Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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?


 
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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.
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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.


 
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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.
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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.
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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.
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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!
Small in size but not in ambition image 1
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.


 

17 items
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UPPHETTA, coffee/tea maker UPPHETTA, coffee/tea maker

UPPHETTA

Coffee/tea maker, glass/stainless steel, 0.4 l

7,99

IKEA 365+, bowl IKEA 365+, bowl

IKEA 365+

Bowl, white, 19 cm

3,99

VÄRDERA, mug VÄRDERA, mug

VÄRDERA

Mug, white, 30 cl

2,99

GODIS, glass GODIS, glass

GODIS

Glass, clear glass, 40 cl

5,99/6 pack

IKEA 365+, 18-piece service IKEA 365+, 18-piece service

IKEA 365+

18-piece service, white

44,99

MATÄLSKARE, forced air oven MATÄLSKARE, forced air oven

MATÄLSKARE

Forced air oven, IKEA 300 stainless steel

245

Energy efficiency class
ÄDELSTEN, pestle and mortar ÄDELSTEN, pestle and mortar

ÄDELSTEN

Pestle and mortar, marble black

14,99

IKEA 365+, grater IKEA 365+, grater

IKEA 365+

Grater, black

4,99

KYRRE, stool KYRRE, stool

KYRRE

Stool, black

19

IKEA 365+, mug IKEA 365+, mug

IKEA 365+

Mug, white, 36 cl

2,49

IKEA 365+, bowl IKEA 365+, bowl

IKEA 365+

Bowl, rounded sides white, 22 cm

5,99

VARDAGEN, measuring jug VARDAGEN, measuring jug

VARDAGEN

Measuring jug, glass, 0.5 l

3,99

IKEA 365+, deep plate/bowl IKEA 365+, deep plate/bowl

IKEA 365+

Deep plate/bowl, angled sides white, 22 cm

2,99

ENHET, wall fr w shelves ENHET, wall fr w shelves

ENHET

Wall fr w shelves, anthracite, 60x30x75 cm

50

NISSAFORS, trolley NISSAFORS, trolley

NISSAFORS

Trolley, black, 50.5x30x83 cm

24,99

SÄLJAN, worktop SÄLJAN, worktop

SÄLJAN

Worktop, oak effect/laminate, 186x3.8 cm

65

SAMMANHANG, tray SAMMANHANG, tray

SAMMANHANG

Tray, white, 28x20 cm

3,99

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