Decorating a Small Kitchen: 5 Rules

Together with OBI experts, we compiled a list of simple rules that will be useful to owners of small apartments when outfitting a kitchen.

Find space for storage systems

In a small kitchen, you need to arrange storage systems so as not to overload the interior but also to fit everything necessary. For this purpose, choose slide-out shelves — with them it's easier to use all the useful space. Also, don't be afraid to make wall-mounted cabinets up to the ceiling and even above door frames.

For example, for this kitchen in a small studio, only a linear layout of the kitchen unit was suitable, which also splits the door opening. To avoid losing useful square meters, designers from Cubiq Studio made mezzanines.

Design: Cubiq StudioSuccessful purchases:Matte floor tile Dual Gres Helen Varm, OBI, with a glazed surface is easy to clean and not prone to scratches.Kitchen paint Tikkurila Liitu, OBI, creates a matte surface that is perfect for chalk. Glossy wall tile Bela Vista Biselado, OBI, is easy to clean and ideal for a kitchen backsplash. Do not give up the dining area

Even in the smallest kitchen. Remember that eating or having breakfast on a sofa will get boring very quickly. Be inspired by Marina Sarkisyan's example.

The designer equipped a small dining area for two people along one of the kitchen walls. There was also space for wall-mounted cabinets where you can store kitchenware or groceries, as well as additional storage in baskets.

Design: Marina Sarkisyan

To replicate this idea, you will need a countertop of the right shape and size — cutting materials requires an additional budget. However, at OBI hypermarkets you can do this for free — the ready-made countertop will be cut to your desired dimensions in the store.

Successful purchases:Waterproof kitchen countertop "Soyuz", OBI, in light oak color, is used in the production of kitchen furniture and bar tops.Countertop for kitchen "Soyuz", OBI, made from plastic and having increased water resistance. Countertop from MDF "Vardex Opal", OBI, coated with a technologically advanced plastic that imitates the texture of natural stone.Do not compromise on necessary furniture and appliances

Make them custom-fitted to your dimensions — even the smallest kitchen can become functional.

For example, in this very small apartment, the kitchen block was hidden behind folding doors and during renovation they found it impossible to find suitable furniture and appliances for the kitchen. They decided to order everything individually: they came up with a compact range hood using 3D printing technology and metal forming.

Design: Studio Bazi

Experts from the construction company "Well" remind that if you have a small kitchen, don't forget the rules for arranging furniture and appliances. Here they are:

• remember the "work triangle": refrigerator, stove and sink should be equidistant from each other;
  
• choose mini appliances: a two-burner stove, narrow dishwasher — 45 cm;
  
• and appliances that do two things — for example, an oven with a microwave;
  
• a dishwasher should be near the sink, as water is supplied there;
  
• and a stove should not be near the refrigerator, as heat from the first will spoil its operation.
  

Successful purchases:Kitchen tap Melana, OBI, with the EasySense system provides smooth handle movement and allows you to quickly set the desired water pressure and temperature.Wall-mounted sink Granfest Eco, OBI, made from a strong and durable material — quartz, which almost doesn't make noise when in contact with water.Mechanism for folding doors Valcomp Amareno, OBI. System for folding interior doors, cabinet doors, niches and door partitions.Choose built-in solutions

For example, designers from Cubiq Studio built a storage system with appliances into a niche, which allowed freeing the kitchen from wall-mounted cabinets.

Design: Cubiq Studio

And designer Ksenia Drapey managed to built-in even a narrow cabinet for dishes. A good idea for additional storage in a small kitchen.

Design: Ksenia DrapeySuccessful purchases:Four-point spotlight Lighting Loconia, OBI, consists of 4 movable lamp rings with built-in LEDs. Decor Azori Eclipse, OBI. High-quality ceramic glazed with a glossy finish. Range hood Maunfeld Brent, OBI, has high performance, 3 speed settings and halogen lighting.Mask the shortcomings

Redirect attention in small kitchens from lack of space to interesting design solutions. For example, how architect Boris Denisюk did it.

The kitchen in his apartment is very compact, but a significant part of the space is taken up by pipes. The project author's shortcoming was turned into a strength by adding more industrial elements that shifted the focus. The gas boiler is hidden behind a slate board. The kitchen unit was custom-made and completely covered with small tiles with contrasting black grout.

Design: Boris DenisюkSuccessful purchases:Grout for joints Ceresit, OBI, has antifungal properties and is suitable for use in conditions of periodic moisture. Tile Kerama Marazzi "Temari", OBI. Ready-made solution for small spaces and dark interiors.Kitchen tap Travemund Bucht, OBI, made from brass with a chrome finish that prevents scale formation from chlorine-containing water.

On the cover: design project Ricco Interno.