Traditional kitchen designs for small kitchens

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When it comes to kitchens, bigger isn't always better. The most experienced chefs know that you don't need a ton of space or non-essential equipment to produce a stunning meal. A small kitchen where everything required to prep and cook is within arms' reach can make everyday cooking more efficient and stress free. Easier to clean and maintain, a smaller kitchen encourages you to focus on the essential and eliminate clutter, and can feel especially cozy and inviting with thoughtful design and decor.

Check out these stylish, compact, space-saving kitchens in a range of styles that have everything you need to cook for yourself or a crowd.

• 01 of 52

  Slide Away Bar Seating

  Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza

  This 237-square-foot Parisian mini loft from French interior design firm Space Factory has a open kitchen that is built on a slight platform that delineates it from the rest of the apartment, decorated with bright white cabinetry, subway tiles, and OSB accents that add warmth and texture. A slim custom built-in bar helps to visually divide the space, provide extra counter space for meal prep, and has a slide-out component that doubles its width for dining, with white bar stools that disappear into the background when not in use.

• 02 of 52

  Floating Shelves

  A Beautiful Mess

  One way to keep a small kitchen space feeling light and airy is to use open shelving instead of upper cabinetry, which can make a small space feel cramped and claustrophobic. The key to making this work is keeping those open shelves neatly styled. Blogger Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess kept this small U-shaped kitchen feeling light, bright, and airy with an all-white palette that includes floating open corner shelving to store dishware, spices, and pantry staples. A cool-toned silver stove and stainless steel oven vent create a focal point, and the symmetry of the space and neatly arranged contents of the shelves make the small space feel lived in and organized at the same time.

• 03 of 52

  Charming

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  This St. John's Square, London kitchen designed by Sebastian Cox for deVOL Kitchens has charming bones and a period fireplace that's outfitted with custom cabinetry neatly built in against a single wall, cool blue paint, and warm countertops and metal accents. Quirky art, a smattering of plants, and a sparkling crystal chandelier prove that a small kitchen can handle as much style as any other.

• 04 of 52

  Streamlined

  Fantastic Frank

  This petite L-shaped kitchen from Fantastic Frank is built seamlessly into a corner of a larger dining space equipped with a large table and chairs, allowing it to fade into the background at mealtime. The all-white kitchen has glossy lacquered cabinetry in a sleek flat-front design that blends into the all-white backsplash. A large picture window floods the tiny kitchen with natural light, making it feel open and airy.

• 05 of 52

  Skyline

  Design by Georgia Zikas Design / Photo by Jane Beiles

  In this galley-style city apartment kitchen from Georgia Zikas Design, a corner banquette is squeezed in at the far end beneath a window with a skyline view. A round tulip-style table without any sharp edges allows for easy maneuvering in the compact space. Glass-front cabinetry helps keep the narrow galley kitchen from feeling too closed in, and a gleaming tile backsplash on opposite walls helps to bounce light around.
  

• 06 of 52

  Peninsula

  Design by Rashida Banks for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Keyanna Bowen

  If you dream of having a kitchen island but don't have the square footage for one, try installing a peninsula instead. This compact kitchen designed by Rashida Banks for Emily Henderson Design has a sleek quartz waterfall edge peninsula that has seating for three, anchored by a pair of black and gold vintage-style pendant lights that define the space and add some retro charm.
  

• 07 of 52

  Groovy Graphics

  Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Rachael Smith

  This small London kitchen from Emilie Fournet Interiors has a groovy geometric patterned tile backsplash that extends to the hood vent, defining the open kitchen area and adding movement and interest to the space that makes it feel dynamic and expansive rather than small and cramped. The U-shaped design makes everything you need to prep, cook, and serve meals within arm's reach.

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• 08 of 52

  Rustic

  Lobster and Swan

  This small rustic kitchen from Lobster and Swan is anchored by a large center oven and outfitted with stained wood countertops, olive green cabinetry, and open shelving stacked with dishware, glassware, and cookware in natural materials. In lieu of a kitchen island, a round bistro table and chairs provides a place for dining and an extra surface for meal prep.
  

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• 09 of 52

  All the Angles

  Fantastic Frank

  This small kitchen from Fantastic Frank is tailored to seamlessly fit into the room's angled walls to maximize storage and functionality. The airy minimalist Scandi kitchen has pale gray cabinetry, light blond hardwood flooring, mixed metals, a whisper of pink on the walls, and hanging bulb lights hung on a rosy pink knotted cord that adds a note of studied nonchalance.

