Small Kitchen Design Tips
Do you have a small kitchen? So many of us are stuck with a kitchen with limited space, not enough counter space, or not enough storage room. On the other hand, adding square feet to you kitchen could cost an arm and a leg. So how can you get the most out of what space you DO have?
The truth is that there are some simple ways you can make your kitchen feel bigger, and you can also make it more functional. Here are some tips on making the most of your small kitchen space.
Open the space up, add light
If you’re remodeling, chances are you are already doing some construction work. Without going way out of your budget, see if you can open up your kitchen a little bit. Getting rid of a wall in favor of a counter that opens into another room is a great way to create the feeling of more space. In general, you want to make the kitchen expand into other rooms in a natural way. A breakfast nook or even dining room is the perfect room to do this with.
One popular idea is to have a countertop which opens into both the kitchen and another room. You can use this counter space from either room, and it will really make your kitchen feel larger at the same time.
If you can’t manage to make such a counter, see if it’s feasible to remove a wall or part of a wall. This will improve the sight lines and make more space in your kitchen. Of course, that doesn’t always work, which is why it’s so important to consider light.
The right lighting can make a small kitchen shine. The best lighting is natural lighting. If you can add a skylight, that’s perfect! Unfortunately not many of us have that luxury. If your kitchen or budget won’t accommodate a skylight, try adding a window or making an existing one more accessible. If you have a good view outside, frame it with nice curtains or even French doors that open out onto the outdoor space. If your view is limited or not pleasant, you can still get by with frosted glass, stained glass, or translucent curtains.
Appliances and Fixtures
Another great way to save on space it to get rid of things. If it doesn’t need to be in the kitchen, see if you can find another room to put it in. If your laundry area is located adjacent, near to, or even in the kitchen, think about relocating it to claim more space. This will also reduce the traffic through your kitchen area.
There are many appliances available these days which can help you save space in the kitchen. Think about toasters or microwaves mounted below your cabinets, freeing up counter space. A smaller refrigerator may suffice for your needs, too. Dishwashers come in all shapes and sizes, and you can find ones to fit the smallest kitchens.
Conclusion
Lots of us have smaller kitchens than we’d like. Remodeling is a perfect time to claim some extra kitchen space. By moving things around, adding lots of light, and reducing clutter you can make your kitchen feel big again.
