How to decorate a small kitchen? Advice from an interior designer

A small kitchen can be a real challenge. A few square metres have to accommodate all the necessary white goods, storage space for food and a worktop for preparing meals. However, with a well-planned layout for a small kitchen, it is possible to create a space that is practical and comfortable - even if we are talking about 4-5 m² in a block of flats or a kitchenette in a new build.

Small kitchen - a challenge to win

When it comes to a small kitchen, the most important thing is to layout the work flow properly. The fridge, sink and hob should form an L-shaped or U-shaped layout, which shortens the distance and makes everyday cooking easier.

Additional space is provided by recesses in the ceiling and pull-out shelves that accommodate less frequently used items. They keep the entire room tidy, while bright colours and under-cabinet lighting add lightness to the interior.

Do you want to squeeze the maximum out of a small space? With our experience, we won't waste a single metre of valuable space.

User lifestyle - do you cook or not?

People who cook every day need a larger worktop, a deeper sink and numerous cabinets for kitchen accessories. Here, a kitchen built-in with cargo systems, drawers with organisers and a microwave function hidden in the post will be a great solution.

Cooking enthusiasts will also appreciate a traditional oven and good quality appliances.

On the other hand, if the kitchen is mainly used for occasional cooking, you can opt for a simpler layout: a 2-burner hob, a small fridge and space-saving folding worktops.

Functional kitchen in different building types

In a large-panel block of flats, we usually encounter narrow kitchens of 5-6 m². The long corridor layout makes it difficult to set up the necessary furniture, so it's worth making use of the space under the ceiling and using open shelves in the corner of the room. Such solutions not only increase storage space, but also optically enlarge the space, so that even a small kitchen in a block can become practical and comfortable.

In townhouses, kitchens tend to be high and well-lit, which gives room for arrangements with plants. However, it is important to remember that large windows limit the number of cabinets. This is where mobile kitchen furniture, such as kitchen trolleys, which can be set up wherever they are needed, works well.

New construction is dominated by kitchenettes connected to the living room. Here, the aesthetics of the interior matter, because the kitchen is always „in view”. The kitchen should be stylistically matched to the rest of the flat - e.g. white furniture in Scandinavian style or contrasting fronts in industrial style. It is also worth creating a place for dining, even if it is only a folding worktop or a small table set against the wall.

Frugal or premium - two ways to furnish a kitchen

The thrifty version is simple built-ins from popular shops, laminated fronts and basic white goods. The necessary furniture can be supplemented with a folding table or a pull-out table top that doubles as a dining area. This is a good solution when space is tight and budgets are limited.

The premium version features bespoke furniture with cargo systems, quartz sintered worktop and LED lighting. In this standard, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home - an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable place where every detail has been thought through. The cabinetry with kitchen island, integrated appliances and necessary accessories hidden in drawers allow you to create a fully functional space even in a small space.

Private kitchen or for rent?

The design for the owner differs from the kitchen for rent. The private interior can be adapted to suit the lifestyle - a coffee machine, open shelves for second-hand items, decorations in bright colours.

It is worth following the principle of the working triangle.
In investment flats, on the other hand, it is worth opting for durability and neutral décor. This is where ease of cleaning, simple solutions and standard white goods count. This will ensure that the kitchen is versatile and welcoming for future tenants.

Why design a small kitchen with an interior designer?

An interior designer not only selects colours or materials, but also helps you make practical use of the space. He or she will advise on how to position the kitchen worktop, where to place a single or double sink, and how to plan the cabinets to store food and kitchen accessories without chaos. This is a functional solution that avoids mistakes that are difficult to correct after a renovation.

The kitchen in the context of the whole dwelling - DD Projekt's approach

A small kitchen does not exist in isolation. Its layout always influences the living room, hallway or dining room. That is why at DD Projekt, we design the whole thing - from the kitchen fitting to the arrangement of other rooms, taking care of consistency and convenience in everyday life. Making the most of the available space in a few square metres is quite a challenge, but a well-planned design allows you to turn limitations into assets.

We analyse daily habits, suggest an L-shaped or U-shaped layout, select the white goods and necessary furniture, and then carry out the project from A to Z - with our own teams, supervision and guarantee.

Why does a small kitchen deserve good design?

Arranging a small kitchen may seem difficult, but when well planned it becomes practical and aesthetically pleasing. A small space is not a constraint, but an opportunity to create a space that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Do you want to make sure that your kitchen is perfected in every detail? Get in touch with DD Projekt - we'll design and make not just your kitchen, but your entire home, so that everyday life is comfortable and stylish.

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