• 10 of 52

  Bachelorette

  Design by Desiree Burns Interiors

  This bachelorette pad kitchen from Desiree Burns Interiors is open to the living room, and is dressed for company with simple white cabinetry, a classic Smeg refrigerator, gold-toned hardware, mixed metals, and a pair of accent pendant lights over the built-in island countertop that doubles as a small space dining area.

• 11 of 52

  Fold Down Dining Table

  Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza

  In this small Parisian kitchen designed by Space Factory, a custom-built fold-down burnt-wood table creates a place for dining that can be neatly stowed away when not in use to open up the space. The black wood cabinetry and textural concrete wall finish give the uncluttered space a minimalist, masculine feel.
  

• 12 of 52

  Inside the Looking Glass

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  This small London kitchen designed by Sebastian Cox for deVOL Kitchens has mixed wood finish cabinetry that provides texture and a minimalist style and layout that keeps the space feeling modern. In addition to a large window to the outside, the designers added an atelier-style interior window over the sink that looks out into the main entryway, a clever way to maximize natural light and create additional sightlines in a small space that helps to preserve a sense of openness.
  

• 13 of 52

  One-Sided

  Fantastic Frank

  This long and narrow eat-in kitchen from Fantastic Frank has a wall of cabinetry, countertops, and appliances on one side, leaving space for a small bistro table and chairs on the opposite side. A minimalist clear glass pendant light hangs over the dining space that disappears during the day and provides dedicated light after dark.

• 14 of 52

  Pure Scandi

  Fantastic Frank

  This small but airy and light-flooded Stockholm kitchen from Fantastic Frank is authentic Scandi style at its best, with its simple white and silver finishes, a streamlined wall of cabinetry and appliances, painted white bentwood chairs, and a small table covered in a lacy tablecloth to add a note of vintage charm.

• 15 of 52

  Serene

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  This small kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has a spare traditional feel with plenty of built-in storage to keep it from feeling cluttered, and a limited palette of soft white, gray, and pale wood.
  

• 16 of 52

  Contemporary Cottage

  Design by Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona

  Blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona installed a small L-shaped kitchen in the corner of this open cottage kitchen and dining room remodel. The light palette of the kitchen matches the rest of the room and fades into the background when not in use.

• 17 of 52

  Back Door

  Design by Jessica Nelson Design / Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography

  This small kitchen from Jessica Nelson Design is arranged in a double L-shaped configuration that maximizes functionality while accommodating the presence of the back door. Packed with storage, the kitchen's palette of soft whites, grays, pale wood, and mixed metals keeps it feeling streamlined and serene.

• 18 of 52

  Black

  Design by DasMod and Handsome Salt / Photo by Jenny Siegwart

  In this small open kitchen designed by Eric Gilmer and Sven Simon of DasMod in conjunction with interior designer Sara Simon of Handsome Salt, matte black wall paint provides contrast to white cabinetry and creates continuity with the seating area on the other side of the room. A small dining table floats in the middle of the space between tall windows, and a large colorful painting creates a focal point that distracts the eye, making the kitchen fade into the background of the open space.
  

• 19 of 52

  Reclaimed

  Lobster and Swan

  Rustic reclaimed wood and textured walls make this DIY English kitchen from Lobster and Swan feel homey and inviting.
  

• 20 of 52

  NYC

  Design by Alvin Wayne

  Interior designer Alvin Wayne made the most of this compact NYC kitchen by using cabinetry and countertops in a mix of matte black and bright white lacquer finishes. A mix of silver and copper accents bring the neutral color scheme to life, and the spare design allows the city skyline view to shine.

• 21 of 52

  Neutrals

  Design by Violets & Vinegar Design / Photo by Jenny Siegwart

  This compact U-shaped kitchen from Violets & Vinegar Design keeps it simple with a sober palette of white, gray, and black. A subtle pattern on the backsplash tile adds interest, while countertops are kept clear to keep the small space looking sharp and clutter-free.
  

• 22 of 52

  Shades of Green

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  This charming country style kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has an L-shaped design that hugs the small space with its slanted roof and cottage charm. Finishes in multiple shades of green on the walls, backsplash tile, lower cabinetry, and open shelving is mixed with warm antique brass plumbing fixtures, rich stained wood glass-front upper cabinetry, and terracotta floor tiles with an aged patina.
  

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• 23 of 52

  Galley Style

  Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Amber Thrane

  This light and bright galley California kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors has tons of natural light that makes the sober white, black, and gray palette feel fresh, while mixed metal accents add shine.
  

• 24 of 52

  Shared Entry

  Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza

  This small kitchen designed by Parisian interior design firm Space Factory shares space with the entry. The designers used an atelier-style metal and glass window partition to visually divide the space, and used a striking tile mosaic floor that unites it. The entry side of the cabinetry that divides the space is painted in chalkboard paint to delight the kids, while leather pulls add a sophisticated touch to black kitchen cabinetry contrasted with pale wood countertops.
  

