Khrushchev's kitchen project. Kitchen layout in Khrushchev: rules and features. Methods of visual expansion of the limited space of the Khrushchev kitchen

Most of the Soviet-built apartments of the 50s and 70s have very small kitchens. Typical panel and block Khrushchev houses of those times were conceived as temporary housing for workers - provided by the state free of charge and subject to demolition after 25 years of operation. However, due to various economic and political reasons, such buildings still make up a large part of the architecture of every city in the former USSR, and their inhabitants are constantly finding new ways to improve the design and increase the space of their homes.

Redevelopment of the kitchen in Khrushchev

The first thing you need to know about redevelopment is that it involves changing the location of the partitions in the apartment. The thoughtless destruction of some walls can lead to an emergency, therefore such actions (regardless of the ownership of the housing) require prior agreement with the relevant government agencies, which must approve the change project and issue a written permit. You can learn more about the procedure for processing documents in your locality by contacting a lawyer.

It is often possible to expand the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen in Khrushchev by combining it with a living room or hallway. The result is a comfortable studio apartment. Sometimes it is enough to remove only part of the partition to make a beautiful arched opening, or instead of the previous brick wall (if it is not load-bearing), arrange a roomy wall-rack made of drywall or wood. Changing the location of bathrooms, gas stoves, sinks, heating batteries is not allowed by communication pipes and openings that are connected in such houses into a single system.

Interior style for the "Khrushchev" kitchen

When planning the interior design of a small kitchen, you should give preference to those design solutions that will help increase the usable area. For arranging the kitchen area in Khrushchev, modern, classic and Scandinavian styles, as well as Provence, are perfect.

Kitchen in modern style

Contemporary, modern - this is conciseness, clear lines and maximum functionality. Instead of a bulky "antediluvian" stove - an electric hob and a built-in oven; a neat countertop combined with a window sill or simultaneously acting as a bar counter; closed shelves and drawers from floor to ceiling; spot lighting; restrained tones of furniture, harmoniously combined with the metal surfaces of appliances; comfortable blinds.

Kitchen in classic style

Classics shows impeccable taste and adherence to traditions. Such an interior is somewhat reminiscent of the houses of noblemen or merchants: wooden sets, varnished or light milky enamel; gold and silver accents; plaster molding; high soft chairs; satin curtains. Choosing kitchen appliances to match expensive furniture is not difficult - you can buy a beautifully decorated stove, hood and refrigerator in any large store. All this will help to forget about the Soviet past of the apartment and turn it into an oasis of luxury.

Provence style kitchen

This style combines the simplicity of a country house with the conveniences of city life. Provence is characterized by pastel shades, lace inserts, natural textiles (chintz curtains and tablecloths in small flowers, polka dots, a calm cage). In the tiny kitchen of Khrushchev, this design will create an atmosphere of freshness and lightness.

Scandinavian style kitchen

Scandinavian minimalism is a reflection of the purity of the Icelandic fjords among the snow-capped mountain ranges. On a crystal-white background of walls, ceiling, furniture, minimal inclusions of almost transparent bluish-gray elements or bleached wood are allowed. The design of the Khrushchev kitchen in this style will visually enlarge the room and give relaxing peace to all the inhabitants.

Color solutions for the kitchen in Khrushchev

In order for 5-6 sq.m. your kitchen did not seem too cramped, you need to approach the choice of shades correctly. The task of optical expansion of the area is best handled by light colors, as well as smooth mirror surfaces.

White color

Pure snow-white tone best reflects light. It looks good with other colors, giving them contrast. This is a good option for ceramic tiles, headsets, walls, ceilings. Most stoves and refrigerators are also painted white. But for the floor, countertops, the space around the sink and hob, it is better to choose muted colors.

natural wood color

The unique texture and noble shades of wood are what you need for a cozy kitchen interior in Khrushchev. Even the imitation of the natural surface of pine, linden, walnut, oak will make the cooking area comfortable and sincere. Nature itself offers beautiful additions to the tree: grassy green, grayish tones of stones, blue shades of water and sky, an autumn palette from amber yellow to chocolate.

Yellow

This color will light up and warm your small kitchen with warmth if the rays of the sun rarely fall through its window. In combination with spring orange, light green, pink, white, this shade can be both a background and a bright accent. Yellow looks elegant among purple and gray interior details.

Green color

The life-affirming tone of young foliage is one of the best options for designing a small kitchen in Khrushchev. You can paint the walls in this color or use it for decorative elements. With lacquered wood, orange, gray, pink and brown surfaces, it will look simply flawless.

Red color

Pastel shades

If any color is mixed with white, it acquires a gentle lightness. Surrounded by pastel colors, there is a feeling of calm, harmony, purity. This is the perfect choice for a small space, giving it airiness.

It is better to complement bleached shades with saturated colors, but not bright ones. For example, you can combine light violet with purple; transparent blue with turquoise; milky with coffee color.

Finishing and materials for the kitchen in Khrushchev

In the decoration of any kitchen, it is important to find a balance between the beauty and practicality of materials. They must be moisture resistant, easy to clean, and some must also withstand high mechanical loads.

Floor

The most affordable option for finishing the floor in such a room is linoleum. It is inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing and very easy to clean. For a more sophisticated kitchen design in Khrushchev, large light-colored ceramic tiles are suitable (by the way, you will need quite a bit of it). A floor of small, eye-catching elements can visually reduce the space. Laminate in the kitchen will not last long - accidentally spilled boiling water or drops of hot oil from a frying pan can easily damage its surface.

It is also impractical to lay natural wooden parquet in the cooking area - dirt will get into the gaps between the elements, and traces may remain from a hot pan or water puddle.

Walls

Since condensation can settle on the walls, it is best to paint them with water-repellent enamel or paste over with washable vinyl wallpaper.

