Organizing a small kitchen comes with many creative challenges. Balancing functionality and personal style is very difficult when you have enough space, but when you have less space, it's more than that difficult.
While there are many decorating techniques and storage solutions that can be used in small kitchens, you'll also need to make some more practical organizational decisions.
“Lack of space can be frustrating, but a small kitchen can actually be one of the most attractive rooms in your home,” says Jen Nash, Senior Design Lead at Magnet. Masu. “Additional design considerations and innovations are required, so the end result can be a unique space full of character. However, when it comes to these considerations, the space may feel small and impractical. There are some factors you should avoid to avoid this.
Below, we'll take a look at six things you should throw away to make your small kitchen look larger.
1. Oversized dining arrangement
Combining a kitchen and dining room creates a social hub in your home, but if you're designing a small kitchen, you should ditch the large dining arrangement first.
“Cramming in a large dining table and chairs will overwhelm the space and impractical flow. Instead, replace this with a clever small-space dining solution,” says Jen.
When the drop-leaf dining table is not in use, you can free up valuable floor space while folding the arms for comfortable dining when it's time for dinner. Or make the most of empty wall space with slim floating shelves and colorful bar stools. This serves as a great casual dining area with a breakfast bar feel. If you can squeeze the table in, it's always best to choose a rounded design, as soft edges are less obtrusive in tight spaces. ”
2. Duplicate and disposable items
From spatulas to measuring cups, it's very easy to quickly end up with duplicates in the kitchen.
“If you have enough space and storage, you might be able to live in luxury for two, but that's not practical in a small kitchen,” Jen continues. “Scrutinize your kitchen belongings and recycle or donate any duplicates along with anything you don't actually use. You'll be surprised at how much extra space and storage you'll free up.”
“While it's tempting to invest in the latest kitchen gadgets like bagel cutters and egg slicers, it's more efficient to get in the habit of investing in kitchen gadgets that serve multiple purposes.”
If you're not sure whether to get rid of your kitchen utensils or appliances, try the box method. Put it in a box and keep it out of sight. If you need the appliance within a month or two, keep it. If you don't think twice, it might be time to donate, recycle, or sell.
3. Small tiles
“Often in compact kitchens, small floor tiles that are proportionate to the room are considered the best option,” says Jen. “But in a small kitchen, larger floor tiles and thinner grout lines can really change the look and feel of a seamless, spacious room.
“Playing with tile shapes to match your kitchen layout is also a great design trick to create the illusion of more space. For example, triangular grout lines guide the eye along the galley kitchen and Or, if you want to increase the width of the room, choose hexagonal grout lines. These will trick the eye and make you think the space is larger.
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4. Cupboard with one shelf
A clunky cupboard with just one shelf can be a huge hindrance to maximizing storage space in a small kitchen. Most cupboards are manufactured with interchangeable shelves, and even if you don't have great DIY skills, simply inserting an extra shelf can make a big difference in storage capacity.
“Measure your existing shelves, find some new shelves of the same size, and slide them into the cabinet using mounting hooks,” says Jen. “This hack also allows you to customize your shelves, allowing you to stack them at different heights depending on what you want to store there. These new shelves make it easy to store cutting boards and more. It can also be inserted vertically, making it ideal for access.
5. Unbalanced color palette
There is a common misconception that dark colors should be avoided in small kitchens because they make the space feel more compact. However, when used correctly, they can create an intimate atmosphere and a warm atmosphere.
“It's not about avoiding certain colors in a small kitchen, it's about avoiding an unbalanced and monotonous palette,” explains Jen. “When he unifies the entire space with one tone, he makes the space feel one-dimensionally smaller than it actually is.
“Instead, balance out your desired kitchen color (whether dark or light) with contrasting accents like metal handles and hardware, decorative splashbacks and furniture. They add depth and visual interest to a space, and metal accents and accessories are especially effective in small kitchens because they subtly reflect light and make the room appear larger than it actually is.
6. Standalone appliance
Freestanding appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers are bulky and take up a lot of counter space.
“Investing in integrated appliances is a great way to free up floor space and create a more streamlined finish,” says Jen. “They sit flush against the wall and can often be disguised as cabinetry, offering a more stylish and sophisticated aesthetic as well.”
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Rachel Edwards is Country Living and House Beautiful's Style & Interiors Editor, covering all things design and decor, with a special interest in small space inspiration, vintage and antique shopping, and anything related to color. Her work has been widely translated by Elle Japan and Elle Deco Spain. Rachel has spent over 10 years in the furniture and homeware industry as a writer and FF&E designer, and has worked for many years as a marketing manager at Skandium, a cult design retailer. She holds a BA in French and Italian from Royal Holloway and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelaed
