As the saying goes, ‘dynamite comes in small packages’. Nowhere is the adage more true than in a well-designed, compact kitchen.
Small spaces can be incredibly charming, but having less room to work with can also present some design challenges. Fortunately, there are plenty of small kitchen ideas that will help you to maximise the storage and work areas. From layout to lighting, we’ve got some big ideas to make the most of your space.
1. Keep it light and bright
It’s no secret that sticking to lighter hues can help your space feel bigger. Keeping a light palette on countertops, cabinets and floors will help the kitchen feel more open, plus neutrals like white will reflect light, creating the illusion of space. On the topic of light, flood your kitchen with as much of it as possible. Take advantage of windows, and add LED strips and task lighting beneath cabinets and shelves to brighten things up. This is especially important if natural light is scarce.
2. Get integrated
A cohesive look and feel is a great way to create a sense of space in a tiny kitchen. As we mentioned above, a simple, light colour scheme can enhance your space. And choosing cabinets with invisible finger-grip openers will also give your kitchen that clean, modern look. Aside from focusing on limiting your colour palette, integrated appliances can be a great choice. Hiding fridges, dishwashers and microwaves behind doors will allow you eye to roam uninterrupted across cabinetry, creating the illusion that there’s more room.
3. Open things up
Open shelving has been a major trend in kitchen design over the past few years, and there’s nowhere better to take advantage of it than in a small space. Removing upper cabinetry in favour of shelves can add functionality to your kitchen by making it easier to access the items you use most often. Shelves can also provide the opportunity for added storage; installing pot racks and cup hooks below them opens up valuable space inside cupboards.
4. Plan plenty of pull-outs
Drawers are a great way to keep organised. Aside from the usual cutlery, kitchen towel and bin liner holders, think about adding drawers to your cabinets. This will enhance your kitchen’s storage (you can fit up to two drawers in a single shelf space) and will add loads of convenience. Instead of having to rummage through deep cupboards, you’ll be able to pull out your spices, Tupperware or breakfast cereal for easy access, which will help to keep your space organised – something that’s essential in small kitchens.
5. Extend your workspace
One of the most common challenges in a small kitchen is counter space. Thankfully, there are a few clever modern design ideas that can help you to make the most of what you have. Some manufacturers now offer small sinks that come with specially designed cutting boards that turn your washing up areas into a prep space, and there are similar accessories that can convert your stove top into more than just a frying zone. Or, you can have handy pull-out boards installed, although this will require you to sacrifice a small amount of storage.
6. Use pattern to your advantage
Just because your space is small, doesn’t mean it should be boring. Adding pattern is a great way to create a high-impact design – and make your kitchen feel bigger. Walls and floors lend themselves well to pattern. Hand-painted tiles with bright designs are great for both backsplashes and under-foot applications. Alternatively, choose a single colour tile or other material and lay it in an interesting pattern to create length and depth in your space.
Looking to renovate your small kitchen? With 25 years’ industry experience, we can make the most of any space. Contact us today to get started with an obligation-free consultation.
