Efficiently Utilize Space With a Compact Kitchen Design

A kitchen is often a focal point of an open-plan living space. However, if your home doesn't have the space for a complete kitchen, there are plenty of other smart kitchen ideas that can make food prep and dining more efficient.

Consider dividing your kitchen into zones by using movable partitions or partial room dividers. This allows you to separate cooking, eating and relaxing areas while maintaining an open plan feel.

Space-Saving Tips

With the tiny house movement gaining momentum, homeowners and homebuyers are increasingly realising that bigger isn’t always better. This is especially true when it comes to kitchens, where space-saving solutions are a must.

Whether you’re looking to make your existing kitchen smaller, or are designing a new compact kitchen from scratch, there are plenty of smart design strategies you can adopt. These range from space-saving units, to cabinet choice and clever storage ideas that can help maximize the functionality of a tight layout.

For example, you might consider incorporating pull-out larder cabinets and carousels to make the most of every inch of interior space. You could also install a shelf on the inside of cupboard doors for storing saucepan lids, or incorporate a combined waste and recycling bin to keep clutter off worktops. Other space-saving ideas include a hanging rack for mugs, or putting the tableware you use regularly on open shelving so it’s within easy reach.

Design Strategies

Choosing the right kitchen appliances can be key to efficiently utilizing space in a small kitchen design. Look for built-in options that offer the functionality of a full kitchen, such as pull-out larder cabinets, carousels, drawer dividers and risers for saucepan lids.

Keeping your counters clear can also help improve visibility and movement around the space. Consider a pull-out or tilt-down drawer to store sponges and cleaning supplies. A combined waste and recycling bin is another space-saving idea.

A broken plan layout can also work well in compact kitchen ideas, zoning the room with partial or full partitions that can be pulled back to create an open-plan feel when entertaining. This allows the cook to separate cooking and dining areas while still being able to access the essentials. Look for partition alternatives, such as slatted screens and Crittall doors, that will blend into the room and not detract from the overall open style.

Appliances

When it comes to maximizing the functionality of a compact kitchen design, the right appliances are key. Compact appliances, like skinny cooktops and wall ovens, can help reduce a room’s footprint without sacrificing features or functionality.

Using drawers instead of cabinet doors to hold items, such as a mixer or a can opener, can also free up space on the counter. Keeping the number of appliances to a minimum and placing them in a centralized location will minimize the need for multiple trips back and forth from the fridge.

Lastly, a well-planned lighting scheme can also make a small kitchen feel bigger. Adding recessed ceiling lighting will provide ambient light, while under-cabinet lights will improve food prep visibility. Pendants over the island or a dining area are great for creating a cozy atmosphere. Lastly, adding reflective surfaces, such as glossy door fronts or mirrors, can bounce light around the room to visually expand it.

Storage

In a tiny kitchen, balancing storage space with counter space is crucial. For example, placing items like a knife rack, spoon bin and mortar and pestle on a tray or cutting board visually tricks the eye into seeing them as organized and allows the rest of the workspace to be freed up for food prep. Likewise, a pull-out larder helps to maximize pantry storage by enabling easy access and can minimize wasted product.

Maximize storage with internal solutions too, such as retrofitting wire racks into unused corners or slim cupboards, installing plinth drawers for utensils and spices and using dividers to organize contents in standard drawers. This also makes it easier to see what you have and plan for future purchases. Alternatively, consider positioning open shelving alongside closed cabinets as shown here to achieve the look of trending open upper shelves while keeping everyday items within reach. This setup also avoids boxing in sight lines to the dining or living spaces beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you want to do floors first when remodeling a kitchen?

This will depend on how your floor is installed. Before installing floating flooring, your counter and cabinets must be installed first. You can choose from glue-down or nail down flooring. After installing your flooring, install your cabinets. Consult a professional to determine which option is best suited for your kitchen remodel.

What kitchen layout is most efficient?

An island has everything you need: a sink with a stove, microwave oven, fridge, stove and microwave. A kitchen with an island in the L-shaped shape is considered to be the best.

How do you organise an open-concept cooking space?

To organize an open space, it is important to establish a clear workflow. All appliances should be kept close together. This will make cleaning much simpler. It is a good idea to keep your cooking utensils in close proximity so that they are easy to reach. Keep food storage close to where you use it. This will make things easier when you are trying to grab the items you need.

Statistics

• According to Burgin, some hinges have this feature built-in, but it's an add-on cost for other models of about $5 retail, adding up to $350 to $500 for an entire kitchen, depending on size. (hgtv.com)
• Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)
• “We decided to strip and refinish our kitchen cabinets during a heat wave with 90-plus-degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity in a house with no air conditioning. (familyhandyman.com)
• In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon), according to Remodeling Magazine, that same midrange central kitchen remodel jumps to $72,513, and a major upscale kitchen remodels jumps up $11,823 from the national average to $143,333. (hgtv.com)
• This is rather grim, but according to Business Insider, 12 percent of couples consider getting a divorce while renovating their home! (familyhandyman.com)

External Links

[TAG102]

• 2022 Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator


• 2022 Home Addition Prices

[TAG105]

• Open Floor Plan: History of the Pros and Con's


• Find professionals to estimate kitchen remodeling costs

[TAG108]

• Choosing Kitchen Appliances | HGTV


• HGTV - Creating a Kitchen to Serve Entertaining

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• Family Handyman


• Create an Open, Craftsman-Style Kitchen (DIY)

How To

Kitchen Remodeling: How Much Does it Cost in 2022? [12 Tips to Save Money]

How much will you spend on a new kitchen? A kitchen renovation project can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the size of your space and the features you choose. To get the best price for your home, make sure you have some upgrades in place.

These are the top 12 ways we can cut costs without sacrificing quality.

1. Buy appliances secondhand
2. DIY projects
3. Repurpose old furniture
4. You can salvage materials
5. You can hire a professional to do the job
6. Donate your stuff
7. Sell online
8. Paint colors can be as creative and imaginative as you like
9. Go green
10. Please keep it simple
11. Make it unique
12. Be flexible

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