If your kitchen has an area of 12 sq. m, then it is not easy to arrange the available space, taking into account the needs and fulfillment of ergonomic norms, but also to bring your design ideas to life, to create the interior of your dreams. For most of the Russians living in standard apartments with kitchens of 6.5 square meters, such an opportunity is akin to a dream. But even in a fairly spacious kitchen, you should not treat the formation of a design without much care. The available square meters must be distributed with maximum efficiency, creating a not only functional, but also a beautiful, stylish and fashionable interior of the kitchen space. Moreover, not always the cherished 12 sq. m are distributed in the best way – the room can be walk-through, have the shape of a highly elongated rectangle, or be equipped with communication systems that cannot be carried. For all of these options, our extensive selection of design projects for a wide variety of kitchen spaces provides an inspiring example of a modern, multifunctional kitchen..
Choosing a way to plan a kitchen set
Choosing the best layout for storage systems, household appliances and work surfaces is the basis for creating a practical, ergonomic and most efficient kitchen interior. We can safely say that the appearance of the room and the level of its functionality depend on how the kitchen set is located. That is why it is necessary to carefully prepare for the choice of the layout of the furniture ensemble and built-in household appliances:
- you need to draw a plan diagram of the kitchen room (on a piece of paper or using a special program, you can find a free version of which on the Internet);
- it is necessary to note the location of window and door openings, their dimensions, apply a diagram of the passage of all communications and find out whether any transfer will need to be made;
- it is important at the first stage to determine the exact number of household appliances that will need to be integrated into the kitchen set (the exact dimensions of existing or planned models of household appliances can be viewed on the Internet);
- the location of the furniture ensemble will be influenced by the shape of the room (close to a square or strongly elongated);
- it will also be influenced by the fact that the room is a walk-through (in private houses and this happens) or has an exit to the balcony, backyard;
- of particular importance will be the need to equip the dining area within the kitchen space and the size of the dining segment (obviously, for a couple, a small console or extension of the kitchen island countertop, bar counter is enough, and a large family needs a full-fledged dining group).
The kitchen space is 12 sq. m there are many opportunities for arranging a practical and comfortable working area. All types of kitchen set layouts are available for consideration. Let’s take a closer look at the possibilities of arranging a furniture ensemble in rooms of different modifications and functional loads.
Corner or L-shaped layout for a modern kitchen
The angular method of installing a furniture ensemble is considered a universal option for decorating a kitchen of almost any size and shape. Even very narrow and long rooms are suitable for such an arrangement. This is the best way to distribute the maximum possible number of interior items (storage systems and household appliances) with a minimum consumption of usable space. The corner layout is comfortable, practical and ergonomic. After all, it will not be difficult for you to distribute the conditional boundaries of the so-called «working triangle» – stove (hob), sink and refrigerator. The kitchen space is 12 sq. m on the one hand, there is enough space for the ergonomic distribution of strategically important objects for the implementation of work processes, on the other – all the peaks «triangle» will be located within walking distance. Another advantage of the corner layout is that with a similar arrangement of the furniture set, there is enough free space in the kitchen to install a kitchen island or peninsula, a full-fledged dining group and even a table with a soft corner for a comfortable stay in the room during meals.
The corner arrangement with a kitchen island creates a multi-functional platform for kitchen processes. You can integrate household appliances into the island (some owners prefer to build in a sink or a hob), storage systems and organize a place for meals behind the countertop or its extension. In addition to the practical component, as a result of such a layout, we observe a high level of aesthetics – the kitchen looks orderly, comfortable and at the same time rational.
Unlike the kitchen island, the kitchen peninsula does not have complete isolation from the rest of the interior items and rests on the wall with one of the edges. In combination with a corner kitchen unit, such a module can provide even more storage systems. At the same time, there is more free space for unhindered movement in the kitchen. In addition, the peninsula’s countertop can be extended to accommodate dining areas. 2-3 people can easily be accommodated at such an impromptu dining «table».
The L-shaped layout is universal in that it can be combined with any modification of the dining group. A round, square, rectangular dining table with compact stools or luxurious chairs, even a kitchen corner (a small soft corner sofa) will fit organically into such an environment. Moreover, a kitchen with an area of 12 sq. m will not look cluttered.
Linear layout or kitchen set in one row
A linear layout is usually used in the case of a shortage of usable kitchen space or in the presence of a small amount of compact household appliances and the need for storage systems. But in the case of a kitchen with an area of 12 sq. m, the choice of such a layout can be determined by the installation of a large-scale kitchen island or a comfortable dining group. In a word, the set is linearly arranged either by families with children, for whom it is important to equip the kitchen space with a large dining table and comfortable chairs, or by bachelors and married couples, for whom a small number of storage systems are enough to maintain order in the kitchen.
When the furniture set is located along one of the walls of the kitchen (usually long), it allows a large amount of free space to remain free. Most often it is filled with a kitchen island, peninsula, or dining group. It all depends on the family’s lifestyle, the number of household members and their age. It is convenient for someone to eat only at the table, sitting on a comfortable, soft chair, while others are always on a diet and prefer to spend as little time as possible eating food and prefer to sit on bar stools at the counter.
U-shaped layout for a spacious kitchen
An area of 12 sq. m allows you to equip the kitchen using the U-shaped layout of the furniture set and household appliances embedded in it. This arrangement of the furniture ensemble allows you to integrate the maximum possible number of storage systems and household appliances into the available space. The U-shaped layout is suitable for large families who need a lot of kitchen cabinets to keep their work area tidy. Depending on the shape of the room, there may be little space left in the center for a small dining group (preferably with a round table). But, if the kitchen has the shape of a strongly elongated rectangle, then the dining area will have to be equipped in the living room or a separate room should be allocated – the dining room.
