Few people know it, but kitchen design in a small space doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. With the right approach, you can create the functional and beautiful kitchen of your dreams, even if your floor plan is limited. Here are six tips to help you design and create the perfect kitchen in your small space.
1) Draw Up a Plan
One of the most important things you can do when planning your kitchen layout is to draw up a floor plan. Even if you’re getting cabinets, counters, appliances, and other materials custom-made for your space, having an idea of how everything will fit together (before it’s built) will help you create an efficient cooking environment that feels like home. You may also want to think about where each appliance will go before you have your cabinetry installed; it’s much easier to change these details on paper than after they’ve been permanently installed.
2) Maximize Storage Without Compromising on Style
If you’re designing your kitchen to fit in a small space, maximizing storage is crucial. This means that not only should your kitchen be well-organized, but it should also be aesthetically pleasing as well. When creating your kitchen, keep the following tips in mind First, try to create more countertop space by eliminating unnecessary appliances (like an extra oven or microwave) or cabinets. Second, consider adding pullout drawers and hanging shelves instead of cabinets—they take up less room than traditional cabinets while still providing ample storage options. Third, if you have enough room on your countertops, add built-in shelving there—it will save floor space and provide additional storage without taking away from your kitchen’s design.
3) Use Clean Lines, Neutral Colors, and One Main Feature
If you’re going to design a small kitchen, you need to make sure it feels spacious and airy. This can be difficult if your small kitchen features hard-to-ignore elements like dark cabinets or hideous linoleum tile. One of my favorite ways to open up a space is with clean lines. I love having one main feature that stands out—whether it’s a beautiful backsplash, an enormous window, or (if you really want to go all out) a wall of wine bottles. To keep things cohesive, use neutral colors throughout and make sure everything compliments each other without being too matchy-matchy.
5) Let There Be Light!
Keep your kitchen bright, clean, and airy. The right lighting will make it easier to work with food, so you’ll be more motivated to cook at home (instead of eating out). Bright lights also help increase energy levels—and since you’re already working hard to keep your kitchen organized, why not get a little extra bang for your buck? If possible, try installing skylights or windows that face south or west; they’ll let in natural light while still providing privacy. Plus, they won’t take up any space. Just remember: As counterintuitive as it may seem, small kitchens can benefit from overhead lighting as well. Avoid using under-cabinet fluorescent lights—they tend to cast shadows on countertops and can even cause eye strain over time. Go for LED or halogen bulbs instead!
6) Don’t Forget About Comfort
The aesthetic features of your kitchen are important, but comfort is equally (if not more) important. The best kitchens are those that you feel at home in—and many of these comforts can be incorporated through thoughtful design. Here are six tips to ensure that your small kitchen becomes an inviting space for you to spend time