Design Features
Khrushchev-era apartments have a number of features. And ignoring them means depriving yourself of a comfortable space in the future. The main differences of the kitchen in a Khrushchevka are below:
- small area – 5-6 square meters;
- low ceilings – 250-260 cm;
- inconvenient location of ventilation and drainpipes;
- gasification;
- partitions without a load-bearing function.
Layout options
Layout of a small kitchen requires a competent approach, because in 6 sq. m. you need to fit work and dining areas, all the necessary equipment and storage space.
See all possible layouts in Khrushchev-era apartments.
The photo shows a bar counter along the window and a dishwasher
Furniture and appliance arrangement layouts in a Khrushchev-era kitchen
We have already mentioned that the Khrushchev-era kitchen does not have load-bearing partitions, which means that when If desired, it can be re-planned. If you decide to take such a step, obtain permission from the BTI before starting the remodeling.
- Combining the kitchen with the adjacent room is possible in a Khrushchev-era apartment only if there is no gas stove. Thus, as a result of the redevelopment, you will get a studio, in which the cooking and eating areas can be easily divided.
- In a gasified apartment, it is possible to move the partition, due to which everything you need will be able to be placed in the increased area.
What to consider when renovating?
Kitchen renovation is not tolerates haste and random actions – you should have a clear plan of the future premises to imagine the necessary volume of electrical installation, plumbing and finishing works. When the sockets and pipes are moved, proceed to finishing.
What to decorate the walls with?
Beauty and practicality are the main points when choosing a material for the walls. Due to the proximity of objects to each other, you need to choose an easy-to-clean coating (wallpaper, paint, tiles, panels) – grease can even get on the wall opposite the stove, so all walls should be easy to wash.
Optical illusions on the walls level out some of the problems of Khrushchev-era buildings. A vertical stripe will help to visually raise the ceiling, and a horizontal stripe will increase the space of a narrow room. Wallpaper with a small pattern expands a small area, while a large pattern, on the contrary, is suitable for decorating only part of the wall.
Another unusual solution is mirrors. They can be used to decorate an apron or make windows in furniture fronts.
The photo shows kitchen wallpaper with a geometric print and a tiled apron
What kind of floors should I make?
An optical illusion can also be applied to floors in a small room. Diagonal installation will make the kitchen in a Khrushchevka wider, and transverse installation will expand the narrow room.
As for materials, tiles, laminate, and linoleum are the most popular. Tiles are practical, but require the installation of a “warm floor” system for comfort. Laminate and linoleum require special care and do not like high humidity.
Which ceiling is better?
The low ceiling height in Khrushchev-era buildings and the presence of a gas stove leave their mark on the choice of finishing options. Immediately exclude simple chalk whitewash (it does not last long in damp rooms), plasterboard structures (they hide the already small height), wallpaper (they will turn yellow and fade over the gas).
For whitewashing, choose a budget lime composition – it is easy to apply and is not afraid of moisture. But it is not recommended to wash such a surface.
Painting will solve the problem of regular maintenance of the ceiling, but it requires ideal surface preparation – it is better to entrust this task to professionals.
Although a stretch ceiling hides 4-5 cm, a glossy or satin surface will visually elevate the room. Its obvious advantages include quick installation (2-3 hours), ease of maintenance, the ability to hide wiring, beams and conceal defects.
The stretch ceiling in the kitchen is made of water- and fire-resistant PVC.
Doorway design options
The arrangement of a kitchen with a gas stove requires a door. But the swing door that takes up a lot of space can be replaced with a sliding or folding door. In a tiny room without gas, you can do without a door altogether – this will add space to the room. The opening can be designed as an arch or leave free door slopes.
Often the door in Khrushchev-era apartments is inconveniently located. To conveniently place a dining table or increase storage space, it can be moved a few centimeters to the side or even arrange the entrance on another wall. Reducing the width of the doorway can also be a great solution.
Choosing a color scheme
Using light shades (white, gray, beige) is a surefire way to design a small kitchen. Such a room looks neater, more spacious and in fact turns out to be more practical than a dark one. Therefore, light colors for owners of Khrushchev-era apartments are the best way to create a fresh and neat interior.
The photo shows monochrome snow-white wall decoration and a set with a wooden countertop
Bright accents (mint, lilac, purple, light green, blue, burgundy, olive) will help to avoid comparisons with the interior of a hospital. The apron, appliances, part of the facades or textiles can be colored.
Dark tones (black, brown) should be used with caution, but they can also play into your hands. For example, darkening individual areas (a section of a wall, a door) will add volume to the room.
In the photo, the red apron neatly harmonizes with the white facades
Choosing and arranging furniture
When everything you need is at hand and there is nothing extra, cooking is a pleasure! The correct arrangement will help achieve this.
Kitchen set
When choosing furniture for the kitchen, prefer a custom-made set to a modular one – this way you will be sure that the entire small area is used effectively.
- Linear or straight options for sets are suitable if the dining area is a priority. In this case, there will be very little space for storing and preparing food.
