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
Which style should you choose?
The style can be any as long as it does not require a lot of details. It can be minimalism, high-tech, or Scandinavian style. You don't have to stick to just one direction.
Restraint should also be observed in the shades of the walls - the more neutral and lighter, the better. Colors can be added with small details: dishes, textiles, etc.
If you are afraid of despondency and monotony, take care of wallpaper for painting in advance - this way you can subsequently repaint the room several times.
You don’t have to paint both the kitchen and living room with all the colors of the rainbow—choose one thing. Bright living room furniture and bright glossy furniture will constantly attract attention.
The more spot lighting, the better. Lighting and spots will allow you to distribute the light evenly, especially if the kitchen is initially located in the shade. It is better to give preference to “warm” lamps.
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.
Efficient use of space
- Everything should be arranged in the order in which the food is prepared. First, the refrigerator, where we get food from. We wash and clean them. To do this, we head to the countertop and sink. Afterwards, some of the products need to be cut or other actions performed with them. This requires a work surface. Then we put everything on the stove or in the oven.
- One of the most effective solutions is the working triangle. The option has been popular since the middle of the last century. The refrigerator, stove and sink should be located at the vertices of an imaginary triangle. The distance between the vertices is not less than 1.2 m, but not more than 2.7 m. Movements within such a triangle are minimized. Storage areas, sinks and ovens are within easy reach.
- Built-in technology. Remove what you can from inside the headset. Space is saved a lot. Kitchen appliance stores have an endless selection.
- Open shelves instead of wall cabinets. The option is controversial, but in some cases the most optimal. You can quickly get everything you need, and it’s cheaper.
For the design of small modern kitchens, choose light shades. Cool tones give the room additional volume, while warm tones add homeliness.
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.
Forms of kitchen sets
There are several variants of forms.
Corner
It is a fairly universal design, located along adjacent walls, which allows you to conveniently place a refrigerator, sink, hob, dishwasher and thereby form a working triangle.
The photo shows a studio kitchen with a corner-shaped set, made in light colors.
Kitchen niche
Such an interior solution looks very unusual, significantly saves space and visually increases it. In a rectangular or square niche without a window, more compact kitchen units or U-shaped structures are often installed.
With an island
The kitchen island is a rather convenient, ergonomic and practical element, conditionally dividing the space into two parts, while providing free access from either side.
With bar counter
This design is considered no less popular for a studio kitchen. The bar counter not only zones the room and saves space, but also represents a comfortable place for a snack, while the dining table can be placed in another part of the room.
The photo shows a kitchen area with a small bar counter in the studio interior.
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.
Kitchen on the balcony
If the studio apartment has a large balcony, the wall between it and the room can also be demolished and used for the kitchen area. The loggia can contain work tables without wall cabinets, a refrigerator, an electric stove and an oven.
Placing a sink and gas appliances on the balcony will require complex manipulations with communications. Before rearranging, the balcony must be insulated, this applies to the walls and electric floor heating.
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.
Island layout
Kitchen islands have become very popular lately. You can fully place an island in a kitchen of 20 sq.m. In this case, a straight kitchen set is placed along the wall, and at some distance from it an island is placed - 1-2 cabinets with a work surface.
You can both cook and dine on the island if you place high bar stools on the back side. There may be a storage system inside the island.
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.
How to separate the kitchen from the room?
The most popular zoning options.
Partitions
They are the most practical and convenient solution. Quite often in the interior there are partitions made of wood or plasterboard, which can differ in a wide variety of shapes, or less heavy structures made of glass, plastic and even textiles.
The photo shows the interior of a modern kitchen-studio with a partition made of plasterboard.
Arches
They are not only an excellent space divider, but also allow you to endow the surrounding design with special luxury and elegance. Arches are often complemented with columns or niches in which flowers, themed accessories, decorative figurines, etc. can be placed.
Decorative finishing
By using cladding with different colors and textures, it is quite easy to zone a room. For example, for the kitchen area, tiles can be used on the floor, and ceramics, artificial stone, brickwork or decorative plaster on the wall. The rest of the space has walls decorated in the form of wallpaper and flooring with laminate, parquet or carpet.
Multi-level ceiling and floor
In a more spacious and tall studio kitchen, zoning using a two-level ceiling, which can also have built-in lighting to create an even clearer visual boundary between the two parts of the room, would be quite appropriate. Also, a podium floor is installed as a separator, which makes it possible to elevate and visually highlight the kitchen area.
Lighting
To delimit space, various lighting systems are also used, which provide the opportunity to achieve stunning visual effects and further increase the area. In the design of a kitchen studio, all sorts of combinations are often made with the help of a chandelier, spotlights or LED strips.
The photo shows the zoning of a spacious studio kitchen using ceiling spotlights.
Furniture
Furniture items that do not disturb the harmonious combination of all interior components and at the same time create visual boundaries and thematic zones cope no less successfully with zoning.
Decor elements
An undeniably interesting zoning decor are mobile screens, which suggest a visual division of space without defining clear boundaries. Also a fairly common delimiter is a fireplace or ceiling beams.
The photo shows a studio kitchen with a fireplace in the form of a partition in the interior of a country house.
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.
Interior design features
Nuances to consider when decorating:
- It is not advisable to decorate this space in different style directions.
- In a small studio kitchen, you should not use brown, black, purple and other dark colors, as this will make the room visually smaller.
- For a more comfortable and lighter design, design in light and warm shades, as well as the use of glossy and mirror surfaces that perfectly reflect light, are suitable.
The photo shows a studio kitchen with an interior made in light colors.
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
A combined kitchen-studio, like any other interior solutions, has its own advantages and disadvantages.
| pros | Minuses |
| This redevelopment allows you to achieve a single, spacious room with several functional areas at once. | During cooking, odors are generated that enter the adjacent room. |
| Such redevelopment requires considerable financial costs and approval from the BTI. | |
| It simplifies movement in space, which significantly saves time. | This solution is inappropriate and unsafe when combining a room with a kitchen with a gas water heater. |
Dining group
One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions is to place a dining group between the kitchen and the “room”: a table and chairs.
It is important to turn them across the room, and not put the long side against the wall - this way you will separate the two zones not only visually, but also functionally. The method does not require special skills or costs, and the proximity to the kitchen unit makes the location most convenient.
Island
Great idea for spacious studios. The island is a free-standing kitchen cabinet, away from the walls and furniture. It is part of the storage system, acts as a dining table, and also separates the kitchen and living areas.
Hang lamps above the island to further zone the space with light.
