In recent years, there has been an increasing trend towards large kitchens that offer plenty of space for family and friends to entertain. However, small kitchens can be just as attractive if they are designed efficiently and stylishly.
People who have a small kitchen space to design can still have a great kitchen regardless of the size. The most important factors to consider are how the space is being used, that everything that is needed is there, and that it is designed in the style you want. The kitchen is a work area for preparing meals, so it must be usable for this function.
Storage space is important in keeping the kitchen clutter free. In a small kitchen, creativity can be required to make sure there is enough storage space. There are other ways to make the kitchen look bigger. For the small kitchen to be efficient, the three most important factors are storage, lighting, and appliances.
While challenging to design, small kitchens can be functional and efficient. There are many ways to create and remodel a small kitchen, even if budget is limited and structural constraints exist.
Following an open floor plan can make a small kitchen feel larger where space flows into the living room or dining room. The wall colors can be changed from room to room, which visually separates the rooms. Using bright colors in the kitchen makes it feel more open, as does lots of natural light.
Using glass materials to let light into the area is another way to make the kitchen appear larger. Glass can be used for the counter or table top as well as for the door cabinets. If there is a door to the kitchen, using a glass door offers a view of the back yard or other rooms in the house and can expand the visual space. Reflective glass tiles can create a sparkling effect in the kitchen.
Using paint to make the kitchen look bigger doesn’t have to be limited to the color of the walls. It can also be used on appliances, counters, stools, and even tea towels. The use of light or pastel colors reflects the light and draws the eyes up, making the room appear more open. Using paint in this way can allow for bolder colors to be used on the walls.
Appliances can be scaled down to ensure that whatever is needed fits into the small kitchen. Smaller versions of ovens, microwaves, and kitchen tables don’t take up too much space and are in proportion to the rest of the kitchen.
The wrong lighting is often used in small kitchens, which makes the room feel dark and closed. Pendant lights on the ceiling and fluorescent lights under the cabinets are better lighting options. This visually expands the space by casting light from the countertops and backsplash. A lighter kitchen always appears larger than one with subdued lighting.