Make the Most of Your Small Kitchen (7 Clever Design Tricks)

Small houses and apartments have their own charm and cozy ambience. They also tend to lack kitchen space, which can make it difficult to keep the space organized and may inhibit its functionality.

However, just because you are working with a small space does not mean that you can’t have a beautiful and efficient kitchen.

There are many ways to maximize your storage and make the space work for you. With a little bit of creativity, it is possible to make the most of your small kitchen countertop and what real estate you do have. With a few good decisions, you can optimize even the tiniest kitchen’s practicality.

Let’s get started.

Ideas to Maximize Space in a Small Kitchen

Here are some ideas on how to create a more streamlined kitchen space that works for you and your lifestyle.

1. Add a Kitchen Island

There’s no need to think you can never have a kitchen island just because you have a small kitchen. Even with the tiniest kitchen, you can still consider adding a slim kitchen island to increase your prep surface. It can also be a great place to have conversations.

A rolling kitchen island can be pushed out of the way once it is no longer needed. Alternatively, you can have a small island with a natural stone countertop and cabinets to increase your storage space. Along with adding beauty, it will make your space more efficient. By adding a few stools, the area can be used as breakfast bar seating.

2. Use Walls for Storage

With small kitchens, it is important to be smart about how you use your storage. One of the most efficient uses of space is to utilize your walls for storage. For instance, you can install pegboards on open spaces to function as hanging racks for cutting boards, potholders, and large utensils. Alternatively, you can put in double-duty shelving at the top of walls to hang additional items and store rarely-used items such as appliances or large bowls or platters.

3. Update Your Cabinetry

Ill-fitting and dated cabinetry can make your already small kitchen look and feel confining and clumsy. If you are lucky, you may be able to get away with adding new hardware and a fresh coat of paint to spruce up your kitchen space. However, it is sometimes necessary to purchase new cabinets.

Ask yourself: are your kitchen cabinets oddly-shaped? Are your walls empty or unused? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, custom kitchen cabinets are worth considering. Along with maximizing space, they will look great as they fit in perfectly with your existing decor and the current space.

4. Optimize Your Work Triangle

The working area from your sink to the stove and refrigerator is often in a triangle. This ensures that they are away from one another, while at the same time making it easy to navigate the space. Consider optimizing your kitchen’s layout for maximum efficiency with the best working triangle possible for your space.

5. Incorporate Light Colours

Neutral and light colours can visually expand the space. You can use nature as inspiration to dictate the palette and bring the outdoors inside. With a light palette on your natural stone kitchen countertops, walls, backsplashes, and millwork, your space will look and feel more open. Even if you aren’t considering a full kitchen renovation, you can invest in light-coloured cooking tools such as pots and pans, cutting boards, and linens. These elements can really add life to your kitchen and make it feel airy and bright.

You may also choose white as the space’s primary colour, as it can help spread and reflect light. This is yet another way to make your space seem bigger. If you have open shelves, you can create a wall of white with white dish sets.

6. Get Rid of Non-Essential Items

When trying to make the most of a tight kitchen space, you will most likely have to get rid of a few items that you don’t use regularly. For instance, if you are a couple, there is no need to invest in a huge space for storage of mugs and glasses; four to five pieces of each should do.

Also, consider what is necessary in your kitchen. This will help you figure out which exact items you can get rid of to free up space.

7. Consider Functionality

When dealing with a small kitchen, the space’s functionality is paramount. This doesn’t just mean cooking. You should be able to store everything you regularly use without feeling like the cabinets have to be crammed. There are many ways to add functionality to your kitchen that help you utilize it to its fullest. For instance, pull-out spice racks can help keep the space organized while ensuring you can easily reach everything you need. Other storage items to consider are benches, appliance holders, and easy-to-reach cabinets.

Remember to consider the overall visual appeal of your kitchen when looking for ways to maximize this much-used space. It is also a good idea to incorporate mirrors in various places, as they can make the room appear bigger than it actually is. With the right imagination and innovative steps, you can make your kitchen work for you rather than the other way around.