Designer kitchen interior. How to decorate the kitchen in a modern style (real photos)
Choosing the style of kitchen design, you should show maximum attention, because the room should be beautiful and functional. Expert advice and photos of kitchen design styles will help you make a decision. About everything in more detail later in the article.
The main directions of styles
Dozens of existing styles today differ in conceptual features, rules of creation, even mood. Many of the styles have something in common with each other, but this does not make them less effective. All available options can be divided into several categories.
Classic- representatives of this class are classicism, baroque, empire, rococo, gothic. All of them are united by aristocracy, the use of natural materials and a color palette. Kitchens made in such styles look elegant, expensive.
Modern. The list of styles in this category includes kitsch, modern, art deco, loft, minimalism, hi-tech, and many more. All of them were formed under the influence of different eras and fashion trends, so it is not easy to single out their common features. However, each of the modern trends claims to be a direct, expressive, functional solution for kitchen design.
ethnic. The most popular interior styles in this category are Japanese, Mediterranean, African, Scandinavian. The authenticity of each of them allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of that time.
Timeless classic
The first from the list of popular kitchen designs should be noted the classic one - it was he who became the ancestor of many other styles, but at the same time he himself has not lost its relevance. Laconic and elegant, this interior is suitable for spacious bright rooms. To achieve the desired effect, you will need not so much financial investment and compliance with several basic rules.
Furniture
Classical headsets are characterized by conciseness and severity of lines. Particular importance is attached to symmetry, so the arrangement of furniture is often:
- corner;
- parallel;
- U-shaped.
materials
Restrained classic gravitates towards natural materials. Furniture is chosen from solid wood (expensive option) or veneer coated (focused on widespread consumption). Countertops or sinks may be natural or artificial stone. Curtains are preferably fabric.
Color spectrum
Restrained colors reign here:
- lactic;
- beige;
- light brown.
If the walls and floor are made of white and beige shades, you can choose darker furniture.
Peculiarities
Refrigerator, washing machine, and other appliances are best placed in niches with doors stylized as sets, but dishes, on the contrary, look better in cabinets with glass doors. Such a kitchen must certainly have: a dining table, complemented by a beautiful tablecloth, a lamp on the wall or a floor carpet in the dining area. For a classic style, vases with flowers, paintings, and other pretty little things fit well.
Baroque luxury
Now the baroque interior is used extremely rarely, as the premises of this style look expensive, luxurious, even slightly pompous. In addition, the implementation of ideas will require a large space and considerable financial investments.
Furniture
Baroque kitchen sets are in many ways similar to classical style furniture, but there is a serious difference - an abundance of decor. It can be gold-tone fittings, a large number of carved ornaments, figured legs of tables, chairs.
materials
The leading position in such a kitchen is occupied by wood and its derivatives. In addition, glass inserts are often used on cabinet doors - through such windows you can “accidentally” notice elegant porcelain services and other luxury items.
With such an abundance of details, the decoration of the room should be as simple as possible. Often found on the floor:
- parquet;
- laminate;
- linoleum.
Walls can be painted, plastered or covered with plain wallpaper. The only thing that never hurts - decorative stucco elements.
Colors
To achieve the desired effect, choose neutral colors in the finish. As for furniture, the best choice would be:
- white;
- dairy;
- ivory.
As bright accents, let's say:
- purple;
- golden;
- steel;
- coffee.
Add-ons
An important detail of the Baroque style are lighting devices - most often these are massive chandeliers and sconces in the form of candlesticks. Draped curtains are suitable for window decoration.
Country warmth and simplicity
A country-style room is typical for a country house, but you can also create the right atmosphere for a city apartment. This design is ideal for large and small kitchens, and the new environment will not cost much.
Furniture
Country style allows you to successfully combine the simplicity of rural life with the functionality of a modern city apartment. For this reason, furniture for the room is chosen to be roomy, but with a concise design. Headsets with a touch of antiquity or with a patina effect will fit well.
The table is often taken out to the center of the room according to the type of island design. It is possible to make a dining area in the form of a wide bar counter.
materials
The best materials will be natural - wood (or veneered furniture panels), glass, a lot of textiles. For decoration, designers advise:
On the walls, plaster or whitewash will suffice.
Colors
By itself, country style is not multicolored. Most often, pastel shades are used for design, giving the kitchen a simple, cozy look. On the list of win-win combinations:
- white with shades of brown;
- beige with olives;
- milk with coffee.
High-tech functionality
Over the past few years, hi-tech kitchens have gained incredible popularity (from the English concept of “high technology” - “high technology”). Fashionable, dynamic, this style has attracted the attention of interior designers and the townsfolk.
The room for this design should be spacious with high ceilings.
Furniture
Traditional high-tech forms are the simplest elements in organizing space. Rectangles and oblique lines predominate in decoration and furniture.. Here, there is a complete absence of decorative elements, with the exception of furniture fittings - they are chrome-plated.
materials
The “high technology” of this style is also confirmed by the type of materials used. This is a union:
- metal;
- various types of glasses (opaque and transparent);
- plastic;
- polycarbonate.
