5 rules that will help make even a small kitchen cozy and comfortable

2 rule. Use built-in technology

If possible, it is recommended to purchase built-in household appliances. Thus, you can save space and increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe working surface. You can also use a technique with multiple functions. For example, purchase an oven with a microwave function.

If the owners cook rarely and do not often host large companies, you can get by with a hob with two or three burners. In addition, you can purchase a small multicooker with a steam function. Then two burners will be quite enough even for a family of 3-4 people.

It is not necessary to place the hob and oven in the same module.If such placement takes up a lot of space, you should think about other layout solutions.

Another tip - it is also better to choose a built-in hood. It does not take up so much space, and in terms of power it is in no way inferior to conventional units.

Deny dishwasher from- for lack of free space is not worth it at all. It is simply recommended to choose a narrower model. It will be enough for equipment 45 cm wide. And in the remaining space, place drawers for storing detergents, bottles of oil or spices.

Original ideas for creating a cozy atmosphere

It is important not to be afraid to experiment, creating a stylish kitchen space. There are many correct solutions:

• a combination of bright shades of furniture with neutral tones of decoration;
• use in the design of the texture of marble, wood and stone;
• replacement of hard chairs with comfortable and soft chairs;
• the construction of a kitchen apron made of tiles around the perimeter of the kitchen;
• placement on the free surface of the wall of open shelves;
• using flowerpots with plants to decorate the kitchen;
• decorating with photos, bunches of artificial vegetables and magnets.

Possessing an artistic taste, from the many solutions you can always choose the best one that will transform the room and make it cozy.

The proposed ideas will help you take a fresh look at the kitchen and allow you to turn it from an ordinary place where you just cook food into a place where peace and harmony reign!

Secret number 2. Filling cabinets, storage

In this matter, not only the capacity of the kitchen set is important, but also the competent organization of storage. Even in a large kitchen, space can always be lacking if you choose the wrong interior.For small rooms, this issue is doubly relevant.

To make it easier to navigate the world of ergonomics, follow a few simple rules below.

Lower tier headset

The lower modules are reserved for storing heavy items - pots, pans and, as well as for built-in appliances - dishwashers, washing machines. If it is possible to build in an oven and a microwave oven at chest level, then you should give preference to this installation option.

Take care of the optimal height of the lower cabinets. Thanks to the adjustable feet, the headset can be set to the desired level.

When organizing the lower tier, there are a few tips that will make the kitchen more convenient.

Cabinets with drawers are more convenient than cabinets with shelves.

The most necessary and frequently used items are stored in drawers under the tabletop - cutlery, knives, vegetable cutters, etc.

You can pull out the drawer to its full length and quickly find what you need. In a closet with shelves, what you need can be in the far corner.

Cabinets with drawers are more expensive than modules with shelves, but if there is an opportunity not to save for the sake of convenience, then the choice will definitely not disappoint. If you buy a headset for a long time, then do not save on fittings.

Make use of the L-shaped storage corner by incorporating a “smart nook” into it.

Read more about the "magic corner" in a separate article - go.

Choose non-standard organizers for the interior filling of cabinets.

In addition to the usual tray for forks and spoons, there are many other interesting solutions.

Bottle boxes are convenient for storing bottles of oils, jars of spices, sauces, vinegar.

Such organizers will rationally organize storage and free up space in the work area.

Use the plinth.

In a small kitchen, there is a catastrophic lack of storage space. Why not use the space in the plinth to store baking sheets, baking dishes and other flat items that you don't use as much.

Top tier headset

Upper cabinets are designed for storing light items and for what should be at hand at any time - cereals, spices and other groceries.

For storage of bulk materials, it is better to use separate containers of the same shape. In order not to confuse the jars, you can sign them beautifully.

Drying is traditionally located in the upper cabinet above the sink. If you plan to immediately put plates and mugs upstairs in the cupboard when washing dishes, make sure that the cupboard opens comfortably so that you do not hit your head against it. The height of the upper cabinets should be guided by the growth of the household. The picture below will help you with this.

