Having a small kitchen can be tough. There is limited counter space for preparing foods, and limited storage space to keep all of your pots, pans, and dishes. Not only that, but small spaces can make it feel cramped and uncomfortable. You may also find yourself bumping into your family members who are using the kitchen at the same time.
That said, just because a kitchen space is small, it is not hopeless. There are some great things you can do to upgrade that seemingly tiny space and make it not just more functional, but more aesthetically pleasing, too.
Benefits of a Small Kitchen
While you might complain about your small kitchen, always keep in mind that it can come with some advantages. For example, if your kitchen is small, then it leaves more space for other rooms where you relax, entertain, do homework, and spend time together. Smaller kitchens tend to be more affordable, since there is less square footage to factor into the cost of materials.
Having things close by can make a kitchen more functional. You don’t have to walk across a large room to get a pot or a utensil. Everything is often in close reach. Plus, having a small kitchen can make it easier to renovate. If you want to do that, here are some of the best ideas to make the most out of your kitchen’s small footprint.
Improve the Layout and Flow
One of the issues people have with small kitchens is that they bump into things or have trouble moving around. When you renovate, you can take some steps to improve the flow of the room by adjusting the layout. For example, if your appliances are bumping into the adjacent wall when you open their doors, then consider moving the appliances to the sides so they open to the longer open space.
You can also remove the wall entirely, and instead have an open concept with a counter or island in its place This will provide more work space as well as allow for someone to work on the other side of the counter, where previously there was a wall. This will give everyone more space and ability to move around without getting in each other’s way.
Storage
Storage is another big issue with smaller kitchens. However, even though your kitchen has a smaller footprint, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your storage space. Depending on what is there already there are several options you can try. Many kitchens have bulkheads running along the ceiling. These bulkheads do not serve a purpose, so you can remove them and install cabinetry.
Ceiling to floor cabinets are a good option to use your vertical space. You can place your less-used items up high so that you won’t have to get out a step stool or ladder very often. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, floor to ceiling cabinets can look cramped. If you feel that’s the case, then shelving will help open things up. Corner cabinet units and lazy Susans allow you to maximize hard to access areas like corners. If you remove a wall to create an open concept, you can also install storage under your new countertop.
Colors
Many older kitchens feature mixtures of colors and shades. This can make a space look cluttered and old-fashioned. If you are renovating your kitchen, or are just looking for a refresh, then even just painting it can help it feel more open. White and other very light shades will reflect light, which gives off the illusion of more space. You can also add some pizzazz with splashes of color that will draw the eye and make for a visually stunning space.
Counter Materials
There is limited space, there is a risk of spills from bumping into things and banging cans, pots, and utensils together. Plus, there is less open space so food stuffs and liquids can get caught in the nooks and crannies between counters and the wall. There is also an increased risk of damaging your counters when you are in a tight space, either from an impact or from having to place hot pots and pans on the surface.
Quartz countertops might be the right choice for you. Quartz is heat and scratch-resistant, and incredibly durable. It is very easy to wipe up and clean, and nothing will stain it. Plus, you can have your backsplash by a continuation of your counter. This way there are no crevices where debris can build up.
Lighting
The more natural light you can get into your kitchen, the better. This can be done with a skylight if you are not able to install windows. The goal should be to get your kitchen as shadow-free as possible. Shadows and darkness can make a space look and feel more claustrophobic. Separate banks of recessed lighting will provide a spotlight for you when preparing food or washing dishes, and will also make sure that shadows are kept to a minimum no matter what time of day it is.
Decluttering
One of the things with small kitchens is that they can look cluttered. You may have several small appliances, like the coffee maker and toaster, sitting on countertops. You could have food stocked up in a corner. It’s important that a small kitchen is decluttered as much as possible.
Before your renovation, get rid of anything that you don’t use, or store it somewhere else in the home if you will use it but not often. You can install appliance garages for your mixers and coffee maker and other small appliances. You can also have a specific drawer to hold all the odds and ends that can build up in a kitchen.
A kitchen that’s small in space does not have to be small on functionality or great looks. Consider adding these ideas to your small kitchen renovation plan to get the kitchen of your dreams, no matter what size it is.
