Not all housewives have spacious kitchens. Most often in old Soviet apartments they are quite small in size, and sometimes even tiny. However, even in such a situation, you can find a way out by resorting to design tricks. Play of colors, original modern style, spacious cabinets and much more will help solve this issue. How to make the most of a small space in the kitchen will be discussed below.
Layout for a small kitchen
Most often, a small room, even with the right layout and design solution, can continue to be crushed by four walls, since a feeling of compression remains.
To avoid this, you can get rid of the door by installing an arch instead. This can visually expand the space and remove the feeling of cramping. If doors are necessary, one of the options could be sliding models, which in addition look very stylish and modern.
A radical solution would be to combine the kitchen and living room, thereby obtaining a studio apartment. This layout is especially popular among young people. At the same time, the kitchen expands and the disadvantages of a small area are no longer so noticeable. In addition, the dining area can touch part of the living room, thereby gaining space for kitchen units and furniture, which will give the kitchen greater functionality and comfort.
The most common mistakes when planning a kitchen
And finally, I would like to point out the most common mistakes when planning small kitchens:
- If the kitchen is very small, don’t try to cram things that you can’t fit into it. Something will have to be sacrificed - for example, moving the dining table to the next room.
- Don’t forget about the entrance door to the kitchen - when opened, its door eats up a meter of usable space. Or remove it altogether and replace it with an arch, or try an option like an accordion door.
- There is no need to try to fit a bulky set into the kitchen - it’s better to create a 3D project and make custom-made furniture. This will save your nerve cells when using the kitchen for many years.
Accessories should be chosen in the same color scheme as the main palette of the interior of a small kitchen.
Kitchen layout depending on the shape of the room
The correct location of the furniture in the kitchen is the key to comfort, saving space and ultimately saving time on cooking.
First of all, it is worth remembering the triangle rule, which consists in placing the refrigerator, sink and stove. It is this that helps improve ergonomics in the kitchen, since it is based on the principle of alternating cooking, that is, first the food is taken out of the refrigerator, then washed, cut and heat-treated.
The choice of headset layout should be based on the shape of the room, the location of windows, doors, and communications. If the kitchen is square, then a U-shaped set is considered the best option. If the dining area needs to be separated separately, then an L-shape is more suitable.
For a rectangular kitchen, a linear arrangement or a parallel one is suitable, when only one wall, which is longer, is used for arranging furniture, or outside the parallel walls.
With a non-standard shape, including a studio apartment, the layout can be any, including island or oval. Also in this case, you may need to order individual furniture.
Arguments for a small refrigerator in the kitchen
So, why is it beneficial to have a small refrigerator and not only in a small kitchen?
Space saving
Parameters such as width and depth are approximately the same for both large and small refrigerators. And in terms of height, you can save space in double, triple or almost quadruple size. The average height of a large refrigerator is 180 cm, and the height of the most common small units ranges from 50 cm to 85 cm.
Saving money on purchases
The difference in price between a large and a small refrigerator in a very average version is 100%. That is, a small one is 2 times cheaper than a large one. The savings are significant and worth paying attention to.
Energy Saving
The electrical energy consumption of small refrigerators is several times less than that of their larger counterparts. Models that do not have a freezer have a total of less. And, if you buy a model with energy consumption class A, A+ or A++, you will save an additional and significant amount of money in the long run. The energy consumption class or, as it is called, the energy efficiency indicator is always indicated in the technical data sheet of the equipment and on a colored sticker directly on the refrigerator door.
Originality of the interior
It is more common to see solid archetypes of refrigeration equipment in the kitchen interior. Therefore, the presence of a baby refrigerator will immediately attract attention. If you purchase a model with a transparent door or a retro model, you have a chance to earn a lot of compliments.
Easy to transport
If you need to move the refrigerator to the dacha for the summer and pick it up in the fall, or you often change rented apartments, then a mini-refrigerator in this case is your best friend.
Which style to choose for a small kitchen
In a small room, bulky parts, a large number of accessories, and various parts, especially small ones, are unacceptable. Therefore, the style must be chosen based on the features that each of them represents. Therefore, the following styles are suitable for a small kitchen:
Minimalism
This style fits perfectly. It is characterized by functionality, practicality and a minimum of details. In this case, the area is used as efficiently as possible. Clear, expressive lines and strict colors are welcome here, while there is almost no decor.
High tech
This style is dominated by smooth glossy surfaces, glass inserts, metal elements, clear lines, and cool tones. High-tech furniture and appliances, innovative design above all. You won’t find any elaborate details in this style. Everything is done as comfortably and tastefully as possible.
