How to make a big one from a small kitchen. Expanding the space: All about small kitchen design

From this article you will learn:

  • Where does the implementation of design ideas for a small kitchen begin?
  • Which original ideas can be used to decorate the floor, ceiling, walls of the kitchen
  • What design ideas can be implemented in different styles
  • What design ideas can you use to properly place furniture in a small kitchen?
  • How to visually increase space in the kitchen
  • How to organize storage in a small kitchen in an original way

In apartment buildings in Moscow, especially those built in Soviet time, the size of the kitchen premises is very small. There are housewives who are quite satisfied with the dimensions of their kitchen, and there are those who do not have enough space for culinary creativity. And if there is a desire for change, you can find many successful design ideas for a small kitchen.

Where to start implementing design ideas for a small kitchen

Before you start drawing up a plan for a new kitchen design, you should remember that there are a number of features inherent to this room:

  • The materials that are planned to be used must be heat-resistant, since the humidity and temperature in the room increases during cooking.
  • During cooking, plates, knives and forks often fall on the floor, so the floor covering must be durable.
  • The main part of the kitchen elements, for example, the sink and gas stove, are tied to communications, so the arrangement of kitchen blocks is determined by the location of these systems:


    Design ideas for small kitchens of different shapes

    Square kitchen

    A corner set would look great in such a kitchen. With its help, you can designate a work area and separate it from the dining area. It is advisable to place the refrigerator, sink and stove close to each other so that they form a “work triangle”. The advantage of this arrangement is that everything you need is at hand.

    A table for such a room should be chosen as a folding one (to save space) or an oval one, since several people can fit around such a piece of furniture. The wide window sill can also be used as a table.

    Rectangular kitchen

    It is better to place furniture in such a room along the walls. The table will take up quite a lot of space, so you can replace it with a bar counter, which will, firstly, be more functional, and secondly, very unusual.

    To visually increase the space, you can use mirror surfaces.

    If there is a small window in the kitchen, you should think about additional lighting. This could be a small chandelier located in the center of the room, or spotlights directly above work area.

    Irregularly shaped kitchen

    Irregularly shaped kitchens imply the presence of recesses or protrusions. You can benefit from these layout features, for example, a built-in cupboard or household appliances can be conveniently located in a niche.

    In case of use kitchen set it is recommended to make it according to individual order taking into account all the features of the room. Wall cabinets must be made with doors that open upward.

    Design ideas for horizontal and vertical surfaces of a small kitchen

    Floor

    When planning renovations in a small kitchen, it is necessary to use modern design approaches, especially when choosing finishing materials and a pattern for the floor. Poor floor design can visually reduce an already small space.

    Particular attention should be paid to the floor covering. It must be resistant to moisture and easy to clean, since grease, pieces of food, and so on will often get on the floor. The best solutions for the kitchen would be linoleum, moisture-resistant laminate and ceramic tile. As for the last option, you should give preference to medium or small tiles, since large ones will visually reduce the space.

    Adherents of natural materials should remember that wood is not the most the best option for the kitchen, as it can deteriorate from exposure to water.

    Currently, boards are produced that are treated with substances that make the coating resistant to moisture. But the price of such material is quite high, so not everyone can afford it.

    The most cost-effective option, which also visually expands the space, is glossy tiles. It is better to choose light shades: beige, cream, white. The design will look very original if you lay out the tiles in a checkerboard pattern, combining them with dark specimens. There can be a lot of pattern options: a black square inside a white one, a white one inside a dark one, a rhombic arrangement, or you can show your imagination and create your own original ornament.

    Ceramic tiles also have a glossy surface that reflects light and can therefore be used to visually enlarge a space.

    Some design experts use tiles not only for floors, but even for walls and ceilings.

    One more suitable material Laminate is used as flooring for the kitchen. It must be resistant to moisture. To visually increase the space, it is recommended to place laminate boards along the room or diagonally. The only disadvantage of diagonal placement is that it is more high consumption materials.

    The most common coating used on kitchen floors is linoleum. This is the most affordable material, resistant to moisture and easy to clean. Here you also need to pay attention to warm shades.

    Walls

    Renovating almost any room most often begins with treating the walls. If they are smooth, you can begin further finishing. But most often it is necessary to eliminate existing shortcomings. And here the problem arises: how to do it so as not to reduce the already small kitchen space.

