Design Battle: How to Arrange a Kitchen in a Khrushchyovka

Designers from Brush Up Studio and Maria Lazich agreed to take on a bold challenge: making a small kitchen in a khrushchyovka comfortable. Check out the solutions they proposed and vote for the one you like best.

Designers' BriefKitchenin a khrushchyovkaseries 1-434Area5.8 sq. mFor a familyof three peoplemother with a son and daughter, ages 5 and 12

Measurement plan of a kitchen in a two-room khrushchyovka in house series 1-434

Studio Brush Up's Option

Brush Up Design Studio. A design studio based in St. Petersburg specializing in private and public interior design

On Layout

We created a layout where every centimeter is used efficiently and the space is not overloaded, while the entrance area does not seem narrow or cramped. We placed a column with a built-in refrigerator in the far corner, and the work zone is now arranged according to the triangle principle: food prep and washing – ingredient cooking – heat treatment.

By placing the sink in a corner, we gained space: there's now ample storage under it and room for a narrow dishwasher on the left. For convenience and safety, narrow cabinets were installed between the electric stove and refrigerator for spices and oils.

On Stylistic Solution

The interior style is fusion: classic elements in a modern interpretation for a young family with children who need a vibrant space for imagination and good mood. The main color palette is a combination of deep blue shades and noble terracotta-red. It looks great on the monochrome floor made of white octagonal tiles with contrasting inserts, and it also visually expands the kitchen space.

All upper cabinet fronts are white, and the range hood is built-in, which also helps save space in a small room. The kitchen backsplash pattern echoes the floor tiles in shape, and the print complements the Roman curtains. The active contrasting colors are enhanced by the wood texture of the kitchen countertop, table, and windowsill.

The working area of the kitchen is illuminated by recessed swivel spotlights that can be adjusted to the owner's preferences. The spotlights are black in color to maintain geometric clarity and contrast, just like the unique-shaped chandelier above the dining table.

You Will Need:

"Kassel" Metal Chandelier

White Sink with Marble Granfest Rondo Finish

Upper Cabinets, Series "Leda White"

Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet with Flexible Spout, Esko Coralli

Lower Cabinets, Series "Antea"

Ceramic Tile for Floor, "Limburg 7"

Countertop, Beech Wood

Kitchen Backsplash Tile, "White Wave"

Maria Lazich's Option

Maria Lazich, Designer. General Director of the MaryArt Design Studio in Moscow

On Layout

The classic arrangement of furniture takes up a lot of space and does not allow for alternative views of the small room and its usage. To fit the necessary appliances for daily life—full-size four-burner stove, oven, dishwasher, and sink—we had to fight for every millimeter. Therefore, reducing the door opening to 600 mm was the top priority.

I divided the kitchen into two lines. The first line is the work zone, where cooking and washing take place. Here we gained 500 mm of working surface for chopping. The second line is a countertop made of artificial stone, joined with the windowsill in one piece, with three bar stools. I think it would be pleasant to have breakfast and lunch while looking out the window. The countertop also serves as additional working surface for cooking.

Under the countertop, there are three sliding drawers for small kitchen items that didn’t fit in the cabinets. Above the countertop, to the left of the window, I placed open shelves for powders and decor. Above a standalone bright refrigerator, there are shelves for kitchen utensils.

On Stylistic Solution

I wanted to transform the dull small space into a vibrant area where children enjoy breakfast and spend time with their mom while she cooks.

To achieve this, I used vivid paint in the finish and employed a technique of expanding space using randomly cut mirror panels. The ceiling was painted in a blue shade. This color is carried through the backsplash tiles, Roman curtains, and refrigerator. For the floor, I used patterned tiles with rare repeating prints. The kitchen cabinet fronts are mixed: lower ones in wood veneer, upper ones in white enamel.

You Will Need:

Ceramic Tile Patchwood

Wall Tile "Alvano"

Countertop, Artificial Stone in Milk Amber Color

Chrome Kitchen Faucet

Wall Light 152 E14

LED Ceiling Light Starwood

12-Section Radiator Rifar Monolit 500

Wall Paint Primalex Inspiro

Cover Photo: Design Project by Ksenia Yusupova