• 25 of 52

  Condo

  Design by Mary Patton Design / Photo by Molly Culver

  This small condo kitchen from Mary Patton Design creates the illusion of a larger space by sticking to a light and bright all-white palette dressed up with luminous gold-toned accents, and adding minimal items to the countertop.
  

• 26 of 52

  Go Dark

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  Dark green paint on lower cabinetry and walls makes this Notting Hill London kitchen from deVOL Kitchens feel cozy and warm, while a dramatic cool marble backsplash and countertops and antique brass accents add polish and style. Open shelving with a thin brass ledge provides easy access storage for tea supplies and glassware and pots of flowers.
  

• 27 of 52

  Victorian Restored

  Design by Tyler Karu / Photo by Erin Little

  This historic Victorian in Cambridge, MA kitchen was remodeled by interior designer Tyler Karu, who worked with the owners to restore the original character and detail to the home that had been erased during previous renovations. The modest sized kitchen has quality materials with a timeless but updated feel. Wall hooks on the empty wall house a decorative and practical display of wooden cutting boards.

• 28 of 52

  U-Shaped

  Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography

  This U-shaped kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors maximizes every last nook and cranny with wrap-around cabinetry from floor to ceiling, a kitchen island with built-in storage, and a white and gray palette with mixed metal accents that makes it feel light and airy.
  

• 29 of 52

  Multi-Functional Island

  Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza

  This top floor Paris apartment designed by Space Factory has tall ceilings and is flooded with light from skylights on the roof, making the small kitchen seem larger. Deep teal lower cabinetry has a grounding effect, while a tall marble backsplash and pale open shelving preserves a light and airy feel. A small kitchen island houses the stovetop and includes a breakfast bar for two.
  

• 30 of 52

  Tiny Loft

  Fantastic Frank

  This tiny Stockholm studio from Fantastic Frank has a compact kitchenette to match, seamlessly tucked in beneath the loft bed stairs that double for extra storage.

• 31 of 52

  Sage Green

  Design by Bees Knees Interior Design Studio / Photo by Tamara Flanagan Photography

  In this small kitchen from Bees Knees Interior Design Studio, soothing sage green paint on the lower cabinets is carried onto the mudroom cabinetry visible through the arched doorway, creating a sense of continuity.
  

• 32 of 52

  Free-Standing Fridge

  Design by Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

  In this small kitchen designed by Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design, a retro style refrigerator is lined up beside the built-in L-shaped cabinetry, sink, and oven, helping to define the space.

• 33 of 52

  High Rise

  Design by Alvin Wayne

  This small NYC kitchen from interior designer Alvin Wayne has pale neutral finishes that allow it to blend in with the open adjacent living room, while a large neon sign at the end of the hallway creates a focal point to distract the eye.

• 34 of 52

  Back to Back

  Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza

  In this small open plan kitchen in Paris designed by Space Factory, a custom designed dining table is placed in front of the wall that houses the kitchen in lieu of an island. It is accompanied by a custom designed leather bench that is placed back to back with the adjacent living area sofa, neatly dividing the space and creating separate zones within a 581-square-foot apartment.
  

• 35 of 52

  Black Box

  Fantastic Frank

  This compact Berlin kitchen from Fantastic Frank has minimalist vibes, with its matte black lower cabinetry, sink, and plumbing fixtures, and a black industrial wall sconce with a long arm that looms over the countertop. A blonde butcher block countertop adds warmth and light, and a framed black-and-white print on the pristine white walls adds some minimalist decor.

• 36 of 52

  Classic

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  This lovely L-shaped London kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has dark lower cabinetry topped with marble slab countertops, leaving space on the walls for framed art and a vintage wall sconce that creates an open, uncluttered feel. Brass, gold, and copper accents warm up the space.
  

• 37 of 52

  Modern Rustic

  Design by Erin Williamson Design

  This remodeled 1950s Texas lake house kitchen from Erin Williamson Design has a modern rustic vibe, with warm tiles, rustic beams, clean, white cabinetry accented with wood pulls, glass pendant lights, a retro style refrigerator, and wood and woven bar stools around the peninsula.

• 38 of 52

  Pass Through

  Design by Bees Knees Interior Design Studio / Photo by Kyle J Caldwell Photography

  This compact L-shaped kitchen from Bees Knees Interior Design Studio hugs the corner of a larger pass-through space, leaving plenty of room around the kitchen island to preserve flow. A pale palette of shades of white and built-in cabinetry that hugs the ceiling maximizes every inch of space and allows the kitchen to fade into the background when not in use while remaining at the center of the home.
  

