Apartment Kitchen Ideas: Modern Scandinavian Design Makeover

How can you transform a small apartment kitchen into one that feels spacious and stylish? Almost everyone who lives in an apartment wonders this at least once. In current times, Scandinavian style, in particular, has made modern designs in apartment kitchens very popular. This article will feature 12 inspiring kitchen design ideas that will provide small spaces with charm and functionality.

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Why is Apartment Kitchen Design Challenging?

The concept is simple: kitchens in apartments do not provide much space. That means you need to accomplish everything you would in a normal kitchen, such as cooking and storing food, in a tiny area. However, this design choice can help that.

For this, Scandinavian style is great because:

• It is simple
• Its functionality means everything has a purpose
• Everything is organized
• Natural woods make an inviting atmosphere
• It is aesthetically pleasing with less clutter

1. White Cabinets with Warm Wood Accents

These ideas are at the core of Scandinavian style for apartment kitchens. In your kitchen, show off white cabinets and natural wood shelving. This combo looks great because:

• White cabinets mean your space will feel larger and brighter.
• Natural wood will add warmth and character to your space.
• The combo is modern and cozy.
• The cabinets are easy to maintain and clean.
• The cabinets have a timeless design.

To implement this, use oak or beech wood for your shelving with white cabinet bases. For your cabinet hardware, use warm brass or gold for a touch of elegance.

2. Open Shelving Design for Small Kitchens

Open-shelf spaces can be a great minimalist design choice for apartment kitchens. Forego traditional cabinets, and show off your dishware, glasses, and kitchen supplies with wooden shelving.

Advantages:

• Makes kitchen spaces feel larger
• Compels organized placement of kitchen supplies
• Displays aesthetically pleasing supplies
• Simple access to the supplies you need
• More affordable than investing in new cabinets

Pro tip: Use the same style, size, and color for your plates, bowls, and glasses. You can also use some plants or a wooden cutting board to break the symmetry with a little variety.

3. Compact Island Kitchen Design

If your apartment kitchen is at least 10×12 feet, a great way to optimize your kitchen is a small kitchen island. They offer a great variety of benefits!

Key advantages:

• Adds counter and storage space
• Dining space for two
• Move and flow with the kitchen
• An additional place to prep
• Aesthetic centerpiece for the kitchen

Smart sizing: Choose a narrow island (24-30 inches wide) to maintain walkway space. Add open shelves or cabinets below for storage.

4. Minimalist Kitchen Layout

Minimalism is the heart of Scandinavian kitchen design. Keep only essential items:

Essential items to keep:

• Basic cooking utensils
• Necessary cookware and dishes
• Essential appliances only
• A few quality decorative items

Remove or store elsewhere:

• Gadgets you rarely use
• Duplicate items
• Expired products
• Unnecessary decorations

This approach makes your 100 sq ft kitchen feel like 150 sq ft.

5. Natural Wood Countertops

Wood countertops are the signature element of Scandinavian kitchen design. They add natural beauty and warmth that no other material can match.

The Best Wood Options:

• durability and affordability of oak
• light and grace of beech
• dark and sophistication of walnut
• smooth and clean look of maple

Maintenance Suggestions:

• Food-safe mineral oil used every two or three months
• Remove spills without delay
• Scratches can be prevented by using cutting boards
• Do cook without excess

6. Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover Ideas

You can do up your apartment kitchen on a small budget by:

Cheap Ways to do Up Your Kitchen:

• Use good quality paint to give old cabinets a coat
• New handles with new hardware
• A simple tile or subway installation will give a good backsplash
• Floater shelves can be put up
• Only cabinet doors should be changed
• The light fixtures should be changed
• The walls should be painted with a neutral color

DIY

• Paint it yourself
• Floater shelves put up by yourself
• Existing items should be reorganized

7. Smart Storage Solutions

Kitchen spaces are always in need of storage in apartment designs and it should be maximized in all ways by:

Vertical storage:

• Cabinets that are tall and reach the ceiling
• Shelves that are wall mounted
• Utensils on pegboards
• Knives on magnetic strips
• Rails that are hanging for pans

Hidden ways to store:

• Under-sink cabinets that come with pull-out drawers
• Corner carousel shelves
• Storage with drawers dividers
• Containers that are stackable
• Storage behind doors

To organize:

• Use clear containers and dividers
• Everything should be labeled
• Store like items together

8. Proper Lighting Design

The kitchen has the most transformation when lights are used.

