Small kitchen layout
The layout of the furniture will depend on the shape of the room. Let's consider which headset configuration is best to choose and how to arrange it correctly.
Square
Small square kitchen about 5 or 6 sq.m. - a common case in typical old houses built during the USSR (Khrushchev, Brezhnev). A corner layout of the headset would be ideal. This will allow you to place all the necessary equipment, leave enough space for the working surface and form the correct working triangle. To rationally use the corner module, install rotating shelves in the form of a carousel or pull-out sections in the cabinet.
Corner module with pull-out shelves and carousel. Smart corner system
In the opposite corner there will be space for a dining area.
A small straight kitchen looks visually lighter in the interior, but from a storage point of view it is less practical.
A square table is suitable if you need to place no more than two people at the table; it can be placed close to the corner. For three or more people, it is better to choose a round or rectangular table.
Less commonly you can find a U-shaped layout. It is appropriate if the main purpose of the room is food preparation and storage, and a space will be allocated for the dining room in another room. In a U-shaped layout, a window sill is often used: under it you can place a work area with cabinets or equip a bar counter.
Rectangular
Depending on the aspect ratio, there may be three possible layout options:
- corner - if the smaller wall is at least 1.4 m;
- straight - the only one possible in very narrow rooms;
- double-row - possible in a room with a width of at least 2.5 m. A narrow cabinet can be installed along one of the walls, and the dining area can be placed at the end.
The choice of layout is also influenced by the location of the window. In a small, narrow kitchen with a window at the end, a straight layout is the only possible solution.
Interiors with a window on the long side are less common - usually in a private house. You can place a dining area under the window, and install a set along the opposite wall.
In a small, narrow kitchen, it is difficult to find a place for a dining area, since after installing the set, a narrow passage remains. There may be several options, depending on how many people the dining area will be designed for:
- bar counter parallel to the set;
- rectangular table;
- dining area at the end of the room.
Irregular shape
In a trapezoid-shaped room, the longest wall without protrusions is suitable for installing the headset. You can place a dining area along the sloping wall. If the room is also elongated, then the table can be installed at the end.
Architectural features and the irregular shape of a room can always be successfully played out by making custom-made furniture.
Choosing furniture for a small kitchen
Owners of a small kitchen cannot afford to be careless when choosing furniture. They should be guided not only by their taste and desires, but also take into account the appropriateness of the selected items in a small room. First of all, you need to decide what furniture is needed and what will only take up usable space. In this way, you can save a significant amount of space already at the initial stage.
The space in the kitchenette should be used rationally
The kitchen must have:
- Furniture used for storing dishes and food. The best option is to purchase a set with many ergonomic drawers and cabinets - floor-mounted and wall-mounted. It is acceptable to use other storage systems. The main thing is to think about how to rationally place them in the kitchen and use them most optimally before purchasing. You don't have the luxury of a half-empty drawer, so every element needs to work 100%. But don't forget about the appearance. If you decide to purchase separate systems rather than a single set, they should fit well visually.
- Technique. The minimum required is a refrigerator and a stove. The next level is dishwasher and microwave. This is followed by a double boiler, a multicooker, and an electric meat grinder. After this come a blender, toaster, coffee machine, juicer, pancake maker, waffle iron, etc. Each, even the smallest household appliance, takes up a certain place, remember this before purchasing it.
- Work zone . A place intended for cooking. Usually this is a countertop based on the lower cabinets of the kitchen unit. However, it can be successfully replaced by a bar counter, in which you can also place drawers for storing dishes.
- Dinner Zone. Most often, apartments with a kitchenette do not have a separate dining room, so you have to eat in the same room. The minimum set required is a table and a couple of chairs. Further, the number and size of items depends on the size of the family.
Style selection
What style should you use to decorate a small kitchen? In fact, there are no strict restrictions here, and even glamorous art deco and modern in a slightly adjusted form can be appropriate in a space of up to 8 sq.m.
Modern
Modern style is the most democratic and easiest to implement. For a small area this is the most suitable solution. A minimum of decor, a maximum of free space, straight and clear lines, functionality, a predominantly monochromatic color scheme - all these elements of modern style benefit the interior of a small kitchen.
Provence
There are no obstacles to implementing such a romantic style as Provence. Pastel shades of Provence (lavender, blue, yellow, pink, olive, gray) with a slight faded effect, moderate decor, light cotton curtains without unnecessary decor - all this will fit very harmoniously into the interior.