• 39 of 52

  Self-Contained

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  This small self-contained kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has a U-shaped layout that maximizes space along the three main walls. One wall is devoted to storage, including closed lower cabinetry, and a built-in wall of glass front cabinetry,. The opposite wall has a window over the sink that floods the room with natural light, while the back wall is devoted to an oversize hood vent that creates a focal point along with the vintage-style pale yellow oven.
  

• 40 of 52

  White and Blue

  Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo

  Pale blue cabinetry with black accents and white countertops and tiles make this small kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors feel fresh and functional.
  

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• 41 of 52

  Free Floating

  Design by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp

  This small kitchen designed by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design has open and closed cabinetry, a large countertop, and sink along one wall, with a free-standing oven positioned on its own against the back wall as a matter of necessity. To distract the eye and make the space feel bigger, a convex witch's eye mirror with an ornate gold frame is hung on the wall.

• 42 of 52

  Eclectic

  Design by K Shan Design

  This small kitchen from K Shan Design has a big personality and an eclectic, upbeat vibe thanks to colorful wallpaper, black-and-white check tile flooring, geometric backsplash tile, and blingy gold bar stools around the peninsula.

• 43 of 52

  Contrast

  Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia Fiszer

  This London kitchen from Emilie Fournet Interiors combines emerald green backsplash tiles with pale white and gray lower cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. A double layer of dark wood wraparound wood shelving ties in the reclaimed wood ceiling and provides contrast.
  

• 44 of 52

  Window Seat

  Design by deVOL Kitchens

  In this small galley kitchen in a Georgian style apartment in Bath, England from deVOL Kitchens, a two-seater cafe-style breakfast bar is built in right next to the window to provide a cozy place for a cup of coffee or a meal.
  

• 45 of 52

  Retro

  Rockport Building Partners / Photo by Sarah Szwajkos

  This country kitchen from Rockport Building Partners has plenty of built-in cabinetry painted in a retro pastel mint green, vintage pendant lighting, and a modern kitchen island with a pair of French bistro stools.

• 46 of 52

  Downstairs

  Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

  This compact kitchen from Mindy Gayer Design Co. is located at the bottom of the stairs, laid out in an L-shape with a small island that seats two. Tall cabinetry maximizes vertical space, and a neutral palette with warm touches of wood and natural woven accents adds warmth to the open space.

• 47 of 52

  California Modern

  Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography

  This California modern Eichler house in San Jose was updated by Cathie Hong Interiors, who turned the dark, outdated room into a space fit for 21st-century living. The designer added an island to optimize circulation, replaced outdated cabinets, and added new appliances, tile work, light fixtures, and open shelving.
  

• 48 of 52

  Brick

  True Home

  A small dated kitchen from True Home was renovated with durable sealed brick floors, black cabinetry, salvaged marble countertops, and plenty of recessed can lighting to compensate for the lack of natural light.
  

• 49 of 52

  L-Shaped Peninsula

  Design by Mid City Interiors

  This small bungalow kitchen from Mid City Interiors has an L-shaped peninsula with built-in storage that provides seating for four while helping to define the kitchen area. Built-in cabinetry on the L-shaped corner portion of the kitchen runs all the way up to the ceiling to maximize storage.

• 50 of 52

  Mini Loft

  Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza

  The small minimalist kitchen in this top floor duplex designed by French interior design firm Space Factory is built along a wall next to a staircase inspired by a Kapla game. A single shelf above the sink is painted in Yves Klein blue that matches color accents found throughout the open space, and a single panel of plywood on the cabinet front next to the oven echos the raw material of the staircase.
  

• 51 of 52

  Accent Tile

  Design by Erin Williamson Design

  This small kitchen from Erin Williamson Design is located in a multi unit 1950s A-frame lake house on the shores of Lake Austin, TX. The designer replaced the cramped, dated kitchen, removing upper cabinets, adding a striking black-and-white tile backsplash to modernize it while taking advantage of the vaulted ceilings that make the compact space feel much larger than it is.

• 52 of 52

  Curtain Call

  Design by Studio Peake

  This fresh L-shaped alcove kitchen from Studio Peake can be banished from sight thanks to a green-and-white patterned curtain hung from the ceiling on the outside of the cased opening.

DIY-Friendly and Lower Cost Small Kitchen Remodels

How to get the most out of [selection 2019]

Many owners of "Khrushchev" apartments, as well as apartments with layouts of this type, do not want to put up with the oppressive crampedness of the kitchens that they got.

Everyone is looking for fresh ideas to plan their small kitchen so that it is cozy, functional and modern. Our designer Khitrik Svetlana agreed to help in this matter and put her hand to this collection of ideas.

