6 Classy Micro-Kitchens in Standard Apartments

Khruzhchevkas and more modern "panel" apartments share a common problem — very small kitchens. How to fix or play with this drawback and create a stylish interior — we show through projects.

Small white kitchen in a studioStudio32 sq. mKitchen6.9 sq. mOvengas

In this apartment, the wall between the kitchen and living room was removed: the zoning issue was solved using a partition with glass windows. As a result, all necessary appliances and storage in the buffet fit on the kitchen — the washing machine was hidden there too.

The finishing was based on affordable materials: laminate and inexpensive ceramic tiles were laid on the floor. To play with a loft style, the designer suggested laying the walls with decorative brick and painting other surfaces.

View full projectDesign: Maria Dadiani

New kitchen in an old, “killed” apartment2-room flat43.2 sq. mKitchen6.2 sq. mOvengas

Eugenia Matveenko solved the problem of lack of space by assembling a kitchen cabinet from a small number of cabinets — only the most necessary items were included.

For wall finishing, the designer used washable paint and limestone tiles. Ceramic granite tiles were laid on the floor — a practical and budget-friendly solution.

View full projectDesign: Eugenia Matveenko

Light kitchen in a Stalin-era apartment2-room flat50 sq. mKitchen6 sq. mOvengas

Due to placing the dining area in the living room on 6 square meters, the kitchen fitted a washing machine and dishwasher, full-size stove, and refrigerator. A stylish cabinet, by the way, was bought at IKEA.

View full projectDesign: Ksenia Yusupova

Functional kitchen in a KhruzhchevkaStudio30 sq. mKitchen5.8 sq. mOvengas

Thanks to removing a non-load-bearing partition, architect Maxim Tikhonov managed to organize an ergonomic kitchen-dining room in a standard studio: the kitchen cabinet with ceiling-high shelves, a countertop instead of a windowsill, and a compact dining area were added.

View full projectDesign: Maxim Tikhonov

Kitchen in a Khruzhchev five-story building2-room flat44 sq. mKitchen5.4 sq. mOvengas

The wall between the living room and kitchen was removed in this flat, and a sliding partition was installed in the resulting opening. If needed, part of the wooden kitchen countertop can be raised to the living room area: this countertop can be used for cooking and organizing a 5-person dinner.

View full projectDesign: Bureau 'Common Area'

Scandinavian kitchen with a vibrant apron2-room flat47.5 sq. mKitchen5.3 sq. mOvenelectric

This kitchen visually continued onto the balcony — they share identical flooring. Because of this, the boundaries of the small kitchen “blur,” making it look more spacious.

View full projectDesign: Galina Arabskaya

Marina Merenkovoy's design on the cover.