Want more from your small kitchen? We could all do with a little more space, but that’s not always an option. Fear not, improvements can be made without building an extension or knocking down a wall.
Making the most of a small kitchen is possible with some creativity and smart thinking. If you’re on a budget, simply changing your color scheme or lighting can make a big difference. With a little more to spend, changing the layout or installing new units can transform it.
Next, we explore some of the best ways to optimize a small kitchen space.
Change the design
The layout of your kitchen is key because it determines the useful space and practicality. If the current arrangement is inconvenient, plan an arrangement that suits your needs. This could include installing new modern kitchen units or simply reconfiguring the existing set-up.
Without the luxury of space, features like kitchen islands and peninsulas may not be viable. Instead, look to make work surfaces as accessible as possible by including more freestanding items and making the most of vertical space.
mess up
Most kitchens just need a good old mess to reveal hidden potential. As the centerpiece of many homes, they are often burdened with possessions needed from time to time. See if you can reduce clutter by selling or donating unused items, or simply storing them elsewhere in the house until you need them again.
Go around your kitchen and make a list of everything you haven’t used in the last month or two. Consider whether you really need these items or if they can be sent elsewhere to free up space. If everything is essential, you may need the following advice…
Optimize your storage
A kitchen that doesn’t have enough useful storage can quickly become overwhelming. There may be space that you forget existed because it has been hidden or obstructed for so long. Look to optimize your storage as much as you can to maximize functional space.
For small kitchens, swapping out closed cabinets for open shelving does wonders to open up the room. Create more storage space, add practicality and create a charming feeling. Make the most of open walls for hanging and shelving to free up worktops too.
New lighting and colors
One of the simplest improvements you can make to your kitchen is to revamp the color scheme and lighting. Lighter colors often make rooms feel more spacious, an easy but effective trick without having to make any significant changes.
Poor lighting can make or break your kitchen design, so make sure you have the right levels of brightness and hues to complement your fixtures and fittings.