    If wall defects are not very noticeable, you can eliminate them using putty. If the unevenness is large, then it is better to use drywall.

    It is better to glue sheets of drywall, since another method of fastening will take away from 3 to 5 cm of an already small area. Before using the material, the walls must be prepared by thoroughly cleaning and priming them.

    The finished surface can be painted, covered with wallpaper, tiles or covered with decorative plaster.

    What wall color should I choose for a small kitchen?

    As in the case of the floor, when choosing the color of the walls, you need to focus on light shades, since dark tones visually reduce the space.

    The emphasis should be on following colors:

  • White.
  • Beige.
  • Coffee with milk.
  • Light olive.
  • Sand.
  • Peach.
  • To visually expand the room, you can use glossy tiles, which should be placed in the dining area.

    As for the choice of wallpaper, the preferred options here are light colors: plain or with small patterns. Near dining table can be placed decorative panel or photo wallpaper with a seascape, the main thing is that they do not overload the space.

    If you choose photo wallpaper, you should remember that it should visually enlarge the room.

    Another way to expand the space is to use mirrors. In this case, the reflective surface should not be huge. In this case, you can use several mirrors, creating an unusual composition from them.

    Ceiling

    Most often, the ceiling in apartments in multi-storey buildings is low, so you can simply cover it with white wallpaper or paint it with light shades of paint.

    Hanging or stretch ceiling, plastic panels– these design options are worth considering for those who want to keep up with the times.

    Plastic panels are an ideal option for those who value price and simplicity. They are inexpensive, easy to install and low maintenance. Their main advantage is that they do not take up much space, which means they save the necessary square meters.

    The color should be selected based on the palette of the entire room; light colors are priority.

    Usually dropped ceilings They are used in large rooms, but if you choose the right materials, you can use them in a small kitchen.

    Mirror designs would be a good design option, as this will visually increase the height of the room and also make it lighter.

    Stretch ceilings will also look original. And if you complement them with spotlights, the kitchen will take on a modern and stylish look. The only drawback of such structures is that they will slightly reduce the height of the room, by about 2-3 cm. But this will not greatly affect the appearance kitchens.

    Which style to choose in small kitchen design ideas

    After solving the issue with individual elements, you should decide in what style the entire room as a whole will be decorated. Since the kitchen is often small in size, preference should be given to simpler styles that do not require additional accessories, items and fixtures. The most suitable styles in this case are hi-tech, modern, traditional and minimalism.

    Style high tech implies the absorption of one color by another and the presence of striking contrasts. It is characterized by precise proportions and straight lines. The main materials used to create such an interior are metal and glass.

    One of the most common kitchen design styles is modern It is functional, has many color options, and is also very convenient. All that is needed in a small-sized kitchen in this case is built-in furniture, spotlights and nothing extra.

    Perfect for those who don't need luxury minimalism. He means good lighting, minimum color, lack of additional decor and the presence of certain boundaries. This design makes the room spacious and weightless.

    The universal design of any room is classic. But in a small space, this style can be used with some restrictions: you should not use patterns and a large number of finishing. Furniture should be chosen wooden, preferably from natural material. Monochrome and lack of pretentiousness is preferable.

    When thinking about kitchen design, you should not limit your imagination, but you should take into account the specific layout of the room.

    Original ideas for arranging furniture in a small kitchen

    One of the most common materials for manufacturing kitchen furniture is MDF. These are inexpensive plates, which also have great variety colors and shades.

    Modern technologies allow you to fully express your imagination: a huge number of types of lighting that can be installed anywhere in the kitchen, built-in furniture with various pull-out systems, matte or glossy surfaces that visually expand the space - all this allows you to turn even the smallest kitchen into an original one. and a unique space.

    Another kitchen design idea is to use transparent material. This solution has certain advantages:

  • Transparent furniture gives the interior a modern look.
  • Such objects do not visually take up space.
  • For those who want to keep up with the times, transforming tables and retractable furniture. Firstly, they save a lot of space, and secondly, they make the kitchen stylish. In addition, the main advantage of such a setting is the ability to model it at any time, to suit any requests and desires of the housewife. This will allow you to realize any design idea.

    In addition, the freed up space can be used for playing with children, which is especially important for large families.

    In small-sized kitchens, it is better to use tall furniture; it is advisable that it occupies the entire space from floor to ceiling. This will allow you to fit more kitchen utensils into it without the effect of piling up. In addition, such a layout will significantly save money, as it will not require additional costs.

