This time, "Home Idea with IKEA" visits an apartment in Riga, home of the happy and optimistic Alda. For her, a kitchen makeover is a dream come true. And what a coincidence! The first meeting with designer Līva takes place on no other day than her birthday. Could one with for a better sign?
The lady of the house is a passionate cook and tells that she spends most of the time in her kitchen. When her family visits, this room becomes the heart of events, everybody attracted to it as if by magic. The grandchildren are particularly interested in the cookies and other tasty things their grandmother bakes.
A small room with a big mission
One glance is enough to tell what is the biggest issue in this room. The space ir rather small and narrow, so it is not easy to plan the layout. On top of that, this kitchen is used not only for cooking but also for doing laundry. The existing solution does not follow the principles of ergonomy as the stove is directly by the sink and there is no place for putting the washed vegetables of fruit. The countertop would be big enough if not for countless small appliances and things that litter the whole area.
Temporary solutions
As there are not many shelves and cabinets, other solutions have to be found. Many things have been put in baskets which is not always the best solution, as the stuff at the bottom can be hard to be found. In the long run, it is also not comfortable to keep something on a chair.
A real eyesore: fridge in front of the window
Alda tells the "Home Idea with IKEA" team that the huge refrigerator is actually an accident. As the old one broke, she had to buy new one quickly, but at that time there were only big ones available. This refrigerator is too big for the tiny kitchen, it blocks the light from window and is also not comfortable to use. It would be better to have something more efficient, and Alda already knows she would give the big one to someone in need.
Sunny kitchen for sunny mood
After the makeover the kitchen has been completely transformed. The new interior is like a reflection of the sunny personality of Alda. In the corner, there is a small table for peaceful moments with a cup of coffee while observing the beautiful park outside or the birds chirping right at the window. The flowery curtains bring the spring mood inside and liven up the minimalistic interior.
Minimalism with a twist
The new kitchen has been planned based on comfort but that is not to say that the aesthetics have gone uncared for. Between the sink and the stovetop there is a small countertop for necessary items while cooking or other things. The stovetop is electric and very easy to maintain. The wall cabinets are more shallow than the base ones, ensuring more comfortable work and there are no handles, because the doors can be opened by a push-open system. Designer Līva reminds that lighting is essential for good workflow in the kitchen and the best idea is to put it right under the cabinets.
Order for big and for small
When planning a kitchen, it is important to think not only about furniture but about what we are planning to put inside. Everybody knows there are 1001 small things that scatter the moment you are not looking. Using different inner details and organisers it is possible to create a designed space for everything and to spare the time that would be spent looking for them. One good idea is to store pots and pans under the stove, as they will be used there.
Smart tips for easy working
It is worth paying attention to putting the things that you need daily the nearest. A magnetic knofe holder is great as you can see immediately the one you need and knives stay sharp for longer when they do not rub on other items in a drawer. Small appliances can be hidden in cabinets, except for the ones used every day.
Sustainable solutions for a modern kitchen
In a modern kitchen, waste dorting is a must. The overall tendencies show that waste sorting is future. Different bins can be put under the sink and organisers for cleaning utensils can be added as well.
There is no such thing as too much space
Wall shelves are a great solution to save some space on the floor. They can be used both for storing things and as decorative accent for showcasing the favourite things. You can put up a nice pphoto of your favourite dish or start a small herb garden. It's just up to you!