Kitchen in a studio apartment: the best design ideas and furniture arrangement (55 photos)

One of our absolute favorite places to design is the kitchen—it's that one place in the house where everyone tends to gather. So much of our life happens in this cozy place! We all dream of having a brand new custom space, don't we? The reality is that many of us have small kitchens. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out how to make our such small spaces function for our needs while still looking very nice.

Setting up a small kitchen is a real challenge. It is necessary to take into account not only the visual aspect, but also functionality. See how designers do it.

Kitchen design in a studio apartment

A functional plan is important in any size space, but it is doubly important in a small one! A beautiful kitchen with a weird layout will never work for you. Make sure your sink, refrigerator, and stove are all easily accessible in your studio, and that each has enough space for easy use. Please note that you have enough space to store items that you use daily, this is also important for a kitchen in a small studio.

It's no secret that lighter color choices can help open up a space and make it feel larger. But you can go a step further and hide elements that make your kitchen look overly cluttered. Upper kitchen cabinets can 'disappear' with a coat of white paint, shelves disappear when painted the same light paint as the walls.

From the very beginning of the design, choose colors, you want to work with and stick to them. Introducing too many colors into a small studio can make it look overwhelming. We recommend natural wood tones with white and gray accents, with black appliances and brass fittings. Sticking with this scheme will make your small space look larger and more inviting.

Kitchen in a studio apartment.
Author INTERIOR IS AVAILABLE
\In a small studio, storage is a big deal. However, a large kitchen unit feels heavy and closed in, so experts recommend adding one or two pieces to your studio that break it up a bit. This is usually achieved by choosing a range hood instead of a microwave vent, as well as installing some open shelving. If open shelves aren't your thing, a good compromise is glass doors on some of your cabinets. These small changes will have a big impact on how your outdoor kitchen feels!

For a small studio kitchen, it's especially important to make sure your lighting is doing its job. No matter how many design tricks you use to make a space feel larger, poor lighting will always contribute to the feeling of a small space.

If you don't have an island to hang pendant lamps, in a studio we recommend hanging one over the kitchen sink to add another layer of lighting. We also recommend installing sconces above open shelving or a window. Full holders or recessed lighting in the ceiling will add to the overall brightness. Lighting will play an important role in helping your small studio kitchen feel larger.

Kitchen interior in a studio apartment: how to properly separate the space

When space is limited, it's so important to get it right so that even the accessories on your countertop have a purpose! Simplify the space by removing anything that doesn't need to be on display—your blender, mixer, toaster, etc. Choose accessories that are beautiful and functional while adding warmth and personality. Pay attention to every detail, from the closet hardware to the window. Each of these elements will go a long way in creating the perfect small studio kitchen.

Practical, affordable and spacious, an open plan has so many benefits for modern living, but you'll need some inspiration and planning. Zoning is key to transforming a large empty room into a multi-tasking space that acts as a living room, kitchen and dining room.

Try to balance the furniture and ensure harmony. The main rule is to avoid tall elements and bulky cabinets spread equally throughout the room. Using two completely different sets of furniture will make kitchens and living rooms appear smaller, and will only draw/detract attention from one of them. This is why balance is necessary.

Stylistic consistency and coherence are important. All elements must interact in harmony.

In a small studio, designers always strive to create separate zones within one larger space. But in order for the final result to be cohesive, you need to think through your choice of materials and furniture groups. Repeat the use of the same wood on your kitchen countertops and flooring, for example, to bring areas together. The possibilities are endless

Choosing a comfortable table

It is very difficult to do without a dining table. What are the options?

For example:

You can place a small table directly in the room. Its size depends on the number of family members, as well as the space you have allocated for it.
Use a bar counter in this role. This is a modern, but more youth move. It’s convenient to have a snack, have a get-together, etc. Don't forget that you will also have to buy high bar stools.

If for some reason these options do not appeal to you, here are some worthy alternatives:

Are you lucky and your apartment has wide window sills? Convert them into a dining table! This way you won’t need to allocate a separate space for it, and all the horizontal planes in the kitchen will be fully used - wouldn’t you agree, a rational solution for small spaces?
If you decide to abandon clear zoning of the room, use a folding table. A beautifully designed decorative panel on the wall can, with the help of a lever, turn into a comfortable table for several people. When no longer needed, it again becomes an element of the interior (you can read more about such tables here).
By the way, the table can also act as a zoning partition. But in this case, you run the risk of constantly removing various things from it, as there will be a temptation to use it as an additional shelf.
If the kitchen is small but the room is spacious, it is better to move the dining area into it. You can highlight it with its height, the color of the floor and ceiling... A small round or square table, two or three chairs - and you are the owner of a real miniature dining room.

