". We continue to publish readers' stories about how they equipped their kitchens. Then, by voting, TUT.BY users will choose the winners who will receive prizes from our partners.
The story of Maxim, Olga and Ekaterina from Gomel:
- Where does the repair begin? It's different for everyone, We saw our dream - a table. Table! This is when the whole family can get together, no one is bridged on the corner and no one beats his knees on the leg of the table - he is round and on one leg! We looked and left. A dream, and therefore a dream that does not come true.
We planned a cosmetic kitchen renovation: re-paste the wallpaper and refresh the ceiling. But everything has changed. Hooray! There will be three of us!
What we have: "kopeck piece" in panel house Built in 1978, kitchen size 2.5 × 2.7 m, area - 6.75 m 2. Standard Soviet kitchen, stove and sink along one wall, table and stools on the other.
What do we want from the kitchen? Convenient workplace, good technique and cozy dining area.
It didn’t take long to choose kitchen furniture, out of curiosity we went to the GeosIdeal store, the consultant was nice and professional, and that decided everything. The kitchen project proposed to her turned out to be the best. Despite the fact that the prices were not small, after looking for other options, they returned to the first store. Better attitude we didn’t meet anywhere, the project turned out to be the most interesting, and as a bonus, we were offered to beautifully hide the gas riser and the electrical wiring option.
Set - "Limbo", the most budget option from the company's range, the execution was only in the options "wenge-tephra", "wenge" and "tephra". All fittings are Blum. Very comfortable.
The tile was chosen for a long time. As a result, Ukrainian-made porcelain stoneware 45×45 cm in size was laid diagonally on the floor. The apron is a 7×7 cm ceramic tile made in the Baltics.
Wallpaper (made in Germany) was bought earlier, at the planning stage of a “cosmetic” repair, but they fit in “like family”.
The ceiling was refreshed with a white matte "Snowball".
Lighting is a central chandelier and lighting on the hood. We plan to hang led strip along the perimeter kitchen set.
Mandatory requirements There was a dishwasher and TV. The requirements have been met. In addition to the Bosch dishwasher, they installed a Siemens gas hob and electric oven, an Elite hood and a Samsung TV.
The Blanco sink and faucet are light, matching the color of the countertops. Looks harmonious.
The dining area is made up of a “dream table” and corner sofa. The table is oval, folding, with a dark top and a light leg. Corner sofa - light. Everything is convenient and practical. Finally, they began to eat in the kitchen, and not drag plates around the apartment.
What remains in the plans: install the railing and hang out kitchen utensils so as not to clutter up the work area, be sure to replace the curtains.
All construction works acquaintances performed, and this slightly reduced costs.
Construction work and materials cost about $1,500. The kitchen set cost 4 thousand dollars, Appliances— 1 thousand 500. total cost repairs - 7 thousand dollars. 
Story Natalya from Minsk:
— Last year, I actively followed the My Kitchen project and even wanted to participate in the competition, but the birth of a child pushed the idea into the background. I was very happy when I saw that the competition was launched again. It turned out even better: we lived another year in our kitchen and not just like that, but with a little “tester”.
When it came to buying our own housing, we clearly decided that it should be a new building. Caught in concrete walls My husband and I were even a little confused. His phrase “well, where do we start?” we then remembered for a long time. Indeed, where do you start? So far, we have not encountered repairs in new apartment.
We didn’t know much about the repair and didn’t orient ourselves in many ways. But in my head there was an understanding that the kitchen, bathroom and toilet should be made in such a way that for at least 15 years you would not want to redo anything. And so that during these 15 years my head does not hurt about a broken tap, a creaking front door in the kitchen, a tile that cannot be washed ...
Of course, we are very lucky with the kitchen! We have it as much as 13.8 "square". But - than more kitchen, the more you want to stuff everything there. We decided to start with the choice of furniture, so that later it would be easier to select finishing materials.
We ourselves did not dare to think over a plan for the placement of furniture. We decided to trust the professionals. Our stereotype that good things cannot be cheap has been confirmed. Friends told about the salon with German furniture. They ordered furniture there themselves a couple of years ago. Of course, at first we thought that it would definitely be not just expensive, but very expensive. You understand German quality. But we were persuaded, and we still decided to look, more out of curiosity.
And they immediately realized that they know a lot about furniture here. Both the interior and the prevailing atmosphere in the cabin set up in a pleasant way. With the kitchen, we decided not immediately. Some options we could not afford to pull at all, something was acceptable, but not quite what we needed. However, they came to a consensus: both in appearance and in price.
