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Dual purpose pieces and good internal storage will make the most of cupboard space. Weigh up the pros and cons of tall units over worktop space – small double galleys often benefit from one side of tall cabinets teamed with one run of base units opposite. There is certainly an appeal of having a statement farmhouse basin or a double sink, but in a small kitchen, they just aren’t practical if you're trying to make the most of your space. And due to the wider profile, they will instantly make your kitchen feel smaller. While a large kitchen can carry multiple design elements, a small kitchen works better when you limit the number of finishes you use – keep things simple and timeless for a space that endures. Maximizing a small kitchen involves introducing as many stylish space-saving solutions as possible.
EMBRACE UPLIFTING COLOR

"Using all cupboard and shelf space appropriately and using depth space. We use clear stacking containers and bins that are properly labeled so each item has a home and is easy to find." Counter space is often limited in small kitchens, so do what you can to save space. Incorporating playful touches into your small kitchen instantly creates more character and dimension. For example, this funky backsplash placed behind the stove in a design by Rodeheaver creates a warm and inviting place to cook. If your small kitchen has enough room for an island, consider keeping it open underneath. "This keeps the space from feeling too crowded and blocky," says Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors.
Opt for a small sink basin
We recently finished a kitchen where even the countertops were oak but decided that might be too much of a good thing here,’ adds Thomas. Try installing open shelving into alcoves, placing pull-out carts between cabinets and appliances, or installing lazy Susans in your corner cabinets to make the most of all available space. If you've been blessed with big windows in a small kitchen, the worst thing you can do is cover them. If your kitchen doesn't receive any sunshine, add multiple sources of artificial light to illuminate work and dining areas.
These 7 Kitchen Trends Are Already Coming in Hot for 2024 - ELLE Decor
These 7 Kitchen Trends Are Already Coming in Hot for 2024.
Posted: Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Tile
A slender frame detail, as seen on the door fronts of this kitchen designed by Tamara Magel, feels more in balance with the small space than a chunkier design might. ‘I also like the fresher look of plain fronts on drawers in a small kitchen – it helps prevent the classical cabinetry from appearing too busy,’ adds Tamara. Whether your kitchen design is modern, traditional or country, you'll find ways to infuse personality into small spaces. Try experimenting with checkerboard floors, layering in vintage accents or taking a kitchen backsplash all the way to the ceiling. Swap upper cabinets for open shelving (a great hack for galley kitchens) or go big with artwork (it can easily become the focal point). Whether you live in an apartment, condo or your house is lacking kitchen space, this photo gallery is full of design inspiration to steal.
Storage Essentials to Better Organize Cabinets
Similary, a hutch placed in an adjoining dining room provides a designated place for pieces you use both everyday and for special ocassions. Trays are a simple way to improve organization in your kitchen while ensuring everything has a place to live. Cutting boards can take up precious drawer space, so consider keeping them on display instead. Choose designs that are beautiful and heighten the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Top 6 Kitchen Design Trends for 2024 According to Experts - Country Living
Top 6 Kitchen Design Trends for 2024 According to Experts.
Posted: Sat, 03 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cabinet styles and colors are one thing but cabinet hardware is a simple way to completely transform the look of your kitchen. For example, a North-facing room can make some whites, especially whites with blue undertones look cold, unenticing and no bigger in any way, shape or form. In this scenario, a darker color that carries over the architectural woodwork – and even onto the ceiling – can be far more effective at making a small kitchen look bigger. ‘Using different cuts of oak, such as the character grade and rift-sawn here, brings richness to this space.
Simple slab cabinets sans bulky knobs and pulls will help streamline your space and create a sleek, modern look. Plus, you won't have to worry about your belt loops catching on your cabinet pulls when working in a tight space. Mirrors reflect light and trick the eye into perceiving a space is larger than it actually is — plus, they look great while doing it.
Have It All With a Rolling Kitchen Island
Use it to store dishwashing and cleaning essentials, or consider one that's dedicated to cooking spices. Cocktail accoutrement can take up quite a bit of valuable real estate in an already tight kitchen. Consider creating a nearby space for all your bar-related goods, including glasses, shakers, decanters, and the alcohol itself. This creates a new focal point in your space and is an opportunity to infuse some of your own style. If space is very tight within the kitchen itself, don't be afraid to leverage space in adjoining rooms to get more storage. In this small kitchen design, Ami McKay of PURE Design utilized shelving on the opposite side for cups and other kitchenware.