We have collected all the most interesting and relevant in one place, in this article, there will be a lot of photos!

Contents:

1 Choosing furniture
2 Planning features
3 Which style is best?
4 Lighting
5 Flooring
6 Wall decoration
7 Ceiling
8 Choosing textiles and decor

Minimalism and practicality are an integral part of the interior design of any small kitchen. Remember that with the small area you have, you need to place all the most necessary elements that are convenient to use.

Important: if you need not a photo, but a procedure - read the article "Making repairs in a small kitchen".

This task is not as easy as it seems at first glance, but it is absolutely real. In fact, all the tips described below can, one way or another, be attributed to an attempt to follow this concept.

Modern materials and technologies - sounds rather general, but it is the key to variety and finding the ideal options. First of all, it concerns furniture.

Furniture for a small kitchen

It is important for you to know and understand that it is best to order kitchen furniture, and not buy ready-made kitchen sets in a furniture store. For small rooms, this rule is especially important, because literally every square centimeter counts.

This photo shows a modern style kitchen with breakfast bar. This design solution helps to solve the problem of lack of space for a dining table.

Today, furniture manufacturers can offer you a wide variety of options for a kitchen set for a small kitchen, both in terms of external parameters and internal content.

The most popular material for kitchen fronts is MDF. This is the optimal solution for most consumers both in terms of price range and possible color solutions. We have a detailed article on this site on our website.

Moreover, do not forget about new technologies and mechanisms: you can order all possible pull-out systems, comfortable and light shelves, glossy or matte surfaces, installation of lighting in any corner of the headset.

Bright juicy shades are also popular with interior designers in 2018.

Transparent elements allow you to get several benefits in one fell swoop.

First of all, it's modern. Elements such as transparent fittings and shades for hanging lamps create an amazing visual tandem.

Secondly, what is transparent is practically invisible. For example, chairs made of transparent plastic practically do not "eat up" space and look very nice.

Pull-out furniture and transforming tables are especially relevant for the design of a modern small kitchen, photos of which are shown below.

More and more people are moving away from bulky tables and chairs in favor of furniture that hides in a set or leans against the wall. The use of such elements allows you to actually change your kitchen at the right time for the hostess as it suits her.

What's more, with the "hidden" dining table, there is plenty of space for both adults and, for example, children's games.

The maximum use of the usable area of ​​the kitchen lies in such an initial design of the suite, in which it will occupy the entire area allotted to it - from the floor to the very top.

Do not hesitate to order high furniture, because it will have more space for kitchen utensils. With limited space and, as a rule, the budget, this approach will help to fit the maximum at the minimum cost without creating a warehouse effect.

It is better to buy household appliances built-in, as this will save a lot of space in your small-sized kitchen. There are special narrow models of dishwashers, hobs, hoods, and even ovens that are ideal for tiny rooms.

Worktop (worktop) is best made from MDF or acrylic. Natural stone or quartz will be too heavy for a small headset, which may adversely affect its design.

Layout of a small kitchen

Sometimes it makes sense to abandon the door to the kitchen and enter it through an archway. The rejection of a standard doorway in favor of an arched one is due to a positive visual and spatial effect.

This solution saves a small room from "constriction" and feeling of tightness in four walls. In such a miniature kitchen, for example, with an area of ​​​​5 or 6 square meters, or Khrushchev, it is much more comfortable and cozy to be than in the same one, but with closed doors.

Continuing the theme of doors, sliding models are a good option. Their installation will help save some usable space, plus it looks very modern.

Also, in some cases, you can go more drastic and combine the kitchen with your living room.

Such a solution can be found more and more often in modern projects, especially youth apartments. Such layouts are called "studio" and allow you to smooth out the shortcomings of a small area, while making the kitchen comfortable and functional.

By the way, this kind of small kitchen design, as shown below, is one of the most popular modern ideas among young families in 2019.

If you have a small corner kitchen, then you have, in fact, two layout options: L-shaped or F-shaped. Each of them has its pros and cons, which must be considered before the final decision.

Choosing a style for a small kitchen

The following are the most popular and suitable styles:

• Modern. This is a broad concept, which includes a number of styles, including those that will be described below. But in general, this style involves the use of fashionable and modern materials in everything: furniture, wall decoration, flooring, lighting. Most of the photos that we posted in this article show the interiors in this style.
• Minimalism. Even the name of this style suggests that it should be suitable for a small kitchen. And there is. Practicality, functionality, a minimum of decor and a maximum use of usable space: these are its main features. See more examples of minimalist kitchens.
• Classic does not mean old or obsolete. This means the rejection of catchy and defiant forms, colors, contours that are not to everyone's liking. There are a lot of such examples and the design of the kitchenette in the classics is common. Traditional designs of sets, floor and backsplash made of tiles, without stretch ceilings and fanciful chandeliers, a solid steel sink and flowers on the windowsill. You can look at a separate selection of kitchen interiors in the classics.

