Big ideas for a small space Making the most out of a tiny kitchen

If you follow social media spaces, you have certainly been bombarded with images of the perfect interior design. Influencers show off the latest additions to their bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, and audiences often seek to replicate the same designs in their homes as well. However, most of the spaces you see on your phone screen are likely to have one main feature in common: they are pretty large. 

The kitchen is particularly problematic in this regard. While for the other rooms a smaller space can typically pass off as cosier, with the kitchen it can look cramped and cause you to have a lot of mess and clutter all around you. Are you doomed to have no option other than to put up with these conditions if your kitchen is on the smaller side, or is there a way to have a stylish and functional kitchen area even if the space is quite small? 

Here’s what you need to take into account when renovating. 

Declutter 

If your kitchen has a clutter problem, there’s no time like the present to start working on it. If you have too many things lying around, your space will appear even more claustrophobic from a visual standpoint. Have a good look at everything you own and decide what you should keep and what should be thrown away. If you have duplicate items or discover things you haven’t used in several months or even years, it’s probably safe to say you don’t need them anymore. 

Furniture

The furniture you choose is essential when you have a small room layout. Working with a professional ensures you can get customised options that are ideally suited to your needs. You don’t need to get something entirely new either, you can just get replacement kitchen unit doors for a fresher look. There are many designs to choose from, depending on the colour and texture you’d prefer. As a general rule, light shades are preferable, as they give the optical impression of a larger space. 

Cabinets 

Make sure you choose your cabinetry wisely. You need enough cupboards to have sufficient storage space, but getting too much furniture in a small area will naturally do more harm than good by causing the kitchen to feel overcrowded. One of the best things you can do is get open shelving instead of the classic upper cabinets to make access to your glasses and dishes easier. If the ceiling is not too high, adding cabinets doesn’t make much sense anyway. 

Seamlessness  

All kitchens need hardware, but the way you choose to integrate yours is a matter of personal taste. You can decide to have items customised and used as statement pieces. For instance, you can use hardware in a contrasting colour to highlight the cupboards or pantry. For a more seamless look, you can make your hardware invisible. Integrated pulls or touch-to-open units are becoming more popular because of their efficiency. If you are a fan of clean, spotless surfaces, this is the ideal solution. 

Washing dishes 

Some small kitchens don’t have sufficient room for a dishwasher, so you need to make sure that the washing area is tidy. A compact, no-fuss dish rack is the way to go, but don’t just get the first thing you see. There are options out there equipped with features that allow the excess water to drain directly into the sink and are made from materials that don’t rust or become mouldy with repeated use. It’s always a good idea to buy items that can stand the test of time since although the upfront costs are a little more elevated in the beginning, there will be a pay-off in the long run. 

Mix and match 

While the kitchen is a practical space that is used for cooking and meal preparation, you still want to maintain a visual appeal for it. The best way to do this is to carefully consider the items you bring inside and mix and match different but complementary styles for maximum effect. Sturdy designs, such as the minimalist espresso machines made from concrete, look amazing on the backdrop of lacquered cabinets or glass finishes. 

Storage seating 

If you’re a dedicated home chef and want to ensure you have sufficient room for all your cookware and bakeware, you should seriously consider getting a storage bench. Not only can it comfortably accommodate a wide range of items so that they don’t end up with scratches or dents, but it can also serve as seating for the dining area. If you have items you only get out during certain seasons, such as Christmas, the storage bench can keep them from causing clutter in other areas of your home. 

Smaller appliances 

When your kitchen is small, it would also help if you found appliances that are on the smaller side so they don’t take up too much space. While many people are looking for larger stovetops, ovens and fridges, thinking they will offer better performance, that’s not always the case. Technology has evolved enough to allow small appliances that would previously be associated with dorm rooms and extremely cheap prices to be more high-quality. Convection ovens can replace traditional ovens, air fryers and toasters and are small enough to fit on countertops with no issue. 

Investment pieces

We’ve already got into the intricacies of finding smart storage solutions. You can also conceal your kitchen supplies or use baskets made from natural materials, but the truth is that some of your utensils will probably have to be in plain view. Investing in high-quality appliances that offer both functionality and aesthetics will solve the problem. This includes everything from pots, kettles and dinnerware to other utensils you might use, such as ovenware. If you have extra wall space, you can even use brass pots and saucepans as part of the décor. 

Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a beautiful design and create the space of your dreams. However, you must take space constraints into consideration and work with rather than against them. This way, you’ll develop a stellar design that will stand the test of time and that you can enjoy for years to come. 

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