These kitchens are easy to clean and tolerate moisture well, but some people lack the “warmth” of home.
High-tech is the main advantage of style
Color spectrum
The color palette is limited to two, maximum three colors, while the emphasis is on contrast. The soloist will be:
- red;
- chocolate;
- Violet;
- in general, any saturated color (including black).
In a pair to him choose any shade of white or beige.
Peculiarities
In such a room, any electrical appliances are appropriate (preferably in the same style). The lighting system uses chandeliers, sconces, furniture and work area lighting. Lacquer surfaces will help to add a little shine and visually expand the room.
Modern in the kitchen space
Art Nouveau occupies a special place in the list of interior styles. It originated at the end of the 19th century and represented a revolutionary transition from old design to everything new. It was Art Nouveau that became the starting point for the creation of many other styles (minimalism, hi-tech, and others).
Furniture
Unlike hi-tech (which contains elements of cubism), modern allows for several smooth curved lines. It can be a semicircular bar or chairs with an elegant curve. In all other respects, strict laconic features prevail.
Advice
Furniture can be placed along the wall or part of it can be taken out as an island design.
materials
The leading position in such an interior is occupied by:
- plastic;
- natural or artificial stone;
- metal;
- glass;
- a small amount of wood is allowed (it is used only to create a contrast transition).
As finishing materials for the floor choose tiles or laminate. For walls, painting, wallpaper or tile is suitable.
Color palette
This can be used:- white;
- beige;
- brown shades;
- black.
Quite often, the walls in modern rooms are decorated in white, on which darker interior details are placed.
Deep shades will become a stylish addition:
- blue
- wine;
- mustard.
Details
In a kitchen with this design, it is worth placing as many household appliances as possible, while you do not have to build in and hide them. Blinds and fabric curtains will look equally good on the windows.
Features in the style of minimalism
Do you like order and clarity in everything? Then you will like minimalist kitchens, which are widespread in Europe. Despite its apparent simplicity, minimalism is one of the most difficult designs to implement.
Furniture
In a kitchen of this style, only the most necessary items are located. Large forms and furniture blocks come to the fore. Soft lines and roundness are unacceptable here, and all small items and household appliances are hidden behind the doors of built-in wardrobes. This organization of the room allows you to achieve spatial freedom.
materials
Kitchen furniture in a minimalist style is made of wood or its derivatives. Facades of cabinets can be plastic or glass - it is better to choose frosted glass. Steel and leather elements are also acceptable.
As finishing materials are presented:
- laminate;
- a rock;
- tiles.
Colors
The main rules of this style are monochrome surfaces and classic restrained colors. It could be:
- white;
- beige;
- all shades of noble brown;
- black color.
To “revive” the interior a little, a few bright details are allowed, but they should be small.
Peculiarities
A traditional dining table in minimalism is unacceptable. It is replaced with a small bar counter or a reclining tabletop. Sofas and armchairs will also have to be abandoned - they will be replaced by leather dining and bar stools. The finishing touch will be blinds or a light transparent curtain on the windows.
Cozy Provence
When looking at the Provence style kitchen, thoughts are involuntarily transferred to the warm, cozy and rustic atmosphere of a village house, where it smells of pastries, and a stunning view opens up outside the window.
Furniture
Choosing furniture for the kitchen in this style (especially small) should be especially careful, because it is she who sets the tone. The central place is given to the stove (hearth), it is isolated in every possible way from the general environment. The table and kitchen cabinets in the style of Provence are rustic, simple, sometimes even rough.
materials
Like everything rustic, the furniture of such a kitchen is made of natural wood (or at least it looks like that). Countertops can be made of stone (natural or artificial), limited use of metal is allowed.
On a note
A special role is given to textiles: simple fabric curtains are sewn from it for windows, napkins, curtains for cabinets and other decor.
As a kitchen finish, you can use:
- laminate;
- parquet board;
- tiles;
- wallpaper;
- wall panels under a tree or a stone.
Colour
A suitable color palette for such a kitchen includes:
- white;
- beige;
- olive;
- light brown;
- brick;
- peach;
- dusted shades of blue, yellow, purple (used as details).
Classic Provence is a sunny room, warm and pleasant. If your kitchen is far from this, it is worth using more yellow and light brown elements.
Peculiarities
It is better to hide household appliances behind the doors of built-in wardrobes, as they do not fit well into the rustic atmosphere. But cute trinkets on the shelves, vases with flowers, painted dishes and paintings will come in handy.
Retro kitchens
If the minimalist design seems faceless, and the soul asks for romance, pay attention to retro kitchens. Most often, this category includes designs characteristic of the 20-50s of the 20th century. Among the advantages of this option: low costs and compatibility with kitchens of different sizes.