Lighting

Lighting needs special attention. Since the room is small, the central part can be illuminated with a compact chandelier or a pair of hanging lamps.

It is advisable to illuminate the working area separately using LED strip or spot lamps.

The only window should not be covered and it is desirable to allow maximum penetration of natural light.

Floor

You need to understand that the design of any small kitchen, without the use of modern ideas and approaches, is initially doomed to failure. This is especially true for the choice of material and pattern for the floor. One wrong step, and you will make an already small room visually even smaller.

Our people are used to laying large tiles on the kitchen floor in the old fashioned way, which is fundamentally wrong. If a tile, then only a small or medium size. It is, one might say, the law.

It is also important to consider the type of coating, because we are talking about the kitchen. The floor in it should be easy to wash, be resistant to moisture. Ceramic tiles, moisture resistant laminate, linoleum are the most optimal solutions.

Natural wood should be treated with some caution, because the material can be deformed under the influence of moisture.

Modern manufacturers today produce solid wood boards, which are processed with special moisture-resistant compounds, but only its price is quite impressive. Therefore, not every owner of a small kitchen can afford high-quality wooden floors.

A more budget option that can visually expand a small space is glossy tiles. Take a closer look at plain white, cream, beige options.

If desired, it can be combined with dark-colored tiles (black, dark blue, burgundy, brown), laying out the pattern in a checkerboard pattern. Whether to make the drawing even square or rhombuses, everyone decides for himself.

Do not underestimate the glossy surface of ceramic tiles. It perfectly reflects both natural and artificial light, visually increasing the space.

Many designers lay out with it not only the floor, but also the walls and even the ceiling of a small room. We dare to assume that such a move will be very popular in 2019.year.

Moisture-resistant laminate is also suitable, imitating a natural plank floor in its pattern. Please note that such panels should not be laid across the room, but along.

Diagonal installation of the laminate will also look impressive. Only you must understand that in this case the material consumption will be significantly higher than with longitudinal laying.

Give preference to light shades, because they are endowed with the ability to visually expand the room.

Linoleum is the cheapest material, resistant to water and easy to clean. Having decided to opt for it, give preference to light monophonic options or a coating that imitates a plank array.

Walls

When you start repairing your walls, most of you will be faced with the need to level them. What should be done to properly prepare the surface, but not to reduce the dimensions of the room?

If the defects are not very serious, a small layer of putty will help to solve them. Otherwise, drywall sheathing will be required.

A layer of old plaster can be removed with a perforator. As a result, you will reach the same level, while obtaining a perfectly flat surface.

Another tip: put drywall sheets on the glue, because the design of the profiles will “steal” about 3-5 cm of usable area from you. Don't forget to pre-clean and prime the walls.

The prepared surface is suitable for painting, wallpapering, applying decorative plaster, laying tiles.

What wall color should I choose for a small kitchen?

The main rule here is to avoid dark tones, they visually greatly reduce the space. Therefore, feel free to look closely at such colors as:

• White
• Beige
• Coffee with milk
• Light olive
• Sand
• Peach

Glossy ceramic tiles can be used for more than just work apron. The shiny surface of the wall in the dining area will give the room a visual spaciousness.

Wallpaper also choose plain and light. A small unobtrusive pattern or a decorative panel on the wall, near which the dining table is located, is possible.

Previously, we have already considered all the nuances of choosing wallpaper for small kitchens.

The same rules should be observed by those who choose painting or decorative plaster for themselves.

Photo wallpapers will look impressive and unusual. Just make sure that the selected image does not overload the surrounding space.

Seascapes, images of street cafes are perfect. The picture itself should be a continuation of your room, visually expanding it and making it more spacious.

Mirrors on the walls of a small kitchen will also be relevant. It is not necessary to purchase a huge model for the entire wall. Create an original composition from several small mirrors.

Ceiling

The ceiling in small kitchens is often rather low. You can simply paint it with light water-based paint or paste over with white wallpaper.

But we are talking about modern solutions. We advise you to take a closer look at the plastic panels, suspended and stretch ceilings.

Plastic panels are inexpensive, aesthetic, easy to install and maintain. During installation, they practically do not take away the already small height of the kitchen.

When deciding to opt for them, give preference to light, preferably white shades.

Suspended ceilings are often used in larger spaces, but the right choice of material will allow you to use them in smaller spaces.

