Modern owners of a small, squat apartment in a panel building, the so-called Khrushchev, seek to improve their home space in the spirit of the times, changing, if possible, the uniformity of such housing with the help of original design solutions. It is the utility block, small, uncomfortable (kitchen, bathroom, lavatory), that causes most complaints. Competent bathroom design in Khrushchev, in addition to the natural aesthetic function, is able to solve purely practical issues: functional zoning, visual expansion of space, which are worth dwelling on in detail.
Functional features of the bathroom in Khrushchev
A favorite design option for a bathroom in Khrushchev, aimed at expanding space, is the independent combination of a toilet and a bathroom. The difficulties of redevelopment begin at the stage of obtaining the appropriate permits and continue in the process of docking plumbing with existing communications. Redevelopment of Khrushchev - It's hard work and quite costly. However, the combined bathroom allows you to place a large bath, washing machine, toilet and washbasin quite comfortably.
If more than two people live in Khrushchev, it is not advisable to combine a bathroom and a toilet. There will be more inconveniences than pluses, especially in the morning and evening.
Before you start reworking, you need to prioritize. What can be sacrificed, and what is absolutely necessary? This is very individual. For example, a young couple may well sacrifice a washbasin (or install a very small model) to gain space for a Jacuzzi.
For a family with two children, such a bathroom design in Khrushchev is inconvenient. The walls and floor around the small washbasin will be constantly spattered. Two children will not be able to wash their hands at the same time (over the sink and over the tub) because it is too crowded.
Be sure to take into account the age of the owners of the apartment. It is difficult for older people to carry their legs over the side of a traditional bath. Often it is difficult for them to lie down in the bath on their own, there are contraindications, and there is no such desire. A shower stall without a high rim or a simple shower tray decorated with movable panels will be the best solution for the bathroom in this case.
Even a very small bathroom in Khrushchev can be made comfortable and functional if you think about the layout in advance and weigh the priorities.
Washing machine in Khrushchev: kitchen or bathroom?
A separate question is what to do in Khrushchev with a washing machine? The kitchen is a functionally much busier room (cooking, eating, family gatherings) than a bathroom. Since the kitchen in Khrushchev is also small, it is advisable to allocate space for a washing machine in the bathroom. If the machine is installed on the floor, a sink, a rack or a wall cabinet for storing household chemicals and washing accessories can be placed above it.
The bathroom sink in Khrushchev with a washing machine should be flat and wide; a water lily model specially designed for this purpose with an offset drain hole, the depth of which is only 20 cm, is suitable.
A small washing machine, albeit 3 kg, will still fit, no matter how small the room is.
Low, crooked ceiling. What to do?
Many people immediately refuse suspended and stretch ceilings in the bathroom due to the loss of height for fastening, because in Khrushchev the ceilings are already so low. Do not discard the possibility of modern design immediately. Weigh all the pros and cons. Ceiling slabs are often laid unevenly, leveling will entail additional costs for materials and labor.It is easier to hide all the flaws of the ceiling under the skin than to level the surface.
The design of a small bathroom will not suffer from a loss of 5–10 cm in total height if the reflective mirror properties of modern materials are skillfully used. A glossy stretch ceiling with backlight (especially dark, for example blue) reflects the interior like a mirror. This simple technique can double the height of the ceiling in Khrushchev.
So that the ceiling does not seem low, when assembling slatted false ceiling matte plastic slats can be alternated with glossy metal ones. The ceiling will visually rise.
Style and color: expanding perception
Wide vertical stripes of the same type of tiles in contrasting colors will significantly expand the visual perception of a small bathroom. A small panel, mosaic tiles, as well as other small decorative details, will have to be abandoned.
Ideas will be fundamental design in scandinavian style, ideas of minimalism, high-tech culture. It is in the aesthetics of modern trends that we find the necessary tools and good tips:
- A large mirror of a simple shape (rectangular, square, even better - a whole mirror wall) radically changes the perception of the room.
- Wide ceramic tiles (without ornamentation) serve as a neutral background without overloading a cramped space.
- Priority in the interior design of the bathroom in Khrushchev is given to large functional details: a roomy narrow pencil case, a large flat heated towel rail, one spacious shelf instead of many hooks, shelves and coasters.
- The contrast of glossy surfaces of sanitary ware and matte surfaces of furniture, light finishing materials.
The inspiration for creating an individual design of your favorite bathroom in Khrushchev can be the theme of the tropics, geometric abstraction, marine themes.
Little tricks and tips
A few valuable ideas from designers that will help save space in the bathroom in Khrushchev and expand it visually:
- We use the light as much as possible: a glass insert in the door, light tiles, overhead lighting plus lighting by the mirror.
- Shower with floor drain.
- Arrangement of the main elements in the corners of the room.
- Sliding doors.
It is important to observe the measure so that the beautiful interior of the bathroom in Khrushchev is not only individual, but also comfortable and cozy.