Lighting Considerations:

• Ambient: Ceiling Lights
  Task: Pendant Lights
  Accent: Under-cabinet LED
  Natural: Maximize your use of windows.

Lighting Color Temperature:

• 2700K warm white is perfect for a Scandinavian look.

This is perfect for bringing warmth, coziness, and comfort for evening use, but it even flatters all of your natural materials as well.

Best of all, Under-cabinet LED lights are available for a budget of ₹2,000-5,000.

9. Neutral Color Palette Strategy

Stick to a limited color scheme with your apartment kitchen

Primary colors:

• White, off-white
  Light gray
  Warm beige
  Soft taupe

Why is neutral color attractive?

• Opens visual spaces
• Calm, peaceful, stressless, timeless design
• Simplicity itself allows for easy and effortless updating to interior design

Only a few select accent colors (which can be provided by warm wood) will keep your kitchen looking anything but boring.

10. Functional and Compact Appliances

Smart choices in selecting compact and small appliances in your apartment kitchen can include:

• An 18-inch slim dishwasher can replace a 24-inch unit, and
• A vertical double oven design can be a footprint saving way to provide a double oven space in your kitchen as well.
• Microwave-oven combo appliances work well for saving space.Good refrigerator choices: 18-20 cubic feet instead of 25+ cubic feet
• Built-in microwaves save valuable counter space
• Induction cooktops are compact for counter space yet fold of value and safety as only the pot heats.

Lastly, always measure your space before buying. For a modern take to wood, stick to stainless steel.

11. Scandinavian Decor Elements

Decoration ideas:

Small potted herbs such as basil, mint, and rosemary
Wooden cutting boards on the wall
Simple pendant lights made from natural materials
Canvas or linen kitchen towels
Simple prints and artwork
Glass jars with dry goods
Wooden holders for spoons
Windowsill pots with plants
Keep it minimal: 5-7 decorative items maximum. Each piece should be beautiful and functional.

12. DIY Kitchen Updates You Can Do Yourself

Don’t have a large budget? Try these achievable DIY updates:

Easy projects:

Cabinet painting – the biggest impact, range of costs 5,000-10,000
Replacing hardware – a whole new look for 2,000-3,000
Backsplash with peel-and-stick tiles for 3,000-5,000
Floating shelves for 4,000-8,000
New organization system with containers and dividers for 2,000-4,000
A new wall color from a fresh paint job for a 3,000-5,000

Tool requirements: Basic tools only – drill, level, paint brush, tape measure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renovate Your Apartment Kitchen

Step 1: Assess and Plan

How to prepare:

• Get exact measurements for your kitchen
• Take numerous angles for your kitchen’s current layout
• Figure out what space needs improvement (lighting, storage, etc.)
• Look for ideas online, example: Instagram, Pinterest
• Make collection of your pics for your ideas
• Establish a budget that works for you

Step 2: Choose Your Style

• The Advantages of Scandinavian Style
• Works for all shapes and sizes of apartment
• Works budget wise
• Stylish forever
• Works for all styles of apartments
• Great for increasing the value of your home

Step 3: Prioritize Your Upgrades

Work in this order:

• Upgrading the paint and cabinets should be the first priority
• The addition of new countertops is a huge priority as this is the first thing used and should always look the part
• Lighting needs to be a priority as this provides essential illumination
• Adding storage space is next as this directly relates to your overall quality of life
• The backsplash is a great personal touch

Step 4: Execute Phase by Phase

• Work on one project and only one project at a time
• Each project should be finished before you go on to the next
• Select and order samples before you make a purchase
• Make an allowance of an additional 10%-15% of the budget to cover the unexpected

Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

Too Many Many Colors – Stick to max 3 colors, (one accent, white, wood)

Overcrowded Countertops – Clear the counter 70%

Poor Task Lighting – Dark kitchens are depressing and dangerous

Inadequate Ventilation – proper exhaust fans/light should all be considered

Cheap Materials – low quality paint and hardware always need to be replaced

Ignoring Layout – don’t put things where space is needed, like prep space

Competing Patterns – Don’t over diversify the usage of patterns in your kitchen

Final Thoughts

Because of the thoughtful design that is being used on the small kitchen, it is now able to function as a great part of the apartment.

Now you can be proud of your kitchen and know that your kitchen will inspire new ideas.

Scandinavian design accented with warm woods provide the perfect structure. It is…

• Clear – simple to understand and apply
• Timeless – can maintain its aesthetics for years to come
• Practical – addresses real issues in the kitchen of an apartment
• Cost-effective – able to fit into most budgets
• Durable – employs strong materials that will last