Photo: neuesbad.de “Lucky” to become the owner of a Khrushchev building with all the ensuing consequences? Do you think you can turn it into something comfortable and beautiful? It will succeed, and we are ready to help! We suggest that you don’t put things off for too long and start right away with the most difficult part: the bathroom! We have already selected several ideas and proposals for its design.
General recommendations
Bathrooms in Khrushchev buildings have common features:
— Combined small bathroom. So you will have to look even more carefully for plumbing fixtures and furniture;
— Problems with ventilation and dampness. This means that you need to avoid any cracks and unnecessary seams, which could potentially become a favorable place for the development of mold and mildew. Try to choose the most monolithic structures possible, and do not forget about antiseptic treatment;
— All Khrushchev-era communications date back to the 80s at best. If you have the opportunity to completely replace the pipes, do not refuse it. Repair work will be much more difficult and expensive in the future;
— It’s difficult to find a place even for the necessary supplies. Give up useless decor. Instead, choose original soap dishes, glasses, coasters, heated towel rails and other useful little things.
Finishes and materials
When choosing finishing materials for a bathroom in Khrushchev, you will have to take into account several features. Including technical ones.
Walls
A common problem with Khrushchev buildings is crooked walls and corners. Lumps and depressions are not dangerous for decorative plaster, but for finishing with tiles you will have to get rid of them. Otherwise, no cladding will stick, and plumbing with gaps will completely ruin the appearance.
Therefore, leveling the walls is the first and main step during repairs in Khrushchev. Of course, a thick layer of plaster will “eat up” the usable area. But if you want a neat and stylish design, you can’t do without it.
Don't overuse complex finishes. It is better not to combine several tiles on one wall at once, because in such a small area there is a high risk of going overboard with the ornaments. Be especially careful when working with strict horizontal and vertical lines.
Floor
An interesting trick is to lay the floor with the same tiles as the walls. This way they merge into a continuous canvas, and this visually enlarges the room. Another option is to combine similar shades of the same color.
Ceiling
It's easier with the ceiling. Single-tier tension structures do not take up much space, hide communications and lamps, and also cover all defects. At the same time, they will retain water in case of flooding from above.
Lighting and backlighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in visually expanding a small space. Make it in several levels: spotlights on the ceiling, wall sconces near the mirror, lighting of shelves or cabinets. It is better to take warm spectrum lamps, otherwise the bathroom becomes too sterile and resembles a laboratory.
Bathroom interior design: 80 photo ideas
What material should be used to decorate the walls, floor and ceiling?
When choosing cladding for a bathroom, you should give preference to high-quality finishing materials:
- they are environmentally friendly and do not pose a risk to human health;
- are resistant to moisture;
- have an aesthetic appearance;
- easy to clean;
- have a long service life.
For wall decoration it is best to use:
- ceramic tiles;
- tiled mosaic.
To visually expand the room, the following techniques are used:
- Rectangular tiles are laid horizontally.
- Alternate colors.
- Combinations are made of tiles or mosaics of various soft shades.
- They create images of wildlife or abstract compositions.
- They use different tones to divide the space into functional zones.
- Against the general background, wide vertical stripes or narrow borders are highlighted in a different color.
- Separate areas are identified using mosaics or panels.
Attention! Decorating the walls in the bathroom with ceramics with a glossy sheen is a sure way to visually expand the space due to the reflection of light.
A more economical finishing option is also possible - PVC panels in light shades.
We should not forget that before starting finishing work, the walls must be leveled with waterproof or facade plaster. This is especially true for Khrushchev, since otherwise it will not be possible to perform high-quality cladding.
The floor in the bathroom is pre-coated with waterproofing, on top of which heating mats are laid.
The floor covering is made of tiles or porcelain stoneware with a rough, non-slip surface. The size of the tile can be medium or large, and it is better if it is plain.
To make the room seem larger:
- lay floor tiles diagonally;
- choose a covering shade slightly darker than the color of the walls.
Along the perimeter, the floor is decorated with skirting boards made of plastic or ceramics. These materials have a number of advantages compared to metal and wood:
- do not corrode;
- are not deformed.
When choosing the design of the ceiling surface in a limited space, it is better to avoid contrasting elements or hanging parts. The ceiling must definitely be flat, and finishing options can be different:
- the simplest is painting in light colors;
- it is possible to use a rack and pinion suspension system;
- installation of a plastic structure;
- use of fiberglass.
Important! The ideal solution for a bathroom in Khrushchev is a suspended ceiling made of glossy fabric, white or light shades, reflecting light, which helps to visually enlarge the room.
