The kitchen is no longer just a utility room for preparing food. The use of innovative ideas, materials, and modern technologies allows you to achieve incredible effects in kitchen design. Our article with vivid examples in the photo will help you to finally make sure that this room can easily claim to be the most creative room in the house.
Features of unusual cuisine
The first rule is functionality.
Creative design can be practical; Moreover, this is how it should be. We do not recommend sacrificing practicality for the sake of beauty. Now manufacturers offer many options for comfortable and beautiful kitchen cabinets, alternative materials for finishing walls and other rooms. Extravagant projects are most often made to order, individually. But we can, having gained the experience of professionals, design a creative interior.
Kitchen island with mirrored fronts
Therefore, the main nuance that you need to pay attention to is the combination of extraordinary functions and solutions.
Make the most of corner space
Corner cabinets can be extremely inconvenient to use; you have to reach for them and it is not always clear what is actually there. As a result, due to such ill-consideration, the corner cabinet does not fulfill its functions. Here are some solutions to improve the utility quotient of this problem area.
The Le Mans and Magic Corner pull-out systems have become an excellent solution for corner cabinets. They allow you to fully utilize the space of the corner cabinet. By rotating, they extend completely outward, providing easy and quick access to the contents. A smaller alternative is round shelves that do not extend forward, but rotate around their axis.
Since these smart corner systems are located under the work surface, you won't have to carry heavy equipment like a mixer or bread maker from the other end of the kitchen.
How to make your kitchen unusual?
The concept of “unusual” is a different circle for each person. Some will cope with a bold combination of colors, while for others even extravagant furniture will not be enough. Here you should focus on your ideas for unusual design. We offer several options that will help transform the space and make it extraordinary.
Ceiling
Let's start gradually. The modern design outlines a wide range of different offerings. Even a multi-level ceiling can be considered unusual for this room, since it has not yet become widespread.
Combined ceiling with wooden elements
Let's consider several design options for this zone, starting with the simplest, reaching the most extravagant:
Multi-level structures. This option requires drywall. It is rarely used for this room, as it is hygroscopic and a fire hazard. However, it works well in this area. The essence of this idea is to build a multilayer structure, selecting elements of various shapes, into which hidden lighting is often mounted.
Multi-level designs allow the use of different surfaces in any combination
Stretch ceiling. This option is often combined with the previous one. The PVC film used to create this structure should be used with caution in such environments as it deteriorates when exposed to high temperatures. If you choose a specific color, such as white or black, the stretch ceiling will become a real highlight.
Mirror surface. This is a bolder and more unusual solution. Not everyone will decide to install a mirror in this place. It is expensive and only suitable for kitchens with high walls.
Unusual design. In addition to drywall, other materials can be used to create three-dimensional figures in this area. They often have hidden lighting installed, which makes them special. If the idea with multi-level ceilings is mainly limited to creating several homogeneous levels, then in this case your imagination is not limited and you have the right to create any element.
Here, perhaps, are some interesting and functional proposals for decorating this part of the room.
A thoughtful multi-level design helps to visually increase the height of the ceiling. Do not make the ceiling design in the kitchen too extravagant, this will make it heavier and create an unpleasant overall atmosphere in the room.
The glass ceiling not only looks original, but also fills the kitchen with light.
Decorating the floor
In addition to the usual ideas, such as laying the floor with tiles, laminate, linoleum or parquet, we can offer another original idea.
Relatively recently, an extraordinary offer appeared on the market - self-leveling 3D flooring.
The self-leveling floor looks expensive and original
The self-leveling floor consists of three layers: a concrete base (base), soil and self-leveling floor. The last layer can be polyurethane, epoxy-urethane, methyl methacrylate. The essence of a 3D self-leveling floor is that a 3D image is installed between the last layer and the ground.
The main advantage of the self-leveling floor option is the variety of patterns and patterns
With the help of this technology, any idea can be realized. The advantage of such a coating is also its durability, strength, and resistance to external mechanical influences. These qualities are very important for the upcoming operating conditions.
The desired look can be combined with any kitchen style
Advice! Combine this technology with underfloor heating, as the proposed look looks quite cold compared to other coverings.
An unusual combination of polished floors with rough masonry walls and untreated wood. What does the kitchen have to do with it?
And the kitchen is hidden behind a folding panel. Ideal for a mezzanine where the kitchen is often combined with a bedroom and living room
Wall decoration
Glass panels would be an interesting idea. These are often three-dimensional or geometric abstractions. This way you can replace traditional ceramic tiles.
Faux brick or stone will also work for some styles. By decorating your kitchen apron in this way, you can add exotic notes to the overall atmosphere. This solution is suitable for loft and Provence styles.
Any wall design invented independently, in principle, claims to be unusual and unique
When trying to give your kitchen a distinct flavor, prioritize one area. By making a self-leveling 3D floor, a mirrored ceiling and a kitchen apron with a bright image, you will overload the overall atmosphere of the room.
Choosing furniture
What else will make your kitchen interesting? Furniture, of course. The manufacturers have done their best here, and every buyer will find a model that he likes. You can also make any pattern you like in an individual catalog. An interesting solution would be to have your furniture project invented by a craftsman. Here's an overview of areas you can experiment with.
Luxurious handmade natural wood kitchen set
Kitchen island
Not all apartments can boast large sizes, but many projects have already introduced new technologies designed for large spaces. One of these innovations is the kitchen island.
An interesting addition to the kitchen island: an oval black table on an original base
Tempered black glass table top
In itself, such an idea is already considered unusual in our usual design techniques. But if you want to diversify it, choose an island with an unexpected shape. In the form of a flower or other configuration.
Interesting kitchen island model in a modern style
The elegant induction hob sits in the center of the countertop and is used for both cooking and dining
Kitchen set
This is the most important element. If you make it different from the usual one, you can diversify the interior of the room. What can you play with? Here are some examples and options:
Not all kitchens have such a countertop.
Experimenting with these settings will add interesting flavors. Find a modern set made from quality materials and you can experiment with shapes and sizes. Replace conventional wall cabinets with shelves.
It should be noted that this replacement is less spacious. But this is all the more reason not to create a waste storage facility here and get used to modern design methods.
Seating
Unusually shaped chairs and a sofa will definitely make the resulting interior a subject of discussion. Find a pattern that matches the rest of your furniture. Here the table is of great importance; the height and other dimensions of the chairs depend on its parameters.
An interesting combination of white and red colors for a small kitchen
It should be noted that sofas and corners are a thing of the past. But for lovers of such options, there are modern analogues. Round and square corner sofas, covered with expensive fabric, certainly do not age the overall appearance of the room.
Unassuming chairs can look unusual if they are painted in different colors
In modern interiors, the previous option is replaced by armchairs. You will find many variations: with a high back or vice versa, with a low back, original shapes and materials. As bar counter fashion continues to spread, matching stools are gaining popularity. Bar stools are also great for a kitchen island.
Bionic style furniture looks very unusual
Main palette
Unlike last season, when bright and extravagant colors were in fashion, this year they were replaced by restrained and neutral colors. Modern trendy kitchen design turns into a timeless and always fashionable classic.
The following colors are considered the most popular:
- black;
- white;
- grey;
- beige;
- brown is the color of expensive wood.
Grey
The widespread belief that this color is synonymous with boredom and dullness is deeply mistaken. This is a practical and beautiful classic background for decoration in pearl or gold tones.
Main neutral color
For people who are unsure about choosing a fashionable color for their kitchen design, experts advise choosing beige tones. Designers consider it the “king of neutral colors”, which will never give up its position in the top of the most popular shades.
The beige color fits perfectly into the design of both luxurious Provence and functional minimalism. The color itself creates a special coziness, warmth, uplifts the mood and encourages hospitality.
Don't use more than two complementary colors with beige.