Decorate with a cohesive color palette
You could also paint or replace dark or fussy cupboards with simpler fronts in paler shades. If your wall-hung units are in good condition, you might consider simply removing the doors and painting the carcasses to transform them into open shelving. For more hints and tips, read our expert guide to the best cabinet styles for small kitchens. Before getting started, it’s definitely advisable to do an inventory of everything in your kitchen, and discard or give away anything that you don’t use or isn’t in good working order. That way, you’re only dedicating that much-needed cabinet space to items that really need to be there.
Or, go for subtlety and be aware that toning down your choices just a little can still be really effective in a small kitchen. ‘If you have to use your counters, get pretty stackable boxes to store items on the counter while still looking pretty and keeping surfaces clear,’ she suggests. I grew up in a very old house in North Carolina and am still influenced by the rustic, charming, antique and aged elements of a home. Sustainability and longevity is extremely important to me and I believe learning to reuse materials or purchasing items you’ll love forever goes a long way.
From efficient storage solutions to crafty paint tricks, these tiny kitchen ideas prove there's hope yet for achieving all the functionality of a giant kitchen in a compact space. If you're looking for more design inspiration to spruce up your kitchen, check out our kitchen cabinet gallery and kitchen remodeling ideas for the latest design trends. You might find that, after culling a some possessions, you can afford to dispense with some or even all of your wall cabinets, which will instantly make your small kitchen feel bigger.
“These alternatives provide a smooth surface that can be easily customized with paint or wood veneer,” she says. Jennifer Verruto of Blythe Interiors recommends thinking beyond solid wood for cabinet options which, as she describes, can be vulnerable to heat and humidity, leading to warping. Courtnay founded Creative Tonic Design in Houston, Texas in 2006 with a passion for weaving brilliance into her surroundings and composing vibrant environments that invite celebration. She believes that more is splendidly more and delights in sharing her vibrant approach to celebrating everyday moments.
Creating a fuss-free, family-friendly design is easy with handle-free cabinetry. Available in a variety of finishes, from hi-gloss white to textured woods and ceramics, it’s a style that works beautifully in both modern and period properties. In this kitchen, the ribbed white sink mimics the ribbed glass of the cabinets, which makes the tableware visible without being entirely exposed. Kitchen flooring like this becomes the feature of the room and is best used when the units and walls are plain in color, that way there’s no creative clashing. There may be little choice, though a galley kitchen is often your only choice – even in an open plan area.
Keep small appliances off the countertop to make room for meal prep, and consider adding a fold-away counter if you're needing more space. You can even take advantage of your kitchen ceiling by hanging your pans from a ceiling rack. Open shelves are a great addition to small kitchens if you're wanting to 1) take advantage of vertical wall space, and 2) have easy access to kitchen essentials, like plates and glasses. Open shelves provide much-needed storage to a small space without the bulkiness of traditional wall cabinets.
If you don't have the space for wall-to-wall open shelving, go for small corner shelves. Designer Kate Lester created instant storage by hanging three reclaimed barn wood shelves. Extend the kitchen counter to include just enough space for two bar stools, which actually face away from the kitchen. To save on counter space, Union of Art Interiors also creates a cubby for the microwave to live. From the butcher block countertop and moody green cabinets to the cafe curtains and glass pendant light, this small kitchen — designed by Sarah Stacey — is packed with vintage charm and character. A slim pullout cabinet installed near the sink or oven can provide more storage space while helping you stay organized.
If your actual kitchen is small, there may be a small crevice or awkward nook that can be reworked into additional kitchen space. Try a panel-ready fridge, which means the appliance comes with a custom cabinet panel so it blends seamlessly with the rest of your space. Here, a mini fridge hides behind the light gray (Gossamer Veil by Sherwin Williams) cabinets. Bring a bold backsplash all the way to the ceiling to emphasize the height of a room. If your kitchen doesn't allow for a full-size dishwasher, consider a compact option instead.