5 Cool Ideas for a Small Kitchen-Living Room That Anyone Can Replicate

Is it possible to organize a full kitchen zone with a living room in just 12 square meters? That's exactly what designer Ekaterina Ulanova did in a tiny one-bedroom apartment with a total area of 29 m².

Design: Ekaterina Ulanova

Due to limited space and budget, the kitchen was decided to be combined with the living room. Despite its small size, it is equipped with everything necessary for daily life: a refrigerator, oven with microwave function, cooktop, and dishwasher.

How everything fit together — read on.

1. Functional Open Shelves

Ekaterina planned special niches with outlets for small household appliances: coffee machine, kettle, and others. One of the shelves has a convenient "fountain" from IKEA that allows you to drink water at any time. All devices are always within reach — no need to search for them or move them around. Additional outlets were also provided in the niches.

Design: Ekaterina UlanovaDesign: Ekaterina Ulanova

2. Stylish and Affordable Apron

The highlight of the kitchen apron is its unusual green glass block design, which connects the kitchen to the bathroom. When the lights are on in the bathroom, they provide soft green lighting in the kitchen. This is also a very budget-friendly solution for an apron that's easy to maintain. The cost of one glass block from Avito is just 35 rubles. Ekaterina used 18 pieces.

Design: Ekaterina Ulanova

3. Eco-Friendly Cabinet Doors

Kitchen cabinet doors from IKEA KUNGSBACKA are made from recycled plastic bottles. Eco-friendly cabinets and a wooden countertop from oak are another highlight of this small kitchen.

Design: Ekaterina UlanovaDesign: Ekaterina Ulanova

Ekaterina chose a sink made of artificial stone and an induction cooktop with two burners. Since the owner lives alone, this choice is quite obvious. The mini-kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary appliances and includes built-in ventilation.

Design: Ekaterina Ulanova

4. Bar Counter

A modern bar counter was custom-made. A full-sized dishwasher is hidden behind it. Two half-bar stools in a loft style complement the overall concept of the kitchen area and blend perfectly with the green glass blocks and soft sofa.

Design: Ekaterina UlanovaDesign: Ekaterina Ulanova

5. 2-in-1 Appliances

The ideal solution for a small kitchen is appliances that combine multiple functions. For example, the oven chosen by Ekaterina for her project combines the functions of a microwave and a grill. This way, a highly equipped kitchen is achieved in minimal space.

Design: Ekaterina Ulanova

This kitchen is the perfect option for a single man who loves to travel.