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
The best models in terms of price, quality, reliability
Bosch KGV36NL1AR
“Super Freeze” mode
spacious;
designed to operate in conditions from +10 to +38 0С.
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LG DoorCooling+ GA-B509CQWL
silent operation;
installation close to the wall;
total volume – 384 l.
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Samsung RT-22 HAR4DSA
No Frost in both chambers;
energy consumption class A+;
Ice maker included.
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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.
The best inexpensive refrigerators under 20,000 rubles
ATLANT XM 4214-000
Autonomous cold storage – up to 16 hours;
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ATLANT XM 4208-000
Retains cold during power outages;
reversible doors;
price-quality ratio.
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ATLANT XM 4011-022
low noise level;
keeps cold up to 17 hours;
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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.
Why are the refrigerator and oven not the best neighbors?
Homeowners are often tormented by the question: is it possible to place a dishwasher next to the oven? Experts believe that such a neighborhood is undesirable . Well, there are different reasons. First of all, this is the heat generated by both devices. In the refrigerator, even in models with the No Frost system, the back wall heats up from the operation of the engine. And in the oven, cooking occurs under the influence of high temperature, so its heating is inevitable. The heat emanating from it forces the compressor to work in increased mode. As a result, energy consumption increases, the refrigerator wears out faster and fails earlier. Simultaneously operating appliances can greatly heat the room. It will become unpleasant to be in the kitchen. Due to high temperatures, especially in winter, wall coverings may become unusable.
A refrigerator and an oven can only be placed next to each other if certain conditions are met.
Separate equipment
It is advisable to install kitchen appliances separately. It is best to place the refrigerator on the edge and other equipment in the center. Owners of a small-sized kitchen often choose a place for it on an insulated loggia or in the corridor. In accordance with safety regulations, electrical units that generate heat must be placed at a distance of 50 cm from each other. If there is no other way out and they are installed too close, then a heat-insulating layer a fire-resistant glass screen placed . If the insulation is incorrect or there is no insulation in the event of a breakdown of one of the devices, the service center specialist will not carry out warranty repairs-refrigerators.com. Therefore, the nuances of installing equipment should be taken into account.
Built-in technology
Devices to be built in can be installed close. All units built into cabinets and walls are isolated from each other by partitions and equipped with special cables. The latter will prevent voltage surges. The advantage of built-in equipment is high-quality and reliable insulation .
Manufacturers complete built-in devices:
- a layer of insulation;
- heat-resistant cardboard;
- fan.
The most modern and expensive models have an emergency shutdown function . Oven models whose doors are equipped with triple glass perfectly retain heat inside the chamber. Built-in refrigerators and ovens can be placed side by side.
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.
Storage systems for pencil cases
The most popular storage systems are:
- Carousels are a combination of semicircular shelves fixed on a vertical support. The system is equipped with rotating mechanisms that allow it to rotate around its axis. The doors close tightly thanks to the corner cutout. To prevent anything from falling from the shelves during the torsion process, a special thin metal side is provided;
- Hinged shelves - allow you to rotate and synchronize several sections at the same time. To make the mechanism work, you need to pull one shelf. Shelves can be metal or plastic in the shape of a figure eight. One shelf can support weight up to 15 kg;
- Smartcorners are a retractable device. The inside of the doors is equipped with a mesh metal shelf with pull-out drawers. The mesh shelves support weight up to 8 kg, and the internal ones support up to 25 kg. The shelves are fixed in such a way that they move out gradually, like carriages on a train;
- Shelves – used for storing dishes, kitchen accessories or other small items;
- Drawers provide easy access to items, saving kitchen space. Typically, retractable structures are installed in small-sized kitchens, since vegetables, fruits, small household appliances, and other accessories can be stored in one drawer at the same time;
- Baskets or nets - used for storing bulk goods - grain, sugar, tea, coffee;
- Dividers - help to conveniently store seasonings, kitchen appliances, food;
- Bottle holders - stands for wine bottles, gravy boats or vegetable oil.
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.
How to arrange a corner closet
Another disadvantage of a corner kitchen is difficult access to the deep cabinet in the corner. To simplify it, designers came up with several solutions. The first option is to use special fittings.
Photo: thedailymeal.com
Another solution is to make a custom storage system. For example, boxes like those shown in the photo:
Photo: thedailymeal.com
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.
Refrigerator next to the radiator or heating pipes
In winter, heating radiators get very hot. If the unit must be placed next to a radiator, it must be protected from heat. Install at the maximum possible distance and do not allow its back wall to come into contact with the battery. If possible, place it sideways to it. This way the motor will heat up less from heating, because during operation its temperature already rises. The space between the radiator and the refrigerator must be insulated with a heat shield , which will reduce the heating of the parts.
However, experts advise finding another place - it could be:
- next room;
- corridor;
- pantry.
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.
The best two-chamber refrigerators with drip defrosting
Such models attract a lower price, although in some characteristics they are often superior to units with No Frost.
Liebherr CUel 2831
stainless steel housing;
Autonomous cold storage – up to 25 hours;
build quality.
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Stinol STS 150
reversible doors;
quiet operation;
cools well.
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Biryusa 649
spacious;
powerful cooling;
convenient internal equipment.
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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.
What material are they made from?
The most common materials for making furniture are:
- Tree. The most expensive and high-quality material, characterized by high technical properties. Wooden furniture needs regular maintenance. The material should not dry out or become heavily saturated with moisture, since this changes the wood fibers and reduces strength;
- MDF. The quality is almost as good as wood, but costs less. With regular care, such a cabinet will last a long time. It contains carbide resins, which make furniture resistant to moisture and minor mechanical defects. The material is quite dense, which allows it to be used as a supporting base for drawers or doors;
- Chipboard. Its properties are no different from MDF, but it is very inexpensive. The disadvantage of chipboard is the presence of formaldehyde resins, which emit toxic fumes at elevated temperatures. The safest models are class E-1 or E-0. If the top layer is damaged and liquid enters, the material swells and deforms. Fasteners built into chipboard models are not resistant to heavy loads. When overweight or sudden movements they often break out;
- Plastic. Not exactly a material for kitchen furniture, since it does not have a long service life. But it is not exposed to moisture and is easy to clean. It is mainly used in the manufacture of decorative elements and internal parts;
- Metal. Most often used in individual projects. Typically, side panels for built-in equipment and fittings are made of metal.
To give the product greater strength, the surface is painted, sanded, and laminated. There should be no scratches or chips on the fittings. For some styles, fittings with surfaces are specially aged.
Pencil case with frosted glass doors
