8 Tips for Decorating a Mini-Kitchen in a Khrushchyovka That You Won't Regret

A kitchen as small as 4 square meters is a common sight in older buildings. Today, designers solve this issue in various ways: attaching a balcony or combining it with the living room.

Decorating a separate space can be challenging, but it's possible when following the rules listed below.

1. Color Palette

To fill the room with air and light, it's best to use light tones — beige, white, milk, and elephant bone. This palette pairs well with stone and wood.

In a minimalist interior, dark shades look great. To avoid making the small room seem even smaller, it's best to avoid contrasting elements.

Design: Ksenia Yusupeva
2. Kitchen Cabinet

The most optimal solution is to buy a corner cabinet. However, it's better to order one based on a custom sketch. You can plan for a column, niche for a microwave, and space for an exhaust fan in the design.

Design: FlatsDesign
3. Windowsill

You can make full use of the windowsill if its dimensions allow it. For example, a tall window can be used to create a bar counter and save space for the kitchen group. A low windowsill gives the opportunity to set up a work zone by extending the countertop.

It's easy to install a cabinet or drawer table under the windowsill. A sink can also be placed near the window, although this solution is more aesthetic than practical.

Design: Huge Studio
4. Open Shelves

Open shelves visually "lighten" the interior and add coziness to it. They only need to be wiped a couple of times a week, so they don't require much maintenance.

To keep the shelves looking stylish and well-maintained, it's important to keep them tidy and avoid overloading them with clutter.

Design: Tatyana, a Khrushchyovka Owner
5. Appliances

Compact appliances can save square meters in a small kitchen. A 2-burner cooktop is perfect for two people, and a microwave can be built into the upper cabinet.

Design: Studio 8
6. Storage Space

Instead of a full cabinet under the windowsill, hanging a small shelf is enough. You can also create a niche above the entrance door.

A corner cabinet near the entrance and a hook for paper towels under the countertop will be invaluable on the kitchen.

Well-designed kitchen spaces can be organized with railings for utensils.

Design: Maria Dadiani
7. Window

Heavy curtains not only draw all the attention but also block natural light. If the window is small, you may choose to forgo fabric or hang lightweight curtains. Tulle and roller blinds shouldn't be long or thick, so it's better to opt for semi-transparent light fabrics.

Design: El Born Studio
8. Dining Area

A small kitchen doesn't always fit an entire dining table and chairs. If there's no space for them, a foldable two-person table and stools can be used instead. An alternative solution is a narrow bar counter by the wall with tall stools.

Furniture should preferably not be bulky—such as transparent plastic chairs.

Design: Pavel Foteev