It is very convenient to arrange the tops within the U-shaped layout of the kitchen set «working triangle» – sink, stove and refrigerator can be integrated on opposite sides, keeping all the requirements of ergonomics and safety. Even the canons of Feng Shui in this case are easy to observe – water will never intersect with fire, and it, in turn, with cold.
Parallel layout for non-standard rooms
If your kitchen has a balcony block in the center of the room, or if it is a walk-through room, a link between the spaces of the home, then the parallel arrangement of the kitchen set can be the only effective way to distribute interior items. With this arrangement, storage systems and built-in appliances are positioned against two parallel walls that are long in a rectangular room. If the room is very elongated, then the dining area as a result of this arrangement will not fit. In a room whose shape is close to a square, you can install a full-fledged dining group in the center.
Color palette for finishing and execution of kitchen fronts
Such a thing as «trendy layout» does not exist. Nevertheless, the arrangement of the kitchen set is chosen based on the characteristics of the room and the lifestyle of the owners, and not on the advice of fashion designers. But in the field of choosing color solutions there are a lot of fashion trends. With each new season, designers from all over the world offer us new fashionable shades, color combinations and options for their use. But to our delight, these trends are not mutually exclusive for the trends of the last season. In order to create a truly stylish and fashionable design, you don’t have to change the color scheme every season. There are a lot of actual color schemes that will not only become the ideal version of your kitchen, but also make the design modern. And it is necessary to build on, first of all, from the characteristics of the room and your own preferences (not forgetting about the reasonable use of bright colors from different color groups).
A choice of colors for the kitchen with an area of 12 sq. m will be influenced by the following factors:
- the number and size of window openings (the more natural light in the room, the brighter and darker colors can be used in its design);
- the location of the kitchen space relative to the cardinal points (for the southern part of the building, you can choose a cool palette, contrasting combinations, for the northern part, warm and light colors are preferable);
- the size of the kitchen set and its location (massive wall cabinets from the ceiling itself in a dark color will look too heavy from the point of view of psychological perception);
- the color palette in the apartment or house (especially in adjacent rooms, some of which can be seen from the kitchen);
- personal color preferences of the owners.
Gray is on trend again. A rich palette of shades allows you to find your optimal color scheme and at the same time preserve the laconicism, severity and neutrality of the image of the kitchen area. The gray facades of the kitchen set look noble against the light (most often snow-white) background of the walls and in the company of the shine of stainless steel. Gray is a great way to design an interior that is neutral in terms of psychological impact on a person for those who are just trying their hand at designing their own home. After all, shades of gray are easy to combine with each other and other color solutions..
White and its shades will never go out of style. Light, fresh, airy image of the kitchen space will always be at the peak of popularity. After all, there are so many people among us who would like to associate the process of cooking with an uneasy light image, but a sterile clean interior. If in your kitchen a small window or room is located on the ground floor and plants and buildings block access to sunlight, then the white color of the decoration and execution of kitchen facades can be an excellent help in increasing the amount of natural light.
If you associate a completely white kitchen with a hospital operating room, then use a bright color as an accent. For example, use a colorful shade of ceramic tiles for a kitchen backsplash or hang colorful roller blinds on your windows..
If we talk about the design of a kitchen apron, then in modern kitchen design projects one tendency can be noted – the use of finishing material up to the ceiling itself. Most often, this approach is due to the fact that the upper tier of kitchen cabinets is combined with open shelves..
A contrasting interior has been in trend for many seasons in a row. Kitchen space with an area of 12 sq. m can afford to use dark shades for the execution of kitchen facades, flooring and even wall decoration elements. Contrasting design always looks dynamic, strict and even a little dramatic. The alternation of dark and light surfaces will never be called boring – the design will be relevant and fashionable for years to come. Remember that using white for the upper tier of storage systems and dark for the lower one will allow you to visually increase the height of the room..
The facades of the kitchen set in dark gray and even black look incredibly stylish, strict and modern. Kitchen area of 12 sq. m allows you to use such dramatic design techniques, but it is important to understand that dark surfaces will require much more care from you. Even water droplets are visible on dark surfaces, not to mention fingerprints.
Blue is very popular this season. Complex shades of blue are found both in the collections of modern ready-made kitchen furniture solutions, and in the lines of finishing materials. If your kitchen is located on the south side of the building, then you can safely use your favorite shade of blue for the design of the facades of kitchen cabinets or finishes. Surfaces made of wood or its spectacular imitation will help add warmth to a cool interior. Beautiful natural wood pattern will bring notes of coziness and comfort to a strict design.
Lighting and decor in the 12 sq. m
If the kitchen area is 6-7 sq. m it is important to adhere to minimalist moods and use the decor to a minimum, then in a fairly spacious room you can afford decoration that matches the chosen style. In such a multifunctional room as a kitchen, quite practical interior elements are most often used as decorative elements – lighting fixtures, textile decoration of windows or a dining table, serving items and even household appliances.
Modern technology is presented in a wide range of products of various designs. If you do not consider the options of devices, but pay attention only to the appearance, then it can be noted that a large bright refrigerator can become the main accent of the interior, a mixer or food processor in a retro style can completely change the character of kitchen design, and an ultra-modern hood of an original form can increase the degree creativity and give the room a futuristic look.
The use of beautiful, unusual, designer lighting partings as a decorative element is a popular technique for creating original kitchen interiors. An unusual lighting or a luxurious chandelier will not only fulfill its main functions, but also create a special atmosphere in the room where the whole family gathers at the dinner table and the closest guests are received. Moreover, one central lamp in the kitchen with an area of 12 sq. m is not enough. It is necessary to take care of the lighting of all work surfaces and the dining area.
