How we designed a kitchen in a 46 sqm studio: an island instead of a table, plenty of storage, and stunning lighting

Floor plan of the room. The design concept includes a well-thought-out layout of zones and ergonomic considerations.

Room layout plan. The design concept includes a well-thought-out zoning and ergonomic arrangement.

Minimalist kitchen and dining room interior. The design project features natural wood, hidden storage systems, and elegant lighting.

A minimalist kitchen and dining room interior. The design project combines natural wood, hidden storage systems, and sophisticated lighting.

The island has become the star of this kitchen. Usually, it is omitted in small apartments, but here it turned out to be the best solution. It includes three spacious sections for storing dishes, utensils, and food supplies, with an additional working surface on top. At the same time, the island serves as both a bar counter and a small dining table, so no separate furniture was needed.

A lot of attention was paid to storage. The upper cabinets were built almost to the ceiling to make use of the entire height of the space. Behind the sleek fronts are hidden dish dryers, exhaust hoods, glasses, and everyday kitchen utensils, allowing only a minimal number of items to be visible and keeping the interior tidy.

Japanese-style kitchen and dining room interior. The design project features soft pastel colors, natural wood, and custom lighting.

Japandi interior for kitchen and dining area. This design project features soft pastel colors, natural wood, and custom lighting.

A modern kitchen and dining room interior. The design project features minimalist facades, natural wood, and exquisite lighting details.

The color palette also contributes to a sense of lightness. Light mint-colored facades are paired with warm island and floor wood, while vertically tiled surfaces in a rich greenish tone add depth to the work area. The interior remains calm yet avoids looking monotonous thanks to the combination of different textures.

Interestingly, the golden accents appeared here almost by chance: it all started with the barstool sets, which the homeowner chose spontaneously. The designer then selected faucets, cabinet handles, and lights to match them, so the brass elements recur in different areas of the kitchen, creating a cohesive overall design.

A modern kitchen and dining room interior. The use of natural stone, custom lighting, and high-quality furniture highlights the premium status of this project.