    Small hobs, dishwashers, ovens and hoods. They save space in the kitchen and can be perfectly integrated into furniture.

    When decorating your work surface, you should choose acrylic or MDF - these are lightweight materials that are perfect for a small kitchen. Quartz or natural stone will give the structure and the room itself a “heavy look”, which can cause inconvenience or even breakage.

    When arranging furniture and equipment, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • The most optimal is a linear or angular arrangement.
  • Construction in the form of the letter P, in two rows, or island is suitable for large rooms, and not for a small kitchen.
  • All space should be used as functionally as possible. Additional cabinets or shelves can be attached to walls that are not occupied by furniture.
  • The most harmonious and correct location refrigerator - in the corner.
  • Do not forget that you cannot place the refrigerator next to hob. If possible, the minimum distance between them should be at least 60 cm.
  • The gas stove must be connected to a gas pipe.
  • To make cleaning easier, it is recommended to place a drainer for dishes and cutlery above or close to the sink.
  • The sink itself can be installed anywhere in the kitchen, fortunately modern technologies they allow it
  • The stove cannot be placed near a window; the distance from it must be at least 20 cm.
  • You can connect the tabletop to the window sill, which will allow you to working space more.
  • Interior design ideas for a small kitchen that visually increase the space

    • Patterns and color preferences.

    When choosing a kitchen color scheme, you should give preference to neutral shades, as they increase space and reflect light well. You should not use a large number of different colors, two will be enough. The design of the room should be as simple as possible, without ornate patterns or complex patterns on the walls. If you still want to add something, you can use the most pale pattern that does not stand out from the general background of the room. It is recommended to choose light colors for the walls; cocoa shades will also look good. Furniture should be pastel colors; yellow and light brown can also be used.

    If you want to make your kitchen unusual and unique, you can make a bright accent on one of the walls. Contrast will give the room a fresh effect without narrowing the space.

    • Reflective gloss: finishing in a small kitchen.

    All decoration of a small room should be focused on visually increasing the space. To do this, you need to use surfaces that reflect light. Ideal options are a longitudinally positioned laminate that imitates boards and glossy tiles. Optimal colors will pastel shades, white and cream.

    You can create contrast by combining light shades with dark ones in a checkerboard pattern, but remember that very dark colors make the space smaller.

    Tiles can be used to decorate both part of the kitchen and the entire room. You should also reduce the number of corners, niches and bulges as much as possible.

    • More light.

    In a good way To increase the kitchen space is to use spotlights. You can distribute it around the perimeter of the entire ceiling, or you can concentrate it directly above the work surface and other necessary areas.

    Despite the small size of the room, you can use a chandelier for lighting. In this case, it is very important that it be of an unusual model, but at the same time fit into the overall design of the kitchen. The owners determine the size of the chandelier independently, but it is worth taking into account the footage of the room itself.

    Do not overuse the number of plants. In order to give the design a touch of grace, it is enough to place one flower on the windowsill, but always in a beautiful pot.

    • Visually we combine the kitchen with the adjacent room.

    If you have planning permission, you can combine the kitchen with the adjacent room to create a dining room. If this is not possible, you can use visual techniques: for example, use the same wallpaper in the kitchen and the adjacent room or paint the walls of these rooms the same color. This method creates the illusion of combining space, which can be very important for apartments that do not have a kitchen door.

    • Delicate textiles.

    The main thing to remember when creating a kitchen design is that you should not overuse artificial light. The more natural light, the better. On kitchen windows It’s worth hanging light curtains or roller blinds - they will give the window lightness and airiness, and also allow sunlight enter the room. The cornice should be strengthened above the window, this will create a stretching effect, making the ceiling appear higher. You should not use a large number of patterns; a simple ornament on the furniture is enough.

    Instead of massive curtains, it is better to use blinds or Roman curtains, which freely let in the rays, scattering them and making them softer. This window drapery “blurs” the boundaries of the room, making it more spacious. If you prefer fabric curtains, you should give preference to textured patterns.

    • Shape, color and design of furniture for a mini-kitchen.

    For small kitchens ideal option There will be furniture in light colors. It creates a feeling of lightness, and will also visually increase the space if you choose colors that match the main background. Another great solution is to use transparent materials: glass and plastic. Such items look very original and create the effect of weightlessness in the kitchen interior.

