Meet Jūlija and Edgars – a couple leading a harmonious life in the quiet village of Upeslejas, in an apartment they bought about 10 years ago and have owned ever since. As both are great travellers, at some point there was a hard decision to be taken – to return to Latvia or to stay and live somewhere else. At the end, they decided to come back. As they returned, they saw that the daily wear and tear had taken its toll on the interior and decided to give it a fresh start. However, it proved to be not easy and the kitchen was an especially sore point.
In the 5th episode of "Tavas mājas ar IKEA" interior designer Kristīne will show the best solutions for a modern, sustainable kitchen for this small family. Read on and find out more.
In the 5th episode of "Tavas mājas ar IKEA" interior designer Kristīne will show the best solutions for a modern, sustainable kitchen for this small family. Read on and find out more.
From bungalow to scandinavian minimalism
Jūlija and Edgars tell that their existing interior has been described as chaotic and eclectic by relatives. They remember the process of creating it – at a time when it was more important to save money than to actually choose what you like best. The kitchen was partly a DIY project, made with more enthusiasm than knowledge about kitchen ergonomy. The result was a homey bungalow style room that was nevertheless a bit uncomfortable to use so one of the main tasks here would be to make the kitchen more practical. Now, there is also a lot of open storage solutions and the couple would like to go for a more sleek, simple look.
Jūlija and Edgars tell that their existing interior has been described as chaotic and eclectic by relatives. They remember the process of creating it – at a time when it was more important to save money than to actually choose what you like best. The kitchen was partly a DIY project, made with more enthusiasm than knowledge about kitchen ergonomy. The result was a homey bungalow style room that was nevertheless a bit uncomfortable to use so one of the main tasks here would be to make the kitchen more practical. Now, there is also a lot of open storage solutions and the couple would like to go for a more sleek, simple look.
Let there be more air
Even though the old extractor hood has served well over the years, the whole construction is outdated as are the brown tiles and the furniture. Jūlija and Edgars tell that they would really like to have an effective waste sorting system. At the time the kitchen was built, it did not seem that important but now the couple has grown more sustainability conscious and would like to contribute to a more sustainable world.
Even though the old extractor hood has served well over the years, the whole construction is outdated as are the brown tiles and the furniture. Jūlija and Edgars tell that they would really like to have an effective waste sorting system. At the time the kitchen was built, it did not seem that important but now the couple has grown more sustainability conscious and would like to contribute to a more sustainable world.
The kitchen work triangle
When planning a kitchen, two of the most important aspects are functionality and ergonomy. The existing solution has several things to improve in this department – a sink beside a hob without any work area in between is not very comfortable and a sink directly at a wall is not so good either. Jūlija and Edgars admit that they have done a lot of renovating in the living room but that afterwards there was simply no energy left for the kitchen so the chance to apply for a makeover seemed like a sign.
When planning a kitchen, two of the most important aspects are functionality and ergonomy. The existing solution has several things to improve in this department – a sink beside a hob without any work area in between is not very comfortable and a sink directly at a wall is not so good either. Jūlija and Edgars admit that they have done a lot of renovating in the living room but that afterwards there was simply no energy left for the kitchen so the chance to apply for a makeover seemed like a sign.
Meet the interior designer Kristīne
This time, the responsible designer of the project is Kristīne. Let's get acquainted!
Kristīne says, she prefers creating kitchen interiors, as it is a great challenge. Looking for seemingly simple solutions while making a convenient and homely environment truly excites her. She loves creating a place that inspires cooking and spending time with family. She considers herself lucky as her work is her hobby and she gets a great satisfaction in helping others to create a beautiful and functional space at home. Kristīne thinks, that a good interior is the one, which makes everyday life easier and makes people happy.
This time, the responsible designer of the project is Kristīne. Let's get acquainted!
Kristīne says, she prefers creating kitchen interiors, as it is a great challenge. Looking for seemingly simple solutions while making a convenient and homely environment truly excites her. She loves creating a place that inspires cooking and spending time with family. She considers herself lucky as her work is her hobby and she gets a great satisfaction in helping others to create a beautiful and functional space at home. Kristīne thinks, that a good interior is the one, which makes everyday life easier and makes people happy.
Aaaaaa-and action!
