Kitchen in Brezhnev-era Apartment: 3 Layout Options

If you don't want to get involved in a major space rearrangement during renovation, ergonomic furniture placement will solve the problem.

For example, designer Veronika Zaznova proposed three successful kitchen layout options for a typical Brezhnev-era apartment — we describe each in more detail below.

Design requestKitchen6.9 sq. min a studioHouse Series 1MГ-601Brezhnev-era apartment

Veronika Zaznova
Expert Architect-Designer, Studio Director Zaznova

Option 1: G-shaped Kitchen + Dining Area Near the Window

The most common option. Its popularity is justified: an L-shaped cabinet is spacious and easily accommodates all household appliances. If you need more workspace, prefer a two-burner cooktop instead of a four-burner one.

Its corner placement allows placing a dining table by the wall near the window — either round or rectangular.

Option 2: U-shaped Kitchen with Bar Counter Along the Window

This creates a somewhat non-standard dining area by the window: the windowsill is replaced with a countertop and supplemented with half-bar stools. This option isn’t suitable for large families or gatherings, but breakfasts with your loved one will definitely become more atmospheric.

By the way, this layout won't visually clutter an already small kitchen. To avoid moving the radiator, special holes can be made in the countertop for hot air to exit during the heating season.

Option 3: Linear Kitchen + Dining Area

This option suits those who don’t cook often or not much, so they don’t want to sacrifice precious square meters for the work zone and storage space. A linear kitchen cabinet with appliances can be placed along the wall near the window. It will be small but still have room for a dishwasher, oven, and a two-burner cooktop.

Keep in mind that storage in upper cabinets won’t be possible — on one side of the window, the refrigerator will go, and on the other side, the range hood.

On the cover: Design Project by Natalia Shirokorad