    In the case of a small kitchen, it is very important to use every centimeter as functionally as possible, so you should choose roomy furniture. However, it is recommended to be careful, because in the pursuit of convenience you can get carried away with it, in which case it’s already small room will be cluttered big amount cabinets and shelves. A good way to visually increase the space is to place the tallest item in the farthest part of the kitchen. Such an object could be a refrigerator, which will “draw” attention to itself, as a result of which the ceiling will appear higher.

    One of the main kitchen items is the dining table. Its optimal shape depends on the number of people living in the apartment. For a family of 2-3 people, an oval or round table is suitable. Folding models are a universal option: firstly, they take up little space, which is very important for a small kitchen, and secondly, if guests arrive, such a table can be expanded, which will accommodate everyone. Another option: mobile mini-tables that can be stored in any other room and used if necessary.

    Original design ideas for storage space in a small kitchen

    Even with ideal distribution of space for storing dishes, the problem of lack of space may still arise.

    Often, housewives even store dishes that they don’t use at all or only take out on holidays. In this case, it is necessary to audit the cabinets and get rid of the excess. If you have broken dishes that have not been used for a long time, you can throw them in the trash without a twinge of conscience. It is recommended to put kitchen utensils that are needed extremely rarely in boxes and take them out only when necessary. In fact, a very small amount of dishes and cutlery is enough for a comfortable existence.

    Modern stores offer many product options for small spaces: built-in tables, drawers, lifting structures for doors and shelves. These devices are really convenient, but they come at a high price.

    A good solution to solving the problem of a small kitchen would be to place additional drawers above the floor surface. You can put cereals, sugar and salt here. It is also worth building an additional tabletop into one of the top drawers.

    Thus, in the center of the kitchen you can create a functional space with a work surface, storage space for bulky dishes and a dining table.

    One of the most convenient locations of cabinets is parallel to each other on both sides of the room. It is advisable to place the work area, that is, the sink and stove, at the end of the kitchen.

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    A large and spacious kitchen is the dream of every housewife. It’s easy to place everything you need in it, and besides, the space allows for design imagination. But what if the kitchen is very tiny? In this article we have collected tips for you on arranging a small kitchen. With them you can create a functional and beautiful room in any area.

    Work with textures

    When arranging a small kitchen, your main task is to visually add space to it. Therefore, we recommend that you refuse. Give preference - its mirror shine reflects light, and therefore the room will seem larger.

    If gloss doesn't appeal to you too much, pay attention to satin. Its soft radiance also has reflective properties, and therefore will fully cope with the task assigned to it. In addition, the satin texture looks very elegant and graceful - an excellent choice for classic interiors.

    Even black in a glossy design visually makes a small kitchen larger.
    A bright, glossy kitchen is an excellent solution for a small space.
    Reflective properties make the room noticeably larger.

    Using a layout in a small kitchen

    An open floor plan can be a great solution for a small kitchen. If possible, try to combine the kitchen with the room. In a studio apartment, the issue is resolved even easier - we recommend separating kitchen area from the recreation area. Due to the abundance of common space, the room will seem much larger.

    Important! There is a wall in the apartment that is load-bearing; it will not be possible to obtain permission for redevelopment. In this case, try to widen the doorway and stop using doors to the kitchen. This will help add more free space, both real and visual.

    Are you uncomfortable in open spaces? Try replacing a regular swing door with a sliding door, an accordion door, or a curtain door. As a last resort, make sure that the door opens outward - this will also add a few precious centimeters to the room.


    If you have the opportunity to remove one wall, take advantage of it. For zoning, you can use a bar counter.
    No need to do it in the studio large kitchen- a miniature corner is enough.
    If the space is open, the absence of walls will smooth out the roughness of the materials.

    Use the space under the window

    If on large kitchen the window sill plays more of a role decorative element, then on a small scale such wastefulness is simply unacceptable. Remember, your goal is to use every inch of open space as efficiently as possible.

    There are several ways to fit a window sill into the interior of a small kitchen:

    • Install part of the kitchen unit opposite the window sill. You can just put a cabinet there, or you can place a sink or even a stove.
    • Sometimes in the area under the window sill, if there is no radiator installed there, they install small closet or open shelves;
    • The window sill can be turned into an unusual bar counter. Special attention this idea deserves if you have a beautiful window view.
    • This is an excellent alternative to a regular dining table., especially if you have a small family. Need more space? Order a folding board. When folded, it lies on the windowsill; when open, it turns into a dining table for three or four people.
    • Do you want to install a small set? A window sill can be an excellent alternative to a work surface.

