Who says that form and functionality cannot co-exist in the kitchen? Here are some space-enhancing ideas to maximise a
small kitchen.
1. Mirrored backsplashSource: www.housebeautiful.com
If your kitchen is dark and small, adding a mirrored backsplash is a good way to make the space feel larger and brighter. This little spot at the cooking area is a great place for a mirror, as it will allow you to utilise other vertical space for storage.
2. Open shelvingSource: www.apartmenttherapy.com
While closed cabinetry looks neater, open shelves in a small space like the kitchen can visually open up the space. This is because cabinets and solid doors tend to look bulky and heavy. What’s more, open shelves give you easy access to your equipment and tools.
3. White outSource: www.hgtv.com
While some may worry about dirtying an all white in the kitchen, opting for this refreshing colour scheme is great for making a small kitchen appear airier and brighter.
If white is not for you, the alternative is to go for a neutral or pastel colour scheme that include hues such as powder blue, mint, cream and dove grey. These colours give interest to a space without weighing down the room.
4. Let there be lightSource: www.brendahome.com
Leaving the windows unobstructed is a great way to introduce plenty of natural light to the kitchen. If that is not an option, the next best thing is to add more lighting to brighten up and visually enlarge the space.
On top of that, more lighting can make the work zone more functional too. Try adding lighting under cabinets to brighten countertops, as well as more lighting in glass cabinets.
5. All lined upSource: www.houzz.com
Using lines, both vertical and horizontal, on cabinetry and walls are a great way to create the illusion of space in the kitchen. Vertical lines draw the eye upwards, while horizontal lines add depth, making the room appear wider and roomier.
6. Smart storage solutionsSource: www.houzz.com
Small kitchen almost always have a shortage of storage. That’s why you should incorporate clever, space-maximising storage solutions such as corner drawers, pull-out vertical pantries and drawer organisers in your cooking area.
This is ultimately cut down on unnecessary clutter and visual bulk in a tight space.
7. Go for glossSource: www.brendahome.com
Shiny surfaces not only make your kitchen modern and sophisticated, it also has a functional purpose. It actually enlarges the room by reflecting light and widening a small space.
8. Stowaway tablesSource: www.thekitchn.com
If your kitchen is a tight squeeze, how about installing a foldable table that can be tucked away when not in use? This will give you more counter space to use for preparing meals and eating.
9. Space-saving countertopsSource: www.thekitchn.com
If you have a small kitchen, it probably means that you have limited countertop space to prepare food too. So get creative and ask your ID or contractor to design a pull-out countertop to enlarge the stationery counter when needed. This will allow you to whip up large meals when you entertain guests at home.
10. Keep it clean and simpleSource: www.houzz.com
While it is understandable that you may want to use up any available space in your small kitchen for cabinets, shelves and worktops, less is actually more in a small space.
Resist the urge to over-decorate a compact space that will add unnecessary bulk. Instead, stick to clean, simple fixtures that take up as little visual space as possible, such as slim cabinet handles, floating shelves, exposed lighting and a neutral, uncomplicated colour palette.
11. Choose glass front doorsSource: www.theinspiredroom.net
We understand that solid cabinetry works best to keep things neat in the kitchen but did you know that glass-fronted doors trick the eye into thinking that a small space is larger than it actually is?
Just like open shelving, see-through doors make the kitchen appear brighter and airier. What’s more, you can easily see the items stashed inside your cabinets, resulting in a more efficient workspace.
12. If all else fails, distractSource: www.muralsbyles.com
A feature wall in a kitchen may be an unusual choice, but it actually injects interest to a small space while drawing the eye down the length of the room, making it appear longer and more open.
In the same way, a feature ceiling will amplify the height of a kitchen by doubling it and drawing the eye upwards. A bright hue works for a statement ceiling. Or get creative and add colourful wallpaper or a mirrored surface for that visual drama.