Before and After: 5 sq. m in a Khrushchyovka. How to Organize the Perfect Kitchen on Minimal Space

Khrushchyovka series 1-511 — typical five-story buildings, mass-produced in the USSR from the end of the 1950s to the beginning of the 1970s. A distinctive feature of such apartments is compact dimensions. This is especially true for kitchens, whose area rarely exceeds 5–6 sq. m. Despite the limited space, many owners of Khrushchyovka apartments find creative ways to organize a functional and cozy kitchen.

Timofey, a marketing specialist in the IT sector, lives with his girlfriend in a typical Khrushchyovka apartment built in 1959 in the Aeroport district of Moscow. The couple decided to transform the tiny 5 square meter kitchen into a modern and convenient space. How did they do it?

Main points from the article:

• Combining the kitchen with the living room increased usable area;
• Integrated appliances and wall-to-ceiling cabinets saved space;
• The gas stove was hidden in an angular cabinet;
• The countertop extends onto the windowsill, creating additional workspace;
• Food waste disposer replaced the trash can under the sink.

Breaking Down Walls: Kitchen and Living Room Become One

The first step toward a spacious kitchen was combining it with the living room. Timofey explains: “We removed the partition between the kitchen and living room. This visually expanded the space and created a sense of airiness.”

However, Khrushchyovka apartments have their pitfalls. For example, a gas stove that usually takes up a lot of space and spoils the view. Timofey found a solution: “We managed to hide the stove in the corner and route its exhaust through the upper cabinets. Now it’s barely visible.”

Every Centimeter Counts: Cabinets and Appliances

In a small kitchen, every centimeter must be used wisely. Timofey and his girlfriend chose wall-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets. “The fronts go all the way to the ceiling. These drawers are real, though we practically don’t use them. But they complete the kitchen, and when it’s done all the way to the ceiling, it looks much better,” Timofey explains.

The choice of appliances also plays an important role. The couple installed a built-in refrigerator, which takes up less space than a freestanding one. They chose a narrow dishwasher, 45 cm wide. “Of course, 60 cm would be much more convenient, but fitting 60 cm into such a small kitchen is much harder,” the apartment owner shares.

Unconventional Solutions: Windowsill Becomes Countertop

To increase workspace, Timofey and his girlfriend made a bold move — they removed the traditional windowsill. “We completely redesigned the windows, so we were able to make the window slightly higher, remove the windowsill, and create a unified surface. Now the countertop extends onto the window, giving extra space for cooking,” Timofey explains.

Smart Gadgets: How a Food Waste Disposer Saves Space Under the Sink

One of the most unexpected solutions was installing a food waste disposer. “This is one of the most useful things on a kitchen,” Timofey insists. “Many people think you can’t install a disposer in every apartment. In fact, it’s possible to install one almost anywhere.”

Thanks to the disposer, they were able to do away with the trash can under the sink, freeing up space for storing household chemicals.

Lighting and Color: Visual Tricks for a Small Kitchen

Proper lighting plays a key role in how space is perceived. “The kitchen should be as well-lit as possible,” Timofey notes. “We have standard spotlights in the suspended ceiling and additional task lighting on the work surface.”

As for color palette, the owners chose light tones for the cabinet fronts and countertop. This visually expands the space and makes the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.

A Small Kitchen Is Not a Verdict

Timofey’s experience and that of his girlfriend shows that even on just 5 square meters, you can create a functional and stylish kitchen. The key to success lies in thoughtful planning, using every centimeter wisely, and being ready for unconventional solutions.

“When we first started the renovation, it seemed impossible to fit everything necessary into such a small space,” Timofey recalls. “But in the end, we had a kitchen with everything we needed — and even more. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment.”

So if you also live in a Khrushchyovka and dream of the perfect kitchen — remember that nothing is impossible. With the right approach, even the smallest space can become cozy and functional.