In any case, you will have to give up massive furniture with a lot of decor - visually it looks larger than it actually is. It is better to opt for simple models with a laconic design.

Kitchen layout in a studio apartment - important nuances

If you want to rationally organize the space and get a beautiful interior, the layout of the kitchen studio should be carefully thought out. Start with zoning. Take a piece of paper and write down: what functions will the studio space perform? How often and how much do you cook? How many people sit at the dinner table at the same time? Do you like to cook with the whole family? How often do you invite guests? How many people come to visit? How does your family spend their free time? Where do the children do their homework? Do you need extra sleeping space in the living room? Not only the layout of the studio room and methods of zoning the kitchen, but also the choice of furniture, appliances, lighting and decoration depend on the answers to these questions.
Avoid areas you don't need. Don't like long meals and rarely invite guests? A bar counter and a transforming coffee table will replace a large dining table. Do you always meet friends in a cafe? You can completely abandon the living room in favor of a more spacious bedroom or a comfortable workspace.
If you like to cook, order a large and maximally functional kitchen set. If cooking is not your thing, a small kitchen and a two-burner hob are enough. Be sure to leave 60-80 cm of free worktop. This is the minimum necessary to make cooking convenient.
Studios in new buildings are advertised as open-plan apartments. There are no internal walls - it seems that the kitchen can be made anywhere. Unfortunately, in reality this is not the case. The standards and requirements for apartments with a studio layout are the same as for housing in the old building. The kitchen and bathroom areas are always designated in the developer's documents. The main rule: during redevelopment, wet areas must remain strictly in their places and not “creep” into the living space.
When creating a kitchen design project in a studio, pay close attention to the location of communications. The connection point for water and sewerage is often located in the bathroom next to the kitchen. If you decide to move the sink, consult with a specialist to see if it will be possible to extend communications to a new location. This may require installing a septic pump or raising the floor level to ensure proper drainage. And this is complex work and additional costs.
In a studio made of an old Khrushchev building with a gas stove and a water heater in the kitchen, a partition or sliding doors are a mandatory requirement of the regulations. Without it, your redevelopment will not be approved. Studios in new buildings are equipped with electric stoves, so a partition is only needed if you want to isolate the kitchen from the relaxation area.

Design Tips

The correct selection of color palette, as well as a design thought out to the smallest detail, will help you visually enlarge your small studio room with a kitchen.

How can I do that? Remember a few rules:

Avoid using too bright colors on large surfaces: walls, ceiling, floor. Of course, if you are crazy about bright red or orange, then focus on the decor of these colors.
An old, but “reinforced concrete” rule: do not use dark colors - they make the room smaller.
Additional lighting adds space. The desired effects can be achieved by installing a light glossy ceiling with spotlights around the perimeter. The gloss will increase artificial lighting, which will undoubtedly add additional volume to the room.
Vertical stripes make the room taller, while horizontal stripes make it narrower. Therefore, choose the appropriate wallpaper depending on your needs. It is better to choose a pattern with thin stripes of contrasting colors - this will create additional volume.
Try to avoid drawings and prints. They also visually reduce the space. However, a small neat pattern on the ceiling or wall between the set can look beautiful, neat and harmonious.

A bold technique is mirrors on the ceiling (you can read more about this in a separate article). Remember that such a decision requires attention to detail and maintaining perfect order in the kitchen.

Important nuance: The design of the kitchen should be in harmony with the overall style of the apartment. It doesn’t matter whether your studio apartment is remodeled from a Khrushchev building, or it’s a new building - this recommendation will help you create a beautiful interior.

Appliances

Hide the refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine behind the facades of the set. This is not only a matter of interior design and beauty. Kitchen facades provide additional sound insulation, and built-in appliances are quieter.
Choose silent models and carefully read the description: the noise level of the refrigerator should not exceed 39-40 decibels, the hood should not exceed 50 decibels. Before purchasing, be sure to read the reviews for the selected model. If the slightest noise bothers you, don’t skimp on technology. Typically, the more expensive the model, the quieter it operates.
Always turn on the hood when cooking. Don't buy a cheap one - it's of little use. You just won't use it. Without a powerful hood, the furniture upholstery and textiles in the living area will quickly become covered with plaque and will actively absorb kitchen odors. For a small apartment, it is better to buy a built-in hood - it is compact and not noticeable.
The big advantage of a combined kitchen-living room is that you can use one TV. Position it so that the screen can be seen from anywhere in the studio space.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a kitchenette?