Modern
One of the modern styles for which non-traditional materials, original accessories, the presence of glossy surfaces, metal, and mirrors are relevant. At the same time, colors can be very diverse, including quite bold contrasting combinations.
Japanese
Characterized by strict lines, natural materials, simple shapes. In this case, the tones are combined dark with light. There are also patterns in the form of flowers, while the texture of the textile is as simple as possible.
Advice! For small kitchens, it is not recommended to use styles such as classic (bulky voluminous furniture, heavy textiles), baroque (fancy details, bulky furniture), country (many accessories, cabinets, small details).
The main mistakes of a newbie
Before we look at how to arrange furniture in a small kitchen, let's look at the main mistakes ordinary people make when arranging a small room.
- Trying to fit everything in . Quite often, the owners of a “mini-kitchen” try to equip it with both a full-fledged work area and a dining set. This desire is laudable, but chasing two birds with one stone can lead to the formation of a cluttered, cramped space. Wouldn't it be better to try to move the dining table outside the kitchen or replace it with a more compact bar counter, thereby freeing up some space in the room?
A large number of furniture and appliances make the room crowded
- Using regular doors . Remember, a standard door with hinges that opens into the room eats up a lot of usable space, which is so scarce in a small kitchen. Instead, you can arrange a sliding structure, a stylish arch or a decorative folding partition.
Instead of large upper cabinets in a very small kitchen, it makes sense to think about open shelves
- The presence of a bulky headset . Large furniture that takes up a lot of space and visually reduces space is absolutely unacceptable in small kitchens. Your choice is a compact set with spacious storage systems and long upper cabinets.
Color and pattern
With the help of color you can not only expand, but also, on the contrary, narrow the space, so the choice of colors plays a huge role. For a small kitchen, it is better to avoid dark colors, otherwise the room will seem even smaller, and the decor will be dull and aggravating. Therefore, the choice should be made on colors such as white, beige, cream, peach, olive, gray.
Brighter tones such as green, yellow, pink are also possible, but it is important not to overdo it with brightness. Contrast is not always appropriate. If we are talking about bright colors, then, for example, a red spot on a white background will narrow the space.
A smooth, plain surface will visually add additional space. Gloss would also be a winning option, since it perfectly reflects light, thereby distancing the walls from each other. Only small drawings can be used. Large ornaments and patterns are absolutely unacceptable in this case.
Color options
Color and light are the basis. A small-sized kitchen slightly limits the flight of imagination, because designers don’t have many techniques in their arsenal that will make the space larger and brighter. But these techniques have been working for decades, so it’s worth paying close attention to them:
Interesting article: Expert advice on what furniture and appliances are needed in the kitchen: how to choose and current trends?
To make a room larger, you need to use colors that visually enlarge the space. All light colors belong to this group, but each shade has its own effect on the mood and atmosphere in the room. Shades of beige, yellow and peach will help create a warm environment and drive away a bad mood. The space can also be expanded using a single color scheme for the room. Let the walls and furniture appear in a single ensemble.
- White expands space like no other color. Many housewives are afraid of white, especially in the kitchen, believing that every speck will immediately become visible. It's a delusion. The disorder, unfortunately, is visible against any background. If the room is regularly cleaned, then there will be no dirt on the white walls or white facades of the set.
- Bright and rich colors, just like dark ones, can visually make a kitchen smaller , so they are best used as accents. They will have to play first violin in other rooms.
- Black is definitely acceptable. It is used as accents in Scandinavian style, which is extremely fashionable today. The fronts and table can be black. It is better not to make the floor completely black, but to use checkerboard tiles or something similar. If you really want to make the walls black, then it is better to give preference to wallpaper on which you can write with chalk. You can make only one wall above the dining area as an accent wall.
- In the interior of a small kitchen, you can safely use calm neutral colors. Gray, brown or ivory will look especially noble. The advantage of these colors over others is that they are neutral, which means they can be used with accent colors. Gray color will help you calm down after a hard day, brown will create a feeling of comfort and homeliness. Ivory is suitable for those who can’t decide to paint the walls white - it doesn’t look snow-white, but it expands the space just as much.
Combinations
For a small kitchen, it is advisable to use a maximum of two colors in the interior design. If you choose one color, you can use all its shades - it will look very stylish.
You need to adopt this rule - if the kitchen set is monochromatic and close in color to the walls, then you need to place accents in the room with the help of curtains, lamps and upholstery for chairs. If the set is bright, then the decor should not stand out so as not to create a feeling of diversity and clutter.