Drywall sheets should not be used in the design. Choose for yourself mirror or rack designs.

The shiny surface of the material is guaranteed to make the ceilings higher, visually expand the space, and make the room light and free.

Stretch structures will look the most stylish and effective. During the installation process, they will take only 2-3 cm of height, which will not have any critical effect on the visual perception of the room.

Only give preference not to matte, but to glossy films. Any color solution, the main thing is that it be in bright colors. A few spotlights will make the picture more spectacular and complete.

Textiles and decorations

Finishing the design of a small kitchen for which modern ideas were used, do not forget to pay due attention to the selection of textiles and decorative elements.

It is also important to avoid dark and heavy materials here, as in the main finish. For window decoration, use light translucent curtains, while it is better to exclude heavy curtains.

In a small space, every free centimeter of space is often used. The window sill is no exception, so choose curtains for a small kitchen of such length and configuration so that they do not clutter up your access to it.

Remember, a well-lit room always visually seems more spacious and comfortable. Warm shades (red, orange, yellow, etc.) bring space closer and smaller, cold ones, on the contrary, seem more distant, which creates a visual effect of expansion.

Choose a material that is practical and easy to care for. If you have a stove installed next to the window, then airy developing curtains will not be the best options, because this is a good example of a fire hazard.

Today it is not a problem to choose a fabric that is durable and practical.

One such option is tulle. It does not attract dust, is resistant to pollution, but at the same time passes air and sunlight well.

Photo-tulle is also gaining popularity. The variety of images allows you to choose worthy solutions for each buyer.

Quite a popular modern solution for a small kitchen are blinds, fabric blinds, Roman blinds for the kitchen. They will become a concise frame for the window opening.

When choosing decor, you should also adhere to the principle of minimalism, because even a little overdoing it with accessories will overload an already small space.

Would you like to hang a picture, photo or poster on the wall? Choose not one, but a couple of small images, placing one above and the other slightly below the middle of the wall. This little trick will make the ceilings look taller.

Accessories can be selected in bright colors. Against the background of a general laconic finish, they will look especially impressive and attractive.

Transparent and shiny decor is the choice of many modern designers. These can be small vases, photo and picture frames, kitchen accessories, hot pads, etc.

Fresh flowers are found in almost every kitchen today. Small spaces are no exception.

Lush potted plants are best moved to another room. In the kitchen, limit yourself to small elegant compositions.

Bright multi-colored violets, delicate orchids, spring primroses and other flowers will fill the room with freshness, give naturalness and naturalness. It would also be appropriate to look at the phase with fruit, standing on the dining table.

As a bonus, here are some more examples of imitating small kitchen interiors that you can try in your apartment.

They are also found in modern apartments. When buying such an apartment, the owners face the question of which layout to choose in order to make such a kitchen cozy and functional.

Contents

Which layout to choose

The main task of planning a small kitchen is to use every centimeter of usable space. How to arrange furniture so that the kitchen is primarily comfortable for the hostess? There are several standard planning solutions: linear arrangement of furniture, corner U-shaped, G-shaped. Let's look at the most preferred options.

Corner

This is the preferred option for small kitchens. Furniture is located along two adjacent walls in two perpendicular lines. This method of placement allows even a modest area to be effectively used.

The advantages of this solution are obvious:

• Compliance with the kitchen triangle rule: you can safely place the sink, stove and refrigerator at arm's length. This will allow the hostess not to wind meters while running around the kitchen.
• Modern kitchens (including modular ones) with a corner layout are spacious and compact at the same time: thanks to technological fittings, precious space will not be lost.
• Convenient zoning. With such a layout, zoning suggests itself: there is free space for a dining table with chairs, and you can even place a corner kitchen sofa.

The only disadvantage of this solution is that it is not suitable for narrow elongated kitchens. Even if the shape of the room tends to be more like a rectangle, it will be difficult to implement such an arrangement.

Most often in small kitchens, a strict L-shaped arrangement of furniture and large household appliances is performed. The sink is located in the corner of the headset, refrigerator and stove on the right and left. Sometimes a small kitchen can even accommodate a bar counter. In the smallest kitchen, it can completely replace the dining table.

Straight layout

In many cases, a straight layout is the best solution for small kitchens. This is especially true for narrow elongated spaces. This is an option in which the elements of the kitchen set are placed along one wall.

Of course, the linear arrangement of the sink, stove and refrigerator is not always convenient, as it violates the triangle principle - the main one in kitchen ergonomics. Therefore, in larger rooms, a linear kitchen set is usually combined with a peninsula or even an island.

Linear or straight layout would thus be the preferred option:

• for a small family where cooking takes a little time;
• for narrow kitchens;
• for studios;
• if you prefer a more comfortable dining area at the expense of kitchen functionality.

