How to effectively use narrow gaps between furniture in the kitchen or bathroom

Other arguments of opponents of such a layout

It is said that standing near the stove for a long time is fraught with burns from splashes of boiling fat. But if the sink is far away, we still stand at the stove, watching the cooking process, stirring, turning, etc. It is unlikely that this argument should be taken seriously.

It is believed that the gap between the stove and the sink is necessary as an "emergency landing zone" for hot pots and pans. But why should this zone be located here? If there is a free area on the other side of the plate, then there is no problem.There is no fundamental difference where to put the pans - on the left or on the right from the hob.

Problematic kitchen: very little free space between the stove and sink, as well as on the sides of them

No problem!

Another often voiced drawback is the likelihood that water, hitting the stove, will put out the fire, while the gas will continue to flow. This is, of course, a serious argument. However, such a risk exists only if the stove is old. Modern gas stoves and hobs equipped with a "gas-control" system: if the fire goes out, the gas supply stops.

According to the rules of kitchen ergonomics, the location of the sink and stove should correspond to the logic of the cooking process: they took food out of the refrigerator - washed it - cut it - put it on fire.

That is, a place should be provided between the stove and the sink to cut, chop, knead, etc. Yes, it's really convenient, and it's pointless to argue with it. But if there is a place to work on the other side of the sink, then in terms of ergonomics, the kitchen loses almost nothing.

This kitchen can hardly be called uncomfortable and non-ergonomic

Narrow bedroom design

Do you want to use the bedroom in comfort? Take care of the proper equipment and furniture, despite the small size of the room. Don't forget to put bedside tables on both sides of the bed, which will allow you to place a lamp, glasses, jewelry, or a book before bed.

Choose a dressing table that will allow you to organize your cosmetics. Choose a model with a mirror to make it easier to use. Do not forget about the dresser - you will store clothes in it.

If you have a long, narrow bedroom in an apartment that also needs to serve as a workspace, you will need to find space for a desk and chair. You also need to remember about the place to store documents - a small cabinet with drawers is enough. Thanks to them, it will be easier for you to sort your workbooks or documents.

If a narrow bedroom is supposed to have multiple functions, make sure the room is properly equipped. Before buying, think carefully about the interior and plan the distribution of furniture so that the bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, bedside tables and dressing table fit easily and it is not difficult to move around the room.

Complex appliances

Flood light in the form of exquisite, richly decorated chandeliers with pendants, a large number of lampshades and other accessories is best left for living rooms or hallways. In the kitchen, they will retain their original cleanliness for a short time, and it will be very difficult to wash numerous beads and garlands from a dark coating.

Recommended

In the kitchen, any item should be, above all, practical, and easy to use and maintain. Therefore, lighting fixtures should be purchased concise, simple in shape and small in size. We recommend avoiding the purchase of shades with deep corrugation or perforation, as dust and dirt accumulate in them more intensively.

No. 8. How to arrange furniture in a small kitchen?

Many apartments, unfortunately, cannot boast of spacious kitchens, so the owners have to calculate everything down to a centimeter in order to place the necessary items. Designers have accumulated vast experience in arranging such spaces. Their main advice is as follows:

• use the L-shaped arrangement of furniture in order to place a maximum of useful items on a minimum area. A corner set is perfect for this purpose, and cabinets can be equipped with sliding doors;

• An alternative to corner furniture and wall cabinets in a small kitchen is tall pencil cases. The interior will be concise if you use two such pencil cases in different corners of the room;

• if the kitchen is very tiny, then the dining table can be folding, or maybe for a while it can even be folded against the wall. Even the bar counter can play the role of a dining table;

• in drawers and tables, to optimize storage, you can use multi-tiered trays: they can fit much more necessary things, they will always be neatly folded and easily found;

• it is better to place a microwave in the corner of the countertop: it is not very convenient to use it, but this place is ideal for the location of equipment. It is recommended to fix the mixer and blender on special shelves right above the countertop - so they do not take up space and are always at hand;

• it is better to buy a refrigerator narrow and high, and if the family is small and a huge supply of food is not needed, then a low refrigerator is also suitable, on top of which you can install a microwave;

• analyze the need for some equipment, such as an oven. Not everyone actively uses it, so in some cases it is reasonable to organize an ordinary cabinet for storing kitchen utensils in its place.