There are several classic color combinations and they are determined by the color wheel. Contrast is formed by colors that are opposite each other, a triad - a triangle of colors that are three colors apart from each other. An analog triad uses three colors located next to each other, a tetrad is a combination that forms a rectangle, and a square is 4 colors equidistant from each other. Almost everything goes with white and black.
Visual increase in small dimensions
As you know, lines distort space and can create volume and height where there was none. You can use both vertical and horizontal stripes , using the example of Khrushchev 6 sq m and 9 sq m, depending on the purpose:
- Vertical lines increase the height of the space. If the apartment has low ceilings, then you can get the missing centimeters visually. It is advisable to use a monochrome color scheme. By the way, vertical lines can take away a little volume from a room.
Reference! Lines can be used as an accent on only one wall.
- Horizontal lines add “fullness” to a space and can even make a room appear squat. At the same time, they visually expand the space, adding square meters where there were none.
Textile
Huge oversized curtains are not recommended for use in the kitchen, regardless of its size. This is due to the fact that they not only absorb odors and quickly become dirty, but are also a fire hazard. Moreover, their moderate use applies to small kitchens.
To protect from the sun's rays, you can use a short tulle in the form of a curtain or a thick fabric hung with a narrow strip like a visor. A universal solution would be blinds and roller products made of bamboo. Roman blinds that resemble an accordion are also popular and comfortable.
Advice! If, nevertheless, the choice fell on fabric curtains, then it is better to use synthetic materials than natural fabrics, since they are easier to care for and have fire-resistant and water-repellent impregnation.
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important thing in organizing the interior for a small room is to choose the right color. Choose shades that will visually enlarge the space. Well, besides color, there are some other nuances:
- By choosing furniture in white or light (pastel) colors, you will hide the bulkiness of the interior items.
- If the walls are dark, then the furniture must be beige, white, peach, or soft pink. In general, any pastel shade that will harmonize with the wall decoration is relevant.
- If the kitchen space is already decorated in dark colors, and you don’t have the opportunity to redo it, numerous and varied lamps will come to your aid. In addition, make good use of natural light - the sun's rays. Avoid thick curtains and let the windows be framed by delicate tulle or weightless organza.
- Before purchasing numerous household appliances for the kitchen, ask yourself the question: do I really need all this? If the family is small and you can do without some equipment and machines, it is better to do so. In a small kitchen, every square centimeter is worth its weight in gold. A huge refrigerator and a massive sofa are no longer essential items.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. Unfortunately, for too long we have lived under the motto “like everyone else.” The time has come to make your dreams and wishes come true.
If you follow all the recommendations, then a small kitchen can look spacious.
Table and bar counter
A full dining area for a small kitchen is often a huge luxury. In this case, it is important to ask the question of how to save space and accommodate a table, or what other options are possible.
There is always a way out. The first option is to use a window sill, which can be made an extension of the table. This will provide an additional work surface that can be used functionally. In this case, you can order a tabletop that will replace the window sill, or you can install the surface at a different level.
The second option is to use a folding or extendable table. Again, it can be attached to the windowsill. It is also possible to install a small table and attach a retractable tabletop to it. In addition, you can install a folding table near a free wall and unfold it only when necessary, for example, during meals.
Finally, an excellent replacement for a dining table would be a bar counter, which can be of various sizes and shapes. It can become a continuation of the window sill or become part of a U-shaped set, continuing it. Bar counters are more compact and therefore take up less space. In addition, for a studio apartment this is a great way to zone the space.
How to fit furniture into the layout?
The main task when planning a small kitchen in Khrushchev is to use every millimeter of usable space. Ready-made standard furniture purchased in a store is unlikely to satisfy this requirement. Therefore, the best option is a custom-made kitchen set. It will fit perfectly into the room in size and will have technical equipment an order of magnitude higher than that of its standard counterparts.
As for the layout, usually for small kitchens the corner method of arranging furniture and household appliances along two adjacent walls is used. With this option, the “working triangle” rule is ideally implemented, there is still space for a dining area, and the corner cabinet provides additional storage space.
If the room is excessively narrow, then a one-line layout is used, when all kitchen items are located along one wall.
Regardless of what type of layout is used, impeccable furniture for a small kitchen:
1. helps create the illusion of a spacious room.
Conciseness and rigor of design, smooth facades of simple forms without frills in the form of pilasters and curly cornices, discreet fittings, hanging open shelves are welcome
2. makes the most of usable space.
