Kitchen in Khrushchev 5 sq m - renovation and design

What is special about Khrushchev-era kitchens 5 sq m

Apartments in panel buildings built in the 1950s-1980s are usually called Khrushchevkas, since N.S. was in power at that time. Khrushchev. The administrative apparatus had the task of building as much affordable housing as possible. There was no time to worry about comfort, the housing was small, the size of the kitchen in the Khrushchev was only 5-6 sq. m.

A small 5-meter kitchen in Khrushchev has a number of design features:

presence of a gas water heater;
cold niche under the windowsill for storing food;
mezzanine above the front door;
window between the bathroom and kitchen;
a niche in the wall formed due to the close location of the ventilation shaft.

Most of these elements are used in a new way, using them to increase the capacity of the Khrushchev kitchen with an area of 5 m2.

Ways to optimize space

There are two options for solving the problem of lack of free space:

Constructive - elimination of part of the walls, physical increase in the area of the Khrushchev kitchen of 5 sq. m to a comfortable size.
Visual – using comfortable furniture, light and materials in such a way that the space becomes larger and looks more voluminous than it actually is.

It is important to understand that 99% of kitchens in Khrushchev-era buildings are equipped with a gas water heater that cannot be dismantled. Accordingly, manipulations with the demolition of walls, merging with a loggia or hallway cannot be agreed upon with the responsible authorities. The option of dismantling gas communications and increasing the power of the electric flow is possible, but this also requires coordination and technical feasibility. Therefore, they often choose a design method to optimize the kitchen space using visual effects, develop an individual project and choose functional furniture.

Kitchen layout in Khrushchev with an area of 5 sq. m

For a 5 sq. m kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building, it is necessary to place a kitchen set, a stove, a refrigerator and seating. To ensure that all the furniture and appliances are present, choose one of the following layouts:

Linear or straight - kitchen cabinets are lined up along the wall with a gas water heater. The refrigerator can be placed in the same line, near the window or opposite. The window sill space is used to organize a dining area; you can install a small dining table near a free wall. There are disadvantages: there is little storage space left, high hanging cabinets and an additional row of mezzanines are used. The space above the front door is also used for canned food, boxes and non-perishable products.

The corner or L-shaped layout is spacious and suitable for large families. The adjacent part of the kitchen set can continue under the window sill, in which case the cold niche under the window is used. Or some of the cabinets are lined up along the wall adjacent to the bathroom. Hanging cabinets may be missing if they are not needed. You can install a TV in the free space. In a Khrushchev-era kitchen with an area of 5 m2, thanks to this layout, a large, comfortable work area and many shelves for storage are preserved.

U-shaped kitchen set - its central part occupies the window sill space, the rest are located along adjacent walls in the kitchen of a five-story Khrushchev building with an area of 5 square meters. For convenience, one of the tabletops becomes a dining table and accommodates 2 seats. The rest are used as a work area. A built-in refrigerator will complement the interior. The disadvantage of the layout is that there is little free space left to move; 2 people can be present at the same time.

Choosing a style

Since the room is small, a kitchen in one of the following styles would look most appropriate:

minimalism - built-in appliances, an interior without cluttering a huge number of details, glass and glossy surfaces. The kitchen will be cozy and laconic, the space will look visually larger;

country - light shades, use of natural materials, a large number of textile accessories. This style is suitable for the smallest rooms. Interior details that are dear to your heart will make your kitchen unique;
high-tech - the use of modern materials, high-tech equipment, transformable furniture, chrome and glossy surfaces. Your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.

Whatever style you choose, remember that you have an interesting and challenging task - to equip a small kitchen so that functionality, safety and beauty become its main characteristics. Try to solve this problem gracefully, stylishly and originally.

Where to put a refrigerator in a 5-meter Khrushchev kitchen

When designing a kitchen in a Khrushchev building with an area of 5 m2, there is not always enough space left for a refrigerator. There are several placement methods:

The best option is to integrate a small refrigerator into the kitchen unit. The compact model becomes part of the kitchen and does not attract attention. Use the space above it for storage.