    However, remember that if you actively use the window sill, you must carefully monitor its cleanliness. To keep it in good condition, follow our tips in this article.


    The window will provide additional light to the working surface.
    The kitchen sink under the window is unexpected, but very convenient.
    Using a window sill will give you up to 80 centimeters of usable space.

    Order a bar counter

    At first glance, such an idea may seem absurd. For many, a bar counter is still an element of luxury that does not have to be installed in a regular kitchen. Especially if there is already not enough space.

    However, this opinion is fundamentally wrong: in a small kitchen, a bar counter can be extremely convenient solution. It can easily replace a dining table, while being much more compact.


    A bar counter can replace both a table and a work surface.
    A compact bar counter above the work surface is an interesting and practical move.
    Continue the window sill with a bar counter.

    In addition, you can place additional shelves under and on the bar counter, which will greatly facilitate organizing storage in a small kitchen.

    Idea: A folding bar counter can be made to order. The panel will press tightly against the wall when closed, and once you fold it back, you can use it for its intended purpose or instead of a dining table. When folded, this design takes up virtually no space in the kitchen.

    Avoid the dark palette

    No matter how much you like black, burgundy, dark blue kitchens and other rich shades, they are not suitable for a small kitchen. Your choice is white, light colors from the natural range.


    White visually makes the kitchen larger.
    Combine different shades of white to achieve a clean, airy feel.
    Will dilute bright interior A bright floor and household appliances will help.

    How lighter kitchen, the bigger it seems. Follow this rule if you want a small room to feel spacious and cozy.

    Important: Don’t get carried away with mixing shades: two or three colors will be enough to decorate your kitchen. An excessively colorful design will visually make the room smaller, and this is not at all the effect that should be achieved.

    Make a headset to order

    Despite the fact that you can find kitchens for every taste in stores, we recommend that you design the design of your set and order its production according to individual project. For this you can use

    Despite the fact that this approach will cost you more than buying ready-made furniture, in the future all costs will pay off. When designing your own set, you can take into account all the little things: the configuration and dimensions of the room, the location and width of the shelves, the overall dimensions.

    This way you can create a kitchen that perfectly fits the size of the room and at the same time fully satisfies all your needs.


    Order a set with shelves tailored specifically to your needs.
    Use every centimeter to store various utensils.


    An unusually shaped set will help you use space efficiently.

    Give preference to open shelves

    Whatever kitchen style you choose, consider adding some open shelves instead. closed cabinets or even replace them completely.

    The latter are too large, take up a lot of space and visually weigh down the kitchen. But small and neat open shelves visually make the room lighter and more spacious.

    In addition, you can easily find everything you need on them. An added bonus: these shelves will force you to keep your kitchen tidy, which is important for general perception premises.


    Don't want completely open shelves? Consider translucent doors.
    Open shelves and niches make the kitchen more spacious.
    Keep open shelves in order.

    Choosing the right lighting

    Contribute visual expansion kitchens maybe correct lighting. We recommend that you abandon centralized lighting and volumetric lamps: one large chandelier will not be very appropriate. Of course, its light is enough for a small kitchen, but it will lower the room, make it cramped and not too cozy.

    Spotlights are much better suited. Place them above your work area. If you were able to create a dining area in the kitchen, use a small round or rectangular sconce there as light - it is better to leave shaped lamps for more spacious rooms.


    Lighting under the cabinets will elevate them.
    Use LED strips to enlarge your kitchen.
    Spotlightsperfect choice for a small kitchen.

    LED strips or hidden lighting will play a good role. Place the first ones under the upper cabinets of the kitchen unit. This will visually raise them and the kitchen will appear higher than it actually is.

    The second one can be placed for glass apron. Volumetric light will add the missing space to the kitchen, making it larger and wider.

    Idea: A floating ceiling, the effect of which is achieved with plasterboard boards and LED strips, actually removes several centimeters from the height of the room. But, paradoxically, it will seem much higher than before its installation. This well effect is achieved through perimeter lighting and the visual “flight” of your ceiling.

    Use the triangle principle

    In fact, the term "work triangle" refers to the space that includes the refrigerator, kitchen sink and a stove. It can have any shape, depending on the location of key kitchen items.