Long cabinets up to the ceiling, additional drawers for kitchen utensils at the base level - all this uses every centimeter of the kitchen.
3. is a model of functionality and convenience.
It makes sense to provide for the presence of movable shelves, pull-out structures instead of the usual doors in the lower cabinets and a hinged opening system in the upper ones.
Of course, it is worth taking care of special dividers that organize the space inside the drawers.
Floor and ceiling
In a small kitchen, it is important to decorate the ceiling in light colors, preferably white. The simplest options are simply painting or wallpapering. Another inexpensive solution, and at the same time more practical and durable, is the use of plastic panels.
A more expensive and modern option are suspended ceilings. They will take only 2-3 cm in height; the effectiveness of such a choice is worth it. The main thing in this case is to use a glossy film, which will visually increase the height of the ceiling.
For the floor, it is necessary to use durable materials that are not afraid of moisture and can be easily washed. Therefore, it is recommended to choose linoleum, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles or self-leveling flooring. It is unacceptable to use patterns; a plain surface will look better.
What colors should you use to decorate a small kitchen?
A lot depends on the color scheme in design. Experts advise choosing a neutral color scheme (beige, sand, or light gray). Light colors in the design of the headset.
The neutral range of furniture facades is an ideal option for a small room.
Pastel shade of façades.
Give preference to pastel and monochrome shades, as well as stylized patterns that look unobtrusive.
Contrasting details will make the interior varied. Be careful when using this technique - active colors can be tiring.
Suitable wallpaper colors
- Combinations of a neutral base (shades of milk, pearl, peach) with rich tones;
- A bright accent on the wall looks good in the dining area and creates a special mood;
- Background wallpaper should not steal all the attention;
- For low ceilings, choose warm or pastel colors.
The beige color of the walls is combined with a richly colored apron.
Wallpaper highlights the dining area with rich color and texture. Lighting fixtures also contribute to the division of space.
Plain light wallpaper goes well with such a set in wenge color.
Walls
For walls, it is recommended to choose light, solid colors that will increase the space. This can be either painting or wallpaper. The pattern or design can only be unobtrusively small; decorated plaster is allowed.
Photo wallpapers look original, but they must be used carefully so as not to overload the kitchen even more. These could be seascapes, photos of street cafes.
It is preferable to make the apron from ceramic tiles, stone or tempered glass. Again, large patterns and landscapes are not recommended.
Kitchen wall decoration
How to decorate walls to visually enlarge the space? There are several tricks:
- It is worth choosing light colors for painting the walls. If you add a little warm color to the white paint, then their sterile white room will become pleasant and “lived-in.”
- If the walls are not level enough, you can cover them with wallpaper. It is better to choose plain wallpaper or wallpaper with a small pattern. Large prints are undesirable for a small room; they visually reduce the space. A discreet pattern on the wallpaper and a uniform color scheme is what you need.
- To create a special effect, you can use photo wallpaper. A free wall, for example, near the dining table, is ideal for them. A monochrome kitchen will be decorated with bright photo wallpapers, while black and white ones will complement the catchy interior. You can use prints to create optical illusions. Streets, night highways and other panoramic shots are especially good in small spaces.
Important! Only high-quality images are suitable for printing photo wallpapers.
Lighting
A small kitchen should be as bright as possible. This is also facilitated by good lighting, which requires special attention. Bulky chandeliers are inappropriate here. They should be small in size, not very noticeable, discreet colors, simple in shape.
It is worth installing separate lighting for the work area. Spotlights or LED strips are suitable for this. The window should also be as wide open as possible to allow natural light into the room.
Color
A small kitchen, by definition, should be bright. The brighter the kitchen, the more spacious the room feels. Light furniture fronts, light walls, short curtains, additional lighting - these are the main recommendations.
Quite versatile options for a small kitchen are blinds and rolled bamboo products.
A dark floor will add depth to the room, and bright contrasts - in the form of an apron or decorative elements - will help brighten up the kitchen. As for lighting, additional lighting can be placed above the work area and near the dining table.
Light curtains for a small kitchen should not be dark.
Secrets and tricks
Light colors, smooth glossy surfaces and good lighting have already been mentioned. All these subtleties can significantly increase the space visually. At the same time, it is important to know certain secrets that allow you to make maximum use of the usable area.
It is advisable to make the set itself narrow and tall in order to accommodate more items. The more hanging cabinets there are, the more space you will have for storing kitchen utensils.
Railings in the kitchen are often simply irreplaceable. They are hung above the tabletop in the form of a tube or strip with metal hooks. It is convenient to place ladles, skimmers, ladles and many other necessary items on them.
Organizers not only help make cabinets more spacious and convenient, but in some cases they also make it easy to reach items located near the far wall. There are also sliding drawers and dividers for dishes, which also become excellent helpers in a small kitchen.
Thus, every centimeter of the kitchen can be put to good use by installing convenient, modern, space-saving elements. Even the space under the window sill or bar counter can be used wisely by installing additional drawers, niches or retractable structures.
What furniture to choose and how to arrange it correctly
When choosing furniture and household appliances for a small kitchen, it is better to use special 3D design programs so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions.
Furniture should be arranged so that it does not interfere with movement.
Kitchen set
Unfortunately, not every standard kitchen will fit into a small kitchen. Of course, the concept of small is different for everyone - for some, a small kitchen is 10 meters long. However, most often in the typical planning solutions of Khrushchev, Brezhnev and even early Stalinist buildings there are kitchens with an area of 6 squares, 5.7 and even 4 sq.m. In such a kitchen it is better to make a custom-made set, narrower, with corner functional cabinets and high.
For a small-sized kitchen, the best option would be oval or round shapes, which in themselves do not provide clear, even lines, which makes the room wider and more spacious.
Furniture arrangement should solve 2 main tasks: functionality and minimalism. There should not be excess furniture in a small kitchen, but it must solve all storage problems. If the height of the ceilings allows, you can even consider installing a top row of cabinets under the ceiling, where you can put away little-used equipment.
The fewer things in a small kitchen, the better; you need to organize storage so that everything that is usually placed on the countertop is hidden in drawers and cabinets.
When choosing furniture, order light glossy facades. They will reflect the light, and the kitchen will seem more spacious. Glass and mirror inserts will also look good. If you plan to have small children in the apartment, order furniture with rounded corners - this will increase its safety. Tables that are sloping (narrow) towards the front door look good in small kitchens.
A great idea to visually expand the space is to place the tallest item (for example, a refrigerator) in the far corner.
Table and bar counter
The location of the dining area directly depends on the size of the kitchen. In a kitchen with an area of 6 square meters or a little more, you can place a table and chairs near a free wall or near a window. When placing the dining area near the window, you can even place a narrow kitchen sofa with its back to the window.
If a family consists of two or three people, then the stove can have two burners and take up little space.
Standard sofas have a seat width of 60 cm. But for the kitchen you can also find models with a depth of 40 cm. Of course, they will not be particularly comfortable for spending a long time at the table, but they will be enough for eating.
A kitchen corner is an excellent option for a large family.
In smaller kitchens you will have to look for narrow tables or even use a narrow table that folds away from the wall. A good option is to remove the window sill from the window and order a combined table-window sill that covers part of the wall. Such products are made from artificial stone, are not particularly expensive, but look quite impressive.
It is advisable to extend and expand the window sill and, depending on the height, turn it into a table, work surface or make a bench.
A small family can limit itself to a bar counter instead of a table. It will increase the functionality of the kitchen space, creating an original atmosphere. A great idea would be to combine a bar counter and a window sill. For a two-level stand, the second part of which is attached to a metal console, it would be reasonable to place traditional stands for wine glasses and shelves for fruit on top. And you can slide high bar stools under the counter.
Bright spotlights located around the perimeter of the ceiling, as well as above wall cabinets and shelves, will help to visually expand the room.
Where to put the refrigerator
The standard type of ordinary Khrushchev apartments is a refrigerator in the hallway. Of course, this is not the most convenient placement option, since the hostess will have to constantly run to it, and in addition, it will block the passage. A built-in refrigerator in the kitchen will help maintain the ergonomics of the room and will not clutter the aisles.
It is best if the household appliances are built-in and will create a single composition with the kitchen set.
However, you can place the refrigerator separately from the set, if the configuration of the room allows. For example, it can be placed near the door, especially if it is located asymmetrically. If there is a niche in the kitchen, you can put a refrigerator there, even with increased dimensions.
The simple design of a kitchen set can be diversified with the help of an interesting apron, for example, by placing photo wallpaper behind the glass.
A standard small refrigerator is usually placed at the beginning or end of a line of furniture. Narrow refrigerators fit well into any interior - now you can buy appliances with a depth of 54 cm.
If the kitchen is combined with a loggia, an excellent place to install a refrigerator is on the loggia. Of course, the rule of the kitchen triangle will be broken in this case, but space will be freed up in the kitchen. Do not place the refrigerator next to the stove, radiator or gas water heater.