White
In popular Scandinavian-style interiors, white remains in fashion. Its main disadvantage has always been considered dirty. However, modern materials allow you not to be afraid of dirty spots on snow-white surfaces.
Decorative elements should be bright, so they will look most advantageous on a white background.
Brown
A huge plus of this color is the availability of a wide variety of shades:
- walnuts;
- wenge;
- sand;
- coffee;
- cocoa.
In the design of an ultra-fashionable kitchen interior in a classic style, a color close to natural chocolate remains popular. Purely psychologically, shades of brown have a positive effect on people, emphasizing stability and comfort in the family. Pairs well with neutral colors and statement decorative elements.
Combinations of brown with cool olive-gray tones will be popular in the design of kitchen spaces this year.
Bright accents
The first thing that characterizes a modern and bold design is the presence of bright accents. You can highlight the wall with a bright color, accentuating this object.
Bold accents can be used in a small kitchen, but here they need to be combined with white
Any piece of furniture or its element, for example, a tabletop or chair covers, can play the role of an accent. Even dishes or textiles will add bright notes.
Yellow accents are a great way to freshen up a setting; for this technique to work properly, the rest of the room should have calm tones.
The color scheme of an unusual kitchen
Modern interiors are democratic and free from rigid boundaries in choosing colors. The choice of color can be determined by the style, architectural features of the room and personal preferences.
To create a neutral background, it is better to choose primary colors: white, milky, shades of gray or beige.
The basic palette is easier to work with and can be combined with almost any shade on the color wheel. When choosing bright accents for such an interior, the risk of error is minimal.
This season, dark shades are popular, making the interior elegant and expensive. But dark colors are only suitable for medium and large kitchens.
Features of kitchens by type: “Khrushchev”, “Stalinka”, “socket”. What should you pay attention to?
A common problem in small apartments is small kitchens. In Russia, this is, as a rule, the old housing stock - Soviet apartments, the so-called “Khrushchev”, “Stalin”, “socket” apartments, in which the kitchen occupies from 4-6 to 9 m². Due to such a limited area, many questions arise regarding its arrangement, for example, how to properly distribute the space, what layout is the most rational, what kind of furniture is best to use, what color to prefer, is the decor appropriate in such a small space, etc.
We will try to give practical advice that will help turn even the smallest and most unpromising kitchen into a cozy and stylish space where it is comfortable not only to cook, but also to spend free time with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
Let's start on an optimistic note - do you have a small kitchen? So what? Even if it is 4 meters, it is still a separate room!
Professional recommendations will help make it the pride of the apartment, the warmest and most comfortable place in the house. You can easily verify this by looking at these photos.
A few words about the features of kitchen spaces in houses of different years of construction. Despite the fact that kitchens in “Khrushchev”, “Stalinka” and “panelka” buildings are classified as small-sized, it is important to understand that these types of residential buildings have their own characteristics and distinctive features that must be taken into account when developing the design.
Thus, kitchens in “Khrushchev” buildings, five-story apartment buildings of mass construction built in 1960-1985, have a square shape with an area of 4.5 to 6-7 meters with low ceilings - 2.6 meters.
Another feature of the “Khrushchev” apartments is the presence of a gas water heater and a window from the kitchen to the bathroom. The presented photos of modern Khrushchev kitchen interiors demonstrate extraordinary elegance, practicality and comfort.
A feature of other small kitchens in “Stalinka” houses, externally presentable cinder block and brick houses built from the mid-1930s to the early 1960s, are high ceilings, reaching three meters, thick walls, large windows with wide window sills. Although in some projects, on the contrary, the windows are small and narrow.
The area of kitchens varies from 4.5 to 15 m². In “nomenklatura” houses - “Stalin” houses it ranges from 7 to 15 m², in houses of a lower class - from 4.5 to 7 m². There are kitchens with a chimney, a gas water heater and even an internal garbage disposal. There are a lot of interesting options for organizing a small kitchen space in such houses.
