In a 44 square meter Kalamaja apartment, a small open kitchen was eagerly awaiting renovation. Its owner Margit wanted to cook more at home, but the existing space did not match her needs. IKEA interior designer Merit approached the challenge and created a fully functional and cozy kitchen in a limited space.
Before – inconvenient and dark
In the old kitchen, one of the biggest challenges was the lack of workspace – there was very little room for food preparation. While storage seemed sufficient, many of the cabinets were hard to reach. A large gas hob took up valuable space, but Margit didn’t dare to use it. In the evenings, the kitchen was poorly lit: natural light was scarce, and the ceiling lamp didn’t provide enough illumination, so Margit often relied on the small light of the air purifier above the hob instead.
After – bright and practical
After the makeover, Margit´s kitchen has become a place where she truly enjoys cooking every day. Light-toned furniture and well-planned lighting make the space feel larger, while the smart layout ensures comfort and ease of use. Cozy details invite you to linger and enjoy the room. "I approached the design as a whole, making sure every corner supports the lifestyle," says IKEA interior designer. "In a small apartment, the kitchen doesn’t have to be just for cooking – when planned systematically, it can also provide tranquillity and a personal retreat."
Set up a similar kitchen
Like kitchen, like the owner – smart and perky
Blue dining chairs inspired by Kalamaja's seaside location and yellow accents windowsills bring joy and positivity to the room. Also, yellow radiates energy and sunshine, perfectly reflecting homeowners character and her new lifestyle essence."The star of this kitchen is its smart storage solutions and systematic organization, making the space practical, logical, and visually calming," says interior designer.
Smart storage, smarter cooking
Kitchens often hold untapped potential for smarter storage. The interior designer followed the principle that everything should have its own place and be easy to reach. When planning the cabinets, she considered their contents from the very start. "For the lower cabinets, I chose drawer solutions so that every tool is within easy reach. And for cleaning supplies, I designed a tall cabinet next to the integrated refrigerator to keep everything neatly organized."
A work and beauty corner
Keeping in mind Margit's university studies, there´s a small study and work area next to the window. This corner can also double as a make-up table or simply a quiet spot for some me-time – flexible, multi-purpose, and space-saving. A spotlight under the cabinets above the desk can be controlled and dimmed with a remote.An integrated fridge blends naturally with the rest of the room and also serves as a room divider, separating the kitchen from the living room area.
A cosy reading nook
Margit's long-standing dream was to have a personal relaxation corner where she could sit and read a book after work or school. Based on her wish, Merit designed a cozy reading area between the kitchen and living room with an armchair and good lighting. This niche not only fulfills an emotional role, but also helps to visually separate the kitchen from the living room, creating a more functional division without adding walls.
A feast for the eyes
"We eat with our eyes, so personal touches always play a major role in creating a room experience. Seasonal decorations, framed pictures and green plants make everyday cooking more enjoyable," emphasizes Merit and encourages everybody to not hide their beloved belongings, but to display them to inspire even more joy.
What was done before?
During the previous season, IKEA interior designers refreshed rooms in 7 Estonian homes and one office. The shared tips on how to furnish odd spaces, adapt homes to changing life situations, and organise all belongings. Among the rooms getting total makeover were a living room located in a traditional Estonian farmhouse, a Soviet style appartment building kitchen, several bedrooms and children´s rooms, and the office of a local small company.
Would use some help?
If you'd like to renovate your home without a big investment or major repairs, you can always ask our interior designers for help. With your input and home furnishing style preferences, whether it be traditional or modern, our professionals will help you navigate our wide range of products and create a complete furnishing solution for one or multiple rooms, or for your entire home.Interior design service
