Minimum dimensions of a small kitchen: how to create space
A compact kitchen is a complex design challenge: it requires balancing functional needs and personal taste. When space is limited, interior design must rely on creativity, precision, and unexpected solutions that enhance the personality of the home environment. It also means anticipating daily habits and creating spaces where every element is designed to ensure comfort, practicality, and visual appeal.
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Minimum dimensions for a kitchen
The minimum dimensions for a kitchen are defined by municipal regulations, which generally establish usable space starting from 4–5 square meters up to about 9 square meters to ensure the room is legally habitable. This means that it is possible to design an essential and functional kitchen in around 4 square meters, but it remains essential to consult local regulations.
In addition to floor area, the ceiling height must comply with national standards, which require a minimum of 2.70 meters, except in certain cases where 2.40 meters is allowed. Lighting and ventilation parameters are also regulated.
To meet these requirements, the project must be tailor-made to meet the specific needs of the person and the space. This means designing the main structure to adapt perfectly to the existing layout. The shape, length, and depth of the countertop are uniquely designed to accommodate all three kitchen zones (cooking, washing, and storage).
How to create space in a compact kitchen
When space is tight, every design decision must be strategic. Using full-height wall units is one way to make the most of vertical space, gaining storage volume for utensils and provisions. Conversely, you can also design a worktop without wall cabinets, making the kitchen more minimal and functional, yet visually striking.
Another smart option is choosing sliding or folding doors. These reduce bulk compared to traditional hinged doors, improving circulation and accessibility throughout the kitchen.
Lastly, compact and multifunctional appliances are essential. These devices must perform multiple tasks within the same footprint, providing high levels of practicality without compromising comfort.
Personalization and identity in small spaces
Designing a small space well is a conscious act of design that fully includes daily life. It means thinking carefully about every element, using personalized solutions, and turning spatial limitations into creative opportunities.
Color selection is crucial for expressing a strong personality: light, bright tones help visually expand the space, while bold shades and strong contrasts give a space a distinctive identity. Material choice is equally important in shaping the atmosphere and perception of the room. Reflective finishes like glass and glossy surfaces amplify perceived space, while natural materials and rich textures add warmth and coziness.
Essential functionality does not mean sacrificing stylistic richness: every choice must serve a precise purpose, fully responding to both aesthetic and practical needs.
Small is a different way of thinking about the kitchen
A small kitchen offers a new way to approach daily life—a way to reinterpret habits with attention and care. It means enhancing what is there through details that reflect a thoughtful and refined vision.
Furnishing a compact kitchen means creating a space that is truly your own. Berloni approaches this challenge through a personal and concrete dialogue, with the goal of designing unique projects that genuinely express the style of those who live in them authentically. To design your kitchen, we invite you to book an appointment at a Berloni Atelier.
Explore the Berloni Catalogue and find out how to create your kitchen.
