How to Decorate a Kitchen in a Small Apartment: 6 Ideas

A kitchen in a small apartment is a challenge that designers embrace with pleasure. Every centimeter matters here: thoughtful use of space becomes the key to success. But this approach does not make kitchens boring. On the contrary, they can be stylish, functional, and cozy, proving that small area is not a limitation but an opportunity for creativity.

We have collected six unique kitchens in small apartments. Each of them is a design example with thoughtfulness and inspiration for those who dream of making a small kitchen special.

Original Solutions for Compact Kitchen

In this studio with an area of 35 m², designed by Line Design Studio, the kitchen became a key element of the overall space. Thanks to successful layout solutions, it was possible to combine the cooking area with the living room while preserving a sense of airiness.

Design: Line Design Studio

The kitchen cabinet is designed in an ascetic style: sink, two-burner cooktop, and a freestanding refrigerator. Instead of a traditional dining table, an integrated dining table was placed in the sliding window between the kitchen and living room. The solution not only saves space but also adds character to the interior.

Design: Line Design Studio

Lacustrine Kitchen in a Studio with Attic

Designer Margarita Posukhova from Ispir Interior Design transformed a small studio with an area of 29 m² into a stylish zone, while maintaining the atmosphere of freedom. Thanks to high ceilings (over 4 m), an attic floor was created for the bedroom and a compact kitchen-living room in the studio.

Design: Ispir Interior Design

The kitchen cabinet was purchased at a building supply store and customized to individual dimensions. The wall-mounted cabinets are compact yet spacious. Everything necessary is provided here: cooktop, dishwasher, sink, and built-in microwave oven. A light-colored countertop made of artificial stone became a harmonious accent.

Design: Ispir Interior Design

Compact Kitchen in a 16 m² Studio

Designer Ekaterina Ivanova decorated a tiny studio with only 16 m² in area. Despite its modest dimensions, the kitchen turned out to be a full-fledged zone for cooking and storage, perfectly fitting into minimalist style.

Design: Ekaterina Ivanova

The cabinet with smooth fronts was placed along one wall, which allowed for space to be reserved for the cooktop, compact sink, and built-in refrigerator. The wall-mounted cabinets were used to maximum capacity by placing them all the way up to the ceiling for additional storage.

The interior features dark gray walls and a black ceiling to visually expand the space. This design trick works because the boundaries of dark surfaces, remaining unlit, seem to recede.

Design: Ekaterina Ivanova

Functional Kitchen in an Old Building

The kitchen in this apartment occupies a central place and embodies a modern approach to decorating small spaces. Ksenia Guziy, the project designer, created a cozy and functional space in a studio with an area of 28 m² located in the old buildings of St. Petersburg. The main task was to harmoniously integrate the kitchen zone into the interior and make it as convenient as possible.

Design: Ksenia Guziy

The cabinet is located between the wardrobe at the entrance and a glass partition — this solution visually unifies the space. Light fronts and a monochrome kitchen apron make the zone light and unobtrusive, while accent handles add individuality.

It was possible to fit all necessary household appliances on the kitchen: refrigerator, cooktop, and oven.

Design: Ksenia Guziy

Island in a 36 m² Studio

Designer Elena Sorensen designed a kitchen for a compact studio with an area of 36 m². Thanks to a thoughtful approach, the interior fully lives up to the idea of European minimalism: carefully planned space unifies aesthetics and convenience.

Design: Elena Sorensen

The island kitchen is made from ready-made modules from IKEA — this significantly reduced costs. The island edges are made of the same material as the countertop. The refrigerator, washing machine, and additional storage are hidden behind cabinet fronts in a unified style.

Neutral shades of cabinet fronts with the texture of natural oak complement the parquet boards in a cognac tone and functional lighting.

Design: Elena Sorensen

Modern Solution for Renovated Kitchen in a Khrushchyovka

Designer Galina Ovchinnikova transformed an old two-bedroom flat in a khrushchyovka with an area of 43 m². The main task was to use every square meter as efficiently as possible and stay within budget. To do this, a large-scale renovation was carried out with replacement of all utilities, windows, and doors, as well as partial re-planning.

Design: Galina Ovchinnikova

A compact linear cabinet with matte black fronts was organized on the kitchen, complemented by black household appliances. The apron made of ceramic granite with a terrazzo design added dynamism.

Design: Galina Ovchinnikova

To create more storage space and visually lighten the zone, a breakfast bar was used. Window openings and sills are finished with ceramic granite — this is not only stylish but also practical.

Photo on the cover: projects by Ksenia Guziy and Ispir Interior Design.