Designing a kitchen can be a daunting task. It’s especially difficult to get all that want out of you kitchen if you have in a small kitchen. With more and more urban development, downsizing and economical houses, the need for efficient design is greater than ever. Never fear! Here are some tips and tricks to consider for making the most from your small kitchen design.
Optimize the space in your small kitchen design
I was taught as a kid that there is a place for everything and everything should be in its place. Easier said than done but if you keep your kitchen organized, you will reduce the clutter that will make a small kitchen feel even smaller. When designing your kitchen, make use of all your space by using blind corner shelves, filler pull-outs and toe kick drawers. These give you access to all the nooks and corners that are usually neglected or seen as dead space.
Think Vertically!
Many of us think that there are lower and upper cabinets and that is all that is available. If you have higher ceilings, there is an area of free space that you can utilize as storage and display in your small kitchen design. Consider installing additional cabinets above your upper cabinets.
With glass front doors and cabinet lighting, you can display your nicer or more interesting wares. You can also build up your open walls with shelves for even more storage. