“Home idea with IKEA”: three generations in one kitchen

• Design a bright, cosy, functional and comfortable kitchen.

• Find space for a dining area for four within a very limited room size.

• Conceal unsightly gas and drainage pipes that had been installed in unusual places.

• Include not only a hob and fridge, but also an easily accessible microwave so that the grandmother could heat up her meals whenever she wished.

When planning a kitchen, the key is to listen to your own needs and clearly define which items are truly essential. By keeping only what you actually use, you’ll avoid cluttering up valuable cabinet space. In a small household, there’s no need for an excess of pots and bowls – just a few compact, versatile dishes will do. For instance, IKEA 365+ glass containers of various sizes are perfect not only for storing food but also for cooking, heating or serving meals. They can safely be used in the fridge, microwave and even the oven.

A golden rule: the more closed cabinets you have, the more spacious your kitchen will appear. Additional shelves and hooks keep everyday utensils within easy reach, while smooth cabinet fronts help hide less frequently used items, maintain order and reduce visual clutter. Even better, install your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling – it will make the kitchen look taller.

Our interior designer decided to extend the small kitchen space into the hallway. There, she placed a sideboard that not only visually connects the two areas but also provides extra storage for kitchen items that didn’t fit in the main room. In this way, the hallway transforms from a simple passageway into a cosy and practical part of the home.