A large independent refrigerator in the kitchen in a Khrushchev building of 5 square meters is placed near the window. It is possible both from the side of the headset and from the opposite side. For safety reasons, there should be 5 cm of free space around the refrigerator. It is also prohibited to place it closer than 20 cm to the sink or heating devices, including the stove and radiators.

Installing a refrigerator at the entrance to the Khrushchev kitchen allows you to leave 5 square meters of free space for the dining table. The equipment may look bulky; preference is given to light-colored models.

Low models of refrigerators can be placed under the countertop, leaving additional storage space. The cold niche under the window sill is also used; here you can install a freezer.

If a refrigerator absolutely does not fit into a 5 sq. m Khrushchev kitchen, it can be placed in the hallway or on the balcony, freeing up space for the dining table.

What to avoid

Do not use upholstered furniture in a compact kitchen. You don’t even need to buy ordinary chairs, they will get in the way. Stools with soft seats are the best option. If you need them, you can get them, if you don’t need them, put them on top of each other, push them under the table.

You should not use dark colors in decorating a small kitchen - this will visually make the room smaller. If the ceiling is not light in color, the kitchen will appear lower.

A large number of bright magnets on the refrigerator will also be out of place; a perfectly flat white surface will visually enlarge the room.

Deep cabinets are an inconvenient option. It is better to choose shallow, tall wall cabinets.

How to visually enlarge a kitchen in a Khrushchev building with an area of 5 sq m

Experts offer several options for solving the problem of lack of space.

Kitchen set

To ensure that every kitchen cabinet and shelf is in its place, it is recommended to purchase custom-made furniture for a small 5-meter Khrushchev kitchen. This way you can save maximum usable space, install built-in appliances, a cabinet for an oven and a microwave.

The kitchen set is made from lightweight, modern materials that are not only durable, but also visually look lighter. For facades, instead of heavy solid wood, MDF or chipboard coated with enamel is suitable. To avoid touching the door handles on cabinets during work, the push to open system is used for modern styles. The doors open by pressing. Laconic, streamlined handles are suitable for traditional styles.

To make a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era 5 sq. m area seem more spacious visually, glossy surfaces are used. The only negative is that they are only suitable for urban interior design areas. For the rest, matte finishes are used.

Open shelves for storage will visually add volume to the kitchen in a Khrushchev five-story building with an area of 5 sq. m. It is important to keep them tidy and not place too many items. In a limited kitchen space, an abundance of cans or open-access appliances create the impression of clutter. The same applies to kitchen facades with glass inserts - beautiful dishes are placed behind them, without unnecessary items in packages.

A tabletop made of acrylic, wood or its imitation should be thin. It is not recommended to install massive stone and thick materials in a small area; they look heavy in appearance.

Thin wooden tabletop

Lunch group

A full-fledged dining table for a 5 sq. m kitchen will not fit in a Khrushchev-era building; instead, small models with 2-3 seats are chosen. It is also convenient to use part of the kitchen set, one of the countertops for eating. Retractable and folding structures are installed to maintain free space for movement. It is necessary to retain the ability to slide chairs under the tabletop; stools or folding models are suitable.

Dining table instead of window sill

Household appliances and plumbing

In most cases, the only correct solution for a kitchen in Khrushchev with an area of 5 m2 is to install built-in appliances. The refrigerator and dishwasher thus take up minimal space and do not attract attention to themselves.

A hob with 2 or 3 burners saves 10-20 cm of space in the working area. An integrated sink looks neat and does not take over the kitchen space next to it, unlike overhead models.

Hybrid technology allows you to free up shelves for storage. For example, an oven and a microwave in one device. It is built into a cabinet at eye level, making it much more convenient to use the unit. Plus - there is space above and below the appliances for storage, and the cabinet under the hob is freed up.

A dishwasher in a kitchen in a 5 sq. m Khrushchev building is installed under the sink, next to it is a washing machine. By agreement, the sink can be moved to another place, for example, to a window, if there is a good view there. The rest of the kitchen appliances, tied to communications, follow.

The gas water heater in the kitchen in Khrushchev is being replaced with a modern model that is not conspicuous. It can also become part of the Scandinavian or loft style, and, conversely, attract attention. You can hide the gas heater behind the facade of the kitchen unit; a cabinet with perforations on the door will do; the lower and upper parts of the drawer should be missing.

Finish options

A traditional white ceiling will help to easily perceive a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era 5 sq. m. You can use matte or glossy stretch fabrics. Gloss creates a reflective effect and adds volume.

The walls are finished with plain wallpaper or paint. Light-colored canvases do not attract unnecessary attention and do not create visual noise. Only for some styles you can use wallpaper with a small print on one of the walls. A geometric pattern with perspective, in an unobtrusive color scheme, is used for modern interiors. Floral print is suitable for rustic trends.

The floor in a small 5-meter kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building is covered with a material that is easy to clean and can withstand an aggressive kitchen environment. Choose dark tones of ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, and waterproof laminate. Imitations of wood, concrete or stone in light gray or brown shades are also suitable.

How to improve lighting in a small kitchen?

A well-chosen color scheme and lighting of local areas always work to their advantage if you need to work with expanding the space.

Attention! During repairs, it is worth replacing old emergency wiring and equipment that cannot cope with the load of modern household appliances.

The design of surfaces (especially walls, window textiles) should be made in light shades.

When choosing lighting fixtures, it is guided by the design style and functionality of the kitchen.

It is very convenient when the work surface is illuminated by diodes mounted on the bottom of wall cabinets, as in the photo.
In a modern kitchen, diode strips around the perimeter of the ceiling or framed by cabinet furniture look good.
When buying a ceiling lamp, avoid a bulky chandelier that takes up a lot of space. The exception is a large lampshade that goes down to the center of the table.
If the interior of a small kitchen has a corner and a dining table, the eating area should be illuminated by a compact sconce with a practical lampshade that is easy to clean.
Try to equip all lamps with energy-efficient lamps.

Light reflections playing on the surface will give the room a bright, light and sunny mood, as in the photo.

The ideal option would be a large window where a lot of daylight penetrates. If there is an opportunity to expand the window opening or replace the frames with lighter and lighter ones, be sure to take advantage. Curtains or window decor are lightweight, made of translucent fabrics that are easy to wash and do not require ironing.

The design of curtains and curtains should highlight and unobtrusively decorate this part of the kitchen, but in no case prevent the penetration of sunlight.

See alsoOriginal kitchen design in green: useful tips on choosing finishes, furniture, curtains

Decor ideas

To make a small kitchen in a Khrushchev building with an area of 5 square meters seem larger, the number of decorative elements should be minimal. Install rails for kitchen utensils, 1-2 paintings on a free wall or a photo.

Railing

Laconic lighting fixtures should not attract attention. Install models with white shades, matching the color of the ceiling, so that the kitchen appears larger visually.

The windows can be left without drapery to allow maximum natural light into the room. If you need to hide the kitchen from prying eyes, light, short, white tulle, roller blinds or blinds will do. Preference for light colors and natural materials - cotton, satin, linen or bamboo, wood, environmentally friendly plastic.

Roman curtain

Buying suitable curtains. TOP 4 best solutions

In general, curtains are a permanent attribute of any room; in our case, even such a small thing can help create a large space in a small kitchen. Shorts can be of the following types:

Rolled

The first and most obvious advantage of this particular type is functionality, because they are not only compact, but can also be installed on different surfaces - a wall, ceiling or window frame.

At the same time, some are quite easy to clean. It is easy to find models of the required color in stores.

Multifunctional curtains in the kitchen

Pleated

The difference between pleated is that you don’t have to buy two models, because you can close both the upper and lower parts separately if you wish.

This allows you to adjust the lighting in the room, which will also save space for additional lamps. In addition, this option will fit perfectly into a minimalist design.

Pleated curtains to save light

Roman

A type of curtain that is ideal for a soft and elegant design in light colors in its style. The very appearance of Roman curtains gives the interior some airiness, which also visually unloads the space.

Such models are better suited for kitchens with windows facing the shady side.

Soft and elegant design in light colors

No curtains

If your room faces north, you should completely abandon curtains so as not to fill the space with them.

