Having a little kitchen doesn’t mean you have to hold back its potential. You just need a bit of smart planning combined with thoughtful design and you can achieve a space that’s both as stylish as it is convenient.
Maybe you’re working with an awkward layout or a galley-style kitchen and you just don’t know what to do to improve things. Well, in this guide, we will share with you all the practical tips we have gained from years of experience with kitchens to help you create your dream space.
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Embrace Vertical Space
Is your floor space a little tight? The best way to make a small room feel bigger is by taking advantage of height! Not only does this draw the eye up and create the illusion of a more roomy space it also gives you so much more storage. This will help to clear your worktops, making for a tidier and more sophisticated-looking kitchen.
If you want a kitchen that still has a bit of character and uniqueness to it, why not consider open shelving instead of floor-to-ceiling units? By using shelving instead, you keep everyday items more accessible and you can add some extra touches of decor to really personalise your space. Adding hooks or rails is a fun way to store staple kitchen items like utensils or herbs and spices.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
In smaller kitchens, it is smart to have furniture that has multiple purposes. Whether that be fold-down tables, extendable counters, or compact islands with built-in storage that offer more purpose and storage for less space.
Another great option is seats with hidden storage, this still gives you a sleek minimalist feel that also helps to reduce clutter and keep your space looking and feeling organised, not tight and over-crowded.
Hidden sockets are a great way to make your kitchen more practical while taking up no extra space. Maybe you work from home and use your kitchen as a second office, or maybe you love cooking and baking and use all the latest gadgets, if so this is definitely an option to consider.
Quooker taps are also a great investment if you are looking to give yourself more side space. Why not ditch the old, scaly kettle and splash out (pun intended) on a Quooker tap. These taps work exactly like a normal tap but also provide boiling water with the flick of a switch! Still not sure if Quooker taps are worth the hype, check out our blog for more information.
Prioritise Light and Colour
Colours hold a lot of power, especially in small spaces. The right choice can make a room feel much more open and bright, or smaller, darker and uninviting.
Let’s be clear we aren’t saying go paint everything plain old white, but overall brighter, lighter colours will open up your space. Then you can balance it out with fun pops of colour to add personality and creativity back into your kitchen! Picking a gloss or satin finish for your cabinets can also create a similar effect.
Lighting matters. Whether that’s from natural light (if it is we are so jealous, open up that window and let all that light in!) or if it’s from under-cabinet or plinth lighting that’s great too! Artificial lighting can be so versatile, offering a beautiful moody atmosphere come evening time when you might want that softer lighting without having to switch on your main harsh light.
Having the same colour splashback as your worktop is another great way to add a seamless open feel. Using Hanex will give you this exact look, with no joins, just flowing lines, it oozes class and elegance. Or perhaps you have that awkward bit of wall where you’d love more counter-space or you’re in a period home with uneven walls so your surface has never sat flush, this is where Hanex thrives! Bespoke solid surfaces are both as durable as they are beautiful, from modern to country kitchens there’s something to suit everyone.
Opt for Integrated Appliances
In small kitchens’ it’s so easy for big bulky appliances to completely take over and ruin your cute, minimalistic vibe. This is why, where you can, it’s great to opt for integrated models that will give you back your worktop space and look all round, much tidier.
Choosing built in appliances will mean they sit flush within the cabinets and can hide behind a matching cupboard door. There are also great options for compact ovens, slimline dishwashers and under-counter fridges, which if you don’t need a full size verison is a brilliant switch. If you do still need the power of a full size version it’s a good idea to keep an eye out as lots of brands now offer space-saving designs that still function as a full size would! Combining appliances is another option to save space, like using a washer-dryer or a microwave-oven.
With a well-thought out layout and considered appliance choices, small kitchens can still be practical and spacious.
Make It Personal and Practical
Everyone uses their kitchens differently and therefore has different preferences on where they think things should go. That’s why when designing a new kitchen it’s crucial to think about how you live. What’s your morning and evening routine like? Do you cook often or love to host? Knowing this will help to tailor your design so you get exactly what works best for you!
Just think, how do you move throughout your kitchen, what do you always reach for, what appliances do you find yourself using most frequently? Even little switches like moving your bin around and storing your pots and pans closer to the hob can make getting around your kitchen that little bit smoother.
Final Tips and Next Steps
The golden ticket to maximising a small kitchen is all in those small choices you make. Whether that’s adding extra hidden storage or investing in an integrated appliance or just taking down the old blinds that have been shutting out so much light! There are so many ways you can improve a compact space to make it feel more open and far more functional.
We think the best small kitchens have a unique balance of both efficiency and personality within them. It’s so important to make your space really feel like your space! So add your favourite colours and hang your coolest prints, just try out at least one of our tips and see the change for yourself!
If you are ready to maximise your small kitchen but would really love some advice on where to start, please get in touch! From a vast range of stunning new solid surface worktops to quirky appliances that will be so handy you won’t believe how you never had one!