    However, in a small kitchen it is better to turn to its classical interpretation. L-shaped kitchen It will fit into a small room much more than any other type of headset. This way you can place everything you need, and there will be a free corner left to put a small dining table or its substitute.

    By the way: Give up round tables in favor of square ones. This way you won’t have any unused precious space in the corners, which means the passage will be wider.

    In addition, you will have everything at hand - very convenient and will not require constant moving around the kitchen.


    Think carefully about the placement of your equipment.
    The advantage of a small kitchen: all important items are within walking distance.
    Arrange the key points in a triangle.

    Consider your headset configuration

    In a small kitchen, you need to cherish every centimeter. Therefore, think carefully about how many and what kind of shelves you need. Don’t assume that you won’t be able to fit everything you need - there are examples where a real kitchen occupied only two or even one square meter!

    Corner cabinets, narrow shelves for spices, multi-level hidden shelving - the modern furniture industry provides ample opportunities for creating a unique set that fits the dimensions of even the smallest kitchen.

    Don't be afraid to experiment: even if you think that a shelf looks too unusual or that you don't need a cabinet a few centimeters deep, this addition to a standard set may be exactly what you need.


    Decide for yourself how many cabinets you need.
    You don't have to follow the rules. Lengthen and shorten cabinets as you wish.
    Unconventional shapes will decorate a small kitchen.

    Choose household appliances carefully

    If you analyze new products on the household appliances market, it becomes noticeable that manufacturers gravitate toward maximalism. Home ovens that are more similar to units for a professional kitchen. Refrigerators with a useful capacity of five hundred liters. Huge food processors that can’t except go to the store for you.

    Tell me honestly, do you really stock up for a family of ten and prepare enough food every day for a gala reception? If so, you will have to solve the problem of how to fit all this equipment into a small kitchen. Maybe, the best solution there will be a change of living space.


    Refuse unnecessary equipment: only the essentials.
    A microwave above the stove will save space.
    Consider the location of each device.

    If not, then decide what household appliances you really need. Perhaps your family needs a refrigerator with a capacity of one hundred and fifty liters, a small stove, and food processor Should I give it to someone?

    Main rule: don't chase large volumes and buy only what you really need.

    Built-in technology

    Continuing the conversation about household appliances, it should be noted that in a small kitchen, built-in appliances are much more convenient than free-standing ones. Of course, such a design will take away 8-10 centimeters of usable space from you.

    However, a visually neat row looks much better than disorganized appliances and furniture. In addition, this way the kitchen, oddly enough, will seem much more spacious, and working in it will become much more convenient.

    Choosing built-in household appliances, give preference to gadgets of reduced sizes. We have already decided that large-sized devices are not always necessary. Therefore, feel free to order a miniature version of the equipment. The saved centimeters will still be useful to you.

    In addition, pay attention to devices that combine several functions at once. Grill oven, microwave with convector, multicooker with bread maker option. Such a multitasking device costs less than several separate ones, and it takes up much less space.


    Built-in appliances will save space in the kitchen.
    The kitchen looks much neater, which is especially true for rooms without walls.
    For a high-tech interior, complement the built-in appliances with translucent illuminated shelves.

    Experiment with materials

    Choosing materials for finishing small kitchen, pay attention to their volumes and textures. So, wide wooden panels are unlikely to be suitable - they hide the space. But light wallpaper with a satin texture would be much more appropriate.

    Looks good in small kitchens modern materials with reflective properties. For example, install a steel countertop. This is both fashionable and practical - steel is practically not subject to corrosion and is highly resistant to mechanical damage. In addition, its reflective properties will visually make the kitchen larger and brighter.

    Mirrors on the walls can play the same role. Only you will have to carefully monitor their cleanliness - all dirt and fingerprints are visible on the reflective surface.


    A translucent apron will add volume.
    Looks very interesting against a light background bright accents.
    Textured drawing visually makes the kitchen higher.

    Give up the kitchen corner

    No matter how comfortable a sofa for the kitchen or Kitchen Area, it has no place in a small kitchen. It's better to choose several small chairs. If the kitchen is very small, consider folding options. It is important that they are not too heavy - otherwise you will quickly get tired of removing them and they will get under your feet while cooking.

    Is this option not suitable for you? If you have installed a bar counter, matching chairs would be an excellent solution. Easy to pick up suitable model for any interior design style.


    Translucent chairs for modern interiors.
    A small dining group will fit in a 10 square meter kitchen.