Size. If the family is not large, then it is better to prefer compact kitchens for a studio apartment. The more space you can save, the better.
Material. This was mentioned above.
Functionality and convenience. This is especially true if you have to cook a lot.
Design. In a studio apartment you will see your kitchen all the time. Everything is open to guests who come to you, too. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the design of the kitchen area.
Furniture manufacturer. It is better to prefer an imported manufacturer, however, there are some good ones among domestic ones.

Kitchen furniture is not limited to cabinets and shelves. Closers, shock absorbers, extension mechanisms - all these details seem insignificant, but will quickly show their true importance.

Kitchen area layout options

The most common options are the following:

On the balcony. If there is a spacious balcony, this space can be used as a working kitchen area with a suite without upper cabinets. For a more comfortable stay on the loggia, you should consider insulating it in the form of high-quality double-glazed windows, heated floors or an additional radiator.
Near the window. This placement is very convenient and beautiful. Particularly advantageous in this case will be designs shaped like the letter L, with a tabletop running along a blank wall and smoothly flowing into a plane with a window or bay window, where it can replace a window sill.
On the side wall. Basically, the kitchen area is placed in one row with household appliances arranged in a single straight line.
On the far wall. This option is considered the most optimal and correct for decorating a small studio.

The photo shows the interior of a modern studio with a kitchen area located along the side wall.

Thanks to a certain type of arrangement, you can achieve more free space and realize many interior ideas.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a studio kitchen:

The layout creates a single space, divided into several functional areas, which can be used for any needs of the owners of a living room or study.

Being in a free room is more pleasant from a psychological point of view. There is no external pressure from walls and partitions, which is especially important for small apartments.

It is convenient to move between zones. For example, you don’t need to cross the corridor to get to the kitchen.

Flaws:

When cooking in a kitchen-studio, odors can penetrate the living space and be absorbed into textiles, curtains and furniture. To avoid this, install a high-quality hood.

Recommendations for choosing furniture and equipment

Some tips for making the right choice:

With such a layout, it is advisable to purchase a more powerful and silent hood, which will clean the air and rid the room of unpleasant odors.
It would be better to equip a studio kitchen with a sufficient number of storage systems for order and a neat appearance of the room.
Preference should be given to lighter and more mobile furniture, such as transforming tables or models on wheels.
To create even more free space, it would be appropriate to use built-in or wall-mounted furniture to achieve a harmonious environment, especially in a small studio.

Combination with living room

Kitchen-studio with living room - practical and fashionable. In addition to redevelopment, you need to pay special attention to the design of the rooms. Play a big role:

Selection of furniture and its arrangement;
Color spectrum;
Lighting;
Interior style.

Thanks to the absence of partition walls, there is much more space and you can move more freely.

Kitchen design options

To visually deepen the perspective, a studio kitchen can be decorated with smooth reflective surfaces. For example, in the form of glossy tiles, polished stone, varnished or laminated with PVC film, kitchen facades, chrome appliances or other accessories.

A particularly proportional design is easily achieved thanks to certain interior elements. Tall narrow cabinets, decorative columns or long curtains will visually raise the ceiling plane. You can add additional horizontal volume to your studio using photo wallpaper, an elongated sofa, tables or wide shelves. Bright accents of orange, pink, green, blue, yellow or turquoise, which can be found in individual interior elements or decoration, will significantly dilute the atmosphere.

The photo shows the kitchen area in the studio, located under the stairs with a bright blue apron.

Choosing a kitchen set

Buy a kitchen only to order individually in order to rationally use every precious centimeter. Ideal if it is possible to make it completely built-in.

Even at the design stage of the set, calculate: how many dishes and household appliances you need; where it should be located. Start from this.

Wide, monochromatic modules without unnecessary fittings look much more advantageous and comfortable - there is less chance that you will cling to handles in a small space. The “click - open” system or hidden profile - handles will come to the rescue.

In order to save space, you should pay more attention to the height of the cabinets than to their width. This will not only provide room for maneuver, but will also visually enlarge the apartment if you make cabinets directly under the ceiling.

Photos of interiors in various styles

The kitchen-studio, designed in an urban loft style, is decorated in a monochrome color palette, for example, white combined with brown, gray or contrasting black. The design welcomes high-quality finishing with rough brickwork in combination with uncamouflaged communications and ventilation shafts.

For minimalism, it is appropriate to use monochromatic, restrained colors and kitchen fronts made of natural wood, glass or metal. The studio is in a country or chalet style, characterized by a harmonious interior and a complete absence of modern technology. Furniture and decor made from natural materials can achieve a laconic and charming design.

The photo shows the interior design of a kitchen studio, made in Scandinavian style.