Minimalism
The rigor and coldness of a style such as minimalism are relevant for arranging small spaces, but this style is not as easy to implement as it might seem at first glance. Here you need to think carefully about storage, since the overall appearance should radiate cleanliness and order. All equipment must be hidden - built in so that it forms a single ensemble with the facades, or hidden behind plain, smooth facades.
High tech
Glass, metal, glossy surfaces that reflect light can visually expand the space. Its practicality and functionality in the choice of equipment and furniture will be beneficial in arranging a small space.
Classic and neoclassical
The classic style loves an abundance of decor in decoration and furniture. If you stick to predominantly light shades in your design, avoid heavy and massive decorations, give preference to furniture of simple shapes and without frills, then the classics can harmoniously fit even into a small room.
Neoclassicism will be more relevant - a combination of traditional and modern elements in design.
Loft
The brutal loft initially originated in a large area with a high ceiling and would be most appropriate in a two-level studio apartment. But its popularity has expanded the boundaries of its use in the interior. Even a modest mini-kitchen can be brutal, thanks to the use of individual loft style elements.
Worktops for white kitchens
If you want countertops in the same color, then you will have to think a few times before making a purchase. There are several ways to add light countertops—white marble is warm, classic, and its natural veiny appearance adds texture. It is more expensive than other options and also has higher maintenance. You will need to avoid placing hot pans or abrasive objects on the surface.
White granite is lower maintenance than marble (sealed once a year) and it also creates a classic look. Engineered white quartz is durable and non-porous, making it more hygienic and resistant to stains, scratches and corrosion. White concrete can achieve that pure white look and it is also incredibly durable. Glass can be expensive, but in addition to being smooth and bright, it is arguably the most hygienic option.
Choose a combination of a high-gloss kitchen unit top and a matte finish underneath for added originality.
Glass surfaces give the kitchen the necessary brightness, and white furniture simply adds to the aesthetics.
Color and decor
Give preference to light colors in the design. It is not at all necessary to decorate the entire room in white. It is enough to make a light range of shades predominant without overloading the interior with complex ornaments and designs.
To prevent a design in light colors from seeming boring, it is enough to dilute it with bright colors in moderation in the form of such details as curtains, pillows on chairs, flower pots, napkins for cutlery. The accent can be an apron. You can even create bright mosaics or Spanish tiles on a plain, neutral background.
When finishing walls and floors, you should not choose materials with large, catchy patterns or 3D designs. The most universal solution is plain walls. A complex shade or texture can add originality.
Some styles, for example, country, Provence, classic, allow the use of decoration with a floral or floral pattern, but this pattern should not be large and very bright.
Small kitchen in the country
It is better to avoid bright colors in floor decoration. But at the same time, tiles with a pattern that matches the main color scheme of the interior can look great. For example, tiles with a patchwork pattern. In order not to make the design too colorful and to highlight the main emphasis on the floor finishing, the overall design should be kept in neutral colors.
Patchwork style tiles on the backsplash or floor and a minimalist white set are the most win-win combination
An abundance of accessories is worse than a lack of them. An interior overloaded with decorative elements creates visual noise.
It is better to abandon the colorful collage and board for stickers, souvenirs, and numerous magnets on the refrigerator. For decoration, sometimes indoor plants in miniature flower pots, compact and discreet wall clocks are enough.
Useful recommendations and more useful ideas in the video from the designer :
Decorating a small kitchen
The role of decoration in the kitchen interior is difficult to overestimate. The quality of materials determines how durable the repair will be, and their appearance directly affects the aesthetics and comfort of the room.
Floor
Considering the intensity of use, the floor covering in the cooking area should be as durable as possible, resistant to moisture, easy to clean and, preferably, non-slippery. These criteria are best met by linoleum, porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, as well as self-leveling floors based on polymer resins.
In order not to “split” an already cramped space into even smaller areas, the coating should be made monochromatic, and the elements should be large and glossy.
Walls
To decorate the walls in a small kitchen, you can use painting with moisture-resistant compounds (latex and acrylic water-dispersion paints with the addition of anti-mold substances), fiberglass, washable vinyl wallpaper, and plastic panels.
It is advisable to protect the area above the sink, stove and countertop with a ceramic coating (tile, smooth artificial stone) or tempered tinted glass.
Ceiling
The best option for decorating the ceiling in a small kitchen is a light stretch film or simple painting. Fiberglass will help level the surface and also avoid microcracks in the plaster.
