If your kitchen is on the small side, fear not. You, too, can have big style in a small space. With a focus on function, careful material choices, and a little creativity, your dream kitchen is possible — regardless of size. Check out our top five design solutions for tiny kitchens.
Stay focused. When space is limited, make meal preparation — the No. 1 job your kitchen — the focus of your redo. Look for tailor-made appliances, such as reduced-sized refrigerators and stoves, and single-basin sinks. No island? No problem. Consider a butcher block-topped cart that can be rolled out when needed and put away when not in use. Maximize storage by using drawers instead of cabinets.
Keep things clear and open. When counter space is at a minimum, it’s important to keep clutter at bay. Store what you can in drawers. Overhead cabinets may offer storage, but they also can make the room feel closed off. Consider replacing the cabinets with open shelves. Neatly stacked dishes can look surprisingly stylish. If that’s not an option, replace the cabinet doors with glass fronts. The glass works as a visual trick to keep things open and light. You can use this same trick with tables and chairs—the clear versions create the illusion of openness.
Pick great materials. You may discover you can afford options that might be cost prohibitive in a larger kitchen. Great granite? Yes, please. Beautiful hardwood floors or a top of the line faucet? Check. Don’t be afraid of going bold with splashes of color. Be sure to select materials that coordinate with each other. Because your space is smaller, any clashing will be obvious.
Brighten and lighten it up. By keeping your color palette light, adding great lighting, and using reflection to bounce light around the space, your small kitchen will feel more open. A tile backsplash is a great opportunity to add reflection, but mirrors and shiny appliances also work. Include a variety of light sources in your kitchen, from ambient to task lighting. Consider including pendants and other overhead lighting to replace standard builder-grade fluorescent lights. This change alone will make a huge difference. Add unexpected touches, such as under-cabinet lighting.
Go high, go low. Drawing attention to the height of the room will help your kitchen from feeling too closed in. If you have windows, consider hanging window treatments near the ceiling to draw the eye up. And don’t forget about the floors. A beautiful hardwood or cork is a great choice. If these are out of your budget, check your options in vinyl or laminate.