It is worth noting that in the desire to place as many things as possible in the kitchen, the main thing is not to overdo it and not litter it. Wall space, incl. above the working area, you can use it, but very thoughtfully so as not to visually reduce the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen.

Features of finishing the room

A large role in the visual expansion of a narrow space is played by the decoration of the room, so it needs to be given maximum attention when redecorating the kitchen. The most effective techniques are the right color combinations and lighting.

Color palette

Avoid using bright colors, dark heavy tones in the interior of a narrow kitchen, especially at eye level. It's tiring, the room looks gloomy and cramped. Warm shades (light yellow, cream, apricot, pale coral) bring surfaces closer and help narrow the space. Use light cold colors for wall and furniture surfaces: light blue, silver, pale cornflower blue, mint pastel.

White color is appropriate in kitchens, visually expanding the space. But the kitchen floor to ceiling, made in white, causes a feeling of instability and disorientation. To avoid this, add other shades: mint or blue for the backsplash, sand or brown for the floor.

Make the upper and middle parts of the cabinet surfaces in light colors (white, silver, cream), and darker colors (blue, malachite and even chocolate) can be used for the bottom. But the room should be well lit. It is optimal when the windows face south. Be sure to balance the use of dark shades with a light floor and ceiling.

If you really want to use a bright color in the design of a narrow room, choose a cool shade. In this case, be sure to use a large amount of white balancing it.

Tips for Optimal Lighting

The lack of lighting, especially in a narrow room, is depressing. The kitchen becomes narrower and darker, there is a feeling of discomfort and a desire to leave the room faster.

If the window is located in a narrow part of the kitchen, the need for additional lighting will arise even during the day, so give up dark and thick curtains.

In the design of a narrow room with a window at the end, attention is focused on it. To do this, select light curtains with a beautiful drapery or put indoor flowers on the windowsill.

For comfortable work, it is necessary to organize the illumination of work surfaces. But at the same time, try not to mount it next to mirror and glossy surfaces that will create eye-catching glare.

If the ceilings are high, lower the pendant lights as low as possible. This is especially true for kitchens equipped with two levels of wall cabinets. A chandelier attached to the ceiling gives a narrow, high-ceilinged room the appearance of a well, illuminated at the top and darkened at the bottom.

A pendant chandelier is placed above the dining area, the rest of the kitchen space is illuminated by spotlights.

Disadvantages of the interior of a narrow and elongated kitchen

Options for a narrow layout of the kitchen in the apartment

The design of an elongated kitchen is designed, given the limited space. The most important flaws in this layout:

• it is difficult to move around the room, especially for several family members at the same time;
• it is difficult due to the limited width to allocate space for the dining area;
• it is necessary to rationalize the working area using non-standard methods.

Successful design solutions for a narrow kitchen use all possible methods of expanding space.To do this, you can remove the adjacent wall and combine the kitchen with a loggia or living room. The front door can be removed and replaced with an arched opening, or the entrance can be moved from a short wall to a long one.

Mirrors on any of the walls will visually make any room lighter and more spacious. Caring for them is more difficult than for painted walls or wallpaper, but the resulting effect compensates for this small flaw.

New style old window

Modern building technologies make it easy to remake a piece of a past era into a beautiful and modern interior detail. There are also several options available. First, you can restyle the outer style of the window without changing its essence, but end up with an elegant window. Secondly, you can remove the glass and use the opening itself.

In conditions of high humidity, plastic products are best suited. In this case, you can not be afraid that the frame will deteriorate from the temperature difference or exposure to water. In addition, if you install a modern design, you can get or keep the ability to ventilate the room. The next step is to properly plan the color solution. White windows are a tribute to immortal classics. They always have a strict, dignified and solemn look.

If you need to give the interior a certain high cost, you should try chocolate or mahogany. This solution will bring contrast and brilliance to the interior of the bathroom. Carries nobility and lavender color. The only color that will be out of place in small spaces is red. After determining the color of the window frame, it will be possible to decide the fate of the glass. Stained glass windows or mosaics look beautiful.

It is also possible to experiment with the shape of a window opening: for example, an interesting solution would be to turn it into a kind of porthole or to shape your favorite geometric figure.

