Features and design options for a kitchen of 4 sq. m
The kitchen is an integral part of any home. Everyone would like to have a spacious and well-equipped space, but today cooking spaces in apartments are getting smaller and smaller. Nevertheless, professional designers offer interesting solutions that allow you to beautifully and functionally equip even a small kitchen. Consider the design options for a room with an area of 4 sq. m.
Planning
The working triangle is a concept used to define the efficiency of a kitchen that needs to be aesthetically pleasing and functional. The main points of this triangle are the stove, sink and refrigerator. The distance between them should be within three meters. The idea is that when these three elements are in close proximity (but not too close) to each other, the space is used comfortably and efficiently, as the number of wasted steps is reduced. The triangular arrangement in this case is the most practical option.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. In linear single-walled kitchens it is geometrically impossible to achieve a triangle. Here, efficiency is maintained by the configuration of the three items and how close they are to each other.
Work on optimizing the kitchen space began back in the 1920s. The idea came from Lillian Moller Gilbert, an industrial psychologist and engineer. He called the L-shaped layout the most functional, especially for small spaces.
There are four main options for organizing furniture within a small space:
- with a corridor;
- angular;
- U-shaped.
In a long and narrow kitchen of 4 squares on each side, you can place the necessary appliances and household appliances in a row. There should be at least 1.2 meters between them in the middle. This is exactly how much you need to feel comfortable while working.
The corner option can further unload the room, leaving more free space on one side of the wall. This is a good solution if you need to install a small headset in a house where few people live.
All work areas are within reach and in the U-shaped kitchen. Sometimes for very small kitchens this is the only possible option, since this is the only way to fit the important elements of the triangle into the room.
Regardless of the type of future kitchen set, you will first need to depict the location of all zones and structural elements on paper in order to accurately represent how the design will look. Take into account the location of the door and windows, as well as their dimensions. If the height of the ceilings is sufficient to increase the amount of furniture due to the space above, then you should definitely take advantage of this. The shelves can be made open, small stocks removed, or appliances that are less commonly used on the farm but are considered necessary can be placed.
It is by increasing the depth and height of the cabinets that it is possible to significantly expand the kitchen and make it more functional. Several hooks for a ladle, slotted spoon and other utensils can be screwed onto the wall.
Space organization rules
A small room is inconvenient because it is not always clear how to use it rationally, to create three important zones:
- dining room;
- working;
- for cooking food.
In this case, it is important to choose the right type of headset. Linear or U-shaped options are best, as they allow you to use the space that is usually left unaffected. At the same time, the person does not feel constrained.
Even a small room should contain many different details. These are the sink, work surface, storage cabinets, household appliances. It is important to provide not only a convenient location of the most frequently used equipment, but also sockets and switches.
The main task of the designer is to use all the free space. Accordingly, the depth and height of the storage cabinets can be increased. As for the refrigerator and other necessary equipment, it is advisable to think over special niches in the design of the headset for them.
It is advisable to use a small technique. If the kitchen is too small, the refrigerator can be moved to another room, for example, in the corridor, if this does not cause discomfort to the residents.
One space can be used multiple times. The main thing is to understand how to do it correctly. An example is a countertop that slides out when needed, with a waste bin underneath. Thus, one element performs two functions simultaneously.
Design options
When designing a kitchen with an area of 4 square meters, it is important to monitor the visual perception of the space. You cannot use massive elements that visually reduce the room. As a headset, it is better to choose white furniture or another light shade with glass doors. Transparent chairs will also add lightness.
If there are no windows, if possible, you need to make a hatch in the ceiling. It will help you get a lot of natural light during the day. Even a U-shaped kitchen will be devoid of shaded areas, creating the necessary feeling of comfort and coziness. It is also a modern and rather unusual option.
Painting the walls white or any other light color will also make the room appear larger. The combination of snow-white walls with gray wardrobes will look just great. If white is too bright for you, you can mix it with your favorite shade to achieve a lighter color tone.
When using white in small rooms, it is worthwhile to provide metal parts so that the design does not look monotonous. A gold lampshade, chrome appliances or a set of bronze bar stools can help create a special atmosphere inside a small kitchen.
Minimalism is a favorite among contemporary design. It is the perfect choice for a small kitchen. Smooth lines, light colors, light fixtures that are simple from a constructive point of view - all this helps to create the illusion of additional space.
If laconicism seems boring to you, you can get creative. A small kitchen can be compact and functional, but charming at the same time. This is quite possible to achieve if you think through everything to the smallest detail.
If there is not enough space to create the desired style, you can use interesting touches that will add zest to the interior. A small room cannot go unnoticed if it is decorated with avant-garde wall clocks, interesting teardrop-shaped lanterns or an unusual kitchen island tray.
If there are windows, they should not be closed, since the presence of curtains narrows the space and prevents light from entering. Open windows visually expand the horizon, make the room larger.
The open plan helps to combine several rooms into one large space. This option is used in studio apartments. The trick is that the feeling of crampedness disappears, and the small kitchen no longer seems so.
Modern freestanding modular kitchens are very popular. They have already become practically a favorite among ideas and projects for small kitchens.Their flexibility and versatility allows you to equip a quality space anywhere in the apartment.
So, it is obvious that small kitchens seem larger when they are light, laconic, with an abundance of open shelves and glass interior items. If the owners cannot afford open shelves, for example, if there are cats in the house, then it is worth focusing on lighting.
A light-flooded space, decorated in light colors, is an excellent solution to the issue.
Design Tips
Designers provide advice on how to how to properly use the space in a small kitchen.
- The dining table can be retractable. Then it will be possible to save free space.
- A place near the wall can be equipped with a dining area.
- Lack of storage space is always a problem in smaller homes. Creativity can help you take advantage of every inch of available space. Vertical drawers are ideal for small kitchens, especially if the headset has large gaps between appliances, walls or cabinets.
- When space is limited, it is worth using the dorm's galley layout. Instead of hanging a picture or photo, it is better to install additional stands and hooks for mugs and other utensils.
- Many apartments have small niches in the presence of a single wall with a kitchen. It is worth using this space as additional storage space for food or other things.
- It is better to use a narrow sink so that there is only enough space to rinse the food. In this case, you can wash the dishes in the built-in dishwasher.
- Be sure to install corner shelves on the cabinet. They will allow you to use additional space.
- Sliding doors are the best choice for small kitchens today.
- If you plan to make a room with a gas water heater, then it is better to equip it in such a way that the column is located near the window. It is advisable to place a small hood above the stove.
See the following video about the peculiarities of the kitchen of 4 square meters in "Khrushchev".
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