The question of whether to make open shelves remains controversial. On the one hand, this will allow you to quickly take what you need when cooking. On the other hand, open shelves require more frequent cleaning.

Open shelves allow you to visually unload the kitchen, which will be a great solution for a small, cramped space. So that such a kitchen does not seem cluttered, you should take care of the appearance of the dishes that will be stored in the open.

Another solution for a small area is glazed upper cabinets. They will look visually lighter than the deaf

But here it is also worth paying attention to the beautiful view of the dishes, which will be visible behind the showcase doors.

For more practical storage ideas, see the video:

Mistakes in the design of a small kitchen

one.Wasted space

In a small area, the struggle is literally for every centimeter, so it’s worth considering the layout and the optimal size of the furniture in advance. For example, a large dining table will definitely eat up almost all of the usable space.

It is better to replace it with more compact models, organize a dining area behind the bar, on the windowsill, or even take it outside the room - where there will be enough space for a large table.

You can always find additional storage space - the same window sill or space under the ceiling can bring you a lot of benefits.

Instagram artis.furniture

Instagram fiddleleafinteriors

2. Only open or closed storage systems

We often see open storage systems in Western projects, they add air to the space, but their abundance can create an impression of disorder.

However, only closed cabinets are not the best solution. They can not only make the space visually heavier, but also complicate the work: in the kitchen there are many things that should be at hand - it is better to place them on rails, shelves, countertops so that you do not have to constantly open the doors and rummage through the drawers.

The best option is furniture that combines open and closed storage systems. The former are intended for items of constant necessity, the latter for what is used infrequently or simply looks ugly.

The mentioned roof rails and shelves are also worth using - you just need to know when to stop.

Pexels

Pexels

3. All household appliances in plain sight

Even if you decide to decorate the space in a high-tech style that honors modern technology, you should not expose your entire arsenal. It will only create visual noise.

Leave the items that you use most often in sight: coffee machine, kettle, food processor. Other appliances, such as electric choppers and steamers, are best hidden in cabinets and taken out when necessary.

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Good - the technique is hidden

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Bad - technique in sight

4. Poor lighting

The lack of lighting and a single huge chandelier visually reduce the size of any room, but in the kitchen they also make cooking inconvenient.

The way out is to think over several lighting scenarios in the room: overhead light, light in the cooking area and above the dining table.

Take a closer look at the ceiling spots, especially with the ability to adjust - they will help direct the light where you need it.

Design Mistakes: Checklist

It is always better to learn from the mistakes of others, but you can easily eliminate your own if you have a ready-made checklist that will help you quickly understand what is wrong in your interior.

Important furnishing tips small kitchen, see the video:

Small kitchen and space organization

When space is limited and there are many different things to do, as is usually the case in the kitchen, maintaining order and rational arrangement of furniture becomes especially important.

Every detail needs to be well thought out. Doors and drawers of kitchen furniture should be easy to open, everything you need should be easily “reachable”. Every thing, every object must be in its place. All this will save you a lot of time.

• Plates, glasses and kitchen utensils are best kept in tall cabinets.
• It is good to leave one of the walls free of furniture. This will visually enlarge the space.
• Furniture boxes are best divided into several “compartments”.
• Furniture up to the ceiling will give you more storage space for everything you need.
• On the shelves connecting different pieces of furniture, it is good to keep spices and small kitchen utensils.

Which layout to choose

The main task of planning a small kitchen is the use of every centimeter of usable area. 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.

A set in a small kitchen must be neat, with closed shelves, without noticeable reliefs.

corner layout

This is the most 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.

Built-in drawers, pull-out shelves, hooks and magnets on the doors, rotating corner carousels - all this will allow you to conveniently place all your kitchen utensils.

The advantages of this solution are obvious:

• Compliance with the rule of the kitchen triangle: 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 roomy 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.

