Photo: 100uslug.com Are you about to renovate a small kitchen with an area of 7 sq.m., and you don’t know what to grab? Don't despair! Everything is by no means as bad and complicated as many people think at first glance. Now there is a lot of materials, comfortable multifunctional furniture and compact built-in appliances. You'll see, your kitchen will turn out beautiful, cozy and practical!
How to arrange a small kitchen: designer tips
The design of each kitchen is individual, depending on the characteristics of the space and the wishes of the residents. But some points in the design of a 7 square meter kitchen remain unchanged:
- choose a linear or angular layout;
- buy oversized furniture;
- prefer light colors for decoration and facades;
- use small prints and small decorative elements.
Kitchen apron
The color of the apron should be in harmony with the surrounding environment. To decorate a small room, it is not advisable to use tiles of significant size, since most of it may end up as scraps.
It will be more economical to use small tiles or mosaics. From an aesthetic point of view, this design is also more attractive.
Layout 7 sq m
To decide on the placement of all furniture and appliances, start with measurements. Be careful if there are niches and ledges in the room.
Rectangular kitchens of 7 sq. m differ from each other in aspect ratio and the location of windows and doors.
- A narrow long room, a window and a door on opposite short sides. The set is installed linearly along a long wall or at an angle, using the space near the door. The third option is at an angle to the window or in a U-shape.
- A narrow long room, openings on opposite long sides. A similar layout of a 7 sq. m kitchen allows you to zone the space: a set is placed on one side of the door, and a table with chairs on the other.
- A narrow long room, openings on the adjacent walls. One option is to install a linear set along the long side, and a table near the window.
The layout of rectangular kitchens with close-sized sides and square kitchens are similar to each other. The geometry of such rooms cannot be spoiled by the shape of the set, so choose to your liking.
The photo shows a linear set with a corner sofa
As for the working triangle, the easiest way is to arrange the three vertices in a corner or U-shape. Remember that the sink should be between the stove and the refrigerator.
A linear layout can also be ergonomic. The refrigerator - sink - hob scheme or moving the refrigerator to an adjacent wall will help to achieve this.
The photo shows an interior in light colors with yellow accents
The layout of a kitchen-type room is the most crucial moment
As one very famous architect from the United States of America said, a kitchen-type room is a kind of home workshop.
For this reason, in order for housewives to have the opportunity to save up to thirty percent of their time and effort, a kitchen-type room should be arranged as ergonomically as possible.
However, this task is quite a difficult task, because seven square meters accommodate a huge amount of various equipment, as well as furniture.
Color spectrum
7 sq m is quite small, which means the room needs to be expanded. Light shades work best with this. With white, beige, gray colors it will become more spacious.
You can also visually enlarge a 7 square meter kitchen using pastel colors. Light blue, green, yellow, pink, peach tones set the mood and make the apartment cozy. Provence or country with wood looks especially good in this range.
If you have chosen a neutral light color as the main color scheme, add accents to the style. You can afford to highlight one of the walls, decorate it with a bright apron, or install a refrigerator in an unexpected shade.
The photo shows a monochrome design of a small kitchen of 7 square meters
Pastel shades
The use of pink, blue, soft green, and other “marshmallow” colors for a small kitchen is considered a reasonable decision. Pleasant, soft colors have a positive effect on the visual perception of space.
The colors, despite their weak intensity, look interesting and emphasize the comfort of the environment. Pastel shades are suitable for both background and accent.
Finishing options and repairs
When choosing finishing materials for a 7 sq.m kitchen, quality comes first. Surfaces must be resistant to washing and abrasion.
- Floor. The best options are tiles, laminate and linoleum. The most durable ceramic tile floor. But you will have to wear slippers or install a heating system, because this is a cold material.
- Ceiling. Choose classic whitewashed, painted or stretched. Multi-level plasterboard structures will make the room smaller.
The photo shows light green furniture in Provence style
- Walls. In most cases, washable wallpaper or paint is used. In a small kitchen of 7 square meters, it is important to protect not only the cooking area; splashes can also get on nearby surfaces - so you will have to wash them often.
