Not everyone can boast of the large size of the apartment, and even kitchens in small areas and quite often take up little space. However, even a small room can be made cozy, stylish and functional. In this article, we will analyze in what style to decorate the fashionable interior design of a small kitchen in 2024, what are the techniques for visually expanding the space, and also share ideas for arranging furniture.
The interior of a small kitchen 2024 – layout features
Small kitchens, as a rule, are found in apartments that the secondary housing market offers. The most common houses:
- “Stalinki”. These houses look very solid and presentable from the outside due to the brick and cinder block used to build the main walls. However, apartments in such houses usually cannot boast of large spacious kitchens, although at the same time a sufficient ceiling height is maintained, reaching up to 3 meters. The kitchen room usually occupies from 4.5 to 15 m2. Often in a small room there is a gas water heater, a chimney and even its own garbage chute. Therefore, there are a lot of interesting options for how to beat the space;
- “Khrushchev”. The kitchens in these five-story houses are not large, while the ceiling height reaches no more than 2.6 meters. The total area of the kitchen premises varies from 4.5 to 6-7 m2. There are fewer options for how to beat the space. In addition, the kitchen with bathroom has an adjacent wall with a small window at the top. Also, the usable space is stolen by a massive geyser, which in modern interiors is replaced by a more compact model;
- “Panels”. The peculiarity of the kitchens in such houses is in their correct straight configuration. The area of the room does not exceed 6–8 m2, the ceiling is also not high, only 2.7 meters. This will need to be taken into account when choosing a finish and arranging a kitchen set. However, the layout of the apartment provides for the presence of a small utility room (pantry) next to the kitchen. It is not uncommon for owners to remove the wall between these rooms, joining them together. This solution allows you to increase the kitchen by another 1-2 meters.
The basic rule for planning a small kitchen and arranging furniture
Regardless of the size of the kitchen, the most important thing is to ensure the convenience of being in it. This is facilitated by the competent location of household appliances: refrigerator, stove and sink. They form the so-called working triangle. The distance between its peaks should not exceed 1.2 meters. However, this is not a strict rule.
The arrangement of furniture depends on the total area of \u200b\u200bthe room, respectively, and the distance between the zones may vary. In small kitchens, furniture can most often have the following arrangement:
Direct, or linear kitchen
In this case, the kitchen set lines up in one line. There is no working triangle here, as the three main zones are located in close proximity to each other.
Corner, or L-shaped kitchen
Most often, a sink is located in the corner, and the stove and refrigerator are located on the right and left sides of it.
Parallel
In small rooms, such a layout is rarely used, but if desired, the space can be organized in this way. In this case, the kitchen set is located along two walls located opposite each other. The work triangle in this case will look like this: the sink is on one side, and the stove and refrigerator are on the other.
U-shaped, or U-shaped kitchen
The kitchen set is also located along two parallel walls, and at the same time a third side is also involved – opposite the entrance. Since it is shorter than the other two, most often the working triangle will be formed from it: the sink is located on the shorter side, the other two elements are on the sides of it.
Island kitchen
This is the rarest layout option for a small kitchen, but it has its advantages. The island is a cabinet, standing separately from the main headset. Here you can take out a stove or sink, depending on whether it is possible to bring the necessary communications.
Ways to expand space
Smart use of space. In a small kitchen, every corner, niche and surface matters. For example, despite the small area of the room, it often has large windows and wide window sills. They can be used for an additional work area, designed in the form of a countertop and placing household appliances there that are not required all the time.
The use of retractable systems. If possible, reduce the number of cabinets with hinged doors. When opened, they steal space. It is much better to make the most of retractable systems. These can be drawers, shelves for storing kitchen accessories, baskets for household chemicals, bottle holders, and more.
Installation of high wall cabinets. This decision will be especially relevant in the “Stalinka” with their high ceilings. On the top shelves, it is recommended to place items and accessories that are needed infrequently, as they can be inconvenient to get. But the cabinets elongated upwards will not only use the free space, but also make the room more voluminous.
Use of glossy facades. Cabinet doors made of lacquered materials will reflect light, and a bright room will visually look more spacious. This small kitchen interior design will be most in demand in 2024.
The right choice of technology. It is better to give preference to built-in models. Yes, they will cost a little more, but such a solution will reduce the time for searching and selecting matching equipment. In addition, you will not need to look for a place to place a microwave or coffee maker – they will be securely hidden in the niches of the kitchen set.
Special attention should be paid to washing. It is worth considering whether you need to buy a model with a wing or you can do without it. You can place the dishes for drying after washing on a special dryer, which is installed in a cabinet above the sink or on a work surface located nearby.
Furniture selection
For a small kitchen, the best solution would be to install a soft kitchen corner. It does not take up much space and usually has storage boxes under the seats. They can accommodate both dishes and products. When choosing a table, it is recommended to pay attention to round models. In a limited space, the lack of corners will be safer. In addition, more guests can be accommodated at the round table.
Choice of accessories. Special attention should be paid to cabinet handles. It is better to choose integrated options. Such handles do not protrude beyond the facade, which provides several centimeters of free space and does not interfere with moving around the kitchen.
Small kitchen design styles 2024
Minimalism
The interior of a small kitchen in 2024 in a minimalist style is characterized by simplicity and a small amount of furniture. The entire space is clearly divided into zones, all dimensions are accurately verified. The kitchen in the style of minimalism is characterized by functionality, that is, every centimeter of free space must be used. Among the colors, one or two basic shades predominate, which can either belong to a single color scheme or be contrasting. Also, the minimalist style does not imply the presence of any decor.
High tech
A kitchen in this style is a high-tech space with a lot of modern technology. The interior design is dominated by cold shades, a lot of white, black and steel. Facades are predominantly smooth and glossy. Also, the interior uses a large number of glass surfaces. All this visually allows you to expand the space of the kitchen and make it more airy.
Modern
This is one of the modern trends, which is characterized by the use of non-traditional materials for the design of countertops, aprons and facades. A lot of gloss, mirrors and metal are used to decorate the kitchen. These surfaces have reflective properties, so the kitchen visually becomes larger.
Provence
In this style, you can create a small cozy space. Provence is characterized by delicate pastel colors, such as blue, pistachio, lilac, mint and others. Shades of white also look good: pearl, milky, coffee, etc. Small potted plants can be used as accent elements and zoning methods.
Lighting in a small kitchen 2024
A small room, as a rule, is poorly lit. While the presence of a sufficient amount of light in it can completely transform the kitchen. Well, if the room has a window. As a rule, all standard apartments provide for it. In this case, it is not recommended to hang it with thick curtains. It is better to give preference to lighter tulle if it harmoniously fits into the modern interior of a small kitchen in 2024.
Blinds will be a universal option, which will suit any design due to the variety of materials. Metal models will fit into the hi-tech style and minimalism, textile and wooden ones – into Provence and Art Nouveau. Natural lighting from the window must be supplemented with artificial light sources. It can be both the main ceiling chandelier and sconces on the walls, as well as spotlights.
If a redevelopment was made and the kitchen was transferred, then the window may be missing. In this case, you should take care of artificial lighting more carefully. In addition to the upper main light, it is worth thinking about the illumination of work areas and spot lighting around the perimeter. If necessary, you can not turn on the overhead light, but use only the additional one, thus creating a cozy atmosphere.
