Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean that you need to compromise on how functional and easy to use it is.
You can still create magic inside it if you are a fan of cooking and your guests won’t tell a difference. In fact, it’s all about being clever and talented – to be a great chef you don’t need a full-fledged, huge, restaurant-style kitchen. Yes, such space makes some things easier, but a small kitchen can prove almost just as good too. The key to success is to know how to design it to make the most out of it. All it takes is just some planning and creativity!
Shrink your stuff
Consider buying smaller-sized kitchen appliances and accessories. It doesn’t mean that you should settle for lower quality of things. There are plenty of manufacturers, including the high-end ones, who produce kitchen appliances designed for smaller spaces. It’s all about accumulation of small changes – if you don’t buy oversized cutting boards, big fridge, too many knives and other stuff, you’ll simply have more free space to freely arrange everything just the way you like.
Focus on the lighting
Not many things can make a small space seem larger as efficiently as proper lighting. But remember that it’s not only a matter of finding perfect lighting fixtures, it’s also about making use of the natural daylight. That’s why you shouldn’t forget about adjusting the window decor with that goal in mind. Keep the curtains sheer and in light colors or ditch them alltogether to let in as much of sunshine as possible. And if you think that the countertops are in a bit too dark surrounding, use LED lighting under the cabinets above.
Think about expanding the kitchen space
If you’re a lucky owner of an open plan apartment, expanding the kitchen space is no big deal. But if you have to get rid of some walls, things get much trickier. Removing some kitchen walls requires some effort, but it surely is worth it! Not only your kitchen will get bigger, but also you won’t feel trapped in it while cooking and will be able to talk freely with people in other parts of the house or watch TV if your kitchen is near the living room. And if you don’t want to remove the walls, consider at least removing the door, as this move will visually merge the kitchen with the adjacent room and make it appear a bit more spacious.
Don’t be afraid of using color
White and pastel hues will make any space feel immediately bigger, but using darker or bright colors will create a cozy or energetic feel, which is crucial if you want your kitchen to be a welcoming space where you like to spend time in. Just be sure to not overdo it. Don’t be afraid of bold solutions though, as a painted ceiling or a fancy fridge in a bright color. Such details make the entire space look much more unique and stylish, no matter its size.
Keep some harmony
It’s hard to hide all your stuff, especially in a small kitchen, that’s why you should be really strict about the kitchen items that are on display. A set of pots and pans in one color, dishes which are perfectly arranged, an electric kettle with a toaster featuring similar design – those are the details that make all the difference and bring some visual balance into the entire kitchen. Consequence and keeping things in order can really go a long way!
Make the most of your cabinets
While choosing perfect cabinets, most people focus mainly on their doors. Although it’s important for the final effect, it won’t guarantee you making your kitchen as useful as it can be. That’s why you should also focus on the insides of the cabinets. The key is to keep them as functional as they can be. Think about what kind of stuff you are going to store in your kitchen. In this case, size matters. Planning the insides of your cabinets is crucial – you don’t want to end up with having storage space that makes it almost impossible to fit in larger pots or pans. If you have enough space, consider placing a kitchen island, as it’s extremely useful both for storage and cooking. And to make use of tall and tight spaces, such as the space between the fridge and the adjacent wall, think about incorporating a pull-out pantry. It will give you a super-convenient access to your food stores and you’ll gain some extra storage space in a space where every inch counts.
Consider open shelving
Shelves give you almost as much storage space as regular cabinets, but they give a much spacious feel as they don’t look too heavy and too big. They are perfect for storing pots or dishes. If you don’t feel like installing open shelving, at least consider modifying your cabinets to make them a bit lighter visually. It can mean switching regular doors for glass ones or even getting rid of them altogether.
Opt for multifunctional solutions
Consider buying stuff like a folding table, which you can use whenever you need some extra dining or cooking space. And when not needed, you can easily fold it back and forget about its existence.
Focus on the sink
The sink is a total kitchen must have, but you still have some wiggle room with its type. You can choose one with only one bowl or a larger one. It’s especially worth to consider picking a model with a special cover, which enables you to have more working space whenever shall you need it.
Make it personal
To truly make the most out of your kitchen, consider not only its functionality but also simply the things that you like. Put some inspiring art, invest in some cute accessories or install some speakers to enjoy your favorite music. It’s all about making your space truly yours!
As you see, small kitchens offer plenty of possibilities to make them chic and extremely functional. Don’t hesitate to try those solutions in yours! Tell us, do you have any other clever ideas for making the most out of your small kitchen? Feel free to share your thoughts!