Looking to maximize the functionality and style of a smaller cooking space? This article explores the best kitchen makeover ideas and inspirations to make the most of compact kitchen areas, from layout hacks to clever storage solutions.
Prioritizing an Efficient Kitchen Layout
When designing a small kitchen, you need to prioritize an efficient layout. It is always best to try to work with the structures you have, as it is expensive to change pipes and wires. But if you do end up changing the layout, look into how you can maximize natural light, such as knocking down a wall or adding in more windows.
Popular Kitchen Layouts for Small Spaces
There’s quite a few layouts that you can choose from, but the most popular for small kitchens are:
- Single wall
- Galley
- Island kitchens
- L-shaped layouts
Single Wall Kitchens
The single wall kitchen, also known as the straight or one-wall kitchen, is when everything is put along one wall, including appliances, cabinets, and countertops. They’re mostly seen in very small apartments and studios when there’s an open plan living area, as they have a very streamlined and unobtrusive appearance.
The main downside of this layout is that there’s often limited countertop space, and it can be difficult to implement an efficient work triangle.
Galley Kitchens
A galley kitchen has two parallel walls of cabinets and countertops with a walkway in between. It is a classic layout that is very functional and is perfect for long or narrow rooms.
What is best about this layout is that they have highly functional work triangles, as the sink, stove, and fridge are so close to each other. They also tend to have more storage than other kitchen layouts because of the parallel walls, but you have to make sure these kitchens have proper ventilation, as cooking odors can linger in narrow spaces. You also have to ensure that there’s adequate lighting, as its layout can sometimes feel cramped.
Island Kitchens
In an open concept layout, an island kitchen is a great idea, as it will serve as a focal point and define the kitchen area while still maintaining an open feel. They’re also quite multifunctional, as an island can be used as a prep area, dining table, or homework station, which is perfect when you’re short on space.
However, if you do want an island, you really have to take into account space constraints. You need a minimum of 1 m around the island so that there is enough room to move around. If you don’t have enough space for that but really need extra working space, it may be a better idea to get a small workbench or a portable option like a trolley workbench and place a butcher block on top of it or even get a butcher.
L-Shaped Kitchens
L-shaped kitchens are usually seen in medium to large spaces, but this layout can also be used in small spaces. The L shape always makes good use of corners and can be fitted with specialized cabinets like lazy Susans to maximize storage. It also supports an efficient work triangle and can accommodate multiple people working in the kitchen at once without getting in each other’s way.
The biggest downside is that countertop space can be limited when an L-shaped kitchen is scaled down for a small space.
Small Kitchen Design Tips
Every inch counts in a small kitchen, and keeping the space clean and tidy can make a huge difference to how functional and enjoyable the space is.
Maximize Storage with Base Cabinet Drawers
When it comes to designing a small kitchen, it is always better to have base cabinet drawers instead of cabinet doors. With cabinets, you tend to just have a big open space, but with drawers, you can easily access the things you store at the back. You also don’t have the space to stand back and access deep lower cabinets in smaller kitchens.
The Only Exception here is under your kitchen sink where a cupboard is by far the better choice because of all the pumping. If possible, try to get quite a few different drawer Heights so you can store bulkier items like all your pots and small appliances.
Drawer systems like the Bloom’s tendem box are great, as they offer full extension and soft close features, making it easy to access everything in your kitchen. Also, consider getting toe-kick drawers to maximize your storage space. They don’t have much depth, but you can store thin products that you don’t use too often like baking trays and cooling racks.
Custom Cabinetry
The good news with smaller space is that there’s less to fill, so if you have the budget for it, consider going for custom Cabinetry. Having said that, if you have a relatively straight wall with no awkward Nooks or Corners, then a quality flat pack can do the job as well.
Thoughtful Traffic Flow
You have to put a lot of thought into traffic flow for small kitchens, as there’s such a limited footprint. Firstly, consider where you’re putting your appliances. People are usually situated where an appliance is, so it’s important to avoid placing all your appliances in the same area to prevent major flow issues.
Think about how your kitchen work triangle is going to be set out. If you haven’t heard of this before, placing your sink, stove, and fridge in a triangular layout optimizes kitchen efficiency and functionality, as it minimizes unnecessary movement. Each part should ideally be between 1.2 to 2.7 M apart so they’re not too close or too far away, and the sum of all three legs should be between four and 8 m.
Having said that, the kitchen triangle should be used only as a guide, not a be-all and end-all approach with the idea behind it being flow and efficiency. You also need to make sure you’re not placing any of these components in inconvenient spots. You may have a well-spaced-out kitchen work triangle, but if the stove or sink are placed at the end right next to a wall, it is not going to work out.
You also have to be mindful of your dishwasher placement. It is best to place them near the sink so you can easily rinse dishes. You also want to put your kitchen bin near the sink so you can easily scrape food scraps before rinsing your plates and loading them into the dishwasher.
As for Cabinetry, remember to have your upper cabinet door split in half; otherwise, they’ll be too wide and will impede traffic flow when open.
