Narrow kitchen is not uncommon in apartments built in Soviet times. Modern developers often sin with this, using standard (and not the most convenient) layouts in their work.
It can be difficult to create comfort in such a room, since most sets are produced for standard kitchens, and for many household appliances there is no place at all. However, even a narrow kitchen is not a reason for frustration, because even this room can be made ergonomic and stylish. To do this, arm yourself with the advice of experienced interior designers.
Which interior style to choose
When choosing a style direction and ideas for a narrow kitchen, you should be extremely careful, because such a room can easily be turned into an ordinary cluttered closet, the walls of which will “press” on the residents. The main rule to consider is the absence of numerous small details and the use of the most functional interior items.
Best of all, such directions will fit into a narrow kitchenlike:
- Scandinavian style;
- Provence;
- country.
The peculiarity of such options is simplicity and rustic comfort. In addition, it is with the help of such an interior that it will be possible to beat the tightness of the kitchen and use every centimeter of the area with maximum benefit.
Connoisseurs of hi-tech, minimalism, avant-garde and shabby chic can safely use some elements of this design, but in their pure form, none of them will suit a narrow space. So, minimalism needs space, its large furniture blocks in a cramped space will look cumbersome. Bright avant-garde and high-tech details will close the kitchen walls even more.
Colors for design
An equally important characteristic in the style direction is the color palette. In this case, it is better to abandon sharp contrasts, preferring soft transitions.
The best allies in the fight against cramped space will be:
- white;
- cream;
- beige;
- peach;
- light shades of brown;
- steel;
- light shades of green.
It is appropriate to use black as an additional color - it can be present in the design of appliances, countertops or a kitchen apron.
Which palette to prefer (cold or warm), decide for yourself, but if the kitchen does not go out on the sunny side, the warm range will be the ideal solution. Yellowish, peach, light brown shades will make the room more cozy and warm.
When choosing a color for furniture, do not forget about the wall decoration of the kitchen. So, olive, beige or gray headsets require a neutral wall finish (white or cream).
Linear kitchen
One of the most successful kitchen options for a narrow kitchen will be a linear (direct) arrangement. A feature of this option is the installation of a kitchen set along one wall. It is worth noting that it is the linear option for many apartments with a narrow kitchen that becomes almost the only right solution.
If the width of the room allows, then the table can be installed near the opposite wall. Long narrow tables for the kitchen will do their job perfectly. If this is not possible, the dining group can always be placed near a short wall - often there is a window there.
Among the advantages of this location, it is worth mentioning several points.
- With the linear arrangement of the kitchen set for a narrow kitchen, it is possible to compactly place all the necessary interior items without sacrificing convenience and comfort.
- There is an excellent opportunity for zoning the room, so the work area will be visually separated from the dining group.
- Choosing a straight kitchen for narrow kitchens can handle the arrangement without involving interior designers.
- As for the cost of straight headsets, it is somewhat lower than for angular and U-shaped.
Despite all the advantages, linear kitchens also have disadvantages.
- Sizethe headset here is quite limited, so they may not be suitable for large families.
- The principle of the working triangle (stove, refrigerator and sink) cannot be observed in this case, so the cooking process becomes less convenient.
Corner kitchen
Angular or L-shaped arrangement of furniture provides for the placement of a kitchen set along two walls - one long and one short. This option also effectively solves the problem of lack of space and at the same time has several advantages.
- Unlike a parallel headset, the corner one allows you to place more cabinets in the room and use the maximum usable space.
- In this case, the triangle principle is respected, so it will be much more convenient for the hostess to move around the kitchen - in a narrow kitchen, everything you need to work will be at hand.
- There are much more configuration options in the corner set than in the linear one, which means that it becomes possible to choose the most suitable set of furniture.
- When choosing compact cabinet furniture, there is enough free space, so the room will not seem too small and cramped.
However, some of the disadvantages of a corner kitchen for narrow kitchens should not be overlooked here.
- Most often there is no space left to set the table. You don’t have to completely abandon the dining area - a wall-mounted bar counter will be an excellent alternative to the table.
- Without an experienced designer to plansetting up the kitchen will not be easy.
- The price of such headsets is slightly higher, due to the number of interior items.
Parallel arrangement of furniture
This option in narrow kitchens is not in great demand, but deserves special attention. Parallel placement of the headset involves the installation of furniture along two long sides.
It has quite significant advantages.
- Good capacity - absolutely everything that every housewife needs will fit in such a kitchen set.
- There is room for a dining group as at least one short wall remains free. Even if there is not enough space for a full-fledged dining table, a wall-mounted bar counter or a folding tabletop can completely replace it. The latter option is especially good for an interior with minimalist or high-tech elements.
It should be noted: before buying a large headset for parallel placement, you should consider the length and width of the room.
U-shaped set
This option for placing furniture can also be present in narrow kitchens, but it is chosen much less frequently. According to this concept, furniture is placed along three walls of the room (along two long walls and one short). When choosing this option, you should take into account many features and nuances, because otherwise only a small opening will remain in the kitchen for free movement. This will not have the best effect on appearance and convenience.
A U-shaped set is worth buying only if the dining area is taken out of the kitchen - there will no longer be room for a table in the narrow kitchen.
How to expand the space of narrow kitchens
The interior design of a narrow kitchen always requires a special approach, because as a result, the room should be comfortable, roomy and attractive in appearance. To achieve this goal, interior designers have a few tricks.
- If it is possible to completely abandon the upper wall cabinets, it is definitely worth doing. This simple technique will make the room seem much more spacious.
- Another option is open hanging shelves instead of cabinets. This tip will prove useful in cases where the lower cabinets are not enough to accommodate all the kitchen utensils. However, remember: open shelves are not appropriate for all styles of kitchen interiors. For a narrow long kitchen in country and Provence style, they become a spectacular addition, and in an interior with minimalist elements they completely break the look.
Some good advice
Those who do not like the first and second options for any reason should take a closer look at the headsets with glass doors.
Curtains for a narrow kitchen are better to choose as light and transparent as possible, otherwise the room runs the risk of becoming like a tunnel.
A good move would be to use glossy and chrome surfaces in a narrow kitchen. Tiles, glossy cabinet doors, artificial stone countertops - everythingit plays the role of mirrors and visually expands the room.
Lighting
The right selection of furniture, color palette and layout for a narrow kitchen is not all that is needed to create coziness. Correct lighting will help to fix the result. The central light is a ceiling chandelier, while it is better to choose pendant models (flat short chandeliers should be completely abandoned).
Notes of warmth and comfort provide additional sources of light. So, above the dining table, a sconce with a matte lamp will come in handy. During a family dinner, soft, unobtrusive light will spill from such a lamp, creating a special atmosphere throughout the room.
Narrow kitchen with additional illumination of the working area looks quite impressive. Spotlights built into furniture will act as a functional detail and decor at the same time.
So, is it worth worrying about the uncomfortable narrow kitchen? Of course not, especially since professionals have already revealed all the design principles of such a room. By adopting these tips, absolutely anyone can turn their narrow kitchen into a dream kitchen.
