Narrow cuisine is not uncommon in apartments built in Soviet times. Often, modern developers also sin by 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 headsets are available for standard kitchens, and for many appliances of 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, you need to arm yourself with the advice of experienced interior designers.
What style of interior to choose
When choosing a style and ideas for a narrow kitchen, you should be extremely careful, because such a room is easy to turn into a regular cluttered closet, the walls of which will “put pressure” on residents. The main rule to consider is the lack of numerous small parts and the use of the most functional interior items.
It is best to fit into a narrow kitchen such directions as:
- 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 cramped kitchen and with maximum benefit apply every centimeter of the area.
Connoisseurs of hi-tech, minimalism, avant-garde and shabby chic can safely use some elements of this design, however, in its pure form, none of them is suitable for a narrow space. So, minimalism needs space, its large furniture blocks in a cramped space will look bulky. Bright details of the avant-garde and hi-tech will even more close the walls of the kitchen.
Colors for design
An equally important characteristic in the style direction is the color palette. In this case, it is better to refuse sharp contrasts, giving preference to soft transitions.
The best allies in the fight against cramped space will be:
- snow-white;
- cream;
- beige;
- peach;
- light shades of brown;
- steel;
- light shades of green.
It is appropriate to use black as an additional color - it may be present in the design of appliances, countertops, or a kitchen apron.
It is up to you to decide which palette to choose (cold or warm), however, if the kitchen does not come out on the sunny side, the warm gamut would be the ideal solution. Yellowish, peach, light brown shades will make the room more comfortable and warm.
Choosing a color for furniture, do not forget about the wall decoration of the kitchen. So, olive, beige or gray headsets require neutral wall decoration (white or cream).
Linear kitchen
One of the most successful kitchen options for a narrow kitchen will be a linear (direct) location. 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 decision.
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.
Among the advantages of this arrangement are several points worth mentioning.
- With a linear arrangement of a 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 possibility of zoning the room, so the working area will be visually separated from the dining group.
- Choosing a direct kitchen for narrow kitchens can cope with the arrangement without the involvement of interior designers.
- As for the cost of direct headsets, it is slightly lower than on corner and U-shaped ones.
Despite all the advantages, linear kitchens also have disadvantages.
- The sizes of the headset here are quite limited, so they may not be suitable for large families.
- The principle of the working triangle (stove, refrigerator and washing) in this case cannot be observed, so the cooking process becomes less convenient.
Corner kitchen
The corner 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 allows you to effectively solve the problem of lack of space and at the same time has several advantages.
- Unlike a parallel headset, a corner headset allows you to place more cabinets in the room and use the maximum usable space.
- In this case, the principle of the triangle is respected, so it will be much more convenient for the housewife to move around the kitchen - in a narrow kitchen for work, everything you need will be at hand.
- The configuration options in the corner headset are much greater than in the linear one, which means that it becomes possible to choose the most suitable set of furniture.
- When choosing a compact cabinet furniture, there is enough free space, so the room will not seem too small and cramped.
However, here you can not lose sight of some of the disadvantages of a corner kitchen for narrow kitchens.
- To set the table most often there is no space left. You don’t have to completely abandon the dining area - a wall-mounted bar counter is an excellent alternative to the table.
- Without an experienced designer, planning a 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 it is worthy of special attention. Parallel placement of the headset involves the installation of furniture along two long sides.
The advantages are quite significant.
- Good roominess - in such a kitchen set will fit absolutely everything that every housewife needs.
- 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, it can be replaced by a wall-mounted bar counter or a folding tabletop. The latter option is especially good for interior with elements of minimalism or high-tech.
It should be noted: before buying a large headset for parallel placement should take into account the length and width of the room.
U-shaped headset
This option for furniture can also be present in narrow kitchens, but they choose it much less often. According to this concept, furniture is placed on three walls of the room (along two long walls and one short). Choosing this option, one should take into account many features and nuances, because otherwise, in the kitchen there will be only a small opening for free movement. This is not the best way to affect the appearance and convenience.
A U-shaped set is worth buying only if the dining area is moved out of the kitchen - there is no more room left for the 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, interior designers have some tricks.
- If you can completely abandon the upper wall cabinets, this is definitely worth doing. Thanks to this simple reception, the room will seem much more spacious.
- Another option is open hinged shelves instead of cabinets. This tip will be useful in cases where the lower cabinets are not enough to accommodate all kitchen utensils. However, remember: open shelves are not appropriate for all interior styles of kitchens. For a narrow long kitchen in country style and provence, they become a spectacular addition, and in the interior with elements of minimalism completely violate the appearance.
Some practical advice
Those who do not fit the first and second options for any reason should look at headsets with glass doors.
Curtains for a narrow kitchen are best chosen as light and transparent as possible, otherwise the room risks becoming like a tunnel.
A successful move will be the use of glossy and chrome surfaces in a narrow kitchen . Tiles, glossy cabinet doors, artificial stone countertops - all this 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 far from all that is needed to create coziness. Fix the result will help proper lighting. The central light is a ceiling chandelier, while it is better to choose hanging models (you should completely abandon flat short chandeliers).
Notes of warmth and comfort provide additional light sources. So, above the dining table, it’s just the right time to turn out a sconce with a matte lamp. During a family dinner, a soft, unobtrusive light will pour from such a lamp, creating a special atmosphere throughout the room.
The narrow kitchen looks quite impressive with the additional illumination of the working area. The spotlights built into the furniture will simultaneously serve as a functional part and decor.
So, is it worth worrying about an uncomfortable narrow kitchen? Of course not, all the more so since professionals have already revealed all the principles of the design of such a room. Having adopted these tips, absolutely anyone can turn their narrow kitchen into a dream kitchen.