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Even if you have a small kitchen, it is still possible to make it very functional and convenient. There are different ways on how you can save space and make the entire room seem bigger. You don’t have to be an expert or hire a professional to get the look you’ve always wanted. Some of the common kitchen items and fixtures can be adjusted to perfectly fit your area.
The Small Kitchen
A small kitchen is defined by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as one that measures 150 square feet or less. Even if your kitchen may be slightly bigger than that measurement, there may be a number of furniture and items that make everything seem cramped and cluttered. You need to properly arrange both big and small things like cabinets, counters and even dishes and utensils to create the illusion of bigger space. Choosing the right materials and proper arrangement are two essential ways on how you can achieve great small kitchen design.
Learn how to store items well. Leaving too many items out in the open will make your kitchen seem small. You may want to invest in fixtures and cabinets that save more floor space such as rollout shelves, tilt-out bins and lazy susans. Hanging cabinets and cabinets under the counters will help provide you extra storage space where you can hide items away. You can also get a few holders for tabletops like spice racks and a food basket.
To make the room seem much larger, provide enough light during the day and night. Installing more windows where the sun can directly light up the countertops and other fixtures will brighten up your small kitchen. Skylights are also a good idea. Your kitchen may do well with light or no window treatments at all. French windows are also ideal since they are stylish and functional in letting in adequate light. At night, make sure that light fixtures and lamps are properly set to illuminate countertops and other dark corners. Using stainless steel or aluminum utensils and appliances help deflect the light creating a sleeker and wider look.
Color plays a very important role when it comes to creating the illusion of more space. Light tones will work better for your small kitchen such as yellow, beige, white or sky blue. You can safely compliment these with touches of darker hues like brown, gray or navy blue. Hardwood is one of the best options though since it portrays a very elegant and classic design as well.
More Space Strategies
Adjoining your small kitchen to another room or part of the house will help provide more space. You may want to do a simple renovation which involves taking down a wall and using furniture instead to act as a divider. This way, you have the advantage of drawing light from either room as well as a larger floor area. As for the ceiling, try not to put molding since it emphasizes the small size of the room.
Open shelves are also good and convenient compared to bottom built-in shelves. These open up extra space providing a sense of more air and light in the kitchen. Keep countertops clean and try to hide appliances like the toaster, microwave and coffeemaker when not in use. Leggy furniture and tall decorations will help expand the room as well.
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