Selection of plumbing
Modern plumbing pleases with variety, including standard sizes. Therefore, it is now much easier to equip a bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building than during the construction of these houses.
Bath or shower?
Many people believe that the most compact bathtub is cast iron. But this is not so, because acrylic models are much more elegant and lighter. And if you don’t like acrylic, pay attention to durable and unpretentious artificial stone.
Don't forget the bathroom curtain. After all, when the bathroom area is so small, it is quite difficult not to stain all the walls with water, and it leaves sloppy stains after drying.
Consider replacing the bowl with a modern shower enclosure. The most compact models are those that adhere to one or two walls. In fact, it is a pallet and light partitions.
Toilet
To save space, buy wall-hung toilets with installation. The main part of the structure is retracted into the wall. Therefore, this option is always more compact and better than traditional floor-mounted ones.
Use the space above the installation to your advantage: place communications there, arrange a closet or shelves, install a heated towel rail.
Sink
For everyday needs, a small, neat water lily sink is sufficient. Combine it with a cabinet, countertop or even a washing machine for a classic, modern solution for small bathrooms.
Modern style
If you are a lover of modern style, then you also love functionality. It is in this style that you can realize all your ideas even in a small living space. At the same time, plain surfaces of discreet shades are combined with each other.
The space is also decorated with the help of mirrors and matte textures, which allow you to make the space a little larger than it actually is.
Innovative technology will make it possible to create a room filled not with the old Soviet character, but with a new modern style.
Bathroom furniture in Khrushchev
Initially, choose the most functional furniture, because bathroom space in a Khrushchev building is very limited. Look at traditional corner shelves, narrow ceiling cabinets, all kinds of pull-out boxes and overhead countertops.
A small shelf in front of the mirror is enough for cosmetic accessories. Place glasses and containers for toothbrushes, liquid soap and other small items directly on the wall so that they do not take up space on the sink.
If there is useful space under the bathtub bowl, you can use it too. For example, insert a laundry basket there or extend long narrow shelves.
The main thing is not to give up cabinets completely. This may seem like a good idea at first, but the most ergonomic and thoughtful layout will lose its meaning if the bathroom is constantly in clutter.
Bathroom design “Shades of Gray”
Space for furniture, toilet and washing machine
Because There is very little space, the layout of the bathroom in Khrushchev requires super accurate calculations and the use of some ideas. Let's sort them out.
Bathtub with curtain
For a small bathtub in a Khrushchev-era building, it is worth considering the option of installing a curtain. No matter how carefully you wash, splashes are inevitable. Ideally, install a glass folding curtain. You can take a full shower with it. As a last resort, an ordinary fabric curtain, but they look outdated.
Shower instead of bath
From a practicality point of view, a shower is much more convenient than a bath. Abroad, every apartment should have a shower and this is the standard, but a bathtub comes as an addition and if space allows. And this makes sense, believe me. From experience, if both are present, the bathroom is used very rarely. The only exception is the presence of small children. At least consider the option of giving up a bathtub in favor of a shower enclosure or a monolithic shower (just don’t buy stalls, they’re miserable). About a shower in a bathroom without a shower stall.
Bathroom in Khrushchev with toilet
Most Khrushchev apartments come with combined bathrooms, although there are series without a toilet. In the paragraph about solidity, I already said that modern bathroom renovation requires a wall-hung option with installation. Under no circumstances should you skimp on this.
When sewing up an installation, a free space is created above it, which must be used. Depending on the location there should be 1 of:
- Hatch to communications. Decorate it either with a hidden hatch under the tiles or a furniture cabinet. The main thing is not to install metallic white - this is a technical solution not for apartments and it always looks disgusting.
- A closet for things or at least a shelf.
- Heated towel rail. Not super convenient, but it will save us space on another wall.
Washing machine
If the bathroom is without a toilet, then there is only 1 option for the arrangement of furniture and the washing machine: the sink is perpendicular to the bathroom and the washing machine is under the sink. There is a separate article about the location of the machine with a bunch of photos and installation features, be sure to look: bathroom 4 sq.m. with a washing machine.
For Khrushchev-era apartments where the bathroom is combined with a toilet, there are options with a separate washing machine, but this almost always looks bad. Even in this option, it is better to build it under the sink and make a cabinet in the free space.
Narrow wardrobe
There is no point in designing a bathroom if it is a mess. And in Khrushchev there is always a problem with places to store things. This is especially true if you have a washing machine under the sink instead of a cabinet. The solution is a narrow wall cabinet. You can almost always find a place for it. Looks best in white gloss.
Even in a very small apartment you can inexpensively make a good modern renovation and not feel any discomfort, you just need to pay more attention to the planning stage!
