ᐅ Is it possible to design an open-plan kitchen with special custom features in only 29 square meters?

Created on: 20 Dec 2020 18:58
K
knalltüte
Hello,

I would like to reconsider my current plans for the open-plan kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and use the collective intelligence of this forum for inspiration.

Over the past few months/during the construction, my priorities have shifted slightly (preferably furnishing with higher-quality items right away, not taking existing furniture with me), so I now require professional help especially with the kitchen/dining corner layout (this was planned from the start). On-site appointments at kitchen studios will likely follow as soon as possible. But perhaps I can already find suitable ideas here.

My desired kitchen features (designed for myself, maximum for two people):
Sink + dishwasher (preferably the dishwasher installed at “mid-height”). The sink location is roughly fixed due to the existing wastewater pipe options.
An oven with pyrolytic self-cleaning, nothing special otherwise. The oven can be installed “low” (as there is probably only one built-in spot at “mid-height”). I don’t need a microwave (not even one integrated into the oven).

The cooktop can be induction, possibly with a downdraft vent (preferably from Berbel, as I like their cleaning and technology best). It should not be too wide; do models around 60cm (24 inches) wide exist?

Alternatively, I am considering a two-burner gas cooktop combined with a teppanyaki grill. I would even prefer if this combination could be paired with a recirculation hood or downdraft vent—is that possible? The gas supply would come from a bottled source in the technical room.

My wishes for the cooktop include front-facing knobs (instead of touch control), and easy cleaning (with gas, probably only “Pitt Cooking” works).

I want a refrigerator with one or two freezer drawers or an integrated small freezer compartment. I would prefer the fridge and dishwasher to be integrated into a wall-mounted cabinet.

I need about 60-80cm (24–31 inches) of free countertop space for food preparation, plus about 40cm (16 inches) for appliances (only a small portafilter espresso machine + grinder). All other appliances should be stored in cabinets or drawers. The kitchen overall should not take up too much space and should appear clean, elegant, and floating. (I really like the design of many Bulthaup B3 wall-mounted kitchens.)

Directly adjacent to the kitchen, I want a comfortable counter/dining area mostly for myself, but it should fit up to four people (even if that is a bit tight), preferably with a view towards the terrace/pool/south-facing windows.

It would be nice to have the option to expand the dining area significantly for larger groups when “social gatherings” become possible again.

I am aware that the actual living area (entire apartment excluding the terrace) is only 59m² (635 square feet). Are my wishes even remotely feasible?

I certainly don’t expect space for gatherings with 20 people. My idea would be to compress the living area and add another table to the existing dining corner to significantly enlarge it.

What doesn’t exist in suitable space-saving dining furniture can of course be custom-built ;-)
I am very open to “wow effect” suggestions. I just don’t have the creative knack for this myself.

There is no fixed budget planned for this. Everything so far has always changed spontaneously, so why not here?

Since this is an open-plan kitchen, here is my (unfinalized) wish list for the TV/living area as well.

A comfortable but small corner sofa for 1–2 people. It should also serve as a possible sleeping space.
A small coffee table (height-adjustable) with multiple functions (dining, mini workspace).
Possibly a small side table of about 35cm (14 inches) diameter.
The TV will be integrated into the wall (I left a suitably sized recess for this). Therefore, I don’t need a lowboard or similar. All equipment including cables (except for the TV) will be hidden.

If there is still some space on the sofa side (unlikely), I could imagine a small (mini) wall-mounted sideboard. I like the design of the Interlübke Cube models.


Comments like “that’s something you do before floorplanning and construction” are a bit late by now :p

Grundriss eines Apartments mit Bad, Küche, Schlafen, Wohnen, Eingang, TV.
K
knalltüte
12 Feb 2021 16:38
pagoni2020 schrieb:

Is something like the "Moule" from Brühl an option?
I’ve looked into it more closely, and it definitely made it to the shortlist. Cassina also offers the Maralunga, another true classic that I really like. It just doesn’t have a footrest, but combined with a suitable pouf it could be an option. I haven’t tried either one yet. The Moule regularly appears on the used market, but it’s usually not exactly a bargain—prices range between 2300 to 2700 (around $) for leather, sometimes even more (new ones exceed my planned budget by a bit). I haven’t searched intensively for the Maralunga yet. New models are rather expensive as well 😳. I have a client nearby who deals in design classics, so I’m going to ask him. He also restores the furniture...

I’ve been an avid flea market visitor for 25 years (and still am whenever possible). I have absolutely no hesitation or reluctance about buying used furniture and other items. I definitely prefer to buy high-quality used pieces rather than new and “cheap”.
P
pagoni2020
12 Feb 2021 17:05
superzapp schrieb:

I have no concerns or hesitation about buying used furniture and other items. I definitely prefer to buy high-quality used things rather than new and "cheap."
We do this almost exclusively for furniture. All are in more or less like-new condition; you just have to be patient and specifically look for high-quality furniture. Most of the time, these pieces are very well maintained by their owners.
Brühl also has some nice, different models. I sometimes check Revive as well, but purchases mostly happen through classified ads. Although... we are pretty much complete; you buy such furniture once, and it stays with you more or less for life. I had seen this version from Brühl once, but it is hardly available used (yet).

Two-seater leather sofa in brown with a central wooden console and gold lamp between the seats.
K
knalltüte
12 Feb 2021 17:10
pagoni2020 schrieb:

We mostly do this with furniture. All of it is in more or less like-new condition; you just need to be patient and focus exclusively on high-quality pieces. Most of the time, these are very well maintained by the previous owners.
Brühl definitely offers some nice alternative models as well. I sometimes check Revive too, but most purchases happen through classified ads. Although... we’re basically fully furnished, furniture like this is usually bought once and then kept more or less for a lifetime. I had seen this Brühl design before, but it’s almost never available secondhand yet.
1613145860753.png

That looks nice, but if I ever find someone to cuddle with again, that would be kind of tricky :p
K
knalltüte
12 Feb 2021 17:11
superzapp schrieb:

...I have been an avid flea market visitor for 25 years (and whenever possible, still am). ...
Damn, it has actually been 35 years 😳
P
pagoni2020
12 Feb 2021 17:15
superzapp schrieb:

That looks nice, but once I find someone to cuddle with again, that setup might be a bit tricky :p

...and I thought you wanted a quiet life after the building stress 🤨.
I like the design; some privacy is important when watching TV, and that’s what the classic bear skin rug in front of the open fireplace is for, right?
By the way, the table in between is perfect for placing a plate with a Cossack triangle pastry.
superzapp schrieb:

Damn, it’s already been 35 years

My goodness, you’re really getting old!
K
knalltüte
12 Feb 2021 17:59
pagoni2020 schrieb:

....

My goodness, you are really old!
Well, don’t forget, I only started browsing flea markets at 18....

I allowed myself some cuddling, since that doesn’t cause much stress. The bear skin is out of the question because there’s no fireplace. As for possible overnight guests, I still need to carefully consider when I’m willing to allow that again.

And regarding the Cossack’s tail, I (we) would have to invite a couple more to make it work 😉