The most expensive, but environmentally friendly way is again ceramic tiles. It is better to choose a glossy, medium size, without contrasting details. Light colors and almost imperceptible small patterns will help add volume to the kitchen (for example, golden flowers with curls on a sandy background; silver shimmer on white; imitation of brick or stonework). Vertical lines on the walls will visually make the ceiling higher than it really is. And for a better reflection of light - it is worth using mirrors.

Ceiling

It is enough to level the ceiling in the kitchen in Khrushchev with plaster or thin drywall and paint it with moisture-resistant light paint (dark or saturated will reduce space). Options with stretch film, hanging beams, pvc panels in such apartments will only reduce the height and turn an already small room into a closet.

Textile

Kitchen curtains, tablecloths, towels and napkins often require washing. Stains are most easily removed from synthetic fabrics, so for daily use it is better to choose high-quality polyester. It looks no worse than products made of cotton or linen, moreover, it dries quickly and looks beautiful even without ironing.

From an aesthetic point of view, in a small kitchen, it is preferable to use simple blinds that match the color of the furniture or walls, short veils (tulle), light curtains, Roman, Japanese, bamboo or roller blinds. And massive draped curtains are best left for the bedroom and living room.

Furniture for a small kitchen in Khrushchev

The main furniture in the kitchen in Khrushchev is a set, a dining table and chairs for it. The main requirements for these things are compactness, reliability and aesthetic appearance.

Kitchen set

The set is made of wood covered with waterproof varnish or chipboard with PVC film or veneer on the outside, with the addition of metal, plastic, glass elements. Dark matte surfaces are more suitable for spacious rooms, but luminous glossy ones are an ideal solution in the interior of a small kitchen.

To optimize space, it is better to buy built-in appliances first, and then order furniture with connectors according to the standards of the stove, oven, refrigerator, sink. The apron covering the hood can be matched to the color of the appliances or in the style of the headset itself.

Dinner Zone

To place a full-fledged table in a 5-meter Khrushchev kitchen is an almost impossible task. In a studio apartment, it can be replaced with a bar counter, which will simultaneously serve as a partition. Folding furniture, wide window sills with adjustable height, folding tables can also be a good solution.

Storage systems

Before you buy or order a kitchen set, you need to consider where the dishes, small household appliances and products will be stored. This will help to provide sections of suitable sizes, instruct the manufacturer to make the right number of drawers, shelves and niches. It is very important that the furniture does not absorb moisture and is easy to clean.

As for saving space, it can be achieved by increasing the height of the cabinets to the level of the ceiling and making the most of the corner area. It is convenient to place rotating shelves-carousels in them. Cooking books, photographs, and souvenirs are a welcome addition to the open shelves above the dining table. Such a composition will simultaneously serve as a decoration of a free wall.

Refrigerator in the kitchen in Khrushevka - where to place?

The question of where to put a large-sized refrigerator in a cramped kitchen and how to arrange it so that it is convenient to open the doors is a headache for most Khrushchev residents. The best way out of this situation will be the built-in model.

An interesting solution would be to place a low refrigerating chamber (or even two) in a free niche under the windowsill, after removing the old cast-iron battery from there. A low refrigerator can also fit under a sink or countertop.

Proper kitchen lighting

What certainly should not be done in a small kitchen is to hang a large chandelier. 2-4 spot lamps mounted in the ceiling will look much better. Additional LEDs can be installed above the dining area, worktop and stove.

If the soul still asks for hanging lampshades, then it is better to place them above the bar or the central part of the countertop.

Kitchen design in Khrushchev - photo

Our photo gallery will help you find inspiration and fresh solutions for kitchen interior design in Khrushchev. These are ideas already implemented in small rooms that can be adopted and turn a dull Soviet life into a bright modern fairy tale.

For a Soviet person, his own apartment, albeit a very small one, was a dream. But mass-built apartment buildings from the late 50s - Khrushchev, originally conceived as temporary housing, have existed to this day. For a modern person, such housing no longer meets all the criteria for comfort: the kitchen in Khrushchev has an area of ​​\u200b\u200bonly 5-7 square meters, you need to hide the gas water heater and pipes, the ceilings are low.

Considering that Khrushchev houses occupy a significant share in the total urban housing stock and have standard layouts, finding a stylish and successful design option for even such a small kitchen is not difficult.

Professional designers and ordinary people have accumulated enough experience. And we have collected for you here only the best ideas and solutions for repairs with photos of real interiors and tips for arranging.

Decide on the design and draw the project with dimensions

If you do not plan your design in advance to the smallest detail, you are unlikely to be completely satisfied with the result. A detailed drawing with the layout of communications, a schematic arrangement of furniture will help not only save time, but also money for repairs. You can run the project in a simple .

Before you start planning your kitchen design in Khrushchev, consider a few important points.

Choose a style

Modern styles (Scandinavian, hi-tech, eco, loft, etc.) are ideal for the design of a small kitchen in Khrushchev.

Luxurious traditional styles with stucco, voluminous decor and massive furniture will not work. But it is quite possible to implement modern classics on 5-7 sq.m. Choose a set with paneled, frame facades, but compact and in bright colors.

Minimalism is always relevant for a small space. It is characterized by furniture with smooth facades without handles, a minimum of decor, and the absence of curtains on the windows.

The design can be done in the Art Deco style. Glass and appropriate decor will help with this. Gloss and mirror surfaces in this case will perfectly cope with the task of visually expanding a small space.

See the design idea of ​​a cozy 5.4 sq.m. kitchen in the style of modern classics in a detailed review:

Color

A bright kitchen visually seems larger and more spacious. In this case, white, all shades of beige, pastel and muted tones of any color are ideal for wall decoration.

With dark colors, you should be careful. They can be used in small quantities, for example, in the design of the dining area, in decor, in the design of lighting fixtures. You can make a two-tone headset with a dark bottom row, or vice versa.

Bright colors can only act as accents (15-20 percent in the overall design).

Before you start planning and renovating, consider a few important points:

• If the apartment is gasified, decide in advance how you will beat the column and pipes in the interior. If the equipment is old, then it is better to replace it. Modern geysers can fit perfectly into the interior without special disguise.