What are the advantages of a direct layout can be listed:

• this is the simplest and most easily implemented option;
• kitchen sets for this layout are the most affordable;
• more space is freed up in the kitchen, it seems brighter and less cluttered.

Of course, for a long kitchen, such a location will not be the most convenient - the hostess will have to run a lot along the workplaces.

What layout is not suitable for a small kitchen

Unfortunately, in a small kitchen, all ideas for creating an island or even a peninsula will have to be abandoned - they simply will not fit into the room. U-shaped and even more intricate G-layouts will not work - you risk being left without a dining area.

However, this option is acceptable if the apartment has a separate dining room. Then you can leave a small built-in bar for morning coffee in the kitchen, and the table and chairs will be in the room.

A two-row linear layout is acceptable in a small kitchen, but with some nuances . Firstly, cabinets will need to be bought with a small depth. Such a layout is optimal if the width of the room is at least 2.2 m - then it will be possible to accommodate 2 rows of furniture 60 cm deep and leave a meter passage between the rows. One row of kitchen furniture will have to be made shorter to accommodate the dining area. In appearance, this option will look like a trailer.

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.

Kitchen set

Unfortunately, not every typical kitchen will fit into a small kitchen. Of course, the concept of small is different for everyone - for someone and 10 meters a small kitchen. However, most often in typical planning solutions for Khrushchev, Brezhnevka and even early stalins 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, narrowed, with functional corner cabinets and tall.

Furniture arrangement should solve 2 main tasks: functionality and minimalism. There should be no excess furniture in a small kitchen, but it should solve all storage problems. If the ceiling height allows, you can even consider installing the top row of cabinets under the ceiling, where little-used equipment can be removed.

When choosing furniture, order light glossy facades. They will reflect the lighting, and the kitchen will seem more spacious. Glass and mirror inserts will also look good. If small children are planned to appear in the apartment, order furniture with rounded corners - this will increase its safety. Tables that are beveled (narrowed) towards the front door look good in small kitchens.

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 squares and a little more, you can place a table and chairs near a free wall or near a window. When placing a dining area near the window, you can even put a narrow kitchen sofa with your back to the window.

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 a long time at the table, but they will be enough for eating.

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 window sill table that captures part of the wall. Such products are made of artificial stone, they are not particularly expensive, but they look quite impressive.

A small family can be limited to a bar instead of a table. It will increase the functionality of the kitchen space, creating an original environment. A great idea would be to combine a bar counter and a window sill. For a two-level rack, the second part of which is mounted on a metal console, it would be wise to place traditional coasters for wine glasses and fruit shelves on top. And you can slide high bar stools under the counter.

Where to put the refrigerator

The standard type of ordinary Khrushchev is a refrigerator in the corridor. Of course, this is not the most convenient accommodation option, since the hostess will have to run to it all the time, in addition, it clutters up the passage. The built-in refrigerator in the kitchen will help maintain the ergonomics of the room and will not clutter up the aisles.

However, you can place the refrigerator separately from the headset, 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.

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, a great place to install a refrigerator is on the loggia. Of course, the rule of the kitchen triangle in this case will be violated, but space in the kitchen will be freed up. You can not put the refrigerator next to the stove, radiator and geyser.

Color

A small kitchen, by definition, should be bright. The brighter the kitchen, the more spacious the room feels. Light furniture facades, light walls, short curtains, additional lighting are the main recommendations.

A dark floor will add depth to the room, and bright contrasts in the form of an apron or decorative elements will help the kitchen flourish. As for lighting, additional lighting can be done above the work area and near the dining table.

How to make the kitchen more spacious: useful tips

The most radical way to make the kitchen more spacious is to combine it with an adjacent room or balcony. However, all this is costly and brings redevelopment problems with government agencies.

In the kitchen, you can create the illusion of space:

• Light design, white glossy ceiling, glossy or glass facades, a mirrored refrigerator - we have already written about all this.
• Use literally all the millimeters of the area - use the functionality of the window sill, put high cabinets, canisters, hang the top row of cabinets.
• Built-in appliances optimize the kitchen space. Move the hob and oven to different places, hide the dishwasher and refrigerator in tall cabinets;
• Use non-standard doors - accordion opening or sliding. Of course, fittings for such elements will cost more, but they will save space.
• Place corner cabinets: they help to use every centimeter. Swing-out shelves will roll out by themselves when the door opens, and carousel shelves do not have far corners at all.

The most common mistakes in planning a kitchen

And finally, I would like to point out the most common mistakes in planning small kitchens: Something will have to be sacrificed - for example, moving the dining table to the next room.

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