Kitchen furniture for a narrow kitchen

A narrow kitchen set has a smaller than usual depth of cabinets and shelves. If they usually choose 60-70 cm, then in an elongated room it is worth using furniture with a depth of 50-55 cm. It is worth thinking carefully about the need for each locker. It is better not to buy a ready-made set, but to use modular furniture, when the final composition of cabinets and shelves is selected according to the needs of the buyer.

Narrow furniture along one wall allows you to save a fairly spacious passage

The following recommendations will help to plan the situation of a narrow kitchen:

• It is better to place the upper hanging cabinets only on one long wall, and on the other, if necessary, hang open narrow shelves or narrow cabinets with glass doors.
• For the upper tier, you should choose doors with swinging open from the bottom up so as not to clutter up the aisles. This will require the latest fittings with closers, since otherwise there is a great risk of constantly pinching your fingers.
• Original and multifunctional designs are welcome: worktops that can be pulled out from under the working area, built-in or independent bar counters, a built-in refrigerator and other large-sized appliances, folding tables, etc.
• If there is still a place for the dining area, then it is best for him to purchase a table with a transparent table top, and chairs without backs and armrests (stools).

Reclining table and bar stools - stylish and functional

Wardrobe with sliding mechanism for the room

Creating comfort in the room is achieved by correctly selected furniture.So that the furniture does not clutter up the area, it must be functional. The correct internal filling of the cabinet solves this problem. Priority in the choice of designs should be given to cabinets with drawers.

Their modifications differ in shape, volume, depend on the internal dimensions of the model, as well as on the purpose of the boxes.

Shallow rectangular baskets arranged in several tiers are used for shoes. They are arranged in rows and when the box is extended, all shoes are in sight. Deep baskets are used to place folded linen and towels. The convenience of the review can be appreciated when the basket is fully extended.

Retractable closet hangers are designed to store clothes in small lockers. The hangers in them are parallel to the doors. In the extended state, such hangers will be able to demonstrate the entire set of clothes at once.

The best solution in furnishing the hallway is a separate wardrobe with similar fixtures.

The trouser hanger extends smoothly, keeping the position of the trousers. The crossbeam of a hanger is in addition supplied with an elastic band from slipping of trousers. Ties and belts won't go homeless either. They have rotating hangers.

A shoe cabinet can be a separate piece of furniture and placed in the hallway. Usually it is equipped with metal lattice containers for packing shoes and is equipped with a convenient retractable mechanism.

Council number 4. Use hanging items

In the bathroom, where there is already little space, you need to use all the space to the maximum. That is why you can use possible places on the walls.These can be corner shelves, all kinds of cabinets that are mounted in places where they are convenient to use and where they do not interfere with people.

To take an item from a shelf or locker, it is unnecessary to bend over, so such items will become especially convenient where people of advanced age live.

There are also shelves that are combined with a mirror. Behind the mirror, which visually enlarges the space, there is enough space for items that are in constant use: toothbrushes, razors, cosmetics, etc. The only disadvantage of such mirror cabinets is that the area of ​​the mirror itself is limited, which may not correspond to the ideas of a mirror of a large unusual shape. In addition, such a shelf still brings the surface of the wall closer, creating the effect of a slightly more modest space: in this case, the mirror, at least a little, but saves the situation.

Demolition of the wall between the kitchen and the living room

In any residential building, it is forbidden to demolish load-bearing walls, and it does not matter which rooms they pass between. If in your apartment the load-bearing structures divide the kitchen space and the room adjacent to it, unfortunately, you cannot move their boundaries

The only way to improve the interior is to make an opening in such a wall with additional reinforcement, for example, a steel frame. Such a change is theoretically possible, but it is very difficult to legalize such a combination of a kitchen with a room in practice. The housing inspection will be based on what floor the apartment is on (if it is high, then the load on the supporting structures is much greater) and how thick your walls are. Much also depends on the type of house and its design features.

If the wall is not load-bearing, it can be demolished or moved. But even here there are nuances. If gas is supplied to your apartment and there is a gas stove, then according to the rules, there must be a barrier and a door between the living and kitchen premises. This is required for safety.

