Features of arranging a small kitchen

A small kitchen measuring 2 by 2 is arranged completely differently. The main principles of space design:

Light color scheme. Ideally, white should prevail, while it is advisable to choose the color of the facades to match the color of the walls.
Vertical instead of horizontal. Instead of a two-tier corner kitchen 2 by 2, put a straight one, but consisting of three levels.
Multifunctionality. Do not take up space with a separate dining table – make a peninsula as an extension of the kitchen: it is convenient to cook and eat on it.
Ergonomics. At 2 meters, one way or another, all things will be at hand, but they must be arranged in the correct order.
Built-in kitchen set. Modular does not take into account the features of the room and after its installation there will be free space. To use every centimeter, order custom-made built-in furniture.
Small size. Chairs instead of a sofa, smaller width of appliances or depth of cabinets will help win the battle for millimeters.

Choosing a convenient layout

The layout of a 2 by 2 kitchen is selected based on the following parameters:

volume for storing utensils;
size of the empty countertop;
dimensions of the dining area.

small scandi kitchen

A straight kitchen, 2 meters long, is suitable for those who do not like to cook. This option is the most compact and after installing all the additional accessories (sink, hob), you will have a maximum of 60 cm of countertop for cutting food. Although, if you move the refrigerator out of the line to the other side or use a 2-burner stove instead of a standard 4-burner stove, the work area can be made a little larger.

Tip! The work “triangle” in a straight kitchen is built in a line in order: sink, stove, refrigerator. Leave at least 30 cm of free space between the two zones.

kitchen with glossy facades

The photo shows an example of placing equipment in a tiny area

The corner arrangement of furniture is universal. The L-shaped design in a 2 by 2 meter kitchen is not as compact as the linear one, but this type of kitchen set has more storage space and a more spacious work area. Usually, one side is fully or partially used as a dining area, creating a peninsula on the windowsill without cabinets below. In order not to lose storage space, install a third row of cabinets at the very top – seasonal or rarely used items will be stored there.

U-shaped small kitchen

The most bulky type of kitchen set is the U-shaped one. But keep in mind that if you place it on 4 square meters, the kitchen will become even smaller: therefore, this layout is usually chosen for kitchen niches in studios, where only cooking is planned. In this case, the table is located in the living room or at the junction of two rooms.

Important! The optimal gap between two rows is 1.2-1.4 meters. That is, you will have to install cabinets opposite each other, 40 cm deep. Or place standard 60 cm cabinets on one side, and 20 cm on the other.

radial facades in the kitchen

The photo shows a layout with a dining table

What color is better to decorate?

White. The best choice for a small-sized kitchen. When choosing, pay attention to the temperature of the shade: with a yellow, orange undertone, it is suitable for a kitchen with northern windows. With blue, green — with the southern ones. The ceiling, walls, furniture, apron, even textiles are made white.

white mini kitchen

The photo shows an interior in white

Beige. A warm shade, close to white. It is a little darker, warmer, cozier. Use it if the kitchen lacks sun.

beige kitchen interior

Gray. It is often used in small sunny kitchens: it cools, relaxes, and refreshes the interior. It suits various styles: Scandi, loft, modern.

kitchen with multi-colored facades

Pastel. Soft blue, green, yellow, lilac shades are a great choice when you want something colorful and unusual. It is better to combine with one of the previous neutral shades, and use either in equal proportions or in small areas: facades of the lower or middle row, apron, wallpaper pattern.

kitchen in green tones

The photo shows a design in a pastel green shade

Bright and dark tones in very limited quantities will add depth and character to the design. Use with extreme caution: furniture handles, decor, small accessories.

kitchen 2 by 2 meters

Recommendations for choosing finishes and materials

The most difficult decision you will have to make before renovating a miniature kitchen: what to decorate the walls with. On an area of 4 square meters, splashes will reach even the opposite surface, so it is worth taking care of the ease of cleaning in the future now.

ceiling-to-ceiling set

The following options will suit you:

Tiles or tiles from floor to ceiling. Choose small dimensions: maximum 25 * 25 cm.
Washable paint. There are special compositions for kitchens, from the durable surface of which any liquids simply flow off.
Washable wallpaper. The most short-lived option, it is best to take vinyl.
PVC panels. It is forbidden to use near open fire and high temperatures, so it is better to make an apron from tiles.
Decorative plaster. Cover with a special protective compound from water and dirt.

curtains in the kitchen

The ceiling is usually painted with white water-based paint, or made stretch. In the second case, choose a glossy canvas, it visually increases the space.

tiles with paint in the kitchen

The photo shows a bar counter on the windowsill

The floor should be the darkest surface. In a small kitchen, linoleum is laid, laminate or tiles are laid. The last material is cold, so before installing it, install a heated floor system in the room.

tiles to the ceiling in the kitchen

Choosing furniture and equipment

We have already discussed the layout of the kitchen set, it remains to say a few words about the facades: glossy or glass ones with rounded edges are best suited for your small kitchen. Reflective surfaces have the effect of visual expansion.

white paint for the kitchen

The photo shows bright facades of the upper cabinets

Refrigerator. Do not save space, especially if 2 or more people live in the apartment. Take full-fledged household appliances with sufficient volume. It is best to install it in the corner by the window.

tiled apron

Hob. Often, 4 burners are not needed, so you can safely save space on the countertop and personal savings by choosing a 2 or 3-burner model.

apron in the color of the countertop

Oven. There are models not 60, but 45 centimeters wide – if you do not have to cook for a huge family every day, it will be enough.

glass tiles for the kitchen

PMM. Dishwashers are also 45 cm – they are enough for a family of 2 people.

Choose small kitchen appliances with special care: do not store extra devices that you use 1-2 times a year. If you furnish the room with only the most necessary things, there will be enough space for everything.

linoleum in the kitchen

What lighting and decor to choose?

There should be a lot of light in the kitchen! Natural light from the window should not be blocked by roller blinds or blinds – let the sun’s rays freely penetrate the room.

blinds in the kitchen

There are usually several sources of artificial light. Ceiling lighting should not be made central, it is better to place 4 spotlights throughout the entire ceiling volume.

Roman blind for the kitchen

Backlighting of the work area is required if there is at least one row of hanging modules above the countertop. It is usually done with the help of LED strip.

The dining table is illuminated by a pendant hanging from the ceiling.

textiles for a small kitchen

Decor, unlike lighting, should be kept to a minimum. Do not clutter the shelves and countertops with unnecessary details. Maximum functional accessories: beautiful cutting boards, dishes, potholders.

small kitchen with shelves