Color spectrum
Bathrooms in Khrushchev buildings are very small. The most common mistake when decorating them is choosing a large number of colors. Due to the overabundance of colorful details, the room seems even smaller, cramped and more cluttered.
White bathroom in Khrushchev
White is the simplest, most versatile and classic option for a bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building. To prevent it from seeming too bland and sterile, choose more complex shades: cream, milk, ivory, grayish. White tiles with white sanitary ware and glossy white surfaces look stylish and noble.
Gray bathroom in Khrushchev
Gray is a godsend for those who are bored with white bathrooms. It has one more obvious advantage: it is not so easily soiled. And the variety of tones allows you to combine different shades of the spectrum in one interior.
Warm gray is very elegant, cozy and goes harmoniously with wooden furniture. Cold steel is fresh, fashionable, in harmony with acrylic, chrome and glass.
Beige bathroom in Khrushchev
Beige is another classic that complements Scandinavian style and eco-trends well. It is delicate, elegant and well suited for lovers of classic interiors.
Green bathroom in Khrushchev
Fresh, juicy, soothing green is a win-win accent color for a modest bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building. Even the brightest shades are not too flashy and completely non-aggressive, and all of them can be easily combined with any basic ones, because green is the most natural color.
Blue bathroom in Khrushchev
Shades of blue are currently at the peak of popularity. But too dark and contrasting colors are not the best option for a cramped bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building. But delicate shades of azure, cornflower blue, sea green or turquoise will gracefully complement the interior.
Interior styles
The fashion for eclecticism and spacious minimalism is difficult to apply to a bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building. But this does not mean that you cannot choose a stylish and modern design for it!
Bathroom in Khrushchev in neoclassical style
It is unlikely that it will be possible to realize a full-fledged classic interior in a modest Khrushchev-era building. It is massive, bulky, and requires space. But you can experiment with simplified modern neoclassics.
Neoclassicism is an elegant and laconic style. It is characterized by traditional forms, but simple materials and discreet decor. Stone coating, porcelain stoneware, large tiles, pendant lamps, modest stucco molding, unobtrusive antique elements, and warm shades are used.
Bathroom in Khrushchev in the English style
An English-style bathroom is characterized by plumbing with rounded lines and clear boundaries in decoration. You can even cover the walls with moisture-resistant wallpaper with a thin vertical stripe on the bottom.
A bathtub with decorative legs, for example, with lion paws, looks good. Choose valves, hooks and fittings in the same style for them. A stylish accessory is a round or oval mirror in a wooden frame.
Bathroom in Khrushchev in oriental style
Unlike European classics, the luxury of the oriental style is manifested in details, and not in monumentality. Use gold sanitary ware and faucets, gold-plated fittings, dark wood and a light neutral background.
A good solution is sliding cabinet doors or cabinets. All designs are simple and light, but made of high-quality and durable materials. The mosaic with mirror elements looks elegant on the walls. And for decoration - mini-seedlings of succulents or ikebana.
Bathroom in Khrushchev in a modern style
Full-fledged futuristic high-tech is difficult to fit harmoniously into Khrushchev. But if you combine its features with elements of minimalism and contemporary, you can get an interesting and practical solution for the bathroom.
Choose compact modern plumbing fixtures, glossy surfaces, and experiment with zonal lighting. Simplify and simplify everything you can. For example, instead of a massive wooden pencil case, install light glass shelves on a chrome-plated metal frame.
Bathroom in Khrushchev in a marine style
This design solution is suitable for lovers of themed interiors. A stretch ceiling can imitate a cloudless sky, and photo printing on the floor can imitate a sandy beach or sea waves.
As accessories, use shells, pebbles, decorative ropes with knots, a mirror in the shape of a ship's porthole, and symbols of sailors. Primary colors – sand, blue, green.
Scandinavian style bathroom design
You need to take care of good hood
For a compact room, good ventilation is important.
Proper air circulation:
- provides a comfortable level of temperature and humidity in the bathroom;
- eliminates dampness;
- prevents the appearance of mold on walls and ceilings.
In addition to using a conventional hood, it is possible to use an overhead fan or place a plinth grille at the bottom of the door.
A competent approach to organizing space in a small bathroom, a successful selection of colors and materials, avoiding excesses and installing a high-quality hood - all this will help visually expand a cramped room and make its use comfortable and enjoyable.
Bathroom design in Khrushchev - photo
Decorating the interior of a bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building is not an easy task. You will have to weigh everything and evaluate the prospects in advance. But we are ready to help! To do this, we offer you a selection of beautiful photographs and ideas. Take note!
