What Kitchens Designers Make for Themselves: 5 Great Examples

From bold color schemes to innovative layouts — these projects will inspire you to create your own ideal kitchen!

Stylish Kitchen in a 33 m² Studio

This small studio is owned by designer Lina Knyazeva. Despite its modest size, she managed to fit a spacious corner kitchen unit with all necessary appliances in the kitchen-dining area. The designer chose a contrasting combination of burgundy and white colors, creating an impression of space and lightness. The upper shelves are painted to match the wall color.

They opted out of a range hood and part of the upper cabinets to avoid cluttering the space. Bright lower cabinet fronts balance out the main light palette, creating an atmosphere of comfort and freshness. The handles interpret stylish elements from a chest of drawers, adding a sense of luxury.

Design: Lina Knyazeva

Vibrant Kitchen in a Stalin-era Apartment

Designer Ekaterina Kotalyevskaya and her husband purchased this apartment in the secondary market. It required a full renovation, but Ekaterina was able to implement bold and original ideas in her own interior. The kitchen retained the concrete beam running along the entire apartment, which added character and individuality.

The blue kitchen unit contrasts with mustard-colored backsplash tiles, while the window area is highlighted in a different color to create an effect of an elongated French window. A hidden refrigerator cabinet is conveniently placed underneath, and the air conditioner is painted to match the wall color, making it less noticeable. The unique atmosphere is enhanced by glass blocks between the children's room and kitchen, and the kitchen and bathroom.

Design: Ekaterina Kotalyevskaya

Tiny Kitchen in a 1930s House

This interior in a historic Moscow house was designed by designer Alexandra Oznobishcheva. The compact kitchen measuring just 3.5 sq m reflects an era when cooking time was considered a luxury. All furniture and appliances were selected in mini-format — a narrow refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven with a width of 45 cm.

The compact sink fits perfectly into the limited space. The functionality of the kitchen is successfully expanded thanks to modern 'magic corners' where it's convenient to store kitchenware, as well as niches used for storage.

Design: Alexandra Oznobishcheva

Modern Kitchen with Ethnic Elements

This apartment is located in a new residential complex in St. Petersburg. Designer Natalia Borisenkova lives there with her family. One of the tasks was to plan a comfortable layout with an open kitchen-dining area.

An angled kitchen unit with an attic part of the cabinets and column-style units with built-in refrigerator, appliances, and storage spaces was placed in the kitchen. The interior is quite minimalist, functional, and not overloaded. But with important details: floor tiles with a beautiful pattern, an original pendant light above the dining table, and a cozy dining area.

Design: Natalia Borisenkova

Check out the video: Modern Kitchen-Dining with Eastern Notes

This two-bedroom apartment in an old building is inspired by the East. The fusion of cultures within one space creates a unique atmosphere. Designer Veronica Lubosh designed this interior for herself. The bold experiment — cabinet fronts made from plywood — was not only budget-friendly but also stylish. Plywood gives the space a unique charm and easily combines with other materials.

The floor features geometric tiles, while the backsplash has an interesting mosaic with contrasting grout. One wall in the dining area retains authentic brick, and a utility cabinet with a laundry block was built into a niche.

Design: Veronica Lubosh

Each of these kitchens reflects the character and individuality of its owners. They are beautiful, practical, full of inspiration, and perfect for living and creating.