A smaller kitchen doesn’t have to mean bumping into other loved ones while you cook dinner or cramming items into overstuffed drawers. With careful space planning and also a creative approach to storage, you can transform that small and cluttered kitchen right model of efficiency, organization—and even style.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association define a smaller kitchen as one that’s 150 square foot or less. Of course, even a home with greater square footage can feel smaller if piles of snacks, dishes, and recipes took over the countertops or if the design and décor help with a closed-in look rather than an wide open, airy one. To create a more huge space—at least the illusion of one—the NKBA endorses using unique storage solutions, mixing natural along with ambient lighting, choosing appliances wisely, and introducing personalized touches.
1. Storage and Organization
Take advantage of all the so-called new storage options now available. Go all the way up to the ceiling with your upper cabinets to realize valuable space for seldom used items along with make lower cabinets more accessible with rollout shelving, lazy Susan’s, and tilt-out bins. Add depth for drawer storage and your cabinet layout using pullout wicker baskets. If you aren’t updating cabinets, get more from your existing ones accessories including tray dividers; lazy Susan partitions and hard drive containers; and chrome-plated backsplash systems with cookbook members, spice racks and wire baskets.
2. Lighting & Lighting Colors
Good task lighting becomes even more crucial in a very small space. Place lights under the pantry shelves to illuminate the countertops. Bring in more daylight by taking down window treatments, adding skylights inside ceiling, and installing a greenhouse window in the sink.
From a design perspective, lighter shaded cabinets, wall paints, countertops, and flooring can have an opening and brightening effect. Expand your sense of space with open shelves, marijuana racks, and glass-front doors.
3. Appliance Selection & Spot
Thoughtful placement and selection of your appliances can greatly improve traffic flow in a very small kitchen. Save counter space by building the microwave in the cabinetry and by installing a range or placing an outside cooktop over an oven. An appliance garage or pantry is able to keep toasters, can openers, and other small appliances hidden and dealt with when not in use. Choose sleekly styled appliance models to relieve visual distractions and contribute to a structured look.
Don’t assume that you have to sacrifice the electricity and design statement of a professional-style selection. Viking and Bertazzoni offer 24-inch-wide gas ranges for smaller kitchens, apartments, condos, and vacation residences. Another great new space-saving idea is Kitchen Aid’s Brava, a double sink with one side convertible to your dishwasher. Remove the rack, and you’ve got an extra fully functional sink.
4. Take down a Wall membrane
If you’re willing to explore changing the bottom plan, the best way to expand a smaller kitchen is to literally open it approximately an adjoining room, typically a family or kitchen. Consult a professional to see if you will find there’s non-load-bearing wall or two that can always be removed, creating the space to add the island or peninsula. Or you could cut a rectangular hole in the adjoining wall, creating extra counter space pertaining to convenient serving and conversation.