Great option without curtains

Then on the sides of the window you can place small shelves or cabinets where the necessary equipment will be stored.

Flowers on the window are also an option

It is worth remembering that storing food and spices near a window is undesirable due to high humidity.

It is worth noting that in any case, the curtains should match the overall style and it is important that they are not too thick and without massive decorations.

Simple curtains, but elegant at the same time

Lighting organization

A small kitchen in a Khrushchev building with an area of 5 square meters will look larger if you install several levels of lighting fixtures. Spotlights, spots or tracks are placed on the ceiling. Above the dining area, a large, laconic chandelier or a series of pendant lamps is appropriate. The kitchen work area is separately illuminated using an LED strip.

Design of washable surfaces: apron and work area

When renovating a kitchen, practicality comes first. Every housewife knows how much time cleaning takes. The more practical the facing materials, the easier it is to clean the kitchen.

A small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building will require a non-standard approach when choosing furniture.

Don't be afraid of white or light shades of beige, gray and blue. If it is smooth plastic on the ceiling or tiled materials in the decoration of walls and floors, then cleaning takes no more time than with other color solutions. In addition, the light cladding initially looks “clean”.

Attention! Gloss (of any color) reflects more light, but scratches are more visible after cleaning with household products containing abrasive particles.

A modern kitchen does not require a huge number of cabinets; a couple of shelves on the wall and open shelves for large dishes are enough.

When choosing tile materials for the design of a 5m2 kitchen in Khrushchev, do not use large blocks and large patterns. With them, a small room will seem even smaller. The ideal option for tiling a kitchen backsplash is small mosaic tiles.

For wall cabinets, it is better to use doors that open upwards rather than to the sides, since they do not take up any useful space at all.

The walls do not have to be monochromatic, but light shades are preferred. The quality of facing materials depends on financial capabilities, but all surfaces must be practical to clean. Tiled floors should not be slippery; for safety reasons, choose one with a rough texture.

A good option for the kitchen is a light, moisture-resistant laminate.

The place where you have to cut meat, peel vegetables and cut juicy products often gets dirty. Here you will have to abandon wallpaper, textured plaster and decorative panels made from materials that are difficult to clean.

Advice. It is recommended to cover interesting relief decor with several layers of colorless varnish.

Most often you have to clean the work area, so the choice of finish is most important here.

Remember that a small Khrushchev kitchen has its own “plus” - a small surface area. You can save on finishing materials by choosing more luxurious tiles, countertops and facades. This will help transform the Khrushchev building beyond recognition, as in our photos.

The tips in this article will help you successfully cope with the transformation of the smallest kitchen.

See alsoHow to express your individuality in an unusual kitchen design

What color scheme to choose for a 5-meter kitchen in Khrushchev

Competent kitchen renovation in a Khrushchev-era 5 sq. m building and the right color selection have a positive effect on visual perception and help adjust the spaces. For an area of 5 - 6 squares, 2-3 primary colors are enough, preference is given to light tones. 60% of surfaces are decorated as basic, 30% as additional, and 10% are left for accents. It is recommended to maintain a harmonious transition - leave the ceiling white, and make the floor darker than the ceiling; this decision is easier for the human eye to perceive.

Light floors are darker than walls and ceilings

Suitable colors:

White - used for ceilings, walls, and often for floors. Warm shades will add a voluminous effect and create a cozy space, for example, milky, ivory or vanilla. White color is also recommended for equipment so that it does not look bulky in a kitchen in a five-story Khrushchev building.

Gray is a light, smoky shade. Graphite color can be a pleasant, stylish accent.

Cozy beige goes well with wooden surfaces. Looks stylish accompanied by gray tones and golden decorative elements.

Yellow improves appetite, invigorates and gives a good mood. Goes great with white and wood.

Light green creates an atmosphere of sterility and freshness. Other light shades of green are also chosen, such as pistachio or jade.

Blue - cold shades will visually narrow a 5-meter kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building; they must be used with caution. Sky blue tones in combination with beige, milky or wood look easy and will fill the kitchen space with air and light.