As the designer and the team get to work, it is clear, that the overall style has to match the rest of the apartment. In open plan rooms it is especially important to keep things in the same style to avoid cluttered impression. Neutral colours usually work best for the bigger surfaces but some colour is always welcome as an accent. Here, the designer has decided to go for a white kitchen front combined with blond wood worktop and natural leather handles that give the minimalistic impression a rustic air. The small open shelves create a playful accent, reflecting the colour of the worktop and the wall surface and creating a splash of colour in between. The green plants give the whole a fresh turn.
As the designer and the team get to work, it is clear, that the overall style has to match the rest of the apartment. In open plan rooms it is especially important to keep things in the same style to avoid cluttered impression. Neutral colours usually work best for the bigger surfaces but some colour is always welcome as an accent. Here, the designer has decided to go for a white kitchen front combined with blond wood worktop and natural leather handles that give the minimalistic impression a rustic air. The small open shelves create a playful accent, reflecting the colour of the worktop and the wall surface and creating a splash of colour in between. The green plants give the whole a fresh turn.
An all-rounder
The transformed kitchen really invites to cook. The whole floor plan of the kitchen has been changed from a small single line combination to an ergonomic L shaped construction. The hob is in another place, a much more comfortable one. Now, there is space for work around the hob and both the sink and the fridge are within an easy reach. There is much more storage than before and most of the things can be hidden behind sleek doors.
The transformed kitchen really invites to cook. The whole floor plan of the kitchen has been changed from a small single line combination to an ergonomic L shaped construction. The hob is in another place, a much more comfortable one. Now, there is space for work around the hob and both the sink and the fridge are within an easy reach. There is much more storage than before and most of the things can be hidden behind sleek doors.
Store it in style
Storage solutions are important in the kitchen as they help to stay organised and thus also to reduce waste as everything is visible and meal planning is more efficient. It is essential to have waste sorting options in the kitchen. If the space is rather small, just think around the corner – why not have some smaller containers directly in the kitchen and some bigger ones for paper and plastic in the entrance area?
Storage solutions are important in the kitchen as they help to stay organised and thus also to reduce waste as everything is visible and meal planning is more efficient. It is essential to have waste sorting options in the kitchen. If the space is rather small, just think around the corner – why not have some smaller containers directly in the kitchen and some bigger ones for paper and plastic in the entrance area?
Smart solutions for the sink
There are many ways to save water and energy in the kitchen. Here, it is an extra container for the sink where you can soak or wash dishes while still having enough space left for cleaning some vegetables or quickly filling a pot with water. The tap has a built-in water function to reduce the amount of water that has to be spend while washing up.
There are many ways to save water and energy in the kitchen. Here, it is an extra container for the sink where you can soak or wash dishes while still having enough space left for cleaning some vegetables or quickly filling a pot with water. The tap has a built-in water function to reduce the amount of water that has to be spend while washing up.
Timeless in white
The dining area has been updated with a couple of new chairs, a plant stand and some open shelving for displaying some of the favourite things. The dining furniture has a timeless design and the neutral white colour will look good with many different table settings.
The dining area has been updated with a couple of new chairs, a plant stand and some open shelving for displaying some of the favourite things. The dining furniture has a timeless design and the neutral white colour will look good with many different table settings.
A place to feel good
You do not always have to have a tablecloth – sometimes it's enough to have a contrasting table runner which makes for a more relaxed look. Here, the designer has chosen the rustic style, with woven placemats and dark dishes that create a natural, homey impression.
You do not always have to have a tablecloth – sometimes it's enough to have a contrasting table runner which makes for a more relaxed look. Here, the designer has chosen the rustic style, with woven placemats and dark dishes that create a natural, homey impression.
Make it personal
Open shelving above the dining table is a great place to show off your most beautiful and favourite items. Use the space beneath the shelves to add some hooks for even more things. Shelves have also a practical function as a storage that helps to keep clutter off the table but still have some everyday items like water glasses or napkins close at hand.
Open shelving above the dining table is a great place to show off your most beautiful and favourite items. Use the space beneath the shelves to add some hooks for even more things. Shelves have also a practical function as a storage that helps to keep clutter off the table but still have some everyday items like water glasses or napkins close at hand.
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