Kitchen in "Khrushchev": sizes, choice of curtains and furniture

Kitchen layout is one of the most interesting and challenging tasks in interior design. If the size allows, it is enough to combine taste and imagination - then the result will be amazing. But what if the size of the kitchen is rather modest? There is no need to despair - even in "Khrushchevs" you can arrange the space stylishly and functionally.

According to statistics, every fourth family in Russia lives in small, compact apartments designed in the time of Nikita Khrushchev. Their main distinguishing feature is small kitchens. In the modern world of new buildings with their huge areas, the inhabitants of "Khrushchev" are especially difficult. If in the Soviet period everyone was in approximately the same conditions, today the diversity of the housing stock is very large. The size of the kitchen in the "Khrushchev" (and other similar structures) varies from 5 to 7 square meters. Previously, this footage allowed you to put a table, chairs, a gas stove, a sink and hang several wall cabinets. What can you offer today to the inhabitants of old Soviet apartments, apart from a large-scale redevelopment?

Of course, the radical integration of the kitchen space with any adjacent one will bring a real increase in space. This can be a hallway or part of another room. You can simply remove the door to make the space freer. However, the correct arrangement of color, technology, furniture, lighting and curtains can visually expand the room.

Choosing colors for "Khrushchev", stop at the two-color version (if you combine many palettes in a small room, this will complicate and make it heavier). At the same time, feel free to use not only neutral scales, but also bright accents. This will add freshness and cheerfulness to the interior. A small amount of contrast will only benefit a small kitchen.

As for bright patterns, designs and ornaments, they eat up the space, make it smaller, therefore, they are appropriate only in large rooms. Opt for plain and monochrome. As a last resort, use unobtrusive, low-contrast patterns in light pastel shades. Relief, volumetric ornaments will be very good.

As for other materials, the flooring, wall and ceiling decoration can be any, the main thing is not dark. The operational qualities of materials are of great importance here. Avoid combining - it visually steals space. A single light color of the walls, floor, ceiling is the most optimal solution.

When choosing equipment, be sure to take into account not only its functionality, but also its dimensions, especially since manufacturers are meeting the owners of small apartments. Reduced technical devices (miniature dishwashers, hob and small oven) fit perfectly into even the smallest area. Choose additional gadgets according to this principle: microwave oven, harvesters and other devices. Consider hanging your microwave on the wall to free up your workspace.

Kitchen textiles not only decorate the window, but also protect the room from active sunlight and views. In addition, the right curtains do not steal space, make the room taller and larger. First of all, you should abandon heavy curtains, complex cut, lambrequins and an abundance of decor (if you do not want to create the impression of a closet). A large lurid print, an intricate pattern, and a bright color give about the same effect. Remove folds, flounces, draperies, cascades.

Consider the main requirements for decorating a window:

• light should flow freely into the room;
• for all the laconicism, the design cannot be deprived of expressiveness;
• curtains must be in harmony with the general style;
• practical material is preferable, since textiles will have to be washed often.

We offer you the most popular and stylish ideas for window space decoration.

• Curtains. Such an easy option can be considered one of the most practical, but only if the windows do not face south, and there are no neighbors opposite the windows. A simple pattern in a geometric or traditional style with the image of fruits and vegetables will do. The ideal solution is a monochrome canvas.

• Cropped curtains. The curtain space above the window sill will not be "stolen" - at the same time the window is protected and the window sill is open for use. Style curtains that hang right in the middle of the opening are a great solution for a tiny kitchen.

• Tulle. It is a transparent, lightweight, airy option. Tulle can be quite spectacular, lace trimmings give it sophistication. You can choose a model for almost any style direction.

• Kissy thread. This is a relatively new design solution that is ideal for the kitchen. Straight stripes visually make the room taller, transmit light well, and are undemanding to maintain.

• Roman curtains. This is one of the most stylish, compact and practical solutions for decorating a window in a small room. The design allows you to adjust the light level. Moreover, you can choose a material, both dense and translucent. This type of curtain goes well with tulle, curtains.

• Curtains with eyelets. An up-to-date design solution that allows not to "steal" the space, to decorate the window elegantly and practically. You can choose either thick fabric or lightweight.

• Austrian curtains. First of all, this spectacular model with scallops and pleats will be good in a classic style. They can be compactly assembled at the top, which is important for a small kitchen.

• Roller blinds. This model does not take up space at all - the roll is attached to the window and folds up at any time, which looks very practical. In order to give expressiveness to the opening, you should pay attention to the curtains of original colors with catchy prints. They go well with tulle.

• Blinds. Of course, not every interior can fit such an option, however, it is perfect for modern styles. Moreover, the blinds can be varied: from bamboo, fabric, wood.