We decided to make the kitchen so that it would be convenient for everyone to use. Today this kitchen is perfect for me. I'm so used to it and if I have to cook somewhere in another kitchen, I feel uncomfortable.
Now a little about the functional part. I advise everyone to make upper drawers with a folding door system. When I cook, I open both drawers and I have everything at hand. No need to bend and deviate from cabinet doors. Be sure to light under the upper cabinets, because with such a system of opening the upper light becomes less: the door closes the lamps.
The location was convenient for me. oven and microwave oven. Everything is cooked away from the cooker. The built-in microwave is generally a fairy tale. You never have to clean up after her, underneath her. By the way, it is not necessary to buy it by the time the kitchen is installed. We did just that, bought a couple of months later and fixed it ourselves. There were no difficulties in installing our microwave.
There is a drawer under the oven in a small column. This is where I keep all my oven utensils.
Another favorite in our kitchen, I consider a display case for dishes. Glass shelves showcase with backlight. With the lights off, you can create cozy atmosphere with their help.
Interior designers prompted many necessary little things. In the showcase there are convenient drawers for storing small things: cake candles, skewers, a book with recipes…
I am also very satisfied with the two lower cabinets with drawers. In one of them there is a hidden cutlery and crockery cassette, in the second there is a large set of pots with a food processor and different forms for baking and cooking. And very important point- the boxes roll out to the full depth, and they are very deep. We used to live in a different apartment, with a different kitchen. There, to get something from the back of the box, you had to try. The boxes withstand a significant load, as one of them fits a whole service for 12 people with a tureen, as well as a tea set for 12 people. So the problem of storing dishes donated for the wedding disappeared.
Cargo cabinets have become indispensable for me. We have two of these cabinets. One of them contains oils, sauces and more. In the other, everything you need for a washing machine and dishwasher. He is right in between them.
We didn't regret the built-in refrigerator at all. Yes, it has a slightly smaller capacity than usual. But we would not have noticed this if we had not been warned. In addition, it does not clutter up the interior at all. If you're worried about travel magnets, check out our range hood. Good alternative, right? By the way, the hood is Polish Akpo. Analogues were too expensive. But, if possible, it is better to buy a quality one. Ours is noisy.
The built-in washing machine also helped us save the interior, only the bathroom. The location of the device in the kitchen is in our favor, because the loggia is in our kitchen. Linen does not need to be carried throughout the apartment. True, with the choice of a washing machine, they lost a little. It was necessary to fit into the budget and had to buy a good one, but not the best. All built-in appliances are, of course, more expensive than free-standing ones. For the money for which you buy a regular built-in washing machine, you can buy a very cool ordinary. In ours, I lack functions, but it erases regularly.
There are many appliances in the kitchen that make life much easier. All bought in Minsk. There was no thought to bring equipment from abroad. This, in our opinion, is not justified. And again ... Everything really good costs almost the same money as ours. Only we have a guarantee.
We decided on furniture and appliances, this is the most important thing. Then everything was much easier. Under the facades of the kitchen, they picked up porcelain stoneware and skinned tiles. On the floor we have Atlas Concord porcelain stoneware. Bought at a discount in one of the salons on the street Bogdanovicha. Then it came out at 23 euros per "square". But he was worth it. The surface is semi-polished. Dirt and stains are not visible at all.
Almost the entire wall was tiled. Although it is matte, it does not get very dirty and washes perfectly, still a smooth surface.
In view of the brevity of the entire interior of our kitchen, it was necessary to correctly place the accents and add some details. It was decided to lay out the wall opposite the kitchen with a plaster decorative stone. They bought it in the same salon as the tiles for "thrown off". it decorative rock"Feudal" Belarusian manufacturer. Laying for money came out more than he did. But everything is worth it, it looks very nice. The wallpaper was bought somewhere on the construction market in Uruchcha. Now, unfortunately, I don't remember.
Table from IKEA. They gave about 769 BYN for it, friends brought it from Moscow. Then we did not find on the market suitable option. The chairs were purchased at the Grad shopping center, somewhere on the third floor. One chair - about 231 BYN. Ceiling lights decided to hang it in this way. Different diameters at different levels. Lamps made in Poland.
Now about the little tester ... Our daughter is now one and a half years old. And she is very curious. I will write what has passed the test of time and what has not.