- Apron. The distance between the cabinets is tiled or ready-made panels made of plastic or fiberboard are installed. If there are no upper cabinets, the apron is made higher. You can limit yourself to a height of 1 meter, or you can lay tiles up to the ceiling.
The photo shows a variant of an unusual apron
Style options
Minimalism
This design direction is distinguished by laconic and functional furniture in the same style. At the same time, there is almost no decor in the interior, shades and textures are limited, the modules have strict, clear lines. The basic color scheme is monochrome with the addition of beige and light brown details; a small number of modest accents in muted warm tones are acceptable.
For a small kitchen, this style is the best option, however, provided that each item has its own place in the cabinets - chaos is unacceptable in minimalism. To increase the storage area, you can use the third tier of the headset.
Scandinavian
The northern style is characterized by a cool range of very light shades. The simple geometry of the furniture, plain surfaces and natural materials allow you to create cozy kitchens with any window location, north or south.
The calm atmosphere of the Scandinavian style is created through the use of natural shades such as blue-gray, soft green, sand or stone gray. Wood panels and imitation brickwork will be appropriate elements in such a design. For decoration, you can use black or dark gray colors, they will make the decor more interesting.
High tech
Ultra-modern style with an abundance of plastic, metal and glass is suitable for those who live in step with progress and appreciate the high-tech developments of the modern century. The decor contains almost no elements made from natural materials, as well as decor.
Gloss and mirror surfaces will help visually add volume to a small room, and multifunctional appliances will save space. The illusion of spaciousness is created using many local light sources. When choosing this style, designers recommend decorating not only the kitchen, but the entire apartment as a whole.
Modern
A calm, technological set in light colors with a small amount of stylish decor in the design will create a functional and cozy space even in a small kitchen. The surfaces of plain facades can be matte or glossy; pastel shades most often predominate in the interior. This direction is characterized by moderation and quality.
Provence
Delicate and romantic French Provence can be brought to life in a small kitchen. To create a successful design, you need to use the maximum number of light background shades. When choosing patterns for wallpaper and curtains, preference should be given to small, unobtrusive patterns. When decorating a room, you need to follow moderation. An abundance of colored textiles and eye-catching objects will visually make the room smaller and can create the impression of clutter.
Kitchen furniture and household appliances
The need to install large furniture and appliances is one of the main problems of a 7-square kitchen. Let's figure out how to do it right.
Kitchen design 7 square meters with refrigerator
There are 2 options for the standard location of the refrigerator: by the window or by the door.
You can place it near the window opening in a linear or corner set. Make sure the door opens correctly (towards the wall) to ensure a comfortable approach to it.
In the photo there is a built-in refrigerator near the window
Installing a refrigerator at the entrance is a great solution if you plan to place it next to the pencil case or build it into one of the cabinets. This way all the tall furniture will be in one place.
Photo of a 7 m2 kitchen with a sofa
The design of a 7 sq. m kitchen should not be overloaded with an oversized sofa. By replacing it with a compact bench or sofa, you will save space and gain additional storage.
The photo shows an example of a compact kitchen ottoman
Examples of a kitchen with a bar counter
A bar counter is a compact replacement for a table, at which you can not only sit. On the half-bar version (level with the countertop) you can prepare food. And organize a storage area under the standard rack or above it.
Little design tricks
Considering that we strive for a convenient, comfortable and cozy design and layout and, at the same time, the individuality of our home, general advice from designers will be a good help in creating a kitchen interior.
• A good solution would be to purchase built-in equipment that is small in size. In terms of their technical characteristics, they are in no way inferior to their large-sized “comrades”, and the space savings are significant.
• The presence of roof rails is simply irreplaceable. By installing one- or two-tier rails, you will conveniently place kitchen items that will be at your fingertips without clogging the cabinets with them.
• Using smooth transitions and, if possible, a corner arrangement, you will thereby make the kitchen more spacious.
