6 sqm and No Cabinets: What's Happening with Kitchens in Small-Sized Apartments in 2025

"My kitchen is six square meters!" Sounds familiar? In Russia, over 30% of urban apartments are Soviet-era flats with tiny kitchens. While some dream of expanding space, others find unexpected solutions. The approach to organizing small kitchens has changed dramatically in 2025.

Key points from the article:

• Upper cabinets are going into the past – they're being replaced by pull-out storage systems;

• Integrated appliances are now available in the economy segment;

• Transformable surfaces instead of dining tables are becoming popular;

• Lighting zones the space without walls;

• Manufacturers are creating special lines for small kitchens.

Why Everyone Is Giving Up Upper Cabinets

In 2025, the trend of abandoning upper cabinets has even reached small kitchens. It's not just a fashion statement – it’s about ergonomics. "Constantly reaching up is inconvenient, and step ladders take up space," explains designer Anna Svetlova. Instead, deep pull-out drawers and cargo systems in lower cabinets are used. They hold more dishes and food than might appear at first glance.

Design: Natalia Panferova

How Appliances Stopped Consuming Space

The biggest breakthrough of 2025 – compact built-in appliances are now accessible. Previously, such solutions were only available in premium segments. Now narrow dishwashers (45 cm wide), built-in refrigerators, and compact ovens are offered by most manufacturers in the mid-range price segment.

Design: Pavel Foteev

Where Did the Dining Table Go?

Instead of a traditional table, small kitchens now often feature transformable solutions. Fold-down countertops, pull-out surfaces, wall-mounted bar stools – all of these help free up space when the table isn’t needed. A popular 2025 solution is a windowsill countertop with built-in storage.

Design: Rustem Urazmetov

What Replaced the Overhead Lighting?

One chandelier in the center of the ceiling is no longer enough. Modern lighting for small kitchens involves a combination of several light sources. Task lighting in the work zone, directed lights above the dining area, and decorative lighting at the bottom of cabinets. This solution is not only functional but also visually expands the space.

Design: Evgenia Ivlieva

What Changed in Storage

A revolution has happened in storage systems. The chaotic stacking of items has been replaced by well-thought-out solutions: pull-out baskets, drawer dividers, magnetic systems for knives and spices. Manufacturers now offer ready-made organizer kits specifically designed for small kitchens.

Design: Yunka Lukinskikh and Alsu Ayzatulina

Which Materials Are Becoming Popular

In 2025’s trends – matte surfaces and light tones. But not just white, but complex shades: ivory, light gray, pastel tones. Cabinet fronts without handles visually “lighten” the space. Push-to-open systems are particularly popular – where cabinet doors open with just a light touch.

Design: Julia Arendar

Why Every Detail Matters

In a small kitchen, small details make all the difference. Sinks with built-in dryers save space on the countertop. Faucets with pull-out sprays simplify dishwashing. Magnetic rails allow using space above the work surface without cluttering it with cabinets.

Design: Julia Arendar

How Much Does It Cost?

The budget for updating a small kitchen in 2025 starts from 350,000 rubles with mid-range appliances. The biggest expenses are on built-in appliances and storage systems. However, there's a way to save: many manufacturers now offer special lines for small kitchens with more affordable prices.

Where to Find Inspiration

Russian furniture manufacturers have started releasing special catalogs of solutions for small kitchens. These collections include ready-made sets with optimal cabinet and appliance layouts. This simplifies planning and helps avoid mistakes during renovation.

Small kitchens in 2025 are no longer a sentence – they're a challenge for creative solutions. The key is to plan the space wisely and use modern technologies to their fullest.

Cover: Uncle Dixon design project