The vaunted German quality turned out to be so. The kitchen will hold a dozen kids. boxes little man just don't open it. Here you need skill. This does not mean that they are difficult to open. The kid just needs to put in more effort. She doesn't always have the patience for that. In addition, the smooth closing of the drawer allows you to quickly remove small fingers so as not to pinch them if they suddenly find themselves there.
Lower drawers just impossible to loosen and pull. I think, if desired, the child can even hide in it. There was a period when we rearranged all the cargo jars into hard-to-reach places, but it somehow quickly passed. So cargo is more of a plus than a minus.
The material of the lower cabinets is very practical. It is very easy to wash it. By the way, this was one of budget options. White upper facades also do not need careful maintenance. Fingers are not visible. induction hob saves from burns. It does not heat up, and the child is not afraid to leave nearby while cooking.
But the table constantly has to be wiped, as the child always strives to hang on it and leave more prints. About the handles upper cabinets a little sorry. I sometimes rest my forehead on the pen, as I am taller than average. Actually, from the minuses - everything. German kitchens are made according to their standard, they are a little higher than usual, namely - working surface. For me, this is a huge plus. It is very convenient to cook at such a height, besides, by the time the child grows up to the moment when it will be possible to pull something off the countertop, he will already begin to understand that this cannot be done.
I would be glad if this information helps any of you. Good luck to all participants!
Final estimate:
- Kitchen made in Germany with a worktop - 3120 BYN for running meter
- Household appliances for the kitchen, sink and faucet — 12 586 BYN
- Porcelain tile on the floor – 688 BYN
- Tile on skinali — 495 BYN
- Wallpaper — 108 BYN
- Textiles for windows - 323 BYN
- Table and chairs – 1442 BYN
- Lighting — 538 BYN
Story Artem from Minsk:
- We had a task to do in a maximum of 1.5 months overhaul old Khrushchev. We heard many opinions that it was almost impossible, but we had no choice.
We knew that kitchens were made for about two months, so when the builders got to work, the first thing they did was to look for a kitchen.
The initial data were as follows: incomplete 6 "squares" and a great dislike for wall cabinets. At the same time, they wanted to squeeze in a dishwasher, in no case set up a table and make a place for slate board so that it performs the function of an internal family messenger.
They abandoned the idea of connecting the kitchen with the room: it dragged out the deadlines, and they didn’t want to deprive themselves of another isolated room. In general, the kitchen was seen as stylish, cozy, functional, pleasant and uncluttered.
We needed someone to help make our dreams come true. We were lucky, we found a designer who thought through all the details and helped us a lot by drawing what we wanted. Veneer was chosen as the material, something between solid wood and paint (both in terms of cost and characteristics).
Another difficulty was that at the time of the measurement, the old walls and floor had not been dismantled. The table top, which also functions as a table, was made under the windowsill, and the deviation was allowed no more than 3 cm. And the standard-width oven did not suit us. Not that we bake geese every other day, but we can’t do without it. Narrow ovens turned out to be one and a half times more expensive, plus world brands, as it turned out, do not produce them. As a result, the choice was limited, which also caused some inconvenience.
The wife said she wanted a white kitchen: it's fresh, always stylish and cozy. White is so white - in this regard, we did not argue. We already have the whole apartment in light colors dominated white color. The only thing they worried about was that two-year-old son Vova and puppy Grisha could “kill” the white kitchen completely. Then we thought: the children, with a strong desire, will kill anyone, so they let go of the situation.
And then it started: the dismantling of walls, floors, transfer gas meter, completely new electrics, new pipes, ceiling, lighting, floor/wall tiles.
At the time of assembly, the kitchen should also have all the appliances, a sink, a mixer, an outlet for the hood.
We have been looking for wall tiles for a long time. White, rectangular, matte - a rarity. Once we met the right Italian, but it was expensive. Everything else you've seen is white gloss which is now in vogue. But we do not respect gloss, so we looked further. Accidentally found the desired texture, but the tile was square - I had to redraw the project. It turned out great and saved a lot of money too.
Everything was simple with the floor: the color is known, they chose porcelain stoneware and immediately bought it. Stretch ceiling throughout the apartment. Done neatly. There are three light bulbs in the kitchen and the only chandelier in the apartment - lights above the roof.
We already had a dishwasher, everything else was bought in an online store. All brought, lifted, checked. There were strict requirements for the refrigerator: no wider than 55 cm and no deeper than 60. The hood was taken wide, 90 cm, it is the only one on the wall. All equipment in black and gray color, since white was already enough. We also picked up a sink and a mixer quickly, we trust one brand. From furniture - only chairs, which have long been seen in one store.