Equally important is the choice of furniture for a small kitchen. Many design ideas will have to be abandoned, for example, from a U-shape, a large bar counter, a large table. The straight shape of the headset is unlikely to accommodate everything you need, but the corner one will be the best choice. Furniture can be either built-in or purchased ready-made, the main thing is to make all measurements accurately.

When choosing furniture, you should plan the location of the working area and the possibilities of storage sections, embedding of mandatory technical items. Most often, headsets are made to order for the size of a particular room. This method allows you to use every centimeter of the area, take into account all niches, and use the walls with maximum benefit.

The lower cabinets act as a work surface; large-sized equipment is built into them. Therefore, there will be few storage opportunities, nevertheless, they are. The upper modules play the role of storage, drying, protection of dishes and food, so they need to be thought out very carefully. An excellent solution is cabinets up to the ceiling. They will not only visually make the room taller, but also allow you to store more utensils.

The dining area is another essential element. Give up bulky tables and chairs, choose light, bright, practical options. Foldable models will save space perfectly. A compact bar counter will solve the problem of lack of space.

Furniture selection rules:

• dark furniture looks massive, so you should choose light facades;
• built-in furniture is preferable, since you can increase its functionality with a modest size;
• ergonomically think over the placement of the refrigerator, sink and stove - using them should be comfortable;
• do not be afraid to choose glass - this is a great option for increasing the space, for example, a small dining table will not visually clutter up the room;
• give preference to a round table - it is more compact, in addition, you will not bump into corners;

• a great move is to choose a small table that can be expanded if necessary;
• it is equally wrong to buy bulky models and many miniature models for a small-sized kitchen - a feeling of clutter will be in both the first and second interiors;
• the best solution is a corner set;
• choose the first between a glossy and matte furniture surface;

• try to equip furniture with built-in drawers to the maximum - this is much more convenient, also think over folding, lifting door options;
• do not forget about modern storage devices - they save a lot of space: pull-out carousels, mesh containers, apron rails;
• a corner dining area with a sofa can also be a great storage space;
• Place a small nightstand under the round table to store useful little things.

Regardless of the chosen design, a modern kitchen should be stylish and cozy. A classic design is a safe bet, but there are many other trends that will brighten up a small kitchen.

• Classic. The main characteristic features of this style are conservatism, clear outlines, correct symmetry. The impression of status and simplicity is made by natural materials, glass doors in cabinets, neutral shades of natural colors. Advantages can be considered a large selection of light colors, accuracy and aristocracy of style. Minus - natural furniture is often massive, hoods are very bulky. There is a danger that this style will accentuate the tiny dimensions of the room.

• Provence. This rural direction is very cheerful, graceful, light. There are always many colors and romance in it. For a small kitchen, this is a great solution. Pros: predominantly light-warm colors in decoration, choice of textiles, furniture. Negative: It takes quite a lot of artistic taste to get all the details right.

• Minimalism. Now it is at the peak of popularity, it is distinguished by laconicism, high functionality, restraint in choosing a color. The minimum number of items, compactness, economy make it an excellent choice for a small kitchen. Pros: clarity, versatility, lack of bulky excesses of decor, Minus - may seem dull and boring.

• High tech. Distinctive features of this direction can be considered the smoothness of surfaces, the presence of gloss and other reflective surfaces. Numerous chrome-plated metal parts do not clutter up the space. Pros: a lot of gloss, no complicated decor, comfort, sophistication.

• Japanese style. Another interesting direction, distinguished by strict lines, modest design, simplicity of forms. Light tones are perfectly complemented by small dark accents. The simple texture of the textiles is complemented by unobtrusive thematic patterns. A great solution for a small kitchen.

• Loft. The good thing is that even in a tiny room you can use it to create an interesting, original design. He is very creative, functional, practical. The loft is distinguished by a combination of rude details with extremely simple pieces of furniture: rough plaster, brickwork, natural wood and metal, combined with several bright decorative accents.

The most correct range for decorating a small kitchen is light, pastel. Even with light colored walls, ceilings and floors, and neutral furnishings, textiles and light can add the necessary fresh and vibrant accents.

The most winning palettes for a small kitchen:

• white is an ideal choice, you can safely choose a monochrome solution and dilute it with catchy accents;
• light gray - perfect for many styles, goes well with both warm and cold palettes;
• brown - it will be an excellent solution if you stop at light tones of this natural and rich range;

• blue - muted, delicate or rich, well suited for a small room;
• red - it is better to use it as a complementary color, for example, to white;

• green - the most pacifying and natural of all shades, goes well with brown, white (discreet shades of olive, grass, mint are preferred);
• yellow - will look great in a kitchen that lacks light;
• Lavender is an extremely popular headset color that goes well with light-colored walls.