Redevelopment of a kitchen with a gas stove is possible under the following conditions: firstly, you can brew gas (gas specialists should do this), in which case you can put an electric stove and make the opening you need. Secondly, there is a loophole in the rule: you can demolish the walls between the kitchen space and the room, but instead put a sliding partition. However, security in this case still suffers, since, most likely, you will keep the doors open most of the time. We advise you to install gas sensors in order to react in time in case of a dangerous situation. And one more important point: you can not log in to the kitchen with gas stove from the living quarters, if it is the only one.

Grishin. Design: Galina Berezkina

Chekalov. Design: Alisa Svistunova

Chekalov. Design: Alisa Svistunova

Subtle moments

To make the niche beautiful and pleasing to the eye, the following conditions must be met:

The niche looks especially impressive if not a box is being built, but the entire wall is sewn up. By arranging a false plasterboard wall, you inevitably reduce the size of the room. In a small bathroom, this technique will have to be abandoned.

Modern style

• The construction of a metal frame requires taking into account the size and thickness of the tiles. If the design is complex, it is difficult to combine all the planes even for a specialist, so the result largely depends on the skill of the installer.
• The horizontal surface of the niche is laid with a slight slope to avoid stagnant water.

False wall of complex design

• For a niche to look really stylish, it is necessary that its size matches the size of the tile (it is a multiple of it, fits into the layout). Tiles cut to the size of the opening spoil the whole impression.
• A niche located in a wet area needs careful maintenance. It must be washed and dried after each water procedure. The left moisture leads to the formation of fungus, which is especially noticeable if the grout on the tile is ordinary, and also light.

In a classic interior

O bathroom with mosaic and niche in the next video:

Briefly about the main

A niche in the bathroom wall is an original design element. It solves several problems: it organizes and decorates the space, and also masks engineering communications. Sometimes it is part of the architectural plan, in other cases it is arranged on its own, inside a partition or inside a false wall, which is built from drywall.

Depending on the size and idea, the opening is left unchanged, shelves are built into it, a washing machine or a shower cabin is installed. The walls are tiled, and a mirror, lamps, candles and vases are used for decoration.

non-functional furniture

Such a popular, and desirable for many, kitchen island, sometimes, is not worth it to occupy a usable area. If this object is needed only to display products bought in the store, or for a decorative purpose, refuse to purchase it in time.

Recommended

The island is appropriate, first of all, in spacious kitchens, but even here it should have several useful properties at once: serve as a place for cooking (with a sink, cutting surface or stove), or accommodate various kitchen accessories and appliances in the case, moreover, gather two to four people for a meal.

The presence of a window between the bathroom and the kitchen, structural features and purpose

The presence of this element in old apartments is due to various reasons. The window is built to in the event of a gas leak go explosion, could be used as a technical opening.

A siding for evacuation work to access the bathroom. There may be a child in the room who cannot open the door on his own, someone may become ill in the process of taking a shower.

In order not to knock out the door, you can get through the window. The design feature is that the opening is located very high on the wall, so it does not interfere with using the bathroom, taking a shower.

Council number 1. Choosing a cabinet under the washbasin

Surely, even in the smallest and most compact bathroom there is a place for a nightstand, which is installed under the sink. In fact, this is the only way to make good use of this space, because otherwise it cannot be equipped in any way. Yes, and the cabinet has the function of not only storage, but also the direct support of the sink itself.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the material from which the nightstand is made. So, chipboard, which is now popular, is not the best option, which will constantly have to be protected from the influence of moisture, which is basically impossible in the bathroom.

Otherwise, after a year and a half, such a bedside table will lose its pleasant appearance and partially functionality. Much more reliable material will be MDF boards, the production technology of which is somewhat different from chipboard, which makes them a little more resistant to moisture. By the way, the use of protective films and coatings can extend the life of such a product.

The fittings also deserve attention: it is better to choose products with chrome-plated handles, hooks and other elements. Otherwise, after a few years, constant exposure to moisture will make itself felt, and all these elements of the nightstand, which previously served as decoration, will turn into ugly, rusted details.

It is better if the bedside table, like other pieces of furniture in the bathroom, will be on legs. In this case, it will last much longer, since its base will not be affected by moisture, which can get on the floor in the bathroom and form small puddles. It is easy to imagine what can happen to a nightstand, which will be constantly under the direct influence of water, and even if the room is not ventilated.

