This time, "Home idea with IKEA" visits a young family. Aneta and Emīls live together with their young son Miķelis and dog Greisa and have applied for a makeover of their kitchen. Their way to application was bumpy though. Aneta was not sure about taking part in this project, yet at the end she relented and helped her husband to prepare the application. The space is very small, almost tiny. Its 4,5 square meters will be a challenge for IKEA Interior Designer Agita. Will she manage to fit everything a full-fledged, functional kitchen?
Describe your kitchen using just one word…
How would you describe a kitchen that's only 4,5 square meters? Small, of course! Almost no place for dreaming big. Because of this, most furniture has been arranged without much thought. The bulky fridge has been placed by the window, disrupting the flow of light in the kitchen, and only a tiny piece of worktop is left for enjoying a meal, almost too small for Aneta and Emīls to sit there together. Both Aneta and Emīls admit, that the main issue is lack of space, especially for appliances. There is no oven and no extractor hood, not to speak about a dishwasher.
How would you describe a kitchen that's only 4,5 square meters? Small, of course! Almost no place for dreaming big. Because of this, most furniture has been arranged without much thought. The bulky fridge has been placed by the window, disrupting the flow of light in the kitchen, and only a tiny piece of worktop is left for enjoying a meal, almost too small for Aneta and Emīls to sit there together. Both Aneta and Emīls admit, that the main issue is lack of space, especially for appliances. There is no oven and no extractor hood, not to speak about a dishwasher.
When interior follows the space
Interior Designer Agita notices the main issues immediately. Lack of storage space, insufficient worktop space and not using natural light to the maximum. The last must be solved by finding another place for the fridge. It is always a good idea to plan the kitchen so that worktop and sink is nearer to the window as this allows to use daylight while preparing food and to look at the scenery while washing up. In small spaces it is very important to use the full potential of walls. Cabinets and shelves can reach up to the ceiling to accommodate more things.
Interior Designer Agita notices the main issues immediately. Lack of storage space, insufficient worktop space and not using natural light to the maximum. The last must be solved by finding another place for the fridge. It is always a good idea to plan the kitchen so that worktop and sink is nearer to the window as this allows to use daylight while preparing food and to look at the scenery while washing up. In small spaces it is very important to use the full potential of walls. Cabinets and shelves can reach up to the ceiling to accommodate more things.
The magic of open shelves
In kitchen, it is comfortable to store things both in closed cabinets and in open shelves. It is a common notion that open shelves look chaotic. Interior Designer Agita is sure the opposite is true – open shelves encourage better order as it's a natural instinct for most people to tidy what they see. Space between wall shelves and worktop can be used for a rail with hooks for utensils and other things that are needed but would take up worktop space unnecessarily.
In kitchen, it is comfortable to store things both in closed cabinets and in open shelves. It is a common notion that open shelves look chaotic. Interior Designer Agita is sure the opposite is true – open shelves encourage better order as it's a natural instinct for most people to tidy what they see. Space between wall shelves and worktop can be used for a rail with hooks for utensils and other things that are needed but would take up worktop space unnecessarily.
Tricks that create more space
Agita shares some tips and tricks about possibilities to create more space within the given square meters. In a U layout as in this kitchen one side of the worktop can be narrower – thus, more floor space can be gained. The bottom part of the kitchen does not have to be a solid wall of closed cabinets. In such small spaces it's not even convenient as you cannot open the cabinets or drawers on both sides and still move freely. A good alternative to cabinets is a trolley that can be stored under the worktop and pulled out when needed. The same space under the worktop can be used to store a stepping stool that serves for reaching things higher up.
Agita shares some tips and tricks about possibilities to create more space within the given square meters. In a U layout as in this kitchen one side of the worktop can be narrower – thus, more floor space can be gained. The bottom part of the kitchen does not have to be a solid wall of closed cabinets. In such small spaces it's not even convenient as you cannot open the cabinets or drawers on both sides and still move freely. A good alternative to cabinets is a trolley that can be stored under the worktop and pulled out when needed. The same space under the worktop can be used to store a stepping stool that serves for reaching things higher up.
Every detail matters
Here, the layout is U-shaped and this creates two deep corners. This kind of layout can be problematic in corners as things put in cabinets there are often hard to reach. One of possible solutions is to use pull-out shelves but in small kitchens a swivel shelf is a more functional solution. It is great for storing bigger pots, baking trays, small appliances and other things. A good idea is to store pots and pans also in a drawer under the oven as it puts them in hand's reach and uses an otherwise empty space.
Here, the layout is U-shaped and this creates two deep corners. This kind of layout can be problematic in corners as things put in cabinets there are often hard to reach. One of possible solutions is to use pull-out shelves but in small kitchens a swivel shelf is a more functional solution. It is great for storing bigger pots, baking trays, small appliances and other things. A good idea is to store pots and pans also in a drawer under the oven as it puts them in hand's reach and uses an otherwise empty space.
Just as much space as you need
The best companion for small spaces? Furniture, that is foldable and multifunctional! For example, a table that can serve as a shelf when not in use and can seat several people. Add some lightweight and stackable stools and get creative with setting the table!
The best companion for small spaces? Furniture, that is foldable and multifunctional! For example, a table that can serve as a shelf when not in use and can seat several people. Add some lightweight and stackable stools and get creative with setting the table!
Black and white classics in table setting
It takes very little effort to make everyday meals feel special. A tablecloth, a nice flower or potted plant and coordinated plates is all you need. There is no reason to fear contrasts. Impressive black and white background is timeless, especially if is serves to accent the rest of the table setting.
It takes very little effort to make everyday meals feel special. A tablecloth, a nice flower or potted plant and coordinated plates is all you need. There is no reason to fear contrasts. Impressive black and white background is timeless, especially if is serves to accent the rest of the table setting.
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