A U-shaped layout is also possible if the wall separating the kitchen and living room is demolished. Then one of the sections of the headset can become a bar counter.

• Double row.

This option is also functional, but does not leave room for a normal dining room for a medium and large family.

A kitchen with a U-shaped or two-row layout can serve as a garage for appliances. If the family is large, then you will need a large 4-burner stove, oven, large and roomy refrigerator. You can also put a washing machine here, freeing up space in the bathroom. With this approach, the kitchen turns into a functional place with a purely economic purpose.

• No top cabinets.

Today, replacing upper cabinets with open shelves is one of the fashion trends in design. But this is not always practical: it requires private dusting, there are fewer storage spaces. But it will greatly facilitate the atmosphere of a small kitchen. The idea is for an amateur and has a place to be.

You can visually lighten the kitchen space in Khrushchev if you place the upper cabinets only along one wall.

Advice! Now many manufacturers produce upper cabinets with a large ceiling height. In a small kitchen, they will be a great solution to increase the amount of storage space for dishes and kitchen utensils.

Where to put the refrigerator?

There are three location options:

• standing separately;
• built-in;
• free-standing, built-in headset in a niche under the cabinets.

Freestanding can be installed by the window to make it easier to pass into the kitchen.

In a room where the distance from the window to the wall is not enough to accommodate the equipment there, the only place for it is the corner opposite or against the wall near the exit (see photo below).

The location at the entrance is one of the most common. In this case (provided that the kitchen is not gasified), either install a compact accordion door or a sliding door.

Attention! It is impossible to leave a gasified kitchen without a door at all.

If there was no place for a refrigerator, then it can be installed in the corridor or in the living room.

Another option is to abandon the usual overall model and buy a separate freezer, a separate refrigerator and build them under the countertop. And if the family is small, then the compact low version "2 in 1" (refrigerator + freezer) is enough. Of course, there will be inconveniences here too. But the owners of the kitchen in Khrushchev, whatever one may say, will have to sacrifice ease of use for the sake of more free space, or vice versa.

If the kitchen has an electric stove, then you can arrange an entrance without a door in the form of an arch.

The refrigerator can match the color of the walls or furniture perfectly. For example, white cabinets and a white refrigerator.

A free-standing refrigerator can also play the role of a bright accent in the interior if it has a contrasting color.

The built-in refrigerator will fit perfectly into the design in any style. It does not violate the stylistic unity and the entire furniture ensemble.

An excellent solution would be a refrigerator built into a niche between cabinets.

Dinner Zone

With a corner or linear set, you can allocate space for a dining table for 2-4 people.

The round table accommodates more people and at the same time saves space.

Glass tables look light and weightless. Such dining groups are made of shock-resistant, tempered glass.

You can purchase the same translucent chairs made of durable plastic, which visually make a small kitchen freer and more spacious.

A transforming table is the best solution for a small kitchen. These can be designs with a folding tabletop or retractable.

To organize the dining area, you can use the windowsill.

The countertop can be made flush with the countertop of the kitchen set or cut separately in any shape.

The dining area can be made in the form of a compact bar counter on one leg.

It can be placed against a wall or near a window. Depending on the height, you can purchase ordinary stools or high bar stools for it.

It is much easier to organize a dining room if you completely or partially (by expanding the entrance) demolish the wall between the kitchen and the living room. In this case, the dining table can be placed in the transition between the kitchen and the living room.

Design of a kitchen-studio in Khrushchev after redevelopment

Today, when repairing in Khrushchev, such redevelopments are not uncommon. Because the wall is not load-bearing, then the probability that the application will be approved is quite high.

Attention! Before starting redevelopment, be sure to coordinate your actions with the authorized bodies.

You will learn:

• what to do with a refrigerator, gas water heater and washing machine;
• ways of placing kitchen modules;
• what styles are suitable for small kitchens;
• what models of curtains are suitable for a small kitchen and much more.

6 squares is not so little when compared with even more compact kitchens in new buildings. In addition, the usable area can be increased, and one of the ways is redevelopment.

redevelopment

The most popular options for expanding a small kitchen are:

• combining the kitchen with an adjacent room, balcony or loggia;
• relocation or dismantling of doorways, partitions and walls.

In small kitchens it is difficult to fit all the necessary modules, and redevelopment changes the situation for the better. But there are also disadvantages. For example, the former inhabitants of the balcony - a bicycle, a sled, and other important things will have to find another place in the apartment. But you will win 2 meters of area.

Has many benefits. You will finally place a dining table for the whole family, be able to watch or at least hear TV and chat with guests while cooking.

But when designing the combined rooms, you need to take into account the finicky of the kitchen - high humidity, the spread of odors, temperature changes and, accordingly, use materials that are resistant to all this. A more pleasant moment is the choice of design, the search for ways of zoning and combining space.

Moving the wall between the corridor and the bathroom will allow you to put a full-fledged washing machine. And by sacrificing a bathroom in favor of a shower cabin, you will place a refrigerator or a dishwasher in the resulting niche.

The absence of doors between the kitchen and the corridor will make room for wall shelves. Getting rid of the mezzanine - an indispensable attribute - you will win a place for a high pencil case, a refrigerator and raise the ceiling.

Often, the redevelopment of an apartment in Khrushchev is associated with a reorganization - the installation, transfer or replacement of plumbing or electrical equipment. This includes replacing a gas stove with an electric one or transferring a heating battery to an adjacent wall.

Important: redevelopment and reconstruction of an apartment in Khrushchev require changes to the technical passport, and some types of work require special permission.

But the result is worth all the costs, and this will be confirmed by the photo from the category "before and after".

If you are not ready for such radical changes, let's start from the available footage.

What do you need in the kitchen

Before proceeding with the arrangement of the headset, you need to determine which modules you need. The standard set is:

• washing;
• plate;
• working surface;
• fridge;
• table or its mini-version.

Often in kitchen interiors there is a washing machine or dishwasher, oven, microwave. Given the standard dimensions of all these modules (60x60 cm), we can safely say that all this will fit in our kitchen.

But there will be very little room to move, and it will be quite difficult to miss each other. And the standard 50-60 cm of the working surface is not enough for everyone for full-scale cooking. Therefore, the idea of ​​\u200b\u200btransferring some of the inhabitants of the kitchen - a refrigerator, a washing machine and a gas water heater - is very popular.

Where to put the refrigerator?

A refrigerator is a large object that usually tops a row of furniture and occupies a corner. You will agree that it is unreasonable to place it between work surfaces, and it will be inappropriate at the entrance. At the same time, it should not be placed close to the wall, so that the doors open freely and the socket is nearby. As you can see, even at the stage of a project with a refrigerator, you have to sweat.

That is why the refrigerator is often placed in the hallway or in a niche instead of a closet. This is also appropriate when its design is outdated or, conversely, too modern for your idea.

If you cannot imagine a kitchen without a refrigerator, consider replacing the standard giant with a built-in or narrower version with a depth and width of 54 cm. The latter is ideal for a family of 2-5 people, but the built-in model is more suitable for 1-2 people.

As an option, it will be complemented by a separate freezer, which can be placed outside the kitchen. The only drawback of non-standard sizes and built-in models is the price. But the gain is precious space.

What about the gas column?

A gas water heater, a counter, a massive stove - these items are gradually becoming a thing of the past, making room for modern, safe and cost-effective solutions.

If you don't remember a time when you sat without electricity, consider ditching your gas appliances in favor of electricity. And this is especially true if you plan to decorate the kitchen in a modern style.

Interesting fact: a gas stove obliges to install a hood at a height of 75-80 cm from the hob or doors separating the kitchen and the room. In the case of an electric stove, wall cabinets do not heat up so much and can be located lower, and the door can be safely dismantled.

But what else can you do with a gas column:

• move to the bathroom;
• hide the furniture facade.

You certainly don't need to be convinced that a hob is a great, space-saving solution. But if possible, it is better to move the oven higher - so you will not need to bend over, taking out pastries.

Is it worth placing a washing machine in such a kitchen?

In a small kitchen there should be only everything you need, and the washing machine, you see, is not directly related to cooking. For that matter, food products with a "washer" and the chemicals used for it are not compatible, just like dirty laundry is not compatible with the kitchen.

Laundry appliances are often placed in the bathroom or corridor, giving preference to top-loading machines or models built into the cabinet.

The location of the washing machine is determined by the water inlet and outlet. Consider as an option the rooms adjacent to the kitchen and the bathroom, or rather, the walls in which you can always drill the holes you need for the hoses.

But many still include a washing machine in the kitchen. And this is also logical if you cook little and need fewer utensils and appliances. It's just a matter of convenience and belief.

But most definitely the washing machine will set the height of the bottom row of kitchen furniture. If you plan to place a countertop above it, the work surface will become even higher and possibly less comfortable for you.

For an experiment, put a stack of magazines on the typewriter, and on them - a cutting board and try to cut something.

Tip: if you are going to completely update the interior of the kitchen, then buy household appliances first, and only then furniture. Acting in reverse order, you may not find an option that is suitable in size, and most importantly, at a price.

So, we found out what will stand in our kitchen in Khrushchev. Now let's move on to the next step.

Furniture arrangement

To conveniently and beautifully arrange furniture, you will need:

• the exact dimensions of the kitchen, taking into account all pipes, niches and ledges;
• measurements of equipment, furniture;
• online service for interior design.

Ergonomic rules and useful numbers will come in handy, which you will get acquainted with a little later.

The kitchen in Khrushchev, as in other houses, is divided into the following zones:

• storage;
• washing;
• preparation;
• cooking food;
• maybe a mini-dining room.

The task conditions are: all the main modules involved in the cooking process must be arranged according to the rule of a working triangle (more precisely, a polygon). At the same time, the refrigerator should not be placed near the stove, and ideally at least one work surface should separate the sink and stove.

Hint: you can use a window sill to place a sink or extend the work surface, as in these photos.

Planning methods

If you have not undertaken a combination of rooms, the corner kitchen is considered the most convenient solution in terms of planning. By arranging the furniture with the letter “G”, you can easily implement the same working triangle and leave room for a small table.

The inner corner can be straight or smooth (thanks to radius cabinets), but the main thing is that it is involved. By removing the corners from each edge of the furniture row, you will free up the passage and make it less traumatic. In the opposite corner of the kitchen will fit a small dining area.

Linear (single-row) layout is another option for a kitchen in Khrushchev. It is good if you cook a little and you need few kitchen modules for cooking. Otherwise, the kitchen will turn out to be too long and it will be very inconvenient to waltz along it.

U-shaped layout is more suitable for the kitchen-living room. However, if you have a dining area in another room, and the depth of the cabinets is less than standard, this way of arranging furniture is very convenient.

Numbers

Kitchen geometry - these are the dimensions and distances tested and confirmed by experience, recommended for arranging kitchen modules. For example, between the top and bottom rows, the headset should be 50-70 cm, and the width of the passage is ideally at least 120 cm. You can easily find all this on the net.

The important thing is this: these data are calculated for the average consumer, so when planning a kitchen, consider your characteristics. The most accurate numbers are your personal dimensions and experience, because the former location of the furniture will also serve as a hint. Only you know what will be better.

Style

In what style to decorate the interior of the kitchen in Khrushchev with an area of ​​​​6 square meters? Obviously, the fewer objects in a room, the larger it seems. Therefore, the best choice would be minimalism.

Making the most of every centimeter of space - drawers instead of a furniture plank at the bottom of the kitchen set, space under the windowsill, glass rails, you will free up visible horizontal surfaces and create the effect of spaciousness.

Minimalism is characterized by:

• direct facades;
• white, gray, brown, black colors;
• restraint - a minimum of decor and accessories;
• closed shelves;
• practicality.

Another modern style that is perfect for decorating a kitchen in Khrushchev is high-tech. He is characterized by:

• newfangled modern materials;
• neutral or bright colors;
• mirror, glass, metal surfaces;
• neon or LED lighting of walls, ceiling, kitchen apron, furniture;
• lack of accessories.

Glossy facades, characteristic of modern styles, reflect light and visually expand the room.

If the apartment is decorated in a classic style and you do not want sharp contradictions in design, as an option, decorate the kitchen in a similar neo-classic style using:

• pastel shades;
• light wood;
• paneled facades;
• intricate furnishings.

The main thing is not to overdo it with the decor - it is believed that it "eats" the space.

In the same way, you can modify a cozy rustic Provence.

You can't go wrong with a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen, pairing white cabinetry cabinets with light woods for maximum lighting.

Another suitable style direction for lovers of somewhat brutal or industrial interiors is a loft.

Whatever style you choose, bet on white and a lot of lighting - because it is this composition that visually enlarges the space. The trend is the individualization of the interior and the mixing of styles, which gives a reason to create your own style.

Furniture

The chosen interior style indicates the best design and materials for furniture. But the lack of space in Khrushchev makes its own adjustments. You already understood that the upper and lower rows of the kitchen set can be made less deep, thereby winning a place to move. The role of the table can easily be performed by an elongated window sill or a bar counter.

If you are traditional in this matter, pay attention to semicircular, folding, retractable models on wheels and transforming tables. Transparent - glass or plastic furniture, as in the photo, will seem invisible, at the same time fully performing its functions.

Folding chairs can always be removed from the aisle, and multifunctional models - for example, a ladder chair. It will come in handy if you decide to make the most of the vertical.

Open shallow shelves instead of the bulky top of the headset is a great way to unload space and modernize the interior.

Walls

The kitchen in Khrushchev will become more spacious thanks to light colors. The monotonous design of the walls will dilute an interesting kitchen apron. Agree, this surface is more often prone to pollution, and it will be more practical to decorate it in dark colors. It is also believed that this technique will move the wall. Another way to expand is stereoscopic wallpaper or images with a perspective on one of the walls or on part of it.

Complex, textured walls in a small kitchen are inappropriate, but if you wish, you can decorate a separate area in an original way, making it an accent.
One of the popular design tricks for increasing space is the use of mirror surfaces or inserts. Even a small strip will deceive the perception and create the desired effect.

Floor and ceiling

The flooring will complement the colors of the countertops, exterior furniture fittings, lamps or other interior elements. Suitable materials for you:

• linoleum;
• laminate;
• ceramic tile;
• cork;
• concrete;
• polymer self-leveling floors;
• wood.

If yours, it is better to lay the laminate across. To increase any room according to the configuration, laying tiles in a run, herringbone or obliquely will help. The ceiling in Khrushchev is low, so bunk structures with moldings and other decor will have to be canceled.

But the stretch fabric is a good option that will save your repair from being flooded by neighbors from above and lends itself to wet cleaning, which is important for the kitchen. A glossy ceiling is another way to make a kitchen look bigger, brighter and give it a modern look. Soaring ceilings, overhead lighting - all these miracles appeared thanks to tension structures.

Curtains

If you shine all home textiles to the minimum list, the curtains will certainly be in it. What curtains are suitable for a small kitchen? Well, you have a lot of options:

If you want, make the curtain a bright accent. The design of the kitchen in Khrushchev will remain the same, and the mood on its 6 sq. m. you can change by changing colors and fabrics. They are easy to complement with other interior elements - napkins, kitchen towels, coasters for dishes and other trifles.

And here we come to the end of our review. Let your kitchen be cozy and modern!

So, in this article we will show the best options for repairing and redevelopment of the kitchen in Khrushchev, tips on design, decor and many photos on the topic.

Peculiarities

The kitchens of the then built have a couple of very significant disadvantages and these are:

• Very modest area (only 5-6 squares)
• Low ceiling (2.2 meters)
• The presence of a gas column (why this is a minus - we will describe below)

But, in contrast to these disadvantages, there are significant advantages, in comparison with block houses, and these are:

• There are no load-bearing walls in Khrushchevs (that is, you can destroy and break at least everything in a row)
• It is very easy to expand the area in them due to adjoining rooms, and this applies not only to the living room

When you see the photos presented in the relevant blocks, you will understand that Khrushchev is not a sentence! True, with the proper approach, it is quite possible to make a very stylish design of the room, and the kitchen will look miniature, but by no means cheap.

What are the most common repair options?

Few of the owners of Khrushchevs leave the layout in its original form. A lot of ways to modernize such a room have already been tested, therefore, we will not open America to you in this article.

Only - we recall the most successful solutions and provide illustrative examples.

In short, the best option in this case is a small redevelopment, with a displacement of the walls. Otherwise, however, there is practically nowhere to turn around and there can be no talk of any originality.

Therefore, we will describe to you the best redevelopment of the kitchen in Khrushchev, and also tell you about the furniture modules that are best suited in this case.

What is the best way to equip a kitchen with a gas water heater?

Geysers in Khrushchev are not always installed in the kitchen. Sometimes they are in the bathroom, which on the one hand is very convenient. Why is that? But because you have no safety restrictions and you can safely demolish the partition that separates the kitchen from the living room.

In other cases, if the column is still in the kitchen, you should not choose this particular type of redevelopment. It is much more reasonable to expand the room due to the pantry adjacent to the kitchen, for example, since the door should be in any case.

No, of course, you can spit on the laws, but one day there is a risk of regretting it. For example, when selling an apartment, you will be required to provide a document that confirms the legality of redevelopment. And where will you get it if the gas workers do not agree with this state of affairs?

Yes, you can dodge and somehow give a bribe. But do you need it? Moreover, hand on heart, not such a chic option.

This is good in one case: if you live alone in an apartment. And when there are two of you, or even more, such a layout will add inconvenience. It's not even about the smell that will spread throughout the apartment.

The main thing here is the discomfort from visiting the kitchen by family members at the moment when someone is sleeping in the living room. And for small Khrushchevs, this is quite a common situation. The hall usually performs many functions, including replacing the bedroom.