Furniture
Interior designers advise using carefully restored old or well aged new furniture. At the same time, it is better to complement such interior items with modern things. It is a sharp contrast that will help bring a slight touch of antiquity into the kitchen and not turn it into a dump.
materials
Products from:
- wood;
- plastic;
- metal.
If the room is small, laminated countertops and cabinet fronts, glass and mirror inserts will help to visually expand it. Linoleum and tiles are suitable for finishing the floor, the walls and ceiling can be simply plastered or painted, the wallpaper will fit well.
Technique - can be the highlight of such a kitchen
Color palette
A retro-style kitchen is simply impossible to imagine without bright details:
- blue
- red;
- purple;
- yellow.
An excellent solution is white and bright checkerboard tiles on the floor or walls.
Details
All household appliances of modern models will have to be built into the headset and disguised as cabinets. As for cute souvenirs, they are simply obliged to decorate a retro kitchen. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to buy them - it is enough to rummage in the pantry and put the trinkets found in order.
Brutality of the loft
For lovers of non-trivial solutions, interior designers will always offer a couple of interesting options, among which there will be a loft. This interior style originated in the days of expensive apartment rentals. This forced people to live in attics and even abandoned factories. Now the loft is dearly loved not only by representatives of bohemia, but simply by creative people.
Furniture
The classic loft involves maximum space and minimum partitions, but the desired effect can be achieved in small kitchens. The main thing is to choose the right furniture, it should be as concise as possible, light brutality is welcome.
Traditional headsets can be safely abandoned by replacing them with open shelves. The dining area is often represented by a solid massive table or bar - these interior items act as room zoning.
materials
Negligence in the interior can be achieved using:
- brickwork;
- whitewash;
- a rock.
The furniture is usually dominated by wood, metal, fabric or leather upholstery of armchairs and chairs, in other words, everything that is of natural origin.
Colour
The design can be based on a smooth transition of shades or on a sharp contrast.
In the list of the most successful options:
- white;
- steel;
- graphite;
- all shades of brown;
- in a modern loft, bright details (azure, purple, olive) are increasingly common.
Details
It is worth mentioning separately about the decor of a loft-style room - much of what is categorically not suitable for the kitchen of other styles is appropriate here. Here you can safely place vinyl records, posters or even a road sign.
The freshness of the mediterranean style
A salty sea breeze wafts from the Mediterranean-style kitchen, and the scent of lush vegetation hovers in the air. The formation of this direction in the interior was influenced by several peoples living on the sea coast at once. This is what made it unique and so attractive.
Furniture
A Mediterranean-style kitchen is completely devoid of luxury and pretentiousness, so furniture for such a room should be chosen rustic, but functional and solid. A special place in the room (perhaps in its center) is allocated for the dining table. A special spirit can be conveyed by aged furniture with a patina effect.
materials
Mediterranean style furniture is a successful combination of wood and metal. The frames of chairs and sofas can contain forged elements, wicker chairs will look no less impressive. In some cases, the use of countertops made of artificial and natural stone is allowed.
Kitchen layout
The issue of planning a new kitchen requires careful attention. It should be convenient for cooking (including complying with the principles of ergonomics), beautiful (fashionable, comfortable - here everyone chooses the right qualities for himself), roomy and affordable. In addition, kitchen furniture needs to fit into the framework of a specific space, often limited not only by the form, but also by ready-made engineering communications schemes in the apartment.
There are 5 main zones in the kitchen:
- washing- the location of the sink;
- working- countertop, food preparation area;
- culinary- actual hob and oven;
- pantry- refrigerator, cabinets for cereals, canned food, other products;
- storage space- cutlery, crockery, accessories.
The areas of the stove, sink and refrigerator are inextricably linked to the cooking process and must therefore be combined in an efficient way. Designers call this the work triangle rule. Ideally, the length of one of its sides should vary between 120-170 cm. Based on this, you can choose a different type of cuisine. Below are the most popular layouts.
The main task of the headsets designed for this layout is to preserve as much as possible a sense of the harmonious integrity of the space. To do this, a functionally perfect working area is organized (most often it is the corner design of the modules), smoothly turning into a place for friendly communication and family dinners.
To determine the border between the kitchen and the dining room, a bar counter is most often used, which can be attached to one of the walls, act as a separate “island” or be part of a furniture set. This layout allows you to implement any design concept in the interior - from classic to high-tech.
This layout allows you to significantly expand a small working area and at the same time equip a comfortable place for eating. Depending on the nuances of the architecture of the space, you can choose the optimal arrangement of furniture: along one wall, in two rows, with an “island” in the center.
The kitchen-dining room allows the modern hostess to save time by combining the process of cooking, household chores and live communication with loved ones. The choice of layout is fully justified for small rooms, but may be appropriate for a large area.