Kitchens in typical “socket houses” - houses built from concrete and expanded clay in 1960-1990, as a rule, have a strict rectangular shape and a low ceiling, reaching 2.7 meters. Their area is 6-8 m?. A feature of such kitchens, in most cases, is the presence of a gas water heater and a small storage room located nearby.
Considering the small footage of the kitchen space, most often homeowners attach a pantry to the kitchen, adding an additional 1-2 meters to it. The photos below confirm that a beautiful modern kitchen in an old panel house is quite possible.
Despite the small area and other problems associated with these projects, the given interior options convince us that knowing and following the recommendations for decorating small kitchen spaces can do a miracle and turn the kitchen into a modern, stylish and very cozy corner of your home.
A combination of contrasts in a creative kitchen - metal, wood or copper?
One of the most interesting trends in kitchen decor will be the use of metal. This is a material that, on the one hand, looks cold and unpleasant, and on the other hand, gives the space a light and unusual character. How to use metal in the kitchen? Here are some examples:
- lampshade and applique,
- kitchen utensils such as cutlery racks, metal containers, sugar or fruit bowl, cups
- wall shelves, shelves, display cases,
- hanging kitchen organizers.
Metal goes well with wood. This way, you can place solid wood countertops that will add warmth to the kitchen, as well as metal decorations or shelves.
Wood goes well not only with metal. The combination of wood and stone is also suitable for fashion - you can put it, for example, on a stone floor, a stone tabletop or a fragment of a wall, for example, above the tabletop. Pair it with wood furniture or solid tabletops for an interesting and trendy effect.
If you like an elegant and classic style, choose marble. Various kitchen utensils, table and pendant lamps, tabletops and window sills are made from it. Copper and gold will also remain in fashion.
Decor
Don't forget about decorations in the kitchen. A few ideas on how to decorate a small kitchen:
- hanging geometric flower shelves;
- decorative vessels for spices;
- paintings on the walls do not take up space, but create coziness.
Don’t forget that the main thing in the kitchen is to feel coziness and tranquility; this is the area where you return every day and you need to make it as comfortable as possible for yourself. There is no need to be afraid of experiments and everything will definitely work out!
Design styles
They say that the kitchen is the “mirror of the home.” And all the best should be reflected in the mirror. Classic style is fashion forever. It is always in demand and versatile. The decor uses calm tones, furniture made of solid dark shades. Unusual chandeliers and still lifes in beautiful frames are in demand.
Provencal style is distinguished by grace and simplicity at the same time. Roughly plastered and painted walls in light colors, light antique furniture, airy fabrics, floral images, an abundance of vases and baskets - this is what distinguishes it from other styles.
Art Nouveau style is characterized by a minimal amount of furniture, glossy surfaces of the work area, and smooth curved lines. Asymmetry of design is encouraged.
Colonial style is a combination of classic and exotic. Luxurious wooden furniture with carved fronts, a chic chandelier with many lamps, a large dining table with beautiful chairs make it a style for spacious kitchens.
Kitchen design styles are individual, chosen by the owners taking into account the taste, age, and functional needs of family members.
Interesting kitchen design
Each era dictates its own design trends and styles. Modern kitchen design involves minimalist furniture elements and maximum functionality. Proper arrangement of furniture in combination with household appliances will provide the owners with order and convenience. Whatever style is chosen in the design, the principles of the approach are the same:
- large working areas;
- minimalism;
- maintaining clear lines;
- unusual decor;
- a color scheme that goes against accepted texture standards;
- departure from accepted models in design.
There are many styles of modern design.
High-tech style is considered the most progressive and universal, suitable for kitchens of any size. It is characterized by an abundance of shiny metal surfaces, the presence of modern household appliances, proper bright lighting and clearly defined design lines.
“Minimalism” characterizes the name. All the essentials, without unnecessary decorations if you don't need them. Calm colors in the interior, lots of chrome parts.
Impressive lighting scenario
Unusual solutions for organizing kitchen lighting are very popular. Unique lamps, spectacular lamps, neon lights and other lighting techniques can become a complementary element or the main accent in the interior.