A high-tech interior involves intense color combinations, bright walls or facades, rich textiles and trendy metal utensils. The furniture here is distinguished by its laconic forms and functionality. In the manufacture of kitchen sets, materials are used in the form of polished wood, frosted glass, plastic or laminated chipboard.

A studio kitchen in a neoclassical style or a room with a classic design is characterized by light beige, light brown, white or richer burgundy shades. Furniture elements can be decorated with ornaments, carved decor, beveled inserts or other decorations.

The photo shows a studio kitchen in the interior of a country house in Provence style.

Kitchenette style

High tech. It is dominated by glass, metal and gloss. Everything is in cool colors. Sharp lines. Maximum of modern technology.
Minimalism. Considering that the kitchen is small, that's it. No bulky parts. The number of objects on the surface is extremely reduced.
Modern. Lots of metal, gloss, glass. Designs of any shape are allowed, as long as it is convenient.
Japanese. Natural materials predominate. The shape of the furniture is as simple as possible. A combination of dark and light tones in the design.

Studying a finished design project or a photo in magazines and the Internet, many decide to remodel their own home into a studio by combining the kitchen with the living room.

Important! Styles such as palace, baroque, classic, and Mediterranean are not suitable for decorating a small kitchen. Some of them involve elements that narrow the space or have other disadvantages.

Recommendations for creating a kitchen studio

You can turn most of the disadvantages into advantages of a studio kitchen and it’s not difficult to do. You can find various photos of a kitchen studio on the Internet and specialized magazines, but before turning them into reality, you need to take into account several useful tips and recommendations from experts:

To prevent cooking aromas from spreading throughout the entire space, you need to install a powerful hood.
Install lighting in different zones from different power supplies, so the light turned on in the kitchen area will not interfere and be noticeable in the recreation area.
Try to place work surfaces close to windows so that there is more daylight when cooking.
The style of the kitchen area and the living room area should be the same or fit well with each other, since the kitchen-studio is one whole room.
In the work area, it is better to cover the floor with tiles or natural wood; these materials are the most resistant to high temperatures and humidity.

Types of layouts

Linear layout. With this layout, the entire set is installed along one wall. This way, only one wall will be occupied and there will be enough space to place a table and chairs. For the correct location of the working surface, do not forget about walking distance and issues of “breaking” of working areas.

Parallel or two-line type. With this method of planning, the kitchen set is located against two walls, which are parallel to each other. To fully open all cabinets and the oven, the distance between the two sides must be at least 1.2 meters.

Corner layout. There are two types of corner layout - L-shaped and U-shaped. With an L-shaped layout, the set is installed along two corner walls. U-shaped, when the kitchen set is located along three walls.

Island layout. For this method, the minimum kitchen area is 20 sq.m. The work area with an island layout is located in the center of the kitchen. A dining table, countertop, etc. is used as such an “island.”

Two rooms in one: how to make a stylish studio

Having purchased such an apartment, you should clearly determine the disadvantages and advantages of a studio room in the apartment.

Advantages of a kitchen-room

When undertaking a studio room renovation, the combined situation is considered from different angles, the positive aspects of which should be noted as follows:

There is always the opportunity to be in the center of events, including when guests arrive and you are busy preparing dinner. There is no need to be distracted and run out for a few minutes, leaving either the guests alone or the pan on the stove - calmly continue the dialogue, occasionally looking into the living room. This option is suitable when there are kids in the family, parents do not need to be torn between monitoring the children and cooking, when the mother is in the kitchen - the kids are in sight.
Savings on electrical appliances: one TV for two rooms, a lighting fixture illuminates the common space. This is a serious advantage for combined rooms - some areas are illuminated more strongly, while others remain in the shadows.
Visual expansion of the room.
The possibility of functional zoning - a dining room with a large dining table and stools on the line between the kitchen and the room, or to organize light-transmitting partitions on the same boundary.
Transforming connected rooms into a space with the latest fashion design.

Disadvantages of combined rooms

There are also negative aspects that confuse the owners of large combined premises:

The resulting aromatic odors from the kitchen enter the living room. Unfortunately, a powerful hood does not always solve this problem.
The need to constantly maintain strict order in the kitchen area. You won’t be able to relax - the dishes need to be washed immediately. The dishwasher will replace the physical activity in the process of washing dishes. It will also become a temporary shelter for dirty dishes.
Every person needs privacy, but with this option you are in society all the time.
The kitchen is also a sleeping area. Not everyone likes the feeling of sleeping in the kitchen.
This is an excellent solution for newlyweds before the birth of a child. After the baby is born, the problem of finding space for him will arise.