in food-safe options.
Edge Profiles
Countertop edge profiles include square edge for modern style, bullnose for rounded softness, beveled for angled detail, and ogee for decorative traditional appeal.
Appliances
Essential Appliances
Core kitchen equipment starts with cooktops or ranges: gas at €200-1,000, electric at €150-800, or induction at €300-1,500, available in built-in or freestanding configurations. Ovens range from built-in at €300-2,000, freestanding ranges at €400-1,500, microwave combos at €400-1,000, or steam options at €800-2,500.
Refrigerators include freestanding at €400-1,500, built-in at €1,000-4,000, side-by-side at €800-2,500, or French door at €1,000-3,000. Dishwashers range from standard at €300-800, integrated at €400-1,200, or drawer style at €800-2,000.
Ventilation
Range hoods include wall mount at €150-800, island mount at €400-1,500, built-in at €200-600, or downdraft at €600-1,500. Requirements specify minimum 60cm width to match the cooktop, exhaust to exterior preferred, 400-800 m³/hour capacity, and installation 65-75cm above the cooktop.
Storage Solutions
Maximizing Storage
Smart organization maximizes kitchen utility. Corner solutions include lazy Susans at €100-300, pull-out shelves at €150-400, magic corner systems at €300-600, and diagonal cabinets at €200-400.
Pull-out systems include spice racks at €50-150, trash pull-outs at €100-250, pantry pull-outs at €200-500, and pot or pan organizers at €100-300. Drawer organizers range from cutlery trays at €20-80 to custom inserts at €100-300.
Lighting Design
Lighting Layers
Proper kitchen illumination uses multiple layers. Ambient lighting from ceiling fixtures provides overall room brightness of 300-500 lux using LED panels or recessed lights.
Task lighting under cabinets focuses on work surfaces, essential for safety using LED strips or pucks. Accent lighting includes in-cabinet lights, above-cabinet glow, and decorative pendants for mood enhancement.
Plumbing Considerations
Sink Options
Kitchen sink materials include stainless steel at €80-400, granite composite at €150-500, ceramic at €200-600, and solid surface at €200-400. Configurations range from single bowl to double bowl, 1.5 bowl, and drainboard styles. Installation options include top-mount (drop-in), under-mount for seamless appearance, and flush-mount as the premium option.
Faucet Selection
Kitchen tap styles include single lever at €50-300, pull-out spray at €100-400, pull-down spray at €150-500, and touch-activated at €300-800.
Budget Planning
Kitchen Cost Ranges
Total kitchen budgets:
| Level | Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €3,000-6,000 | Basic cabinets, laminate, standard appliances |
| Mid-range | €6,000-12,000 | Quality cabinets, stone counters, good appliances |
| Premium | €12,000-25,000 | Custom cabinets, premium finishes, high-end appliances |
| Luxury | €25,000+ | Bespoke everything, top appliances, designer details |
Cost Breakdown
Typical budget allocation divides as follows: cabinets at 35-45%, countertops at 10-15%, appliances at 25-35%, plumbing and fixtures at 5-10%, lighting at 3-5%, and installation at 10-15%.
Our Plans and Kitchens
Kitchen provisions in our designs:
C-101 (80m²):
- Efficient galley or L-shaped layout
- Open to living area
- Space for essential appliances
- €2,168 (with 15% discount)
- View C-101 →
C-102 (97m²):
- Larger U-shaped possibility
- Dining integration
- More storage capacity
- €2,375 (with 15% discount)
- View C-102 →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a Bulgarian kitchen?
For a quality kitchen in a new home, budget €6,000-12,000 for mid-range finishes. Basic functional kitchens start around €3,000; premium installations can exceed €20,000.
What’s the best countertop material?
Quartz offers the best balance of durability, appearance, and maintenance. Granite is classic and heat-resistant. Laminate works well for tight budgets. Choose based on your priorities and budget.
Should I choose gas or induction cooking?
Gas if you prefer traditional cooking feel and have natural gas access. Induction for efficiency, safety, and easy cleaning. Electric coil is budget-friendly but least efficient.
How do I maximize storage in a small kitchen?
Use corner solutions, pull-out organizers, and vertical space. Consider full-height cabinets, open shelving, and multifunctional furniture. Every centimeter counts in compact kitchens.
Can I design my kitchen before the house is built?
Yes, and you should. Kitchen layout affects plumbing and electrical placement. Plan your kitchen during the design phase to ensure proper utility locations.
Create Your Ideal Kitchen
A well-planned kitchen serves your family for decades. Invest time in layout, materials, and storage planning to create a cooking space that works perfectly for your lifestyle.
Your next steps:
- Browse house plans — see kitchen layouts
- Define your cooking style and needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Contact Architect Miglena for kitchen design guidance
All plans include 15% discount—build your perfect Bulgarian kitchen today.