So, if you have a column in the kitchen, build on this, the key point.

In the photo below you can see the options for repairing a kitchen in Khrushchev, with a column. Does it really look great? And do not say that the area is very small.

What color scheme is better to prefer with a small area?

We think you already understand that the best option is a light range. But, of course, you want something bright, interesting ... What can we offer you?

The most important thing here is the color of the walls. It is they who "make" the visual volume. That is, if you paint the walls white, you definitely will not lose.

When doing this, be very careful with the work surface. You should not choose something very colorful and bright, because the walls are white. Due to the fact that the area is small, this small segment, visually, will occupy a significant part of the room.

Then, the color of the floor is very important. If you make it dark, then even if there are light walls, it will “narrow” the room. Therefore, try to make the floor in bright colors.

What materials to choose?

Furniture with monograms and carvings is not for such a room! Forms should be as simple and straightforward as possible.

Don't even look in the direction of marble, natural onyx and other things that play great only on large areas in a classic-style interior.

Curtains should also not be pompous, otherwise it will all look ridiculous, cramped and out of place.

It is best to stay on, like "minimalism" or, if you want something more homely, on the "Scandinavian" style. There, the priority is the tree of natural colors and white tones. For Khrushchev, this is the very thing.

As for household appliances: pick it up to match. In this case, it is not so conspicuous and, as it were, visually, does not “eat up” the space. And, here it is interesting that it is the white technique that looks more cumbersome.

Give preference to either silver or completely dark. It is very important that there is no "discord". For example, next to a white refrigerator, a silver stove looks very messy.

Also, not to mention the ceilings. Since they are extremely low in Khrushchevs, stretch glossy ceilings will come in handy here. Moreover, you should also choose them in white. Any bright ceiling, even with reflective properties, reduces the room.

Due to the fact that the room will be visible in them, the ceiling will seem much higher, and, as a result, the room itself is more spacious. Taking care of them is a pleasure, therefore, we safely recommend this option.

Well, now, let's look at specific options and ideas.

Kitchen-living room

Main article:. To implement such an undertaking, you only need to demolish the wall. To make a similar project in Khrushchev is not difficult, since there is no concrete.

After the partition is gone, you need to think about what you will finish the walls and floor with.

In general, according to the laws of the genre, it is supposed to make floors of different structures or colors, thereby setting the line. But, in the case of a very modest cubic capacity, it is better to lay exactly the same floor in the living room and kitchen.

The same goes for the ceiling. You do not need any tiers, boxes and arches. It is best if the kitchen and living room are a completely unified ensemble.

Curtains, too, should be the same, not different. Only in this case, the interior will look truly harmonious.

U-shaped kitchens with a bar counter in Khrushchev

This is a rather interesting solution for Khrushchev. U-shaped furniture provides great convenience in terms of comfort, however, it occupies as many as three walls!

It would be extremely unreasonable if you had a separate kitchen, with a door. But, if you have a kitchen-living room, then the problem disappears by itself.

You can arrange a dining area right in the living room by setting up a table with chairs there, or you can make a bar counter that stands in place of the wall.

In terms of appearance, it is decent and pretty, but as for convenience, you need to think carefully.

Still, the bar counter is a place for a quick bite. You definitely can’t accommodate guests there, just as you can’t dine together with the whole family. And, if you make a bar counter, then in most cases you will have to give up a full-fledged table.

It is best to put it between the kitchen and the living room, by the window, in the place where the wall was. But you can’t put it up anymore, since there will be a bar counter.

Enlargement of the kitchen in Khrushchev due to the bathroom

Surely, many will be surprised by this option, since the baths in Khrushchev are already so miniature that it doesn’t fit in your head, what can be cut there.

But, people have found a rather interesting solution: to replace the bath itself with a shower cabin and “drown” the refrigerator into the resulting square. Of course, for this you need to knock out part of the wall from the side of the kitchen.

In principle, the idea is quite good if you do not use the bathroom under any circumstances and do not need it. For example, there are overweight people for whom cabins are many times more comfortable.

But, if you still use it, it is better not to expand the area by depriving yourself of such benefits. No shower will warm you up after a cold as well as a hot bath. Yes, and in terms of functionality, it is very necessary: ​​to wash something, to wash ...

Therefore, you should not get excited. Just take note of this.

In conclusion, I would like to say: go for it, everything is in your hands! Try to stick to these basic rules and you will succeed.

The kitchen in Khrushchev has two main drawbacks - a small area (from 5 to 7.5 sq. M) and low ceilings (2.5 - 2.7 m). And it is often gasified, that is, it has pipes and / or a geyser, which greatly spoil the interior. But we also have good news:

• Firstly, the kitchens in most Khrushchev houses have non-load-bearing partitions, which means they can be easily rebuilt.
• Secondly, the problem of small kitchens is so widespread that furniture manufacturers have long adjusted to it, and designers have developed a lot of ideas and effective solutions on how to make a kitchenette cozy and functional.

Today we will talk about 13 ways to get the most out of a modest "Khrushchev" kitchen and present 90 photos of real interiors for your inspiration.

13 solutions for arranging a kitchen in Khrushchev

Solution 1. Combining the kitchen with the living room

This redevelopment option is not in vain so popular among Khrushchev owners, because it is simple, super-efficient and almost always allowed for non-gasified kitchens. Of course, you won’t find extra meters out of nowhere, but at least you can move the dining table into the living room, thereby freeing up space for the work area, and visually the kitchen will seem much more spacious. In addition, the combined premises are good because they create excellent conditions for family communication. So, for example, all family members can be next to each other, doing their own thing at the same time, and mothers get the opportunity to cook, looking after the children with one eye. Even home holidays and parties are more convenient and more fun to organize in the kitchen-living room.

