subject: Small Kitchen Design Tips [print this page] Small Kitchen Design Tips Small Kitchen Design Tips
If you could change just one thing about your kitchen what would it be? The top request on most people's wish list is more space! Trying to design a small kitchen so that it contains all the essential equipment you need, is easy to work in, and also looks attractive, can seem an impossible task. But, with a little imagination and know-how, even the smallest and most uninspiring of kitchens can be improved.
If you are designing a new small kitchen, the best tip is to have a handmade bespoke kitchen fitted rather than choosing a ready-made kitchen. A professional joiner will be able make the most of the available space even those awkward gaps and still incorporate features that you would normally associate with larger kitchens.
Other useful tips for small kitchens include:
Use light colours and reflective surfaces. They appear larger than dark, matt surfaces.
If you want to eat in the kitchen use a drop leaf table that takes up little space when not in use.
When shopping for new appliances look at the smaller models of fridges, dishwashers, ovens etc. Don't buy larger than you actually need.
Don't block natural daylight. Use roller blinds rather than curtains at the window and consider swapping a solid kitchen door for one that is partly glazed.
Fit pull-out racks to floor cabinets to maximise available storage space and make it easier to find everything.
A built-in counter, with room to store chairs or stools underneath, can be used as an extra worktop and double as a breakfast bar.
Don't clutter worktops with appliances that aren't in constant use. Keep rarely used gadgets at the back of cupboards or on top shelves.
Free up storage cupboards by hanging up saucepans.
Check if extra shelves could be fitted into cabinets.
Use spotlights to direct light where you need it most.
Only keep your everyday crockery, cutlery and glasses in the kitchen. Store special occasion dinner services and your best champagne glasses elsewhere.
If your kitchen really is too small for comfort, but you don't want all the upheaval and expense of moving house, why not call in a kitchen renovation expert and see if enlarging your kitchen might be a practical option. If you have an adjoining dining room or utility room, removing the dividing wall could provide a more useful open-plan area. Or perhaps you could have an extension built on to one wall to give you the extra space you need.
Look for a professional building company, experienced in working with all shapes and sizes of kitchens, which offers free consultations. You might discover that your small kitchen is actually full of big possibilities!