    And the most important thing!

    A small kitchen, paradoxically, requires much more attention than a spacious one. On the one hand, this is illogical - the larger the area, the more space for cleaning. However, in reality this is not the case.

    IN spacious room minor imperfections may not be noticeable. But in a small one, any sloppiness immediately catches the eye.


    This kitchen seems even smaller than it actually is.

    Therefore, think carefully about how to organize the workspace in your small kitchen. Tips on organizing storage in the kitchen will help with this. Use these recommendations to find each item its place - this simple measure will visually make the room much more spacious.

    Be sure to keep the kitchen clean: a tidy room seems much larger than a cluttered one.

    Small kitchen ideas: photo examples




































    Leafing through online magazines with designs for various kitchens, I recently noticed that the small kitchens that are so typical of our apartment buildings, called retro kitchens. Unfortunately, in our reality this is not retro, but, whatever it is, reality.

    A small kitchen is inconvenient in economic terms, cramped for communications and visually oppressive. I wrote about solving the problem of combining a kitchen and a dining room in small kitchens in previous articles. In one of them, we solved this problem by actually increasing the kitchen due to adjacent kitchens and balcony or . But not all apartments can accommodate such redevelopments: in the kitchen bearing wall or kitchen with gas stove or the type of balcony does not allow it to be used for constant load. What can be done in such apartments to enlarge the kitchen. Unfortunately, all that remains is to visually enlarge a small kitchen through design techniques.

    Designer techniques to visually enlarge a small kitchen

    Designers' techniques for visually enlarging a kitchen are quite standard. They are designed for different human perceptions of color, human genetic associations of vertical and horizontal lines, color associations of warm and cold tones.

    Choosing the color of a small kitchen to visually increase the space

    Most people associate light colors with open, large spaces. This is why a kitchen decorated in light colors, such as white, light beige, milky, light blue, light green, appears visually larger.

    White color makes the kitchen look bigger
    White kitchen expands the space

    Related article: Drawers in the kitchen, photo gallery

    Kitchen furniture that enhances the kitchen

    When choosing furniture for a small kitchen, we remember the visual effect of stripes. Vertical stripes on the wall will help to visually enlarge a small kitchen; they raise the ceiling; horizontal stripes on the ceiling push the walls apart in their direction. That is why, in order to raise the kitchen ceiling, we choose high vertical kitchen shelves and cabinets; to move the walls apart, we choose wide kitchen cabinets and shelves.

    Kitchen cabinets up to the ceiling increase the height of the kitchen
    Wide kitchen shelves and cabinets extend the walls

    Other techniques for visually enlarging the kitchen

    In a small kitchen, you need to get rid of free-standing pieces of furniture and appliances. All furniture and stationary kitchen appliances should be located in a single, closed ensemble around the perimeter of the kitchen.

    Sometimes there is so much space in the kitchen that you just want to take it and push it apart with your hands to make it bigger and more comfortable. It's a pity that this is just a pipe dream. But don’t despair, today we will share with you in effective ways and tricks to expand space.

    Method number 1: give preference to light shades

    At any small room It is best to use light finishes and furniture. Cream, light green, milky, white and blue shades are perfect for this. With their help, your kitchen will become visually more spacious and brighter.

    Method number 2: do not use more than two bright colors

    If you decide to move away from elegant white shades in favor of bright colors, then you should not use more than two of them. Indeed, in this case, instead of a small but original and cheerful kitchen, you can end up with a motley, tacky room that will irritate the eyes. Better yet, choose one bright color and dilute it with white.

    Method number 3: use vertical surfaces

    It is best to place all existing cabinets and shelves in a small kitchen along the entire height of the wall right up to the ceiling, thus making the use of space more rational. This is a particularly good option when furniture facades are matched to match the finish, because by merging with the general background, they become less noticeable.

    Method number 4: choosing the right furniture

    Particular attention should be paid to the selection of tables and chairs for the kitchen, because they can steal some of the free space. A round or oval shaped table will take less space. And if it is foldable, then you will also have a multifunctional piece of furniture.

    When choosing furniture, give preference to visually lighter materials. For example, transparent plastic chairs or a glass table will “dissolve” in the space and make it visually more spacious. But massive wooden furniture We advise you not to overload a small room, otherwise you will end up achieving the opposite effect.