- A corner or L-shaped set is universal for any kitchen, and a Khrushchevka is no exception. The work surface here is larger, as is the capacity. And there will be room for a dining table too. A beveled or rounded left end module will facilitate passage and protect against injuries.
- A U-shaped set is installed if the dining area is moved to another room (living room or dining room). This is the most functional option of all.
- A two-row arrangement of furniture along the walls requires a minimum of 2.5 meters of room width or the manufacture of specially selected narrow cabinets. The distance between the rows should be at least 90 cm.
The photo shows a white kitchen set with a black apron
Dining area
The size and location of the dining area are determined based on the available space and the number of family members.
- If 1 or 2 people live in the apartment, the usual table can be replaced with a bar counter, a tabletop on the windowsill, a folding wall table or a compact model.
- For 3-4 people, a dining table is needed, preferably a folding one. A square or rectangular one can be moved to the wall if necessary, and a round one will save space when used statically.
- People aged 5+ usually feel cramped in a compact kitchen; it is better to move the dining area outside the room. Consider options for combining with the living room – in Khrushchev-era buildings, such redevelopment is allowed under certain conditions.
The right choice of chairs will also help save space: stackable or folding models are ideal. It is worth giving up bulky sofas and corners in order to save space.
The photo shows different chairs with a round table
Storage systems
The task of equipping the kitchen with everything necessary for storage may seem impossible, but it is not. Here are some ideas for the proper organization of the storage system:
- Hanging modules to the ceiling. An additional row of upper cabinets will increase the capacity of the kitchen by 30%.
- Roll-out drawers instead of a plinth. Low drawers are convenient for storing dishes, baking tins and other items.
- Railing system. With its help, you can free up the countertop and cabinets, while placing everything you need at hand.
How to compactly arrange equipment?
In addition to cabinets and a dining table in the kitchen, you need to try to find space for the necessary equipment.
Gas stove
In pursuit of the goal of saving space, the standard hob is replaced with a 2-3 burner hob. Ovens can also be narrow — a 45 cm cabinet will save as much as 15 cm, and that’s a lot!
Refrigerator
The size of the refrigerator can also be different. Small models that fit into a niche under the countertop are suitable for 1-2 people. If you need a tall one, let it be thinner than usual – 50-60 cm.
Gas water heater
The safest way to place it is open. A model that matches the style of the rest of the household appliances will not be conspicuous. If the gas water heater in a Khrushchevka needs to be hidden in a box, it should not have a back, bottom or top wall. And the distance to the side and front ones must be at least 3 centimeters.
The photo shows the design of a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building with a gas water heater
Washing machine
The most compact option is a narrow washing machine at the end of the kitchen unit (sideways to the facades). This way, you can reduce the space it takes up by 20-30 cm. In a typical Khrushchev-era layout, the washing machine is placed next to the sink in the corner to reduce the “wet zone.”
Microwave
Built-in appliances are best suited for small spaces. For example, you can store an oven, a washing machine or dishwasher, and a microwave in one cabinet. A non-built-in model is placed on a window sill, hung on a wall or in one of the upper cabinets, so it does not interfere with the work area.
Hood
A classic full-size hood takes up the space of at least one module, so a compact built-in model is a priority. It also draws in odors while still allowing for storage in the cabinet above it.
Dishwasher machine
A narrow dishwasher of 45 centimeters is a great choice for a small apartment! It is roomy and functional. If you don’t have an extra 50 cm, opt for tabletop models, which can be placed in a pencil case or on a shelf.
Organizing proper lighting
To make the kitchen more spacious, light wallpaper alone is not enough. It is important to approach the lighting of the room wisely.
- A chandelier in the center can be perfectly replaced by spotlights – they are brighter and do not create shadows that can spoil the kitchen.
- Directional light is needed above the work area – an LED strip or directional sconces will cope with this task.
- The table should be well lit – you can install a pendant lamp above it, but not too low.
Choosing practical curtains
Natural light is another element of proper kitchen lighting. Curtains hide it, so it is advisable to avoid them altogether in dark kitchens.
If curtains on the windows are still necessary, choose one of the options:
- light tulle up to the radiator;
- roller blind;
- Roman blind;
- blinds;
- cafe curtains.
What decor would be appropriate?
An excess of decor will make an already small kitchen even less, but if minimalism is not your thing, stick to a small amount of decorations.
- Textiles. Bright cushions/chair seats and tea towels will liven up the interior.
- Plants. Indoor flowers on the windowsill or a composition in a vase will not take up much space.
- Utensils. A beautiful jug or copper saucepan can easily become a functional decoration.
How does it look in different styles?
Laconic and light classics will make a small kitchen more spacious, but you should not overload it details.
The photo shows the interior of a kitchen in Khrushchev in the classic style
The cozy Scandinavian style will also advantageously transform a room in a Khrushchev-era building with the help of light.
Restraint hi-tech and minimalism suit this area with an interesting design and a focus on functionality and laconic design.
Romantic Provence will please creative people and will become a highlight.
Aggressive loft does not necessarily have to be dark – paint the brick white, and leave the black color for contrasting accents.
The photo shows a real example of kitchen design in Khrushchevka in loft style
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