An example of combining a kitchen and a hall in a one-room Khrushchev

• However, there are also disadvantages - due to the lack of a partition from the kitchen, culinary smells will penetrate into the living room and soak all the textiles in the room. The same applies to “kitchen” noises, say, from released water, an extractor hood, a blender, a kettle, etc. Taking a nap lying on the couch while someone is actively cooking in the kitchen, or making noise while getting ready for work while everyone is sleeping, is unlikely to succeed. . If these shortcomings of the combined kitchen-living room are significant for you, consider Solution # 2 - moving the partition.

Before breaking the walls, you will have to go to the BTI, order a redevelopment project and agree on it (even if you are sure that the wall is not load-bearing).

Solution 2. Enlargement of the kitchen due to adjacent premises

If the combined kitchen-living room does not fit into your lifestyle in any way, or if your kitchen is gasified, then you can increase its area at the expense of adjacent premises - a living room, a pantry or a corridor. Thus, the kitchen will become a little larger, but remain isolated, which, frankly, is much more comfortable for living. Here are some ideas:

• Most often, the kitchen is increased at the expense of the living room by moving the partition. Below is an example of a plan for a two-room apartment in Khrushchev before and after repair.

• If the bathroom is combined with a toilet, the bath is replaced with a shower, and the partition is moved, then it will be possible to expand the kitchen or create a niche for the refrigerator. Such a project is not often legalized, but for those who live on the first floor, the chances are quite high. The photo below shows an example of a kitchen in Khrushchev, enlarged by a bathroom, a bathroom and a living room.

And this is what the bathroom looks like after redevelopment

Solution 3: Sliding doors or open doorway

Swing doors in the kitchenette take up a lot of usable space and generally clutter up the interior. You can, at a minimum, rearrange the hinges so that the door opens outwards, and as a maximum, replace the swing door with a folding or sliding one, as in the kitchen interior in the photo below.

If the kitchen is not gasified, you can completely remove the door, leaving the opening open and, perhaps, remake it into a beautiful arch, as shown in the next photo.

And one more piece of advice. When renovating a kitchen in Khrushchev, do not miss the opportunity to move the opening and / or narrow it a little (up to 80-70 cm). Even a couple of tens of free centimeters of the wall often play a big role.

Solution 4. Converting the window sill into a countertop

The window sill is that hidden reserve, by using which you can save space and make the kitchen more functional. But for this, it needs to be redone a bit, namely, built into a kitchen set or turned into a bar / table.

• By integrating a window sill into a U-shaped and corner kitchen set, you can use it as a cutting table, while hiding the radiator and creating additional storage space. True, for this, during the repair process, you will have to slightly raise the window in order to bring the window sill to the level of floor pedestals.

• Converting a window sill into a bar or dining table most often does not require raising the window, you just need to replace the window sill with a larger countertop and install one or two supports under it (if you are making a full-fledged table).

When remodeling the window sill, make sure that warm air from the radiator reaches the window. To do this, you need to make ventilation holes in the new countertop and decorate them with a decorative grille. If this is neglected, most likely, the window will begin to fog up, which threatens to damage the finish and the occurrence of fungus and mold.

Decision 5. Bet on modern minimalism or simplified classics

The choice of interior style is a matter of taste, but small rooms are more advantageous and easier to decorate in a modern way. For example, in the Scandinavian or Japanese style, as well as in the style of minimalism, hi-tech or eco.

Below in the photo you can see an example of a kitchen design in Khrushchev, decorated in scandinavian style.

However, lovers of classics and ethnics should not give up their preferences. It is only necessary to simplify the chosen style a little, for example, by applying a minimum of decor, relying on light shades and reflective materials.

And here is an example of a kitchen design in Khrushchev, decorated in a lighter version of the ethnic style.

Solution 6: Light walls and furniture

In the perception of space, a lot depends on the color of the walls and overall furniture. An unmistakable way to enlarge the Khrushchev mini-kitchen is to decorate most of the interior in white.

• If your kitchen lacks natural light or is crowded with furniture, bet on monochrome: paint the walls white, choose white suites, a dining table, and even curtains on the windows. So all the boundaries of space will be erased, and the kitchen will seem airy, even if it is very crowded. Do not worry about the complexity of maintenance, because in fact, light surfaces are even more practical than dark ones (with the exception of textiles) and visually make the environment more tidy. And in order to avoid the feeling of hospital sterility, you only need to combine different shades of white with each other and combine spectacular textures and materials.

White kitchen in Khrushchev-studio

By the way, when there is no way to hide pipes and a water heater, white facades and walls, including an apron, help out a lot. Indeed, against such a background, engineering elements will simply not be noticeable.

• If you want to fill the interior with color, combine white with one or two additional shades. Use too bright or dark tones only in accents, otherwise the small kitchen will only decrease.

• By the way, dark colors can also visually enlarge the kitchen. To do this, you need to decorate them with vertical surfaces, for example, an apron, headset facades, a door or part of a wall, and decorate everything else with a light shade. As a result, the dark area will go deeper, making the space more voluminous.
• If desired, the white color can be replaced with light gray, beige, gray-blue, pale green, pale yellow or cream.

Solution 7: Finishing with an optical illusion

To visually push the walls apart, the floor should be laid diagonally or, if the kitchen is narrow, across it. The most advantageous pattern for laying a wooden floor is in a herringbone or run-up pattern. It is important that the floorboards are not too wide and long, as they tend to "compress" the space. The color of the floor can be light or medium saturation - such coatings are easier to maintain and the area is increased. Similar principles work with wall decoration:

• The problem of low ceilings (2.5-2.6 m high) typical for Khrushchevs can be solved by gluing wallpaper in a thin vertical strip or rhombus on one or two walls.

• If the kitchen is narrow, but has ceilings no lower than 2.7 m, do exactly the opposite and paint one of the "end" walls in a horizontal strip to visually expand the room.
• Wall mural with perspective convincingly deceive the eyesight and deprive the kitchen of a feeling of crowding. The main thing at the same time is to decorate most of the interior in a minimalistic and neutral way.