A kitchen-living room, or living room, is a type of layout used in studio apartments. The choice in favor of the kitchen-living room is dictated mainly not by space (such a kitchen can be both large and small), but rather by the lifestyle and requirements of the interior style.
If you are interested in the kitchen primarily as a place not for cooking, but for communication, or if you want to recreate the loft style in your apartment, the concept of which is a single and extended line of space, then the kitchen-living room is for you!
This configuration usually requires a lot of space - a minimum of 16 square meters. m. Islands can be designed with built-in sinks and burners, but work great as a unifying element without unnecessary appliances. Inside the island, you can hide dishes, ready-made breakfasts, etc. This option is suitable for creating a cozy space at home where you can cook and chat with loved ones at the same time. To make the island stand out, use dramatic countertop materials such as stone or wood.
Unlike the previous version, here an additional element is attached by a peninsula to one wall and is open to access only from three sides. Considered a good layout for homes with small kitchens, as it provides all the benefits of an island worktop but takes up less floor space.
L-shaped kitchen design is fashionable due to its practicality. This is a classic triangle based on two adjacent walls, which uses the usually not used corner space. This option is well suited for medium-sized areas (8-15 sqm) and is just perfect if you want to include a dining table in the scheme. There is already enough space for two people to work at the same time.
Such a kitchen occupies three walls and creates a cozy area for the cook, closed from prying eyes. Such kitchens are great for large families and studio-type apartments. They are both included in the common space and provide the necessary insulation. If space permits, a dining table can be placed in the center of the U-shaped kitchen. But make sure that there is not too much distance between the work areas.
Furniture and appliances are placed along two parallel walls, usually there is a sink and a stove on one side, and a refrigerator on the other. The distance between them should be at least 120 cm. This layout allows you to effectively use the area of a large elongated room. Two-row kitchens can be located in walk-through areas and corridors leading to another room. So that such placement does not cause a feeling of constraint, you can make one row of the headset shorter than the other, and also use light colors.
In fact, the triangle is almost never used in this arrangement. Furniture and appliances are placed along one wall, and the refrigerator and stove are located on opposite sides of the sink. But for optimal efficiency, the length of the countertop should not exceed 3.6 m. Suitable for narrow spaces, as well as for those who want to keep the kitchen area to a minimum. Working together in such a kitchen will not be very convenient.
Design project idea
At the heart of everything is the idea - this is the basic approach of architects and professional designers. Therefore, before designing a kitchen, it is important to understand how it will be used. Ask yourself these questions:
- How many things do you need to store? Someone wants his kitchen to have items for cooking even the most original dishes, while someone prefers minimalism in this regard.
- What household appliances will be installed? For example, if the bathroom is small, you can move the washing machine to the kitchen.
- How often will you cook? Fans of culinary experiments will need more space than those who cook infrequently or simple dishes.
- Who else will use the kitchen? Keep in mind that older people have a harder time bending over, while children may find it difficult to reach the top drawers.
- How much time do you usually spend on it? Today, multi-purpose kitchens are popular, which are used in parallel for work and leisure. Consider solutions such as islands and breakfast bars, bookshelves, wine cabinets, extra outlets for laptops and chargers.
What color to choose for the kitchen?
The right palette of colors is the first step to creating a cozy, comfortable and stylish interior. Various colors, shades and their combinations change the visual and psychological perception of space: they expand bottlenecks, making them lighter and warmer, and mask problem areas. When choosing colors for the kitchen, it is important to decide what style they should support and what mood they should set.
White
This color visually expands the space and serves as an ideal base for the implementation of almost any design ideas. The versatility of white allows it to be used to create harmonious combinations with bright and pastel colors, textured and smooth surfaces of furniture.
Yellow
Yellow allows you to create a sunny mood. However, pure color and its shades are quite capricious and can quickly bother the eye. Therefore, yellow should be used in the interior of the kitchen, where a person usually spends a lot of time, should be very careful, correctly placing accents.
Green
Each shade of green in its own way affects visual perception. It helps to visually increase the size of the kitchen, divert attention from architectural defects, give a sense of calm, awaken energy and appetite. By choosing the right shade and texture, you can use green to create an interior in almost any style.
Gold
Gold a priori emphasizes the prestige of the interior and the well-being of the owners of the house. In order for the precious luxury to look organic in the kitchen space and not create an artificial museum environment, this color is used to highlight nuances decoratively. As a successful dominant, you can choose cardinal black, elegant white, pastel and natural shades.
Red
This color allows you to create an active, dynamic, festive and welcoming interior. It is important to avoid an overabundance of red, which is easily achieved by various design techniques. You can dilute the passionate and rich color with the help of woody, gray, calm light shades, glass facades and open shelves.
natural/wood
The noble aesthetics of wood can organically merge into almost all classical and modern styles - from luxurious baroque to laconic urbanism. Natural wood in the design of kitchens attracts with the versatility of its combination with various textures - from cold metal surfaces to colorful brickwork and weightless glass.