Of course, you need to focus on the overall color composition of the room. Designers believe that it is more effective to use curtains in blue, purple, lavender, green and mint colors. These shades add air, freshness to the space and increase it visually. Pistachio, pearl, cream curtains of muted tones will perfectly fit into any design. It is better to completely abandon dark palettes or use it for roller blinds.

Window prints are also used with extreme caution in small kitchens. A large drawing will "eat up" the space, an inconspicuous one - it will create the impression of dustiness.

With natural light, everything is quite simple - you cannot block its access to the room. As for the artificial, it is important to take into account many nuances here:

• the more light, the better, therefore it is necessary to equip all zones with lighting;
• the multi-lamp lamp will perfectly illuminate the dining and work areas;
• pendant lamp or chandelier - a lampshade near the ceiling will never provide the kitchen with full lighting;
• the ideal solution for a small kitchen is the use of lighting under the hinged modules;

• lamps can be both mortise and overhead, point, in the form of spotlights, rotary slots;
• place the backlight so that the entire work surface around the kitchen perimeter is illuminated;
• a great solution is to add a pendant lamp with a shade or 2-3 small suspensions to the dining area;
• it is best to consider models of lamps that will allow you to change the angle of the direction of the light - this will allow you to control the backlight;

• give up the lamps on the brackets - they clutter up the space;
• you should not sacrifice the height of the kitchen for the sake of placing built-in lamps - they perfectly illuminate the room, but the low ceiling neutralizes all the advantages;
• a very effective modern solution - to create a luminous strip between the ceiling and the headset made of tempered plexiglass and lighting;
• use an LED-backlit headset.

Designers offer many unusual options for how to properly arrange a small kitchen in "Khrushchev". The size of the room does not negate the possibilities of stylish, effective, comfortable and functional design.

• The nude-pearl range is perfect for decorating small rooms. A light creamy green fleur adds sophistication to the interior. The expansion of the space was achieved through a radical redevelopment, connecting the kitchen with an adjoining room. The area is clearly separated by a bar counter.

• A white laconic minimalist kitchen will be very light and comfortable. This direction allows for the complete absence of textiles and decorative elements, so not everyone will like it.
• Bright colors are not at all excluded in the design of a small kitchen, however, it is important to place accents correctly. White, as the dominant color, expands the space, and scarlet, as an additional color, perfectly enlivens the interior, brings expressive notes into it.

• Natural shades and natural style are at the peak of popularity today. A kitchen finished in light wood will not seem too simple if you think over spectacular modules and a beautiful apron. The dining area looks interesting in the window sill area.
• Designers do not recommend using multi-color compositions in small spaces. If the basis of the interior is snow-white, you can safely design details in additional shades. For example, gray and green look very noble and airy in combination with white.

• Fully using the window area as a working area is a very good solution for a small kitchen. A compact sink, built-in appliances, a small dining area - everything is in its place and easy to use.
• Dark decorative elements may well be used in the Khrushchev kitchen. However, it is very important to maintain a balance that should be in favor of light shades. Translucent curtains, rounded shapes of furniture make the room airy, streamlined, visually spacious.

• A competent layout allows you to place all the necessary elements in a small area, up to the dining area with a corner sofa. The chosen color scheme creates the illusion of freedom and lightness in the room.
• Fans of intricate design should not despair. In the Khrushchev kitchen, you can afford a lot of unusual interior solutions, even the marine theme will be appropriate. Texture is taken as a catchy element here: two types of brickwork, decorative pillows with a print. The composition is balanced by a cold neutral scale in white and gray-blue shades.

• A spectacular interior does not have to be bulky - neutral colors, elegant and miniature furniture, sophisticated decor will turn a tiny room into a real work of art.
• An excellent color scheme is a duet of white and muted pink colors. A well-planned work area and the right lighting add comfort to the room.

• A mosaic apron, a set in the color of natural light wood, transparent curtains create a feeling of comfort. The room turned out to be very bright. A good solution is to remove the door to the kitchen, replacing it with an arch.
• In a small kitchen, it is very important to use 100% of the entire space, including the window opening. After all, it can be not only a working area, but also a dining area, as well as accommodate storage sections. At the same time, a lot of light enters the room.

• If it is impossible to remove the door to the kitchen or it is considered impractical, it can be replaced with a glass version. This solution is perfect for a laconic design with no frills.
• The rounded end of the headset looks great in small spaces. Glossy surfaces reflect light perfectly, making the room appear larger, brighter and more sophisticated.

For an overview of the kitchen in Khrushchev, see the next video.