Independent design project
If people are naturally gifted with a wild imagination and a good sense of taste, they can create kitchen design projects themselves. Knowledge of computer programs is also necessary because drawing a drawing does not require drawing.
The approach to choosing a design style begins with studying specialized literature and viewing a collection of photos of kitchens with suggested options. It would be a good idea to evaluate your financial capabilities.
Design projects are needed to imagine what the kitchen will look like after the owners have brought their ideas to life. The most crucial moment is the accuracy of the measurement and measurement of the room.
The next step is to decide on the location of the outlets, and this involves the placement of built-in furniture and appliances.
Furniture should be placed taking into account the communication lines: the sink is where the water supply is, the gas stove is next to the gas pipe. It is possible to redesign the furniture, but this will require additional and considerable costs. When choosing furniture, the height of the apartment’s residents is also taken into account to ensure maximum comfort. If you have spacious areas, installing a bar counter will be an effective touch.
The shape of the interior determines the size of the furniture and its location. The color scheme of the design depends on the wishes and preferences of the residents. The placement of light bulbs and switches requires special attention.
Correctly taking into account all the nuances, you can create a unique kitchen design project.
How to make your kitchen decor original?
The overall concept of the furniture will be determined by the chosen kitchen style. For example, unusual materials for countertops or decorating kitchen walls with decorative plates will help make your kitchen unique. A stone countertop looks great, while it is quite reliable and comfortable.
A kitchen apron made of glass or plastic will also add originality to the space. A subtle touch is beautiful floor tiles or quality hardwood floors. First of all, the kitchen interior should remain attractive and at the same time welcoming. For example, if you love a white kitchen, add colorful decorations. When choosing an orange kitchen or a black and white kitchen, remember that it is already quite light, and try to choose other accessories and furniture in more neutral colors. And don’t forget to use photos for inspiration when creating your kitchen design.
Custom kitchen design: creative ideas
If you approach interior design and decoration correctly, you can combine the most original things. Imagination and creativity can make even a miniature room look bright and artsy. And the presence of ergonomic furniture and equipment will help accommodate everything you need.
Comfort in the kitchen can depend on several factors. It is important to be able to use them harmoniously and distribute them throughout the territory. The main nuances in this regard include:
• Proper arrangement of the “work triangle” - sink, stove, refrigerator. • Place activity points in the corners of the kitchen area. • Use of practical and high-quality finishing materials. • Proper styling, taking into account geometry and color variations. • Use of modern mechanisms and the latest technologies. • Good lighting and quality furniture are a must.
Pull-out furniture has recently been considered especially relevant in kitchen design. Transformable chairs and tables hidden in the wall can transform a room and give it maximum originality. In such a kitchen it will be possible not only to successfully cook for the whole family, but also to receive guests.
Small layout options
Regardless of the layout of a small kitchen, special attention is paid to the correct working triangle, which helps create a more practical and ergonomic design.
To properly organize the space, take into account the length of the walls, the placement of doors, window openings and the layout of communications.
For a square layout, a U-shaped set or a G-shaped design is suitable.
A radical solution for expanding a small kitchen is to combine it with the living room. In this way, it is possible to get a spacious studio apartment from a one-room apartment and eliminate the lack of space, but this requires competent zoning.
In an open-plan studio, you can install a linear or a set with an island, and equip a walk-through rectangular kitchen with a parallel model.
The photo shows an example of the layout of a small irregularly shaped kitchen with a window.
If there are niches, ledges or bay windows, then interesting design solutions can be implemented. In order to equip a small kitchen with an irregular shape, they often choose furniture made to individual sizes.
The photo shows a small U-shaped kitchen set, located in a niche without a window.
For example, in a kitchen with an area of 6 square meters, with proper planning, all the necessary furniture can be placed. See the examples in the article for yourself. Such small footage is found mainly in Khrushchev-era buildings. In this case, it is important to consider visually increasing the height of the low ceiling.