• The use of retractable structures in such kitchens will be the best solution.
Which kitchen set is suitable?
Corner and U-shaped sets take up a lot of space, but they have room for everything you need. In addition, in this layout it is convenient to organize a working triangle.
A built-in direct kitchen is less spacious and convenient, but it takes up little space, which means you will save space for other important things.
The choice of size and position of the kitchen unit primarily depends on your preferences and features:
- Small family, we love to cook. Install a spacious L- or U-shaped set, leaving space for a table or bar counter.
- Big family, we love to cook. Move the dining area into the living room, and install a spacious L- or U-shaped set in the kitchen.
- We don’t like to cook; we often gather in the kitchen with a large family or with guests. Prefer a linear set: it ensures comfortable performance of minimal duties and leaves enough space for a large table.
The photo shows an example of increasing space due to the window sill
Arranging a kitchen with a niche
In Khrushchev-era and panel houses built in the 70s or 80s. of the last century, you can often find a niche in the kitchen. For many, this is simply a useless and inconvenient element. But if you know how to use it, you can make this space as functional as possible. Here are some ideas:
- place a refrigerator, cabinet or dishwasher in a niche, and move the sink;
- equip a niche for storage of kitchen utensils, and in winter - preparations;
- cover the niche with a sheet of plasterboard, i.e. - get rid of it.
Which curtains are best to choose?
Light colors are relevant not only for decoration and furniture, but also for textiles. Curtain southern windows with light tulle or pastel curtains made of flowing fabrics. It is better to leave kitchens with north-facing access without curtains at all, this will allow for more daylight.
Bar counter
When choosing between a table and a bar counter, keep in mind that a table takes up more space. A bar counter will significantly save space, as well as combine places for preparing food and eating it.
With any layout, the chairs should be light, since if there is not enough space, they will be forced to move frequently.
Note!
- Kitchen with island - TOP-120 design options. Pros and cons of the solution + design ideas
- Kitchen 12 sq. m.: TOP-180 best designs, photo ideas for planning and space zoning. Choosing a style, arranging furniture in the kitchen
- Kitchen-dining room - 100 photos of options for arranging a kitchen-dining room. Zoning and interior design ideas
Lighting Features
Even in a tiny room you can’t get by with just a single central chandelier - it will be dark for you to cook and eat. The problem of lack of light can be solved by using built-in lamps or diode strips above the work area, as well as hanging them above a table or bar counter.
The photo shows countertop lighting built into the cabinets
Suitable furniture
To increase the usable space, the entrance to the kitchen is widened and a decorative opening is created, which can be made in the form of an asymmetrical arch. To visually increase the space on the wall near the dining area, it would be a good idea to hang a mirror panel and make the tabletop from a transparent material.
Instead of a dining table, you can arrange a compact bar counter along the long part of the room or install it in the opening between the kitchen and living room.
Another option for a dining table is to design it in the form of a surface located along the wall. In the corner below it you can place an additional storage module with retractable shelves.
Interior Design Ideas
We've already talked about using a window sill, but if your kitchen has access to a balcony, you're even luckier! By insulating the balcony and dismantling the double-glazed windows, you will have the opportunity to create a relaxation or eating area there.
In studios where a 7 sq. m kitchen is combined with a living room, you can use the entire kitchen space to create a spacious work area, and move the dining room into the room. Another option is to install a peninsula or bar counter to zone the space.
The photo shows a kitchen with a seating area on the balcony
Corner kitchens 7 meters
To fit a corner set into a small space, you can use the area under the window overlooking the loggia. To do this, the lower part of the opening is laid down to the level of the worktop, and useful storage cabinets are placed along the partition. In this case, dining furniture is installed against the opposite wall.
Even if there is no exit to the loggia, the space under the window can be used to create an L-shaped headset line. It is better to make a corner cabinet beveled in relation to the work area, then its door will not interfere with the opening of neighboring modules.
Decorating Tips
Those who are doing renovations not for the first time know that they need to plan the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen immediately after completing the rough work. At this point, you can still move the sockets or lengthen the water pipes in accordance with where the appliances and other kitchen equipment will be installed. And the exact dimensions on which the choice of furniture depends are already clear.
Now you have to go to a store or furniture showroom to order a kitchen set.
The further design of the kitchen will depend on its style and color.
- It is better to make the walls in this not too large room light and monochromatic, or with a small or not pronounced pattern.
- A wall in the work area can become a bright accent. An apron made of mosaics or tiles with original decor will look great with a classic kitchen, and a glass panel with photo printing will look great with a modern kitchen. If you are confused by the high price of these materials, pay attention to MDF panels, the decor of which may coincide with the decor of the countertop.
- To visually increase the space, use zoned lighting, translucent curtains or curtains that match the walls, a glass dining table, glass or mirror inserts on the facades of wall cabinets.
Read also the article about kitchen renovation.
Kitchens in Khrushchev-era buildings before and after
Now there will be a lot of real photos of kitchens in Khrushchev-era buildings. The area of all is 5.5-7.5 square meters. 7.5 meters are Khrushchev buildings of the latest series, where the door was removed and a small piece of the wall where this door stood was demolished. For contrast, here are a few kitchens before renovation:
Now a couple of photos before and after the renovation, and then a lot of after photos. Kitchens with the best design in our opinion are at the very end.
Phew, after so many real photographs of kitchens in Khrushchev-era buildings, you should already be sure that they can be cool and stylish. And yours will generally become the coolest, if you follow our 10 tips (or at least a few).
Kitchen in Khrushchev-era design based on photo examples
Most of the things you know about kitchen design don't work for kitchens. Too small an area, lack of a long wall due to the square shape, gas stoves with meters or even a gas water heater. Most complex design styles also pass by . Well, we will first analyze what remains, based on theory and photo examples, and then look at photographs of apartments where our theory was not used.
List of Kitchen Design Ideas
- Strictly 2 colors for all furniture and walls.
- Furniture fronts are glossy and only in pale colors.
- If you want a dark or bright color, then only for the apron.
- No patterns or unnecessary details.
- Upper cabinets up to the ceiling.
- The ceiling is white matte, can be stretched, no complications or experiments with colors and gloss. Be sure to read about the ceiling in a small area.
- We remove everything possible from the tabletop: hide it, lift it, hang it up.
- There is no need for a door to the kitchen.
- Instead of a window sill, in 95% of cases it is better to install a table top.
- The hood is built into the cabinet (by the way, they are cheaper than usual) on the sides there are mini shelves for tea, etc.
Let us clarify the seemingly controversial points. The kitchen in the Khrushchev building in the photo before and after the move are 2 different things . After moving, a wild number of things appear there: a kettle, a coffee maker, a multicooker, pepper shakers and salt shakers, dishwashing detergents and sponges, knives and spatulas, paper towels, strainers, pots and pans, magnets, etc. and so on.
There may even be a cat who will move all this at his own discretion. This is exactly the kind of kitchen you should imagine, and not perfectly clean and empty, as it happens only after the renovation itself.
Therefore, there are only 2 colors and only not bright ones, so you can’t use patterns. Dark and matte facades cannot be used because they are terribly impractical. In general, the most practical color of facades for any kitchen is white, about a white kitchen with wood.
Upper cabinets must be built all the way to the ceiling. First, extra storage space. Secondly, unnecessary rubbish, dust and dirt will not accumulate at the top, which, if your ventilation does not work properly, will eventually become laminated with a layer of fat. Thirdly, it just looks more modern. They can be made hinged with high doors - this is the cheapest option because... hinges with closers for swing doors cost $2-3 apiece. Or make open shelves on top.
Both of these and 5 other ideas have already been discussed in detail in the material about the design of a small kitchen.
Window sill countertop in the kitchen in Khrushchev
The biggest thing missing in the kitchen is the countertop. The distance along the walls is already small, but it will still be eaten up by the refrigerator, hob and sink. Everything else, including the microwave, oven, holders for knives and seasonings, for towels, etc. needs to be removed from the countertop. Otherwise, you will not be able to clean the kitchen properly, but instead you will rearrange items from place to place.
Therefore, you need to install an additional tabletop instead of a window sill. You won’t benefit from this for cabinets - there’s a radiator under the countertop, but a free horizontal plane will appear. You can move the sink to the place of the window sill, but again remember about the radiator. The window sill is expanded along its entire length, or in one part, making something like a table or a low bar counter. Here are some real photos of window sills and countertops in kitchens in Khrushchev-era buildings:
With a built-in hood for a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era apartment, the moment is ironclad - it is cheaper, it does not collect dirt, there will be small shelves around it in the cabinets. There are even narrow hoods designed specifically for two-burner stoves.
In principle, a door in the kitchen is not needed - it is a relic of the past. But if you have gas, then such a layout will not be approved for you. If the power of the input cable allows, you can switch to electricity.
You can buy a silent refrigerator (just read the reviews before buying, they always write about noise), the noise from it is no longer an argument. It’s also nice to save on the door itself and square meters. Even in large apartments, doors are often not installed simply because they are unnecessary; at least consider this option.
Now let's look at real photos of good kitchens from Khrushchev, how they comply and do not comply with the rules from this point, and what can be improved.
Real photos of errors during repairs
First, a description of the error, followed by one or more photos.
The kitchen is not up to the ceiling. Integrity is lost, a place appears where dirt and trash will accumulate. The space is not used to its maximum. The top drawers could be used to store rarely used items. Exhaust pipes and other unnecessary parts stick out. Try to imagine what these kitchens would look like if the upper cabinets were longer and reached to the ceiling.
The choice of furniture for the kitchen in Khrushchev in too dark colors. Many people think that this is not a particularly important rule. This is wrong. Here are photos of several kitchens where they decided to use black. And it is also impractical. The colors of the facades and apron are too bright and saturated.
Using a conventional hood rather than a built-in one. Look how much space is wasted in an already small kitchen.
The use of patterns and designs on the apron. Photo example of a budget and expensive kitchen in Khrushchev. The second one looks cool, but note that it has only been renovated and is completely empty, and what will happen after all the kitchen accessories appear?
Common mistakes
To summarize, we will talk about the most common mistakes in arranging small kitchens in Khrushchev-era buildings:
- An attempt to arrange as many storage spaces as possible at the expense of comfortable movement. It is important to find a middle ground between functionality and visual lightness of the interior, without cluttering the space with numerous cabinets.
- A large number of open shelves. Open storage will create visual noise and “eat up” the space.
- The load on the electrical network is not taken into account. The modern set of necessary equipment does not correspond to the capabilities of the electrical network of Khrushchev’s apartments. During the construction phase, it is also necessary to change the wiring.
- Excessive decor. Various trinkets and figurines only clutter up the space and do not provide any benefit in everyday life. For comfort, light curtains, a tablecloth or napkins for cutlery, and house plants in stylish flowerpots will be enough.
- Lush, multi-layer curtains. If the bright sun does not enter the kitchen during the daytime, then you can completely abandon the curtains. This is appropriate to do in such modern styles as hi-tech, minimalism, scandi. If you can’t do without curtains, then it’s better to consider short curtains, Roman curtains, roller blinds, cafe curtains, blinds or a single lambrequin.
- A gas hob with 4 burners, of which 2 are most often used, and very, very rarely - 3. According to regulations, it is prohibited to install a four-burner gas stove in such a small room. In addition, a 2-burner hob is more compact and allows you to free up space for the work surface.
- An oven or stove placed close to the refrigerator. Such a neighborhood is safe only if all the equipment is built-in. Leave a distance of at least 20 cm between the wall of the refrigerator and the gas hob, and at least 15 cm between the freestanding refrigerator and the built-in oven.
For an analysis of errors based on the example of a real kitchen, watch the video:
