Combining a loggia and a kitchen: is it legal + instructions on remodeling premises

If your apartment is small, it won't hurt to get a few extra square meters. Is not it? Perhaps you have decided to combine a loggia and a kitchen, but want to once again estimate how much effort and time you will have to spend? Do you want to understand all the nuances at once, including legislative ones?

The kitchen is a cramped room, which lacks literally a few cubes for proper comfort. After a successful remodel, you'll be able to get rid of clutter and make your home look better overall. We have prepared redevelopment instructions for you, and thanks to it you can proceed to the implementation of your idea.

In the matter of redevelopment there are many factors that are unknown in advance. You need to be prepared to solve many problems at the same time. We decided to write this material so that you can weigh everything and get an acceptable result.

Advantages and disadvantages

Often in standard-built apartments, especially in Khrushchev-era buildings, kitchens are designed not to be too large - on average 5-10 sq.m. For most people, this area is not enough.

But if the room is adjacent to the loggia, you have a chance to expand the territory by combining them. This solution has its pros and cons.

If you are not afraid of the above expenses, then we advise you to do redevelopment - the benefits are worth it.

However, there is a simpler, but no less beautiful option.

Combination features

The nuances of combining two separate rooms:

• The main advantage of this design move is the increase in usable space, which can be rationally used and the necessary furniture items can be installed.
• The kitchen combined with a balcony has an unusual shape that allows you to create an original interior.
• The main disadvantages of combining a kitchen with a balcony include high costs for repair work, complex insulation and the need for permission for redevelopment from special organizations.
• If the wall between the kitchen and balcony space is solid, the connection becomes impossible.

Partial merge

If you were unable to obtain a permit or you live in a panel house where this wall is load-bearing, it is not necessary to remove it completely.

It is enough to remove the window and door. This way you will create a visually unified area where the vacated window sill can be used as a tabletop.

Essentially, if you don't need a single space, this is the optimal method. In addition, such a non-standard configuration provides additional design opportunities and allows you to conveniently zone the room.

Don’t think that an empty door and window opening is only suitable for a loft style - you can always decorate them to your liking. There are many original edgings: arches, plasterboard structures, various panels, which we will talk about below.

Pros and cons of combination:

The balcony, which will be combined with the kitchen, is an excellent opportunity to make the room functional by decorating it at your discretion.

Advantages:

• space optimization;
• increased sound insulation;
• thermal insulation of the kitchen;
• expansion of space;
• additional lighting;
• original stylish interior.

Flaws:

• the redevelopment will need to be legalized by collecting the necessary package of documents, obtaining permission, and making a project;
• repairs involve financial costs. The balcony needs to be insulated, glassed, and finished.

Even despite the disadvantages, a balcony combined with a kitchen is a great idea for expanding the space.

Full union

For those who want a fully integrated kitchen with a loggia, you will have to do some hard work.

It will be necessary to demolish the walls, make wiring to the former loggia, and, if necessary, install all communications and sewerage. However, if you decide to make a dining area in this place, then everything will be a little simpler.

It is imperative to insulate the room, otherwise the power of stationary radiators may not be enough.

In addition, it is necessary to level the walls, floor and ceiling from the effects of dismantling before laying the final finish.

However, the result is worth it: in the end, the room will almost double in size, depending on the size of your extension.

By the way: If you live in a studio apartment, then try combining the living room with the kitchen and loggia. Then you will have a really spacious room.

Interior finishing work

Proper finishing is not only an attractive appearance, but also additional insulation. The balcony can be finished:

• plastic panels;
• clapboard made of coniferous wood;
• wallpaper;
• paint.

The floor is traditionally covered with laminate or carpet. It is desirable that the design of the attached part is in harmony with the design of the kitchen. Most apartment residents still like the complete combination of two rooms. The photo shows combination options.

The attached balcony should become a functional part of the kitchen, so the temperature in both rooms should be the same. The balcony should be provided with electricity.

Design and decoration

When all the finishing work is behind you, you can start decorating the room. The wall between the kitchen and the balcony can be converted into a bar counter. The attached part can be turned into a dining area, as in the photo. It turns out that all the cooking work will take place in the kitchen, and the family will eat almost outdoors.

The improvement of the new premises includes the installation of household appliances, kitchen utensils and furniture. Household appliances, in particular a refrigerator, can be placed in a niche in the loggia. For a visual representation of this or that design, how to enlarge the kitchen, you can see photos of the combined rooms.

We move the kitchen onto the balcony

Sometimes you come across an interesting idea on the RuNet: move the kitchen completely to the loggia, and use the vacated room as a dining room. Here there are variations with walls left, and with complete redevelopment and subsequent rearrangement of furniture and equipment.

Of course, from a technical point of view, all this can be done. But why? This solution has many disadvantages:

• It is not a fact that you will be able to obtain permission for such redevelopment.
• Due to the complexity of the work, especially the wiring of communications, this undertaking will be very expensive.

So, theoretically it is possible, but, in our opinion, the result does not correspond to the effort expended.

It is better to use the loggia to place additional cabinets, a refrigerator and small appliances, and leave the sink, stove and dishwasher in the places provided for this.

Small kitchen design ideas

A loggia representing a continuation of a small kitchen space allows you to create a more functional and harmonious interior. In this case, the balcony room can be supplemented with various elements in the form of a refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and other household appliances that take up extra square meters. Thus, the main area of ​​the kitchen will be occupied only by a set and a dining group.

A small room should be equipped with folding furniture pieces and ergonomic built-in appliances that contribute to the proper organization of space. Choose a more restrained style solution involving a light color scheme, use a minimal amount of decor and give preference to technological roller blinds, Roman models or blinds.

A glazed panoramic balcony will help add more light to the room and visually make it more spacious.

Regarding insulation

You cannot do without this stage - if you neglect it, the room will be cold, and heating bills will increase noticeably.

There are some nuances here:

• It is better to insulate the loggia from the outside, not from the inside. This way you save useful internal space;
• Heated floors and hidden fan heaters will also help ensure a comfortable temperature. Then even at the beginning of autumn you will not depend on centralized heating.
• If the redevelopment is successfully approved, additional heat batteries can be installed.

And one more important point. Insulating a kitchen with a loggia is pointless if you glaze it with windows with a poor level of heat retention. We'll talk about this further.

Roof installation

The roof installation process is quite labor-intensive. It is necessary to take measurements and install the steel frame. The material for its manufacture is metal pipes. The finished frame is attached to the wall using anchors. It should be noted that the load should be evenly distributed along the wall, and not on the balcony structure. The next stage is the installation of roofing sheets and the organization of the canopy.

Glazing

Essentially, there are two options - only special aluminum or PVC profiles are suitable - their width must be at least 70 mm. These are three- or five-chamber profiles that will prevent heat from escaping. Forget about wooden and other frames, this is yesterday.

Regarding the window configuration, standard openings or panorama, make a choice based on your taste and... placement of the apartment. Still, it’s not worth making a huge aquarium from a room on the first floor.

Coordination

If the redevelopment is carried out by dismantling the balcony block, in which doors and windows are removed, but the wall with the window sill and the threshold will not be affected, then the changes may not be approved. In such a situation, BTI permission is not needed.

The main advantages of working without demolishing the partition:

• no need to coordinate repairs with BTI;
• the speed of repair work is significantly accelerated;
• low cost of combination, which takes up only 10–20% of the total amount;
• the window sill can be designed as a table top;
• upon request, everything can be quickly returned to its previous state.

, window sill and threshold is being removed The basis for legal repairs will be a developed project with a technical conclusion. The design project can be entrusted to architects with SRO approvals.

During the approval process, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• house plan for each floor;
• copies of documents on the right of ownership;
• redevelopment project.

The approval sequence is as follows:

• contact the BTI, submit a request for the issuance of a new technical passport with redevelopment;
• contact a service that can do a merger project;
• agree on the finished project;
• in case of a positive decision, approval is carried out at the main department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, SES, house management, gas service and electricians.

Additionally, you must obtain permission to carry out work from other residents of the house. The whole procedure is quite complicated and takes a lot of time, so the matter can be entrusted to companies that handle the paperwork themselves.

Lighting

You will need to think carefully about the placement of lighting fixtures in such a large area, especially in the kitchen area. Believe me, even with panoramic windows, daylight will not be enough.

As an option, install lamps both in the room and on the loggia. In addition, we recommend installing spotlights around the perimeter and illuminating the work area with LED strip.

Speaking about the models of chandeliers or lamps, they should be selected based on the style in which the renovation was made. You can read more about this in this section.

Considering the number of windows in the room, it is very important to choose the right curtains. We recommend starting from the side on which they face: the southern side is made of thick fabric or blinds, the rest are tulle or translucent Roman blinds.