    Method number 5: use the window sill

    The standard height of the window sill and tabletop often coincides and is 90 centimeters. Why not use this great opportunity and do not increase the working surface. A daylight and the view from the window will be additional advantages in favor of this option.

    The space under the window sill should also not be wasted and some kind of cabinet can be installed there, of course, if it is not occupied by a radiator. Provided a rather picturesque view from the window of the marvelous old streets or natural beauty, you can turn the window sill into a bar counter. Both options will significantly relieve space in the kitchen and provide additional space for work and relaxation, regardless of your choice.

    Method number 6: hide kitchen utensils in drawers

    Do not obstruct access to the stove, refrigerator or work surface for preparing food. These three points should be clear and easily accessible. Therefore, all frequently used kitchen utensils should be hidden in drawers, preferably lower ones, because getting to them is much easier than climbing up every time.

    How to increase the space available in the kitchen, how to save it - this is a question that owners of small kitchens constantly think about. However, there are quite simple techniques that to some extent help increase the functionality and comfort of the kitchen. This is what we intend to convey in our good advice.



    When deciding how to increase your kitchen storage space, you should consider hanging a plate dryer between the sink and wall cabinets. This will allow you:

    • free up space in the cabinet where this dryer is usually located;
    • Don't worry about the humidity of the furniture, since the drops will go straight into the sink.

    This drying will free up space in kitchen cabinets for storing other items.

    Tip two: make efficient use of the space occupied by the sink

    The sink may well act as an additional workplace. To do this, just place a large cutting board on it.

    So the sink can easily turn into an additional workplace

    Tip three: think about how to increase kitchen space using a hob

    When thinking about how to increase the effectively used space in kitchens in Khrushchev-era apartments, allow yourself to think outside the box. So, a non-standard, but very convenient solution could be to use a hob as a work surface. To do this, you just need to place a large cutting board on it.

    Using a hob as a work surface

    Tip four: don’t forget about the shelves, which can become faithful helpers in cramped conditions

    Shelves can turn into a reliable help for a housewife working in a small kitchen. Taking up no space at all, they can become a safe haven for plates, cups and other items. They can also be used as a place to install spotlights.

    Shelf suspended between wall cabinet and a work surface - the right solution for creating additional space for things

    Tip five: abandon established standards

    When looking for options on how to increase your kitchen space, try to think outside the box. So, an example of a non-standard approach could be a hole in cutting board, through which the generated waste can be dumped into a garbage can without bending over or making unnecessary movements.

    A simple hole in a cutting board can make a housewife's job easier.

    Tip six: install a shelf for a cookbook

    As a rule, in a small kitchen it is difficult to find a place on the work surface to place a cookbook or gadget that is currently used to prepare a dish. A solution to this problem can be hanging a small light shelf.

    Lightweight cookbook shelf

    Tip seven: remember that kitchen doors can easily turn into additional space

    By attaching shelves with hooks to the doors, you can get a great place for hanging kitchen tools and storing spices. When doing this, it is important not to overload the doors, and place the shelves so that they do not interfere with the closing of the cabinets.

    Effective use of the inner surface of kitchen cabinet doors

    Tip eight: do not ignore the sides of cabinets

    Kitchen square meters can be saved significantly if used correctly and efficiently side surfaces cabinets in the kitchen. The shelves hung there can house a large number of items that the housewife has to use quite often.

    Shelves and hangers on the sides of kitchen cabinets

    Tip nine: pay attention to the convenience of tables on wheels

    Such a table can always be easily moved and removed when it is not needed, and sometimes even used in another room. A table or book-table on wheels is practical and convenient!

    A table on wheels can be removed from the kitchen at any time, thus increasing the free space

    Tip ten: roof rails are a convenience that doesn’t take up space

    The functionality of the kitchen can be significantly increased by attaching rails to the walls that do not occupy any space in the room. You can hang both kitchen utensils and specially designed shelves on them.

    Railings – the embodiment of kitchen functionality

    Tip eleven: make a simple, convenient and beautiful organizer

    Make an organizer for experienced housewife it won't be difficult. But its presence in the kitchen will make the room much more comfortable, while at the same time bringing great convenience to it: the organizer’s pockets are an excellent place to store any small items.

    Organizer is a unity of beauty and convenience

    Tip twelve: set up storage for lids

    Using single towel rails and installing them on inside Using different kitchen doors, you can create compact and convenient storage for pot lids.

    Cap storage