subject: Small Can Be Beautiful Even In Your Kitchen [print this page] What most people want in their kitchens is workspace and storage space. If you have an area that is small to start with, achieving these two
"wants"can be challenging. Your kitchen remodel can make your kitchen look and feel more spacious by the choices you make in appliances, fixtures, and lighting.A small kitchen is considered anything smaller than 10'x 10', though the long, narrow galley type kitchens might have more square footage.
Considerable room is taken up in the kitchen with the sink, drain boards, appliances, and counters. The first rule of small kitchen remodeling is buying to scale. Rather than waste counter space with a big 36" farm sink, you can use a 24" single bowl style that takes up less room; if you have a dishwasher, this might be enough sink space. You can also save space with a corner-mount model. Refrigerators are often 30" deep and 30" wide, but you can find them "counter deep" or 24", the depth of standard cabinets, and 24" wide, if this size will store enough food for your family. Stoves are usually 30" wide, but you can find smaller sizes. When smaller works for you, you will gain more work space and walking room.
Depending on how your space is laid out, you may be able to put your refrigerator around the corner in a hallway. While this is not as convenient as having it in the kitchen, this location may allow you to get a bigger unit if you need it, as well as have more space to open the door. Such a space may be a good place for a pantry or other planned storage.
Even though your space is compact, you want enough storage space to keep dishes, pots and pans, and appliances out of view. You can use the height you have available by installing tall cabinets, as well fit your cabinets with roll-out shelves and lazy Susans so you can use all the space. An alternate approach you might like is to remove the top cabinet doors and convert the cabinets to open shelves. This offers a light and airy look, but it won't work if you are a pack rat. If you have room for a small island, this can offer storage space, work space, and a breakfast bar.
Aside from maximizing the space, you can also create the illusion of more space. Light-colored paint on the walls and light cabinets will make the kitchen look larger. If you have windows that let in natural light, this will help brighten the kitchen, but well-placed fixtures can do the trick too. You can even add under the cabinet or under the cabinet lighting to illuminate workspaces make the kitchen look bigger. Mirrored backsplashes or mirrored finishes on the cabinets will make the place look more spacious too.
Small can be beautiful, even in kitchens. With a proper layout, great lighting, and a good use of space, your Des Moines kitchen remodel can make even your small kitchen a joy to work in.