The use of plasterboard (even the most moisture-resistant one) and suspended plastic panels is undesirable - this will reduce the height of the room.
Competent selection of furniture and household appliances
How to place all the necessary furniture and equipment in a small area? How to find a place for a dining area? And how to solve the seemingly impossible task of finding space in a small kitchen for an additional guest bed? We will suggest several non-standard techniques for organizing a functional and comfortable space.
Corner or straight set to the ceiling
Upper cabinets up to the ceiling allow you to organize more storage space, but the downside of this solution can be excessive clutter, which does not benefit a modest-sized room.
To ensure that upper cabinets under the ceiling fit harmoniously into the interior, choose facades that match the color of the walls, visually dissolving them in space. If the configuration of the set is angular, then you can free one of its sides from the wall cabinets to make the room visually freer.
Pay attention to the design of the junction of furniture and ceiling. There should be no gaps here. And if there is a gap between the ceiling and the upper cabinets, then it should be closed with a false panel or decorative cornice.
Built-in hood and mini appliances
Due to the modest area, one way or another you will have to sacrifice technical equipment and give up some, albeit useful, but not the most necessary gadgets.
It is better to give preference to built-in and compact equipment.
A small kitchen of 6 sq. m may be the only possible place to install a washing machine
Pay attention to non-standard narrow models of ovens, mini-microwaves, 45 cm wide dishwashers, and two-burner hobs. For a small and medium-sized family, such compact equipment is usually quite enough for a comfortable life.
The compact built-in hood takes up less space than a fireplace or sloped hood and still leaves room for storage.
If you don’t need a lot of storage space, then you can sacrifice the spaciousness of the headset for the sake of aesthetics, if this is justified by the interior concept. Stylish fireplace hoods can decorate a wall freed from upper cabinets and become the main accent in the design.
Multifunctional and compact furniture for the dining area
To accommodate a dining area in a very small kitchen, you will need non-standard solutions. For example:
- window sill table;
- folding table;
- mini table in the corners;
- continuation of the countertop set in the form of a bar counter;
IKEA Knoxhult kitchen with breakfast bar
- retractable or roll-out tabletop;
- modern dining area. It is important that it has a minimalist design - without a massive back, without armrests and decorative elements. Storage space can be provided under the seat.
Small kitchen corner
Which chairs to choose? The best solution would be stools, low-back models or transparent polycarbonate chairs.
In a classic interior, chairs with a high back will look most appropriate. But only if the dining area is designed for only two people, and the chairs themselves do not interfere with the passage and setting the table.
How to organize a sleeping place?
Even such a seemingly impossible task can have a solution. For example, the sleeping place can be folding, hidden in the back of the sofa. But it is obvious that such an idea will only be possible to implement on an area of at least 7-8 square meters. m. A compact folding chair or mini-sofa can serve as a sleeping place.
Tips for arrangement
A small kitchen has its own nuances in choosing colors, finishing materials, and accessories. The tips below will help you take into account some important points in the arrangement.
Practical finishing materials
As for the choice of finishing materials for walls, here you need to give preference to practical and durable vinyl wallpaper, or better yet, matte paint.
Since the room is small and the distance from the stove to surrounding objects is minimal, washable finishing materials are the best choice.
There are now quite a lot of high-quality paints on the market with interesting textures and complex, beautiful shades. Painting can be done over decorative plaster.
For floor finishing, the most practical types of materials will be porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, and PVC tiles.
Door refusal
A swing door, when open, clutters up the space, so in a small kitchen it is most often abandoned, leaving an open doorway. True, the downside of such a solution may be the penetration of odors into neighboring living rooms, which is always unpleasant. To minimize this drawback, install a high-quality hood and maintain it regularly.
Important! It is impossible to refuse a door in a room with a gas stove within the framework of the law. Although there is enough debate on this matter, in which outdated norms in SNiPs are often used as arguments. In this case, the most correct solution, which does not entail any violations and at the same time allows you to save space, would be to install a sliding door.
Remaking the window sill
If the family consists of no more than two people, then a place in the kitchen can be allocated for the dining area. For example, a window sill converted into a tabletop. To go with it, you need to buy bar stools, or better yet, bar stools that slide completely under the tabletop, freeing up more space.
It is necessary to calculate the optimal depth of the tabletop-window sill so that those sitting behind it do not experience discomfort from the proximity of the heating radiator. If possible, in agreement with housing and communal services, the radiator can be moved.
A window sill table can complement a full dining area and serve as a place for quick snacks.
The place of the window sill can be taken by a work surface. If there are closed cabinets under the window, then the heating radiator should be moved, having previously agreed on the redevelopment with housing and communal services. Otherwise, for free circulation of warm air it is necessary to make holes in the countertop.
Small kitchen 3 by 2 meters with a sink by the window
One of the layout options is to move the sink under the window. Then the corner at the entrance is freed up for the refrigerator. But the transfer of the wet zone also requires approval by law. Such a solution will require additional hassle with extending communications.
Minimum accessories and order in the work area
Keep your work area clear of clutter so there is always free space for cooking. Most frequently used items (cutlery, dishes, pots, cans of cereal) should be stored in cabinets next to the stove. Only paper towels and jars of spices can be left on the rails in the work area.
Uniform lighting
Properly organized lighting can not only hide the flaws of a small kitchen, but also visually expand the space. For this it is recommended:
- make the lighting uniform and diffused so that there are no dark corners in the room (including in the work area);
- give preference to miniature overhead lamps or built-in spotlights instead of one large chandelier;
- do not block the window with furniture;
- abandon curtains (if the design concept allows) or give preference to simple short curtains without lush and elegant accessories such as lambrequins, tiebacks, flounces, etc.
Free table top
A roll-out cabinet or a retractable additional tabletop are non-standard ideas that allow you to increase the work surface at the right time.
Custom cabinet depths
Instead of the standard 60 cm, you can order cabinets with a depth of 35 cm. With a corner layout, this solution can be implemented by installing narrow cabinets on only one side. This will have an uncritical effect on storage.
Rational storage
Thoughtful filling of wall and floor cabinets will help you make the most of every centimeter.
- Use useful storage organizers.
- Organize the space under the sink rationally.
- In the corner set, make the corner module as spacious as possible by installing the “smart corner” system.
- Give preference to modules with drawers rather than cabinets with shelves, as they allow you to organize storage more compactly and quickly find the item you need.
- Use the plinth for storage. Here you can store baking dishes and any flat objects in drawers.
Make good use of the loggia area
If it is possible to coordinate a redevelopment to add a loggia to the area of a small kitchen, then it is worth taking advantage of it. This will allow you to allocate space for a dining area, bar counter or small seating area.
If it is impossible to coordinate the redevelopment for some reason, then you can arrange a cozy lunch area on an insulated balcony or loggia.
Bar counter in a small kitchen
The bar counter can be placed in two places in a small kitchen: under the window sill and instead of the wall that stands between the kitchen and living room.
You don’t have to completely knock out the wall, but only free a part. It will look great, the kitchen area will become more spacious, since there will be no need to install a dining table.
The bar counter, which stands between the kitchen and living room, can accommodate four people at once. But the problem may be different. By freeing up the kitchen, you make the living room uncomfortable for the person who sleeps there.
Households will go to the kitchen at night, during the day the sound of operating equipment and the smells of cooked food (not always pleasant) will be heard from there. Therefore, this option is good if the living room serves as a living room and not a bedroom.
Design mistakes: checklist
It’s always better to learn from other people’s mistakes, but you can easily eliminate your own if you have a ready-made checklist that will help you quickly understand what’s wrong in your interior.
| Errors | A comment |
| Too many colors at once | The rule about using no more than 3 colors in the interior applies not only to small spaces, but in this case, a colorful interior will show its worst properties. |
| Too many open shelves | They will create a feeling of disorder and take away the feeling of a consolidated space. |
| Lush curtains | In most cases, curtains can be replaced with more compact roller blinds or Roman blinds. And in the Scandinavian style or minimalism, you can completely abandon curtains, letting more light into the room. |
| Too much decor | A refrigerator covered in magnets and stickers almost always spoils the overall impression of the interior. See if there are any other items in open areas that could be stored behind closed cabinet doors? |
| Little light (artificial and natural) | See the section on lighting for more details. |
| Loss of usable space and irrational storage | The base, the place under the sink, the corner module, the place above the refrigerator - these are, as a rule, the weakest places in the storage of most kitchens. |
| Hood with air duct | There is no point in enclosing this complex structure and taking away storage space in cabinets if you can install an autonomous hood with a carbon filter. |
| Shelves instead of drawers | Retractable mechanisms are more expensive, but much more convenient and practical. |
| Huge sink | If there is a dishwasher, then a narrow sink of 45 cm may be sufficient. |
| Transparent glass cabinets | Only beautiful sets can be stored in them, but you can find a more suitable place for the service - in the sideboard in the living room. Cabinets with solid doors are more practical for storage. |
| Large 4-burner hob | How often do you use all 4 burners at the same time? In most cases, 3 or even 2 burners are sufficient. Thanks to the small hob, a lot of space will be freed up for the work surface. |
| Various facades | The maximum you can afford is a combination of top and bottom headsets in different colors. But it is not recommended to mix facades of different designs on the same level. |
| Stove, refrigerator and sink are too close | Even in a small kitchen it is possible to separate the refrigerator and stove with at least a narrow bottle holder. And between the stove and the sink you simply need a working surface at least 50 cm wide. |
Watch the video :
Kitchen design 5 sq m: real photos
A small kitchen with an area of 5 sq.m is most often found in Khrushchev-era buildings. Renovating a small space is complicated not only by the lack of square meters, but also by the need to incorporate a gas water heater into the interior, accommodate a standard refrigerator and a full-fledged dining area. We have collected the most successful design ideas for 5 square meters, which will prove that even a small space can be comfortable and functional.
In connection with the fashion for kitchen-living rooms in Khrushchev-era buildings, you can increasingly find the following redevelopment options:
- combined with the living room, breaking the partition (in Khrushchev buildings it is not load-bearing). In order to comply with the requirements of SanPiNov, it is necessary to install a transparent partition or refuse gas in the apartment, having gone through certain bureaucratic approval procedures;
Redevelopment in a one-room Khrushchev house, converted into a studio by combining the kitchen and living room
- the entrance to the kitchen is moved from the corridor to the hall, and in the niche formed in the place of the former corridor, a refrigerator is installed or a built-in closet is made.
Design of a small kitchen in an apartment
For owners of modest sizes kitchens in the apartment, the first key is to create minimalism down to the bare necessities. If your kitchen is 5 square meters or more, then this is a top priority.
Once you've narrowed down your space to the things you actually need, it's time to organize them efficiently. Throw away those gadgets that are never used or trinkets that are not needed. As the hub of your household, the kitchen easily attracts clutter; this trend is increasing in very small kitchens.
Cabinets can contain nooks for appliances, spice racks can be easily attached to the inside of cabinet doors, and a wall can be used to mount essentials like a paper towel holder or pot rack.
Not only will these changes make your small apartment kitchen feel larger, but they will instantly move your small space towards a neat and modern design. Structure and smoothness are among the many qualities that come to mind when you think of modern design details.
Next, an important goal is to create an idea of spaciousness in your small kitchen by adding a modern, neutral color palette. The uniformity of solid colors—light, bright whites or sleek shades of gray—creates the impression of spaciousness in a cramped space. The graphic color pairing of black and white is often used in modern kitchen designs, along with an explosion of accent color.
Instead of spinning a color wheel, a geometric pattern is a subtle way to add interest to your modern kitchen. Consider installing a kitchen backsplash that has a smooth horizontal, herringbone, or chevron pattern.
Remember that creating a small kitchen design requires thoughtful planning for the furniture too.
Photo of kitchen interior 6 sq m
A small kitchen of 6 sq.m is a typical feature of old Soviet-built panel houses. Most of them also have a gas stove and water heater. The photo below shows several successful design examples.
See interesting solutions for small kitchens of 6 square meters and 5.4 square meters in the video review:
Corner kitchen design: photo
In a separate selection, we have collected design ideas with the most optimal and ergonomic layout - corner.
Corner small kitchen in a wooden house
Corner set in the country
Basic selection rules
A space with an area of 5 to 10 square meters requires a thoughtful approach to a set of furniture for a small kitchen and presents its own requirements.
- Most items should be multifunctional and meet several requirements at once. For example, a bar counter will serve as both a table and a work area.
- The furniture should be compact - a set and a table of standard dimensions will not fit in a small room, given the addition of household appliances - a stove, a refrigerator, etc.
- Practicality - resistance to high humidity and temperature changes, ease of care.
- The glass tabletop visually expands the free space.
- Folding, built-in structures, transformers will find use in a small kitchen and relieve space.
Note! Furniture is installed along the walls. Limited space categorically excludes the location of anything in the center.
A time-tested solution is corner furniture for a small kitchen. In this case, the opposite walls remain free, which expands the design possibilities for a limited area.