If the kitchen is very small, then it is combined with part of the corridor, living room or balcony. The resulting additional space on the loggia can be converted into a tea room, dining area or equipped with a bar counter.
For small and narrow rooms, it is better to choose compact appliances and custom-made furniture. The finishing is done entirely in monochrome colors.
Stylish and custom kitchens
In order to successfully and competently use the kitchen space, it is necessary to initially design a holistic environment.
Interior design depends on the wishes of property owners, fashion trends, and financial capabilities. If the budget is limited, you can equip a large number of shelves and cabinets, which will make it possible to store a maximum of kitchen utensils.
The door leading to the kitchen plays an important role. In non-standard versions of compact kitchens, they increasingly prefer to replace conventional doors with stylish and original arches. You can design such a step in different stylistic formats by following the link inside the general one. Equally important details include:
1. Design of window openings. Often in the kitchen there is only one window, which it is advisable not to cover with a curtain. Natural light is a priority. 2. Finishing the floor surface. The floors in the kitchen can be covered with ceramic tiles, linoleum, and moisture-resistant laminate. Wood must be used with care, taking into account high humidity and extreme temperatures. 3. Application of color variations. Dark shades should be avoided, which can visually reduce the space. It is worth using beige, sand, white, peach, light olive colors. 4. Use of lighting devices. Small creative kitchens can be centrally illuminated with wall lights or a small chandelier. Additional lighting is created using spotlights or LED strips.
Any housewife will definitely want to decorate her kitchen in an original way. Using modern ideas, you can choose elegant attributes that attract the attention of guests, decorative elements and modern fabrics.
The use of heavy materials in finishing should be avoided. If there is a desire to curtain window openings, curtains or drapes should be strictly excluded. In this regard, the best solution would be to have a light and transparent curtain. It is advisable that it is no longer than the window sill. Then it will be possible to use this element as an additional work surface.
Best Kitchen Design Ideas
Creating a kitchen space and its design is considered the most difficult task for builders and designers. The choice of interior style should be linked to the functionality of the kitchen, the ease of working in it, the minimum amount of time the housewife needs to spend preparing food, and much more.
The best kitchen design ideas are created by experienced and passionate professionals. They adhere to three main components of success in kitchen design: space organization, furniture, functionality. They are achieved by eliminating common problems.
The lack of a countertop leads to the fact that the kitchen becomes overloaded, cluttered with dishes, appliances, and pots. This gives the impression of sloppiness and disorder. You can increase your usable work surface with a little trick.
For example, if you turn your sink into a cutting board. Buying such boards in hardware stores is not a problem. They fit perfectly into the sink. They have a hole for draining water, two compartments for fruits and vegetables.
Multifunctional furniture with folding tables and chairs, magnetic panels or knife hooks, small-sized containers and small items fundamentally solves placement problems.
Incorrect kitchen lighting visually reduces space and interferes with food preparation. The kitchen should not have a light source in the form of a chandelier located in the center of the ceiling. Additional lamps above the countertops will solve the lighting problem and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the interior.
Extraordinary storage systems
Many housewives are faced with the problem of lack of free space for kitchen utensils and products. However, thinking about how to hide all these items in the kitchen, no one notices that most of the utensils in the room are not used.
This means that it can be put away in boxes on the mezzanine or in a closet.
Storage ideas
- Enlarged upper cabinets up to 90 cm will make it possible to install additional shelves in drawers.
- “Carousel shelves” and special baskets are installed in the corner drawers. The basket module comes in different sizes, which affects the capacity. The disadvantage of this idea is the high price of the structures.
- Rails with hooks optimize daily cooking and are filled with utensils and spices. They are usually attached to the apron, filled with various fasteners, and come in any length.
- Additional drawers at floor or ceiling level allow you to store some products and items.
- If the kitchen area allows, install an island that will serve:
- Working surface;
- Dining table;
- A place to store dishes and food.
- The additional space will be free space under the window sill.
A work area can be installed on the window sill itself, thereby creating a larger niche for arranging small items.