Artificial and Natural Lighting
Getting your lighting right is crucial for a small kitchen as will not only make the cooking experience better but can also make the small space feel larger. When it comes to artificial lighting, you need a mix of ambient Tusk and accent lighting. Using recess ceiling light is perfect for General lighting. You only need two or three of them in a really small kitchen, but be mindful of their placement if you’re using them as task lighting.
Under-cabinet lights are a popular option for Tusk lighting. They’re great for illuminating your countertops, as upper cabinets can cast very hard Shadows onto your workspace and make it hard to see at night time. Another way to incorporate task lighting is to install a wall conon with a directional shade over a sink or food preparation area.
If you have an island kitchen or even a galley kitchen, you may choose to install a pendant light as accent lighting. They make a great focal point above an island and add lots of visual interest as there are plenty of sculptural feelings on the market, just make sure they’re not hung too low. You don’t want people hitting their heads on them, especially if they’re over an eating area. That’s why it should typically be at least 36 to 42 in between the bottom of the light to your countertop.
As much as artificial lighting is important, maximizing any available natural light you have is arguably even more important. Consider installing a skylet or fulllength Windows. If that is not possible, clean up your existing windows so more natural light streams in. Glossy finishes and mirrored backsplashes can also help, but that comes down to your preferred aesthetic.
Frugal Appliance Choices
Clutter always makes a small space feel smaller than it is, and countertop appliances are often the culprit in kitchens. That is why you should try to be frugal with your appliances. Go through everything you own and pick out only the essentials or non-negotiables, then try and find a place in a cupboard or drawer so the rest can be hidden away.
You really should only have things that you use every single day on your counters. Alternatively, try to coordinate your small appliances so they look cohesive instead of a bunch of random shapes and colors.
It’d also suggest that you look for smaller-size appliances. Do you really need a full-size fridge if there’s only one or two of you? Maybe choose a Slimmer fridge instead. Majority of small spaces are located in the city with convenient access to grocery stores, so you likely won’t need as big of a fridge as the family of four who lives in Suburban areas.
Same goes with other appliances like dishwashers, could you get maybe a half-size dishwasher? There’s single drawer dishwashers available, which are handy in small spaces.
Paint Colors and Finishes
Small kitchens need to look or feel bigger, but if you want them to, here’s a few tips. Light paint colors can make a space look bigger, but again, don’t feel like you have to stick to a lighter palette. There’s nothing wrong with a bolt or darker kitchen if that is what you prefer, but in general whites, ivories, creams, light grays, and soft pastels work best.
You may even want to investigate the LRV of your chosen paint color. This stands for light reflective value, and it measures how much visible and usable light is reflected from a painted surface. The higher the number, the more light that is reflected. You can generally find this value on the manufacturer’s website.
Same goes with backsplashes, lighter colors can make a kitchen appear larger. It’d also suggest painting your cupboards the same color as the walls so they blend together and create a sense of calm. Same goes with Timber panels, make sure the bottom and upper cabinet are in the same material.
Alternatively, you can play with optical illusions by playing with tones that is darker tone for the base cabinet and lighter tone for the upper cabinets, this will add a sense of height. It’ll also consider shiny and reflective materials and finishes, as they can help reflect light further. For example, mirit backsplashes are a popular option and are particularly great if they’re opposite a window or a view, as they’ll create the illusion of a space that extends further than the constraints of your space.
If you do go down this route, make sure it is a specialized heat-resistant mirror made for backsplashes.
Cabinet Handles and Shelving
There are many options when it comes to cabinet handles and knobs, but It’ll also explore going handleless for small kitchens. You can either get a push-open cupboard or true handleless, which is the preferred option as there are less moving Parts. A J-type handle is also popular, for example, Ikea has a Vox torp line, which is quite Sleek in an oak finish.
It’d also suggest opting for flat front shredded and Shaker-style paneling. They’re more minimalist and are easier to clean.
Take your cupboards right up to the ceiling rather than stopping short and leaving a huge gap, as will only end up Gathering dust or getting filled with random stuff that will only add to the feeling of there not being enough space to store everything.
If you want to incorporate open shelving, look into bracketless shelving. They significantly reduce visual clutter and can be made to size. They typically attach to wall STS and fit beneath drywall, so they have to go in during construction. Shelfy has a great range that you can look into.
Wall-Mounted Faucets
Wall-mounted faucets can be great in small kitchens, as they allow for a slightly bigger sink, which may be valuable in a small space, but be mindful of the height and depth. If a wall-mounted faucet is too high, water will Splash everywhere, and if it is too low, you won’t be able to get your large pots underneath it.
Unfortunately, these faucets cost more to install, and maintenance can be more tricky if a problem does arise, so that is a trade-off to consider.
Conclusion
Small kitchens can be challenging, but with the right mindset and a bit of creativity, it’s entirely possible to transform these compact spaces. By prioritizing efficient layouts, maximizing storage, optimizing the work triangle, and carefully selecting appliances and finishes, anyone can create a functional and stylish kitchen, no matter the size.