Light
This is a rational and sometimes the only affordable solution for the visual expansion of a small and dark space. An extensive range of light shades will allow you to choose the perfect base for decorating a kitchen in a classic or modern style. As an accompaniment, rich, but not defiant colors and wood are perfect.
Blue
It has a beneficial effect on the psychological and emotional background. Most of the tones of blue belong to the cold palette. Therefore, they are not suitable for decorating a kitchen facing north. To make the color warmer can be combined with shades of wood, beige, sand, curry.
Dark
Such shades will add majesty to a spacious room, but reduce the size of a small kitchen. Dark color is self-sufficient. If such a solution is chosen for furniture, all other elements of the interior (walls, floor, ceiling, decor) should not be dark. An excellent option is a combination with light shades, single bright accents, mirrors, facades with glass, stained-glass windows.
Interior Features
Direct work on the interior design of the kitchen begins with an analysis of the possibilities of your premises. There are a number of nuances that are worth considering, as they may require additional financial investments.
Water supply. The location of the sink and dishwasher depends on the outlet points of the water supply and sewerage. To move the wet area to another location, additional pipes will need to be laid.
Wiring. It is important to place sockets for household appliances and switches in places convenient for use. Usually it is the kitchen that accounts for the main load on electricity, so in old houses it is sometimes necessary to replace the network completely. Please note that in addition to general lighting, it is desirable to organize the illumination of the work surface or other areas (if necessary).
Gas supply. When developing a kitchen design, it is necessary to provide for the competent placement of a gas column and a hob. It is not recommended to place such equipment near a window or sink. It is also important to consider that if the original location of the equipment and the column changes, gas communications will also need to be transferred.
Room dimensions. If you are planning to enlarge the kitchen, you will need to redevelop it, however, the presence of load-bearing walls can interfere with this. However, a small room or low ceilings is not a reason to be upset. Modern design tricks help visually expand spaces without major intervention - with the help of light colors, glossy surfaces, built-in lights (instead of volumetric chandeliers), etc.
Top 5 Kitchen Design Mistakes
Linear layout. This configuration is rational only for small kitchens. In a large space and a room with a long wall, the organization of the working triangle is more organic and convenient - the location in different corners of the sink, refrigerator and stove.
The lack of a workplace next to the sink. Sometimes the desire to save space and fit as much technology into it as possible leads to absurdity. So, installing a sink next to a refrigerator or stove does not leave the opportunity to organize a place for drying dishes after washing.
Only central lighting. The multitasking of the kitchen requires competent local illumination of individual functional areas. This will provide comfort in the process of performing all household chores - from cooking and storing utensils to washing dishes and table setting.
Beautiful but impractical materials. The kitchen is a source of high humidity, greasy splashes and stains. It is far from always advisable to use wooden floors and marble countertops, which, due to its porous structure, can absorb dirt and odors.
Inconvenient storage systems. The use of overhead cabinets with hinged facades located too high is no less annoying than opening and closing deep and high drawers stuffed to capacity.
Avoiding these and many other mistakes at the design stage is easier and cheaper than trying to fix annoying flaws in the finished space later. To do this, it is enough to immediately entrust the layout of the kitchen to a professional designer who will take into account all the nuances and individual needs of the customer.
Organization of the dining area
The central element of the dining area is the table. Its dimensions should correspond to the number of people permanently residing in the house. Hospitable hosts can pay attention to sliding transforming models. When choosing a place for a table, you need to consider that it is convenient to approach it and that it does not block access to other functional elements of the kitchen.
Competent lighting not only contributes to a good perception of the kitchen and its demonstration in all its glory, but also increases the comfort of using the room and its individual functional areas. These tasks are solved by the central ceiling chandelier and local light sources located above the dining table and in the work area. You can mount the lamps directly into the design of the headset.
How to properly zone the space?
The task of competent division of space is relevant both for a separate kitchen and for a room combined with a dining room, living room or studio. You can mark the boundaries of different functional areas using a number of effective design techniques.
Lighting. Enough bright lighting is chosen for the working area, which increases comfort when cooking and doing other household chores. In the dining part of the room, conditions are created for cozy family gatherings. This is achieved by placing a table near a window or using lamps that provide soft light.
Finishing. You can clearly distinguish between the working and dining areas by using materials of various colors and textures for finishing walls, floors and even ceilings. At the same time, it is important to provide that the surfaces are resistant to moisture and can be easily cleaned of grease and other contaminants.
Partitions. It is possible to equip stationary plasterboard partitions that have an arched or semi-arched shape. They won't look bulky. Glass zoning elements look light and airy. It may not be just a partition, but a large aquarium. The task of zoning the kitchen is solved with the help of sliding screens made of wood or fabric, a bar counter, an open shelving and other furniture elements.
Storage systems
Functional and convenient storage systems significantly save time and effort for household tasks. To do this, it is important to consider everything from the depth and height of the modules, their intuitive location in space, and ending with the introduction of ergonomic facade opening mechanisms - smooth, silent and providing free access to content. Cabinets and cabinets can be equipped not only with traditional drawers and shelves, but also with retractable cutting boards, narrow pencil cases, and folding countertops. To fill storage systems, you can choose special devices: bottle holders, cap holders, etc. When arranging modern interiors, open storage systems are often used - hanging shelves and open racks.
Fashion trends 2018
Kitchen interior design is changing at almost the same kaleidoscopic speed as fashion trends in clothing. So, fans of the loft and other styles with an emphasis on the urban landscapes of the stone jungle can safely afford to use bright details. Let it be a fire-colored refrigerator.
According to experts in the field of interior design, the most stylish headsets in 2018, in which one color is chosen for the upper section, and another for the lower section, contrasting, but in harmony with it. Fashionable colors - muted azure, matte pink, lilac gamma, dark wood.
The trend is non-standard lamps, decorative columns, the use of wall panels and "aprons" with a 3D effect.
Maria's best-selling collections and kitchen novelties will help you successfully implement any bold modern ideas in a spacious private house or a typical city apartment. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the photographs that reflect the latest space design solutions.
Reading 8 min.
Not all housewives have spacious kitchens. Most often in old Soviet apartments they are quite small in size, and sometimes even tiny. However, in such a situation, you can find a way out by resorting to design tricks. The play of colors, original modern style, spacious lockers and much more will help to solve this issue. How to make the most of a small space in the kitchen will be discussed next.
Layout for a small kitchen
A small room, most often, even with the right layout and design decision, can continue to crush with four walls, as a feeling of constriction remains.
To avoid this, you can get rid of the door by arranging an arch instead. This can visually expand the space and remove the feeling of tightness. In case doors are needed, sliding models can be one of the options, which in addition look very stylish and modern.
A radical solution would be to combine the kitchen and living room, while receiving a studio apartment. This layout is especially popular among young people. At the same time, the kitchen expands and the disadvantages of a small area are no longer so noticeable. In addition, the dining area can affect part of the living room, due to which space for the kitchen set and furniture will be won, which will give the kitchen more functionality and comfort.
The layout of the kitchen set depending on the shape of the room
The correct location of the headset in the kitchen is the key to comfort, saving space and, as a result, saving time on cooking.
First of all, it is worth remembering the rule of the triangle, which consists in placing the refrigerator, sink and stove. It is this that contributes to the improvement of ergonomics in the kitchen, since it is based on the principle of the order of cooking the dish, that is, first the products are taken out of the refrigerator, then they are washed, cut and thermally processed.
The choice of layout of the headset should be based on the shape of the room, the location of windows, doors, communications. If the kitchen is square, then the U-shaped headset is considered the best option. If the dining area needs to be separated separately, then the L-shape is more suitable.
For a rectangular kitchen, a linear arrangement is suitable, either parallel, when only one wall is used, which is longer, for arranging furniture, or outside parallel walls.
With a non-standard form, including a studio apartment, the layout can be any, including island, oval. Also in this case, you may need an individual order of furniture.
What style to choose for a small kitchen
In a small room, bulky parts, a large number of accessories, various parts, especially small ones, are unacceptable. Therefore, the style must be chosen based on the features that each of them represents. Therefore, for a small kitchen, the following styles are suitable:
Minimalism
This style fits perfectly. It is characterized by functionality, practicality and a minimum of details. The area in this case is used as efficiently as possible. Clear expressive lines, strict colors are welcome here, while decor is almost absent.
High tech
This style is dominated by smooth glossy surfaces, glass inserts, metal elements, clear lines, cold tones. High-tech furniture and appliances, innovative design, above all. You will not find elaborate details in this style. Everything is done in the most comfortable and tasteful way.
Modern
One of the modern styles for which non-traditional materials, original accessories, the presence of glossy surfaces, metal, mirrors are relevant. At the same time, colors can be very diverse, including quite bold contrasting combinations.
Japanese
Characterized by strict lines, natural materials, simple shapes. Tones in this case are combined dark with light. There are also patterns in the form of flowers, while the texture of textiles is as simple as possible.
Color and pattern
With the help of color, you can not only expand, but also narrow the space, so the choice of colors plays a huge role. For a small kitchen, it is better to abandon dark tones, otherwise the room will seem even smaller, and the atmosphere will be dull and burdensome. Therefore, the choice should be stopped at such colors as white, beige, cream, peach, olive, gray.
Brighter tones are also possible, such as green, yellow, pink, while it is important not to overdo it with brightness. Contrast is not always appropriate. If we are talking about bright colors, then, for example, a red spot on a white background will narrow the space.
A smooth plain surface will visually add additional area. Gloss is also a winning option, as it perfectly reflects light, thereby moving the walls away from each other. Drawing can only be used small. Large ornaments and patterns are absolutely unacceptable in this case.
