Planning A Smaller Kitchen Area
There are several ways to maximise the amount of storage space in a smaller kitchen area. You can do this by mirroring the walls, or by making use of all the space you already have. If you have very limited space, try to limit the items you store in your kitchen to just the necessities.
Mirror the walls to make a small kitchen feel larger
Adding a mirrored backsplash to a small kitchen can help the room feel larger and open up sightlines. Although mirrored glass tiles are quite expensive, you can get the same effect with reflective peel-and-stick tiles. You can also use glossy paint to bounce light around the room.
Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of a larger room, as they reflect light. Mirrors also make rooms appear brighter and more spacious. They can also be used to make cabinets appear larger. Glass doors are also a great way to attract the eye into cabinets. Light woodwork is another way to make a smaller kitchen feel larger and brighter.
Optimise the storage space you already have
There are many ways to make the most of the storage space you already have in a kitchen area. For example, you can use large storage bins on wheels to store dry goods. In addition, you can buy smaller equipment to fit the space you have. However, you should remember that a smaller kitchen should not simply be a smaller version of a bigger kitchen.
Make use of every inch of space in a small kitchen
When space is limited in a kitchen area, you need to find creative ways to make use of every available square foot. One great way to maximize kitchen space is by installing built-in storage solutions. While free-standing storage units can be easily moved to other areas, built-in units are permanently installed.
Smart storage solutions are essential for small kitchens. Corners are tricky to reach and often require creative storage solutions. Consider installing sliding shelves that provide easy access and are convenient to use for larger items or heavy-lifting. Similarly, install double-duty shelving on the walls for additional storage options. In this way, you can maximize space and still have a functional kitchen area. Whether you have a small kitchen or a larger one, it doesn’t have to be a chore to find things you need.
Rather than a traditional island, consider a peninsula or island to maximize the space in your kitchen. These can offer a great deal of additional counter space and storage, while also providing a great gathering area for friends and family. Some islands even offer a dining area as well!
Limit the items you store in a small kitchen to the essentials
In a small kitchen, you need to be particularly careful with your food storage. You will want to get rid of any bulky packaging and store dry foods in transparent containers. This will make them easier to find when you need them. It is also helpful to keep a food inventory so that you can buy only what you really need.
You should also organize your counter space. You can use baskets to store items you don’t use often. You can also store your utensils on top of tall kitchen cabinets. Table linens are often stored away from the work area, but they can be stored together in the laundry room.
Opt for a neutral colour scheme to make a small kitchen feel light and airy
Opting for a colour scheme that is light and neutral is an effective way to open up a small kitchen. White and light grey are classic choices, but you can also add a splash of colour by introducing a bold accent colour. While white is the most popular colour for modern kitchens, it can also make a small room look dingy. Instead of pure white, opt for softer shades of grey, blue or beige. These colours are a great choice for small kitchens and will make your space appear larger than it really is.
Neutral colours are safe and effective. They are also versatile, as they can be used as backdrops or accents, depending on the space. For example, you can choose a sage green wall color to give your kitchen a more spacious feel. Benjamin Moore has a range of different tones of sage green, so you can select the shade that suits your space.
If you don’t have enough room to incorporate vibrant colours, opt for neutrals instead. A neutral paint scheme will make a small kitchen appear light and airy and will enhance the look of your space.
Hanging glasses below the cupboards is a clever storage idea
Smaller kitchens can be challenging to design, but using clever mechanisms can make use of every available inch. For example, you can hang glasses below the cupboards to create more open storage space. In addition, you can use a pot rack to display a collection of pots.
Hanging wine glasses below the cupboards is another clever storage idea for a small kitchen area. This storage option is not only beautiful, but it also helps keep your glasses clean and organized. It also frees up space and makes it easy to access items. This clever storage idea will also free up a large amount of cupboard space. If you have an open wall space below the cupboards, you can hang an endless-changing pegboard system for mugs and glasses. This system is made from UV-cured maple, is trimmed to fit your space, and comes with 16 matching pegs.
If you have limited floor space, a tall-level shelving unit can maximize the space. Put it near the refrigerator to store glasses, and use the remaining shelves to store large serving pieces. You can also use the space under a window seat for storage. Put a basket under it to hold paper napkins or other small kitchen essentials. The baskets can remain open, or you can place a hinged cabinet door over them. Careful planning is the key to creating the most efficient storage space in your kitchen.
Open shelving
If you have a small kitchen, installing open shelves can maximize vertical space while adding visual interest. They also don’t force items into awkward places. Open shelves have weight limits, so check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine their weight capacity. Most unbracketed floating shelves have a weight capacity of 25 to 35 pounds.
Open shelves are not for everyone, however. While they offer a more casual feel, there are also some drawbacks to this type of storage. You should consider the layout of your space, the number of shelves and the type of contents that you’ll store on them before deciding to go open.
Open shelves may be a great choice for small kitchens, and you can create a custom-made design that fits your existing space. They are easy to install and will take up less space than bulky cabinets. Wooden shelves don’t take up as much space as cabinetry, so you can get a lot more storage in a smaller space. You can also install floating shelves for added support for dishes and cups.
You can also use open shelves to add color and pattern to your kitchen. If you place your open shelves against a radiant wall, they’ll appear much more attractive and cohesive. You can also hang saucepans and mugs from the open shelves. Just be sure to balance the open shelving and other open storage options to avoid making the space look cluttered.
Planning A Smaller Kitchen Area – Final Thoughts
If you are planning on designing a new kitchen, you should first measure the available space. You should allow at least 1.5m between counters and surfaces, but more if you want to incorporate ideas from the dining room. Also, the most used items should be in an easily accessible area, away from the cooking stations. This is called the golden work triangle, and it helps to create a more efficient kitchen area.
Keeping the counters clear of clutter is essential. A clean counter space is conducive to daily tasks. Consider using cabinet pull-outs to maximize storage space. Alternatively, consider using open shelves to display kitchen trinkets and accessories. Using neutral colors for the shelves will create a sense of depth and space.
If you don’t have much space to spare, consider installing a peninsula to create a visual zone. While this will require some cabinetry to be moved out by a foot, it will create an area where guests can congregate. Using bold patterns is another way to draw attention to the peninsula. You can use a grid pattern or large repeating patterns to draw attention to this space.
Lighting is another important consideration. The right lighting can create an impactful and unique atmosphere in a small kitchen. While windows can provide optimal lighting, you can also use track lights and under-cabinet lights to illuminate the counter space. If the ceiling height is low, avoid using hanging light fixtures, and opt instead for recessed lighting. It is also beneficial to use a dimmer switch to control the ambiance in the space.