No. 7. Place for dining area

Depending on the location of the kitchen furniture and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen, the place for the dining table may be located in different ways. Let's discard the options when the dining area is located outside the kitchen, and try to find option for the best location dining table:

• near the window. The table can become a continuation of the window sill, and at the meal you can admire the landscape outside the window, if, of course, it is of value. In addition, the natural lighting of the dining table will allow you to do without artificial lighting until dusk.The option is suitable for kitchens with an area of ​​​​more than 7 m2 with a double-row, single-row and L-shaped arrangement of furniture;

• in the middle. This table arrangement is suitable for large kitchens and large families. The location of the rest of the furniture can be anything, the main thing is that there is room for free movement;

• a table in the corner is a great option for small kitchens where the furniture is L-shaped or linear. You can complement such a table with a corner sofa;

• a table under the wall is an option for narrow kitchens, while it can be of any shape, even folding, if the area is very small.

Good lighting will make the kitchen more spacious

Small narrow kitchens, in addition to the limited usable area, usually have another serious drawback - low natural light, especially if the window is at the end of the room

In this case, when designing the design of a narrow kitchen, it is necessary to carefully consider the placement of lighting devices, pay great attention to good illumination of the working area. A sufficient amount of light is a visual expansion of the volume of the room, the convenience of the hostess, a guaranteed absence of minor domestic injuries.

The general lighting plan includes:

• illumination of the working area;
• internal lighting of the space of the upper kitchen cabinets;
• general overhead lighting;
• local lighting of the dining area (a ceiling lamp descending above the table or a voluminous wall sconce).

The last point is very important - good lighting of the table where the family dinner is held, gives the home atmosphere a piece of bright sun, fills it with warmth and comfort. In addition, psychologists assure that well-lit food looks more attractive, awakens appetite, and disappears from plates better.

A few transparent hanging shades, as an option for overhead lighting, will perfectly fulfill the necessary function, give a modern accent to the interior of a narrow kitchen, but will not burden a small space. Particularly interesting against the general background may look large-sized "light bulbs Ilyich" or techno-lamps.

Council number 2. Think about the countertop

The countertop relatively recently began to conquer domestic bathrooms, and until some time it was considered something unusual. Now, many have realized that she can turn the bathroom not only into a place where they take a shower, but also into a place of relaxation, where you can relax and take time to take care of yourself.

The sink does not have to be decorated only with a bedside table - for this you can use a countertop and organize additional storage space around the washbasin. On it you can put those items that are most often used, as well as just decorative things. The countertop can be of absolutely any size, and if the bathroom is not quite small, then the countertop can be several times larger than the sink. Under such a countertop, it is logical to organize a storage system that will replace all chests of drawers, bedside tables, wall cabinets and at the same time will look as attractive and neat as possible.

If you decide to equip your bathroom with such a multifunctional and aesthetic element as a countertop, then its choice should be taken seriously. It must be strong, reliable, durable and fit into the interior. make bathroom countertops from different materials.So, natural stone, and this is usually marble, can have a glossy or matte surface, impresses with its durability and strength, resistance to any kind of damage, but at the same time it weighs a lot and is expensive. Countertops made of artificial stone, made of marble or granite chips, connected with acrylic, are almost as good as their natural counterpart in properties, but they scratch a little easier, but they are much cheaper, and it’s hard to notice the difference outwardly.

Glass tabletops can have absolutely any shape, they are moisture resistant, resistant to damage, and their inner side can always be pasted over with any tinting film. The disadvantages include fragility and the formation of lime stains from water, so this type of countertop has not found wide popularity. But MDF boards, which can be used for bedside tables and chests of drawers, are not very well suited for countertops, because in this case it is easy to damage them, which can cause a gradual deterioration in aesthetic and strength characteristics. Oddly enough, wood is much more resistant to impact, especially when protective materials are used.

Finally

Seemed to choose bathroom furniture not so difficult, but it is important to take into account a lot of nuances

• Firstly, few people can boast of a spacious bathroom, so you have to go shopping with a tape measure or make furniture to order.
• Secondly, the bathroom is a room where humidity constantly reigns and temperature changes are observed, so all pieces of furniture must withstand such harsh conditions.
• And, thirdly, the furniture should harmoniously fit into the existing interior, be as functional and easy to use as possible.

Everyone already chooses the color, model, shape of all lockers and bedside tables at their discretion.