Textile
Huge overall curtains are not recommended for use in the kitchen, regardless of its size. This is due to the fact that they not only absorb odors and get dirty quickly, but are also fire hazardous. Moreover, their moderate use concerns small kitchens.
To protect from the sun's rays, you can use a short tulle in the form of a curtain or a dense canvas hung in a narrow strip like a visor. Blinds, bamboo roll products will become a universal solution. Also popular and comfortable are Roman blinds, reminiscent of an accordion.
Advice! If, nevertheless, the choice fell on fabric curtains, then it is better to use synthetic materials than natural fabrics, as they are easier to care for and have a fire-resistant and water-repellent impregnation.
Table and bar counter
A full dining area for a small kitchen often becomes a huge luxury. In this case, it is relevant to ask the question of how to save space and fit the table, or what other options are possible.
There is always a way out. The first option is to use a window sill, which can be made an extension of the table. Thus, there will be an additional work surface that can be used functionally. At the same time, you can order a countertop that will replace the window sill, or you can install the surface on a different level.
The second option is to use a folding or sliding table. Again, it can be attached to the windowsill. It is also possible to install a small table and attach a retractable tabletop to it. In addition, a folding table can be installed near a free wall and it can be adjusted only if necessary, for example, during a meal.
Finally, a bar counter can be an excellent replacement for a dining table, which can be of various sizes and shapes. It can become a continuation of the window sill or become part of the U-shaped headset, continuing it. Bar counters are more compact and therefore take up less space. In addition, for a studio apartment, this is a great way to zone space.
Floor and ceiling
In a small kitchen, it is important to make the ceiling in light colors, and best of all in white. The simplest options are the usual painting or wallpapering. Another inexpensive solution and at the same time more practical and durable is the use of plastic panels.
A more expensive and modern option are stretch ceilings. They will take only 2-3 cm in height, the effectiveness of such a choice is worth it. The main thing in this case is to use a glossy film that will visually increase the height of the ceiling.
For the floor, it is necessary to use durable materials that are not afraid of moisture and can be easily washed. Therefore, it is recommended to choose linoleum, ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware or self-leveling floor. It is unacceptable to use patterns; a plain surface will look better.
Walls
For walls, it is recommended to choose light solid colors that will increase the space. It can be both painting and wallpaper. A pattern or drawing can only be unobtrusively small, decorated plaster is allowed.
Wall murals look original, but they must be used carefully so as not to overload the kitchen even more. It can be seascapes, photos of street cafes.
The apron is preferably made of ceramic tiles, stone or tempered glass. Again, large patterns and landscapes are not recommended.
Lighting
A small kitchen should be as bright as possible. Good lighting, which requires special attention, also contributes to this. Bulky chandeliers are inappropriate here. They should be small in size, not very noticeable, discreet colors, simple shape.
For the working area it is worth installing a separate lighting. Spotlights or LED strips are suitable for this. The window should also be as open as possible so that natural light enters the room.
Secrets and tricks
Light colors, smooth glossy surfaces and good lighting have already been mentioned. All these subtleties can significantly increase the space visually. At the same time, it is important to know certain secrets that allow you to make the most of the usable area.
The headset itself is desirable to take in narrow and high in order to accommodate more items. The more hanging cabinets there are, the more space there will be for storing kitchen utensils.
Roof rails in the kitchen are often simply irreplaceable. They are hung over the tabletop in the form of a tube or plank with metal hooks. It is convenient to place ladles, skimmers, ladles and many other necessary items on them.
Organizers not only help to make lockers more spacious and convenient, but in some cases they also make it easy to get objects located near the far wall. There are also sliding drawers, dividers for dishes, which also become excellent helpers in a small kitchen.
Thus, every centimeter of the kitchen can be put to good use by installing convenient modern elements that save space. Even the space under the window sill or bar counter can be reasonably used by installing additional drawers, niches or retractable structures.
small kitchen real photo
Modern style is most often chosen by people who keep up with the times, love order and practicality. Despite the apparent coldness, a modern-style kitchen can be very comfortable and even cozy. The main thing is to choose the right furniture, think about where it is better to install household appliances, and take into account many other details.
Choosing a modern kitchen style
The main features of a modern kitchen, regardless of the chosen style: the presence of wide work surfaces, clear lines, non-standard room decor solutions, minimalism, unexpected combinations of colors and textures, original stylistic solutions and neglect of patterns. Several modern styles meet these requirements at once. Each of them deserves a separate description.
Hi-tech style- perhaps the most modern of all existing styles. Its main characteristics: the predominance of metallic glossy surfaces, the use of the most advanced household appliances, which become part of the interior, strict clear lines, bright lighting. The advantages of the style are that it is ideal for arranging kitchens of all sizes, both large and small.
Style "minimalism"- this name speaks for itself. The kitchen with such an interior is equipped with only the most necessary. Decorative elements that do not perform practical functions are simply absent. The predominance of monochrome muted tones is welcomed.