Are you planning to achieve interior integrity? Avoid chandeliers and install spotlights instead. LED strips will also help achieve this goal: mount them around the perimeter of the resulting room.

Kitchen with a balcony door and window: design options

If the redevelopment was not possible, then this is not a reason to be upset. You can make an interesting design for the border of the kitchen.

You can decorate a wall adjacent to a balcony or loggia using beautiful curtains .

See also: Choosing beautiful curtains for the kitchen with a balcony door.

In a room facing the south, where there is a lot of sunlight during the day, you can hang thick curtains with or without tulle.

For a small kitchen, it makes sense to think about its non-standard wall design with a balcony door. For example, install a double-leaf option. The white color scheme helps to compensate for the illumination.

Zoning methods

It doesn’t matter what size the room is - 16 sq.m. or 30. If you fail to properly distribute it into functional zones, you won’t get a comfortable and beautiful kitchen.

Here are several options for arranging furniture and appliances in the interior of a kitchen combined with a loggia.

1. The most popular method is to move the dining room onto the territory of the former loggia. For example, you place chairs and a dining table there, and a stylish lamp above it.

In this case, it is better to free this area from cabinets and shelves. Instead, we advise you to make a place to relax with a sofa or armchairs, if the area allows.

By the way, differences in floor level do not have to be masked, thereby reducing the overall height of the walls. Instead, use this to bring one part of the room to the catwalk.

2. Sometimes in a small kitchen of 4-6 sq.m. There are problems with the placement of the refrigerator. Uniting will help solve them. Just move it to the loggia.

If you have completely demolished the wall, we recommend placing it close to the corner set. This way you will visually divide the room diagonally - all that remains is to place the dining area in the free space.

3. Do you dream of a modern-style kitchen with a breakfast bar? In small apartments it is sometimes difficult to install it even after redevelopment. The window sill remaining after partial alignment will fully cope with this role.

Practical advice: If the batteries are not located underneath, install small cabinets with flat doors on both sides. This way your bar counter will not only be beautiful and fashionable, but also practical.

4. Sometimes most of the kitchen equipment is moved to the loggia. This makes sense for those who want a spacious dining room. But, as we have already said, we do not recommend installing a gas stove and plumbing fixtures there - it is unsafe. But a straight kitchen set, a refrigerator and small gadgets are fine. This will free up part of the room for a dining area.

5. Connecting a kitchen with a loggia is sometimes the only solution for those who like American-style interiors. Place the kitchen table in the center of the room, on the border. Place a cozy dining area on the balcony, and a set with the necessary equipment along the inner wall.

6. If the kitchen and loggia together form a fairly large room, you can try to implement the latest fashion in interior design - an imitation of a winter garden. It looks especially good with kitchens in a classic style.

To do this, you don’t even need to demolish the wall - on the contrary, a small separation is appropriate. If the redevelopment has already been completed, install a sliding screen, bar counter or arch. And, of course, choose plants that are appropriate in the kitchen.

7. By the way, the previous option shows that it is not necessary to use the resulting space exclusively for “kitchen purposes.” Now many are trying to equip a small lounge area with a bar counter or a library there, especially if the kitchen-dining room is combined with the living room.

8. The exit to the loggia can be made with an arch or columns. Drywall is universal in this regard - you can create a structure in any style. For example, in Greek for classic interiors. Or make a complex abstraction for high-tech.

For those who do not like monumental elements, we can recommend glass doors, low partitions or screens, which can be easily hidden if desired. However, this is relevant for those who still want to divide the kitchen and loggia into conditionally separate zones.

Perhaps these are the most commonly used zoning solutions. All that remains is to highlight the interior with finishing and decorative elements.

Color solutions

To create a harmonious kitchen space connected to the balcony, it is recommended to use the same finishing materials, as well as the same color scheme for furniture and decorative elements. The designer is also allowed to combine the main selected color with other shades, the main thing is that they are combined with each other.

The most current color solutions for the kitchen, which is combined with a balcony, are:

• White color. It is a classic, but you need to be careful with it because it is easily soiled. The shade will look luxurious, especially items that imitate natural wood. Curtains, tulle, wallpaper, as well as cabinets and household appliances can be made in white colors. Be sure to add a few rich spots to the interior to make it rich and stylish.

• Lavender. This is a delicate color, preferred by sensitive people with a rich imagination. Decorative items in a purple hue will look especially sophisticated. The emphasis can be placed on household appliances or the facade, lamps, curtains. You can combine this color with mint, pistachio, caramel, milk, pink and cream.

• Brown color. It must be used skillfully to select the required color scheme. The shade should not be too dark; give preference to soft tones, otherwise the room will be uncomfortable and gloomy. Brown color in the interior helps to relax and gives peace.

• Pastel shade. Small kitchens made in pastel colors will become spacious, but large rooms will not be empty either.

This shade is versatile and can be complemented with any color scheme. You can paint the walls in a pastel color, choose a furniture set, and you can also use it for curtains, sofas and chairs, and other items.

The pastel color will not fade if it is complemented with rich decorative elements. This could be dishes, tablecloths, countertops, cabinets, rugs. Pastel colors will always look stylish, expensive, and chic.

• Grey colour. It is suitable for those who prefer an atmosphere of calm and sophistication. A gray shade in the interior is always a win-win solution. Color is often used for classic style, as well as art deco and minimalism. It allows you to demonstrate the beauty of furniture, a room, and emphasizes its individuality. In this shade it is important to use natural materials and household appliances. Also read our article “About gray kitchens in the interior.”

Combining a kitchen with a balcony is a great opportunity to make the room lighter, more spacious, and fill it with coziness. Here you can welcome guests, do what you love, dream and just relax, cook and put away various things, objects, equipment and just have a great time, realizing your fantasies and ideas.

Decor

When it comes to the design and use of various decorations, it is difficult to give any specific advice. Still, a lot depends on the chosen style.

In addition, consider your needs: perhaps someone does not need a dining room, but an armchair and a TV will seem like a surprisingly good idea. Or you want to put a carpet on the floor of the recreation area - why not?

There are also universal options: beautiful decanters, plates, salt and pepper shakers are always appropriate. As well as high-quality textiles suitable for the kitchen interior. Don't forget about these little things, they help create the atmosphere.

As you can see, there are many opportunities to beautifully and functionally decorate a kitchen connected to a loggia. Is it worth doing?

On the one hand, such a solution requires a lot of effort, time and money. On the other hand, it allows you to create a truly unique spacious room, which is especially important in small apartments. Therefore, we advise you to set priorities when making a decision.

If you decide that this is too labor-intensive a process, look at design options for small kitchens without combining them with other rooms.

Combining a balcony and a room: options for using space

Even a small area of ​​a few square meters provides a lot of possibilities for its use. The final choice depends on what is your priority. So, what can you do on the attached loggia (balcony):

• Workplace or mini-office. Do you often have to take work home, but have nowhere to retire? Create a workspace on the attached balcony.

  
  The window sill remaining from the window can be used as a table Make a real mini-office

  
  Properly equipped workplace

• Sleeping area. In a small apartment it can be difficult to find a place to relax. Order a sofa/mattress to suit the size of your loggia.

  
  Sleeping place on the loggia

• Recreation area. Place comfortable chairs and flowers.

  
  Make a relaxation area on the attached balcony

• Place cabinets, but make them compact and beautiful.

  
  Cabinets on the balcony - common use

An original project for enlarging the kitchen by combining it with a loggia

Maximus windows - Do with us, do like us, do better than us! We do it well and cheaply, but YOU! nobody.

Naturally, in order for the balcony to become a functional unit with the kitchen area, it needs to be insulated. And the most correct way would be not only to create thermal protection for the balcony structure, but also to arrange a heating system.

To insulate load-bearing structures, new generation heat-insulating materials should be used;

Multi-chamber double-glazed windows will prevent heat loss and reduce noise levels in the room.

How to legally attach a balcony to a room or kitchen?

Thus, attaching a balcony to a room or kitchen is a type of redevelopment that cannot be agreed upon in its pure form. But there is a way out. Between them you can install hinged or sliding transparent doors (French windows).

Some even install automatic sliding doors.

Attaching a balcony to a room. Apartment plan before redevelopment.

In some cities in the Moscow region, it is possible to coordinate the redevelopment of a balcony with its connection to the interior premises. Here everything depends on the position of local government bodies, which, in accordance with the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, are entrusted with the functions of coordinating redevelopment, as well as on the legislative acts they have issued.

Next, we will consider some of the distinctive features of this type of redevelopment.

Video comment:

The clause has changed: now for 2022, attaching a balcony to a room or kitchen in its pure form without installing French windows is prohibited according to clause 10.18 of Appendix 1 to Moscow Government Decree No. 508 (after the release of PPM No. 1104 of December 29, 2017, PPM No. 1572 of December 17. 2018 and PPM No. 1335 dated 08/19/2020).

There is no need to leave a fireproof partition if the apartment is located at a height of no more than 15 meters from the ground (but in return you still need to install a French window or solid glazing). You can also install fire-resistant glass instead of a wall.

How to harmoniously play with the border of the transition?

Whatever combination method you choose, there will still be elements that will remind you that these were once two different rooms. This will be either a window sill parapet, or small fragments of walls along the edges, or a threshold. In rare cases, such nuances are absent. Therefore, the question arises: how to design this border so that the space seems truly unified, and the balcony becomes a logical extension of the kitchen?

There are a couple of suitable ways:

• In the case of a threshold, the easiest way is to raise the floor level when insulating the balcony to the required height. Then the area that you will later organize in this place will be on a small podium, which is now a very fashionable design element. Some designers deliberately equip such a podium even in bedrooms to highlight the bed;
• If there are side walls left, you can smooth out the straight edges by connecting them with a beautiful arched vault. Lovely arched openings is that they fit perfectly into any interior style. Even in a cold loft. You just need to choose the right vault shape and suitable finishing materials;

• You can also install sliding transparent doors made of tempered glass on the border. Such a modern element will be both an interior decoration and a full-fledged partition. This is very convenient if there is a relaxation area on the balcony where one of the family members likes to work or read. The door can be closed at any time and reduce the amount of noise that may accompany the cooking or cleaning process;
• Another interesting way to play with the border is textile elements. And not just ordinary curtains, but, for example, thread curtains. They will help visually set boundaries, but will not prevent light from entering the room, and will not create the feeling of a blank curtain. The partition seems to be there, but at the same time it is not there. The interior of a small room is not overloaded, it remains light and light;
• You can also hang vertical fabric blinds, if this element fits into your interior. But be prepared for the fact that the fabric can absorb unpleasant odors, and washing such a product is somewhat problematic and at the slightest draft, such curtains rustle irritatingly;

• If there is a window sill left and there is no need to turn it into a work area or dining table, you can install a wooden rack for wine bottles on it. Only it should reach clearly to the ceiling. Or you can purchase a stainless steel stand with stands for glasses, glasses and a fruit basket. You can also hang decorative lamps on long cords above the parapet, which will serve as zoning. In general, in this case you are not limited by anything and this is a great opportunity to finally equip in your kitchen that element that you have always dreamed of, but could not find a suitable or free space.

Redevelopment of a balcony into a kitchen or room. Is it possible to legalize the connection of a balcony?

Until recently, attaching a balcony to a kitchen or room and creating a single space was not formally prohibited or permitted by regulatory documents. In 2012, Appendix 1 to Resolution No. 508 of the Moscow Government contained clause 2.2.9, which stated that the connection of balconies is carried out on the basis of the redevelopment project. After the release of a new resolution No. 840 in December 2012, this clause was removed, which became the impetus for the ban on such connections. This instruction was issued “from above,” and therefore, in practice, such a redevelopment of the balcony was inconsistent; officials issued a refusal, classifying it as reconstruction under paragraph 14 of Article 1 of the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation (although, again, this was not clearly stated there). Now, after the release of Moscow Government Resolutions No. 1104 of December 29, 2017, No. 1572 of December 17, 2018, and No. 1335 of August 19, 2022, clause 10.18 of Appendix 1 has appeared, which as of 2022 clearly prohibits the connection of a balcony to a kitchen or room in its pure form.

Most of the institutes that author house projects also do not give their positive opinion on attaching a balcony to a room or kitchen, but it is necessary when affecting the window sill block, which supports the balcony slab, in accordance with paragraph 1.4.8 of Appendix 3 to Moscow Government Decree No. 508 . The designers justify this by the fact that the redevelopment of balconies with their connection to the internal premises increases the heated area (and even the cold one), for which the heating system of the entire house was not originally designed. If everyone is allowed to connect balconies, then the system will not be able to cope with the new heavy load, and the living conditions of the residents will become unacceptable (the temperature inside the apartment will drop below the minimum suitable for living).

Arguments that it is not just connecting the balcony, but also insulating it with the possibility of providing an engineering calculation of the load on the heating system, and then concluding that the heating system can cope with the additional load are not accepted with reference to the fact that this will affect consumption heat throughout the house, area, etc.

Sliding translucent partitions (French window)