Design Tips for a Small Kitchen

When you have a large kitchen, it’s easy to spread out and create a feeling of openness. However, you don’t need to have a lot of physical space to have a kitchen that feels big! The main goals for designing a small kitchen should be to make the space look as large and open as possible while simultaneously maximizing the limited available space you actually have. When planning a small kitchen remodel, your approach should focus on getting the most out of these three things:

• Storage
• Lighting
• Appliances

With these small kitchen design tips, you will quickly find that the actual amount of space available in your kitchen becomes less important than what you do with it!

Small Kitchen Storage

The most important thing to consider in a small kitchen is the way you design your storage space, as this can make or break your kitchen’s functionality. To increase your workspace, install deeper countertops with more room for appliances. Consider open shelving as well, as this will provide the same amount of space as standard cabinets while giving your kitchen a much more open feel. Finally, don’t forget to get creative with your space saving storage techniques! Hang pots and pans from a rack on the ceiling to add charm and character to your kitchen while saving valuable cabinet space.

Small Kitchen Lighting

Creatively designed kitchen lighting can add to the illusion of space in your small kitchen. Focus on adding lighting under the counters or cabinets to brighten up your workspace and add depth to the kitchen. In addition, open up the space by adding a big, grand window over the sink or by the breakfast table. This will allow sunlight to stream in and help make the kitchen feel considerably larger.

Small Kitchen Appliances

In recent years, kitchen appliance manufacturers have made huge strides toward making their appliances quieter, more compact and more efficient. Drawer dishwashers, for instance, take up no more space than a regular cabinet and are primarily designed for the lighter loads common to smaller kitchens. Single and double drawer models are also available. Counter-height refrigerators are also gaining in popularity as a place to store drinks, leaving the main refrigerator for food. You can also consider installing your microwave underneath your cabinets to save even more space. Having these types of kitchen appliances could be advantageous, however, if they require repair, you may want to get in touch with a service similar to Kyle’s Appliance Repair that may be able to fix your in-built appliances.

Small Kitchen Islands

In many new houses, even small kitchens are large enough to accommodate a kitchen island. While it may seem like a kitchen island would limit the amount of available space, when used properly it can be a huge benefit. Adding a kitchen island to a small kitchen provides a wealth of storage and space options, allowing you additional cabinet space, eating areas and even a main or secondary sink in what would otherwise be empty and unused floor space.

Other Small Kitchen Design Tips

• Use diagonally placed floor tiles to make your kitchen appear longer.
• Create an eating area that can be tucked into a corner.
• Create a galley kitchen where cabinets and appliances line up on either side of a corridor.

Even if you have a small kitchen, the last thing you should worry about is not having enough space. If you want more space it might be a good idea to consider some bi-folding doors (location of kitchen permitting) to your lawn. If you want additional small kitchen design ideas, visit the Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens showroom in Rockville, Maryland. And if you are ready to start designing your new custom kitchen, call the designers at Jack Rosen today!