Loft style- this solution is best suited for decorating a spacious kitchen in a modern studio apartment. The main principles of the style: maximum open space, which is filled with light and air, the presence of large windows, the absence of partitions, the use of natural textures in wall decoration (brickwork, rough plaster, concrete).
What materials are used to create the interiors of modern kitchens
Preference is given to synthetic materials that harmoniously coexist with natural finishes. The basic principles of decorating a room should be considered using the example of its main elements.
Walls- they have special requirements. The walls in a modern kitchen must be highly resistant to moisture, steam, dirt, temperature changes and other aggressive external influences.
A room made in the style of "hi-tech" or "minimalism" can simply be painted with a special dirt and water-repellent paint. Separate areas can be decorated with ceramic tiles or brickwork.
Small panels of natural wood, adjacent to rough plaster, will also look appropriate. For decorating some surfaces, you can use natural or synthetic stone, glass, metal.
Ceiling- in this case, several options can be used. Stretch ceilings with glossy surfaces, as well as plastic trim, look harmonious in modern interiors.
The ceiling can be white, but if the room is spacious and high enough, other color schemes will do - the main thing is that they are in harmony with the interior as a whole.
Floor- An ideal option for finishing the floor in a modern kitchen is a material such as porcelain stoneware. It is highly resistant to temperature extremes, does not absorb dirt and moisture, and is easy to care for.
If this option seems too expensive, you can use a regular laminate, choosing the appropriate color for it. Ceramic tiles will be a good material for finishing the floor; self-leveling floors also look good in modern interiors.
The choice of facades
Facades of headsets are called their front part, that is, cabinet doors. This part of the headset is extremely important, since it is she who creates the appearance of the kitchen itself. For the manufacture of modern facades of headsets, the following materials are used:
- plastic;
- glass;
- solid wood (more suitable for the loft style);
- combination of several materials.
In modern interiors, facades made of light synthetic materials will look most harmonious. For the upper cabinets, you can use glass, preferably matte translucent.
As for the color scheme, it can be in contrast to the main tone of the room, or be combined with it.
An excellent solution would be to use shiny glossy facades without handles, with a special mechanism that opens the doors with a simple push. What should be discarded: texture and excessive decor.
Choice of household appliances
When arranging modern kitchen interiors, whether it's "hi-tech", "minimalism" or "loft", preference is given to modern models of household appliances, which becomes a full part of the design of the room. Preference should be given to appliances with a metallic surface, with chrome and glossy details.
If the room is small and you have to save every meter of it, it is better to use built-in appliances, thanks to which the kitchen will become more spacious and functional. What should be completely abandoned: retro models of household appliances, as well as all sorts of vintage versions of it. In a modern kitchen, chrome and bright glossy surfaces should reign.
You can emphasize the unusual design of the kitchen with the help of an original design hood, which may well become the central element of the interior.
When choosing a sink, you should give preference to a modern model that does not have to be hidden behind the front of the headset.
All devices used in the kitchen should look stylish and technologically advanced: a microwave oven, a food processor and even a toaster.
Choice of colors
Modern kitchen interiors include a combination of a variety of materials and textures - the same goes for the color palette. The first thing you need to build on when choosing the main shades for decorating the room is the taste preferences of the owners of the home.
Basic rules for choosing colors for a modern kitchen interior:
- You should not use several bright shades at once, the necessary accents can be placed using one contrasting and saturated tone.
- A muted monochrome gamma interspersed with chrome and glass will be the key to creating a super modern interior.
- If you want to make the kitchen more “alive” and give it brightness, you can use neon tones in the facades.
- When arranging a small kitchen, bright and saturated colors will have to be abandoned, giving preference to light colors and white.
- The main color of the interior can be present in the form of several catchy details - dishes, blinds, door structures, a refrigerator, a kitchen apron.
- The most popular colors used in modern interiors are black, white, yellow, metallic, gray, red, blue, purple.
Regardless of which color scheme was chosen, special attention should be paid to organizing the right lighting in the kitchen. Modern interiors involve the use of numerous spotlights, thanks to which not a single surface in the room will remain in the shade.
The basic principles of creating a modern interior in a small kitchen
Modern interiors, such as "hi-tech" or "minimalism" are the ideal solution for arranging a small kitchen. The lack of clutter of furniture and the minimal use of decor contribute to the fact that even the smallest room looks more spacious.
Light shades that prevail in the decoration of walls and floors, and present in the facades of furniture, will visually expand it even more. Built-in appliances contribute to greater space savings.
So that a modern-style kitchen does not look too cold or sterile, you can decorate it without overloading it with decorative elements. A transparent glass vase with fresh flowers will look great in such a room; you can install yellow, silver or orange blinds on the windows.
The walls will be decorated with a large clock with a laconic dial. A separate decorative element can be a chandelier of unusual design, made of glass and metal.
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