Calm shades with a neutral character will fit well into the design of a kitchen of a small area.

The only one downside of this solution - it is not suitable for narrow elongated kitchens. Even if the shape of the room tends more towards 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 in a small kitchen can even accommodate a bar counter. In the smallest kitchen, it can completely replace the dining table.

The materials that will be used for finishing the kitchen must be of high quality and resistant to temperature extremes.

Direct layout

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

The sink can be placed in any convenient area, where the communications are located, in the case when the layout is linear.

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.

The ideal kitchen is planned in such a way that after cooking and eating, all the utensils fit freely into the cupboards.

A linear or straight layout would thus be the preferred option:

• for a small family in which cooking takes a little time;
• for narrow kitchens;
• for studios;
• if your preference is a more comfortable dining area at the expense of kitchen functionality.

In a modern kitchen, options for glossy or smooth surfaces are possible, and you can also use plain tiles for design.

What are the advantages of direct planning can be listed:

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

Cabinets for a small kitchen are best chosen under the very ceiling.

Curtain decoration

An empty, unformed window is not suitable for all styles. This design technique is usually used in styles where conciseness reigns in everything (hi-tech, constructivism, loft, minimalism). Or the specificity of the style suggests that you need to save as much free space as possible, as is done in Scandinavian or hygge styles.With the help of curtains it is easy to make a cozy kitchen of any non-ascetic style.

Hygge style kitchen - windows without curtains, white as a symbol of impeccable cleanliness

Decorating the kitchen window with a curtain:

• types of curtains - short and straight curtains, Roman blinds, roller blinds, curtains made of light fabrics;
• heavy and dense fabrics are not suitable;
• delicate tulle will perfectly decorate the window;
• using filament curtains, you can model their drapery in different ways;
• curtains made of simple cotton or linen fabric will bring more naturalness and naturalness to the interior;
• silk will add chic and brilliance to the atmosphere;
• guipure, chiffon and tulle - airiness, romance, tenderness;
• you can decorate a plain fabric with embroidery, appliqué, thin ruffles, not too voluminous bows, stylish tiebacks.

Light-colored curtains or curtains are usually selected for kitchen windows. Multilayer designs (curtains with lambrequins and rich drapery) fill the interiors of bedrooms or living rooms, but not kitchens. Lambrequins can be used, but they should be as modest as possible. Airy transparent or translucent fabrics are welcome here. If disguise is important, then the material is dense, but not heavy, without accessories (fringe, protruding tassels).

Floral prints of light curtains add charm to the Provence style kitchen

How to update old furniture

If the furniture in the kitchen is old and loose, then even the most complete renovation will not make it more comfortable. If it is not possible to buy new furniture, you can update it with your own hands, spending much less money on it.

For example, cabinet doors can be updated with self-adhesive film, which can be purchased at a hardware store.The same color of such a coating will help to combine even furniture from different sets into a single harmonious set.

You can also decorate the facades of furniture using the popular decoupage technique, which consists in applying paper patterns to the surface and varnishing them. All floor cabinet covers can be dismantled and replaced with one large new countertop - made of wood, chipboard or artificial stone.

Advice! Accessories play a huge role in creating comfort.

All broken and old locker handles will have to be removed and replaced with new ones (it is important that they are all the same)

5 rule. Sufficient lighting

Lighting plays an important role in the design of any room and can adjust any layout. To begin with, it is worth abandoning heavy dark curtains. It is better to choose light tulle from organza or linen. In the daytime, this design option will easily let in sunlight. And if you need to close the windows in the evening, it is better to use roller blinds or blinds for this.

When choosing artificial lighting, you should adhere to the following rules:

• be sure to install small lamps around the perimeter of the ceiling;
• use wall sconces or pendant lights to illuminate the dining area;
• lamps with guides are installed above the working area;
• on modular groups, you can install LED-backlighting (usually it is hidden behind the rear surface of the modules), in the evening it will add lightness to the structures, thereby increasing the space.