How to Decorate a Kitchen in Panel Housing and Fit Everything—Is It Really Possible?

P44-T is one of the most popular series of residential buildings. Kitchens in such apartments are small, so organizing space can become a real challenge. See how Russian designers handle this task.

Small Scandinavian Kitchen

Scandinavians know how to make the most of small spaces: Tatiana Berestova decided to visually expand the kitchen using light tones. The walls were painted gray, and a safe cork mat in tone was placed on the floor (there are children in the house). The cabinets were chosen white and the designers opted out of impractical open storage systems.

Life Hack: the kitchen banquette is used as an additional storage space. Inside, household appliances live.

Modern Kitchen with Storage Spaces

The corner kitchen was originally dark, so architect Milla Titova added light using white glossy surfaces: cabinets, chairs, and lights. The window became the main accent: along it stretched a wide work surface transitioning into the windowsill.

Life Hack: lack of space was compensated for with minimalist cabinets reaching the ceiling.

Bright Kitchen in Eco Style

The choice of finishing materials was influenced by the complex geometry of the space. To visually expand the room and add more light, the walls were painted white, and a light ceramic granite with a repeating pattern was laid on the floor — this added dynamism. The eco-theme was supported by wooden furniture and green cabinet colors.

Life Hack: the windowsill was used as a countertop — a good solution for small spaces.

Kitchen with Industrial Style Notes

A few walls in this apartment are decorated with facing brick, so the adjacent kitchen walls were not finished to perfection. They were primed and painted directly on concrete with wide strokes. Brutalism was added by a bright kitchen apron made of mosaic tesserae based on the designer’s sketches.

Life Hack: an original light fixture above the dining area added mood to the subdued interior.

Classic Kitchen with a Relaxation Area

The interior of this kitchen was decorated in pastel tones: light walls, ceramic granite matching sand-colored parquet, and muted blue and coral accents. Since there was little space in the alcove for a dining area, it was moved to the center of the kitchen. A small sofa was placed nearby.

Life Hack: compact display cases were inserted on both sides of the sofa — and the kitchen space transformed into a living room-dining area.