Looking forward to the installation! They met us halfway and brought the kitchen a couple of days earlier. Luckily, she was ready. Installers came, and my wife and I froze. Firstly, it was the final stage of the repair, and secondly, we were expecting unpleasant surprises, all sorts of “jambs” with dimensions, installation, or something else. Such surprises often haunted us during the renovation process.
But here we are lucky! Installation was done in one working day, and everything was just perfect. With what admiration we remembered the designer!
Now all that's left is the good stuff. Arrange everything, put things in order and comfort, hang roller shutters and enjoy the brand new kitchen, which we really like 100%.
Can't wait for the signature fried potatoes from the wife on the new hob. We are ready to fully receive guests and spend evenings with long conversations!
The spender is:
- the whole tile - 392 BYN (200 USD);
- equipment - 2943 BYN (1500 c.u.);
- kitchen with installation - 3140 BYN (1600 USD);
- chairs - 314 BYN (160 USD);
- slate paint with work - 59 BYN (30 USD);
- rough work with material - 1962 BYN (1000 USD);
- transfer of the counter - 118 BYN (60 USD).
Amount: about 9125 (4650 c.u.).
We are satisfied. Thank you for your attention!
On Onliner.by, the "Made Itself" contest continues, sponsored by the furniture center "KAMELOT". Today we are publishing a story about the repair from Irina from Mogilev. The couple decided to get rid of the annoying old kitchen set and create from scratch functional kitchen in modern style. Taking into account the purchase of new household appliances, the repair budget amounted to $3,800 at the exchange rate.
The four of us have been living in the apartment for many years, the kitchen has long been in need of repair, falling apart literally before our eyes. For several years in a row, our repair was postponed due to various circumstances, but this summer we decided - we can’t pull it any further.
This is the kitchen before the renovation.
Before the start of the renovation, we reviewed a lot of photos and videos with the interiors of the kitchens. The color of the headset was decided immediately and unconditionally: white glossy facades, black built-in appliances. I read a lot of reviews about white kitchens and now I can say for sure that white kitchen- this is practical, because it does not show streaks, which is very important in cleaning.
The main thing we wanted to get was a spacious bright kitchen in warm colors, in a modern style, besides functional and easy to care for. Which is what happened in the end.
Design project, draft and electrical work, designing and assembling furniture - all of the above was done by the husband himself. Only masters of plastering walls and laying tiles in the working area were invited. Specialists also installed a stretch ceiling.
New kitchen project
We began the repair by pouring the screed with a sand-cement mixture, which we bought ready-made in bags. It took 40 bags of 25 kg of dry mix to fill the screed, the thickness of the screed was 5 cm. About $100 was spent on the floor screed.
The wall from the side of the window and part of the ceiling were sewn up with drywall, a grate with a horizontal arrangement of plastic strips was purchased for the radiator. The grate was bought in advance so as not to miss the opening under it. Also covered with drywall gas pipes and a pipe for ventilation from the hood to ventilation box. Laid new wiring, marked out sockets, switches for lighting. Making a strobe for wiring for laying electric cable- the process is laborious, I had to tinker with this, because work wall kitchen is load-bearing.
There were a lot of sockets planned, including hidden ones. On the old kitchen faced with the problem of a shortage of outlets, so now their number is carefully thought out. Above working area placed 6 outlets so that you can use them to turn on the mixer, coffee grinder, coffee maker, food processor and others. Behind the lower cabinets, 10 sockets were made for connecting built-in and household appliances: for a dishwasher, oven, gas hob, extractor hood, microwave, refrigerator, TV, as well as several spare ones, in case something was missed. During the operation of the kitchen, almost all sockets are used.
It took 4 bags of plaster and about 2 bags of putty to level the walls. As a result, $300 was spent on the walls, taking into account the work of the master in plastering the walls and part of the ceiling. For electrical wiring, along with the purchase of sockets, they gave $ 150.
Purchase, installation of a gas meter, transfer gas cock- all this took another $ 100.
The floor is covered with a highly durable laminate. Firstly, the laminate is easy to install and maintain, and secondly, I wanted to save money. Laying tiles requires special skills and incurs additional costs such as underfloor heating. I also wanted to add more wood textures to the interior. The cost for the laminate was $120.
Kitchen "apron" - tile "Keramin". On the tile we have chosen, no fat or stains are visible. Most of our guests think it's wallpaper. However, this is what I was looking for. I really wanted the tile to look cozy, at home. Tile, glue, fugue, laying - about $80.
All walls were painted with white facade paint, which is easy to clean. One wall near the table was pasted with washable wallpaper coffee color who bought on the market (1 tube 1 m wide). Paint and wallpaper along with consumables cost $50.
The most expensive thing in repairing a kitchen is a kitchen set and household appliances. True, we saved on the headset, because we designed and assembled it ourselves. The tabletop was taken by Egger, almost all fittings were installed by Blum - here they decided not to save.
The upper cabinets were made only on one wall, they didn’t wrap it, because I didn’t want to overload the interior, besides, here is a great place for a TV - good review from anywhere in the kitchen. Behind the refrigerator, we have provided convenient shelves. The cost of this part is $1400.
Built-in appliances (electric oven, gas panel, hood, Dishwasher) - from the Belarusian manufacturer "Hephaestus". The hood was built into the cabinet. The sink was made from stainless steel. They paid $810 for everything.
We continue to publish readers' stories about how they equipped their kitchens. Then, by voting, TUT.BY users will choose the winners who will receive prizes from our partners.
Story from Artem and Anastasia from Gomel:
It would seem, what kind of romantic story can happen when buying a kitchen? But with a good imagination and a desire to save family budget it's possible!
The history of our excellent cuisine began almost simultaneously with the birth of our strong friendly family. To test our feelings, my husband and I started a renovation in a new apartment immediately after the wedding. This may seem strange to many, but, as practice has confirmed, joint creative work really strengthens and tests the relationship between young spouses. The budget for the repair of the apartment was made up of money donated by parents and guests for the wedding. That is, we were dealing with a limited, rather modest amount.
During my student years in Minsk, a premium-class kitchen set under the bright name " black kitchen". But the cost of this luxury was prohibitive - about 20 thousand BYN. Now we live in Gomel and were hoping for a more affordable option. However, the province, contrary to expectations, was not particularly pleased with the modesty of prices - about 12 thousand BYN were asked for a kitchen ensemble made of natural oak.
Somehow I did not want to buy a kitchen made of plastic and pressed chips. But the threat of organizing breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the windowsill or coffee table. And when our dreams began to melt like ice cream in a hot pan, my husband suggested interesting idea. Namely - to order cuisine in Ukraine, which has always been famous for the abundance of forests, low prices on the wooden crafts and handy craftsmen. After a tedious enumeration of proposals, we settled on a master who offered great option from oak - 5283 BYN (2 700 USD) with installation.
Before we had time to celebrate our small victory, new clouds hung. It turned out that the newly introduced customs duties could eat up all our profits. And that's putting it mildly! At this time, the master was already finishing the production of a kitchen set, which, alas, was abroad. And she, in turn, was already on a strong duty lock. catchphrase Ostap Bender's "foreign countries will help us" began to quickly lose its seductive meaning.
This time saving great idea came to my mind. In the coming weekend, having dragged our parents into our adventure, we crossed the border twice in a rented minibus - we transported headset components as separate parts. Needless to say, these unusual voyages have become a significant historical milestone for our young family? Someone goes on a honeymoon to Egypt or the Canary Islands, and my husband and I go to Chernihiv for a kitchen!
Technical equipment - a hob, an oven and an extractor hood - were selected from catalogs and brought from Moscow by passing trucks. Tried to appearance technology organically merged into the overall ensemble.
Now our beautiful kitchen pleases the eye with its aesthetic and practical perfection. Oak is a durable tree, so we expect to celebrate at least a silver wedding in our kitchen! In any case, we are very pleased with our purchase, and the idea of transporting disassembled furniture may be useful for other young couples as well. Good luck with your shopping and strong family happiness!
Price:
- Kitchen set - 3914 BYN (2000 c.u.)
- Tile on an apron - 53 BYN (27)
- Floor tiles - 98 BYN (50 c.u.)
- Cooking surface - 489 BYN (250 c.u.)
- Oven - 685 BYN (350 USD)
- Kitchen hood - 313 BYN (160 USD)
- Dishwasher - 685 BYN (350 USD)
- Washing - 196 BYN (100 USD)
- Faucet - 196 BYN (100 c.u.)
- Refrigerator - 783 BYN (400 USD)
- Chandelier - 196 BYN (100 USD)
- Small chandelier - 98 BYN (50 USD)
- Finishing work - approximately 587 BYN (300 USD), it is difficult to calculate exactly, repairs were made throughout the apartment.