• Designers often use trick with a mirror, facing them with an apron, part of the wall in the dining area or one of the walls completely. This technique works especially well if the window is reflected in the mirror, multiplying the light in the kitchen. Of course, mirrors require frequent cleaning, so if you often cook, ditch the mirror backsplash idea and place the mirror away from the stove and sink.

The larger the mirror surface, the larger and brighter the kitchen seems

• With wallpaper with a large and bright pattern, it is worth decorating only one wall or a small section of the wall.

Solution 8. Corner or single-row headset to the ceiling

In a small kitchen in Khrushchev, a corner set or a single row is optimal.

• The corner set is less compact than a single-row one, but it uses two walls and a corner, allowing you to organize more storage spaces and work surfaces. In addition, it is more convenient to cook with such a layout, because three working points (sink, refrigerator and stove) are located in a triangular pattern. At the same time, there is enough space in the kitchen for a dining area.

• A single-row set is the most compact, therefore it is shown if the kitchen is very small (4-6 sq. M) or when the dining room capacity is a priority, not the working area.

However, if you move the dining room into the attached living room, there will be enough space for a U-shaped or two-row suite. The main thing in these layouts is a free passage between furniture with a width of at least 90 cm, and preferably 100-120 cm.

• The U-shaped set fits well into square rooms. And although it is rather bulky, the kitchen turns out to be very convenient, because everything a cook needs is literally at hand. In a small kitchen in Khrushchev, a U-shaped set can be built using a window sill. In the next photo slider, you can see the interior of the kitchen with a similar layout and a dining area in the living room.

• A two-row set is more suitable for narrow and elongated kitchens, it can also be very convenient (subject to a passage of 100-120 cm) and combined with a window sill.

No matter how you arrange your headset, we recommend that you include a few non-standard improvements in it:

• It is better to make the curbstone at the aisle narrower and beveled, then it will become much more convenient to move around the kitchen.

• To use the potential of a small kitchen to 100%, the set should be built up to the ceiling, hiding an air duct in an additional tier and arranging cabinets for things that you use only occasionally.
• You can build a couple of drawers into the basement and put all kinds of rolling pins, baking tins, baking sheets and other kitchen stuff in them.

• Another argument in favor of purchasing a custom-made kitchen is the ability to hide a gas water heater behind the facade. Such a “locker” should not have a bottom or top, and a distance of at least 3 cm must be maintained from the column body to the cabinet walls. The photo below shows a clear, albeit not entirely correct, example of embedding a boiler in a headset.

Solution 9. Laconic facades

Do you want to achieve maximum lightness and airiness of the interior? Then choose solid facades without any decor, panels, prints and maybe even without handles. However, gloss or glass inserts will not be superfluous, because they reflect light and visually lighten bulky furniture.

Solution 10: Mini appliances

In the struggle for precious centimeters, mini-format technology will help out, and, perhaps, even without compromising functionality.

• A dishwasher with a width of 45 cm - fully meets the needs of a family of 3-4 people. If 1-2 people live in an apartment, then an even smaller model will do - 35-40 cm wide.

• The refrigerator with a width of 55 cm is quite roomy, as it compensates for the narrowness of the chamber with its high growth.
• The oven (45 cm) can also be narrow.
• A three-burner stove will cope with the needs of a standard family, while a two-burner stove will suit a couple or a single person. By the way, according to the old rules of SNiP, in the kitchen in Khrushchev, the stove should be exactly the mini format - with no more than three burners.

In addition to mini-equipment, it is worth equipping your mini-kitchen with multifunctional appliances. For example, when choosing a combine, give preference to a model that squeezes juice and chop meat, and you should choose an oven with a microwave oven function.

All appliances - from the microwave to the refrigerator - it is desirable to build. So the small kitchen will look orderly and not cluttered.

Solution 11. Compact and functional dining group

Only compact and functional furniture can make up a dining group for a small kitchen, otherwise it simply won’t fit.

• For 1-2 people it will not be a problem to pick up a small sliding/folding table, which is easily increased in case of receiving guests.

• For those who lead a mobile lifestyle, a bar counter or a folding wall table is suitable.



Table with folding wings that double the seating capacity

• In the combined kitchen-living room, you can put the same bar counter, which will not only become a place for meals, but also divide the space into zones.





• More traditional option round or oval table, which fits into the living room better than a rectangular or square table.



• You can also put a transforming coffee table in the living room, which in an instant turns into a spacious table for 4-6 people.
• Chairs should be small and lightweight. It would be nice if they were foldable or at least stacked on top of each other.



• And we strongly recommend that you take a closer look at the invisible chairs made of polycarbonate. They are inexpensive, fit into any interiors, are very practical, and most importantly, they do not clutter up cramped rooms.




Solution 12. Several small lamps instead of one chandelier

Even the most cramped and crowded kitchen will seem more spacious and comfortable if you create the right lighting in it. And vice versa, no matter how well the kitchen design in Khrushchev is planned, bad light will greatly spoil its perception.

• So, for example, the usual central lighting with one chandelier will create unnecessary shadows for us and “squeeze” a small kitchen even more.

What to do? First, make sure that nothing interferes with the penetration of natural light during the day - neither things on the windowsill, nor tulle, nor curtains, nor furniture. Secondly, instead of one chandelier or in addition to it, install several spotlights around the perimeter of the ceiling or wall sconces in several places in the kitchen. Thirdly, highlight the dining area with light by hanging a chandelier directly above the table or placing a sconce on the wall near the table. Thanks to this technique, kitchen gatherings will become more pleasant, and the interior will become more modern. And of course, do not forget about lighting the work area with furniture lighting.



An example of proper lighting for a very small kitchen in Khrushchev

Solution 13: Short curtains

If the kitchen faces north and there is a catastrophic lack of daylight, it is highly desirable to leave the window without curtains.



In all other cases, the windows of a small kitchen should be decorated with light and short curtains with minimal assembly. For example, it can be Roman or roller blinds, cafe curtains, vertical or horizontal blinds, or ordinary curtains that slightly cover the windowsill.