Small Kitchen Design Ideas

By Danielle Roberts August 20, 2023 17 mins read 149 Views

If clutter clings to work surfaces it can make a small kitchen feel cramped and claustrophobic. Tuck away any rarely used appliances in a storage cupboard and keep surfaces clear.

Light enlarges a space, so choose reflective worktop materials that bounce light round the room. Pale natural stone is a good option, as are white or cream-colored units.

Big Impact

Despite their diminutive size, small kitchens can still have big impact if you employ savvy design solutions. From storage variations to clever lighting ideas, a few smart tricks can transform even the tightest of spaces into something truly spectacular.

For example, consider removing bulky handles from cabinets to keep a streamlined look and to ensure your space feels bigger. The same applies to accessories. Opt for sleek metal or glass pieces that bounce light around the room and will brighten up shadowy corners.

If you do need a table in your tiny kitchen for eating or working from home, opt for narrow furniture such as bench seating that fits neatly against the wall. This provides storage and visual zoning in a single solution, without sacrificing floorspace.

Minimize Clutter

Even when working on a tight budget, smart kitchen ideas can make a huge difference to how your small space looks and feels. From decluttering counters and removing clutter blocking light from the windows to adding a fresh coat of paint, there are many quick and affordable fixes for making your tiny kitchen feel bigger.

Aim to keep kitchen surfaces clear as much as possible, and only leave out the most regularly used items on your workspaces. Any additional bits should go into storage. For example, a breakfast cupboard is the perfect place for storing away your toaster and kettle so they are at hand when you need them.

Opt for open kitchen shelving ideas instead of solid runs of cabinetry, as this can help make your small space feel larger. Also, choose shelves which are a close match to your cabinets and woodwork in color so the eye doesn’t trip over the shift from dark to light.

Visually Appealing

Do away with cleaning marathons by designing a small kitchen that concentrates your efforts in a concentrated area. A slimline island – or even a breakfast bar that sits against one wall – adds extra storage, visual zoning and sociable dining space without the need for a dedicated dining room.

'Even in a small space, patterned walls can make a big impression and look great with contrasting cabinets,' says designer Tom Howley. 'Just be careful not to overdo it, as it can make a room feel too busy.'

Opt for floor-to-ceiling cabinets, but keep them light and bright with mirrored finishes. Darker cabinetry also works well in a small kitchen if it is teamed with dramatic lighting and a bold color scheme that feels sophisticated rather than boxy. Creating a vertical path for the eye to follow enlarges a room and will give a ceiling more height, so try molding above cabinets or hanging up framed prints and decorative objects.

Functionality

Clutter can make a small kitchen feel claustrophobic so include plenty of smart storage ideas to keep worktops clear. Only a few essential items should be out on the counters – everything else needs a home.

Limiting rich hues to the floor of a petite kitchen helps the cabinetry to blend in with the walls and elongate the room visually. Gloss finishes are the best choice for this as they bounce light around and brighten a small space.

A double sink makes cleaning up a breeze but in a small kitchen it can also take up valuable countertop space. Opt for a single basin to free up more workspace. And don’t forget to tuck away appliances that aren’t in use to keep worktops clear. Using hidden storage solutions, like back-to-back shallow cabinets, is an effective way to tuck away appliances while maintaining a streamlined look. You can even add a pull out microwave drawer for a neat finish to your small kitchen design.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my kitchen whiter?

You can make your white kitchen even more fun. Another way to make your white kitchen more appealing is to use coloured backsplash tiles and appliances. Another option is to incorporate wood elements if you want to add warmth to your white kitchen. You can also use warm LED lighting to bring out white's natural warmth. Whatever path you choose to take, remember to personalize your kitchen.

What are the drawbacks of an open-concept cooking style?

Privacy is the greatest concern. An open-concept kitchen means guests can see the mess. You might also find that guests may be disturbed by the smells of cooking. An open kitchen can be challenging to keep clean if there isn't a designated cooking and eating area. If you don't have a lot of space, an open concept kitchen may not be the best option.

What should I do first when remodeling a kitchen?

There is no single solution to this question, as everyone has different priorities. Consider how the room is laid out, what type of appliances are needed, what style of countertops and cabinets you prefer, and what storage space you require.

Once you have made your decision on your must-haves and are confident in your choices, you can begin to look at various kitchen designs. If you have a limited budget, you might want to start with larger items like cabinets and appliances. Next, fill in with smaller details like paint colours and light fixture.

Taking things one step at a time ensures your kitchen remodel precisely what you want it to be.

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)
“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)
Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (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)
Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)

External Links

How To

How to design your kitchen layout

Although there's no perfect layout for a kitchen, some layouts work well in certain spaces. Here are some tips on how to design a kitchen layout that will work best for your space:

Start with the basics. It is important to determine what you really need and what can be sacrificed. If you don't cook often, you might not need a large stovetop or oven.
Think about the traffic flow. Consider how your family uses the space and how it flows. You'll need to allow enough space for people to move around and not get in the way of others.
Maximize storage. The third step in optimizing storage is to maximize your kitchen layout. This includes both food storage and cookware storage. You want everything to be organized and easily accessible.
Integrate your style. Your style is the fourth step. This includes everything, including the countertops and flooring as well as the appliances and appliances. Pick materials and finishes that suit your style.
Get in touch with a professional. The fifth and final step is to work with a professional kitchen designer. They can help create a layout to meet all your needs.

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