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 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 Design

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 effectively and the space is not overloaded, while the entry area does not seem narrow or cramped. The column with built-in refrigerator was placed in the far corner, and the work zone is now arranged according to the triangle principle: food preparation and washing — ingredient cooking — thermal processing.

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

On Stylistic Solution

The interior style is fusion: classic in modern interpretation for a young family with children who need a vibrant space to stimulate imagination and maintain a good mood. The main color palette combines complex blue tones with noble terracotta-red. It looks great against a monochrome floor made of white octagonal tiles with contrasting inserts, which also visually expands the kitchen space.

All upper cabinet fronts are white, and the range hood is built-in, which also helps to ease the small space. The pattern of the kitchen backsplash echoes the floor tiles in form, and the print matches the Roman curtains. The active contrasting colors are complemented by the wood texture used for the kitchen countertop, table, and windowsill.

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

You Will Need:

"Kassel" Metal Chandelier

White Undermount Sink with Marble Granfest Rondo

Upper Cabinets, Series "Leda White"

Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet with Flexible Spout Esko Coralli

Lower Cabinets, Series "Antea"

Ceramic Floor Tile "Limburg 7"

Countertop, Beech Wood

Wall Tile for Kitchen Backsplash "White Wave"

Maria Lazich's Design

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

On Layout

The classic furniture arrangement takes up a lot of space and does not allow for a different perspective on the small room and its use. To fit in all the necessary appliances for daily life — a full-size four-burner stove, oven, dishwasher, and sink — every millimeter had to be fought for. Therefore, reducing the door opening to 600 mm was the top solution.

I divided the kitchen into two lines. The first line is the work zone where cooking happens and the sink area. Here we managed to gain 500 mm of working surface for chopping. The second line is the countertop made of artificial stone, joined with the windowsill as a single unit, with three bar stools. I think it would be pleasant to have breakfast and lunch while looking out the window. The countertop also functions as an additional work surface for cooking.

Under the countertop, there are three sliding drawers for small kitchen items that didn’t fit into the cabinets. Above the countertop, to the left of the window, I placed open shelves for powdered ingredients 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 one where children can enjoy breakfast and spend time with their mother while she cooks.

To achieve this, I used vibrant colors in the finish and employed the technique of expanding space using randomly cut mirror panels. The ceiling was painted in a blue tone. This color is repeated in the backsplash tiles, Roman curtains, and refrigerator. The floor was covered with a patterned tile with a rare repeating design. The cabinet fronts are mixed: lower ones in wood veneer, upper ones in white enamel.

You Will Need:

Ceramic Tile Patchwood

Wall Tile "Alvano"

Countertop of Artificial Stone in Milk Amber Color

Chrome Kitchen Faucet

Wall Bracket 152 E14

Ceiling LED Fixture Starwood

12-Section Radiator Rifar Monolit 500

Wall Paint Primalex Inspiro

Cover Art: Design Project by Ksenia Yusupova