In a small kitchen, the reality is skimpy counter space, a cramped work triangle and precious little space for appliances. If you are not ready, or willing to knock down walls to create more space for your kitchen, you can do the next best thing: create the impression of a larger space with a few strategic decorating tricks. The problem of creating a fabulous kitchen simply comes down to what you can fit and where. In order to create efficient kitchen design in a small kitchen, you need to work on three major areas: storage, lighting and appliances. Small kitchens may appear to be a design challenge, but they can also be functional, stunning and efficient. Have a look through our vast collection of small kitchen design ideas and prepare to be inspired to create your dream kitchen! -
ViaUse smaller and more compact appliances. Appliance manufacturers offer more compact space-saving appliances to make small kitchen design easier, such as refrigerators that are 24 inches deep instead of 30 inches deep. Appliances such as microwaves can be hung underneath cabinets to save counter space.
Use a pullout cabinet. This pullout cabinet works great in small kitchens as a dual-purpose storage and chopping block that can be moved to the center of the kitchen and put away when not in use to save space.
Remove clutter. Don’t crowd counters, shelves and cabinets with clutter, which makes the space look as though it’s bursting at the seams. Instead, focus on a few standout items and necessities and hide the rest away.
Sometimes less is more. Reduce your clutter and create open shelving where you can display your plates and utensils.
Incorporate open shelving. Open shelves reduce visual weight and lend the illusion of a more expansive space. For an even sleeker look, choose floating shelves over models with brackets.
The galley kitchen. Using a galley kitchen design, the cabinets and appliances line up on either side of a corridor. This can works great for a small kitchen!
Paint cabinets the same color as the walls. Limiting the cabinetry and the wall color to a single hue erases visual boundaries that might stop the eye. The conventional school of thought is that pale colors will reflect light and make the space feel bigger, and that’s certainly a safe approach. But don’t be afraid to go dark, either. Deep tones such as black, navy, charcoal and chocolate recede visually and create the impression that the walls are farther back than they really are.
Direct the eye upward. Choose patterns and visual elements that help to guide the gaze toward the ceiling. The vertical lines of the wall and ceiling boards in this kitchen lend the impression of greater height.
Recess storage. Tuck a pantry, shelving or cabinets flush with the wall to keep from obstructing the kitchen’s flow. It’s fairly easy to retrofit a recessed niche, especially if you orient it between wall studs.
Choose furnishings with a small footprint. Select petite islands, slim chairs, streamlined stools and narrow tables that don’t eat up valuable floor space. Avoid chunky furniture legs or thick bases, which add visual bulk.
Design with clean lines. Big corbels, ornate cabinetry and fussy details can make a kitchen feel chopped up. Instead, keep the elements tailored and sleek to smooth out the look and create a roomier feel.
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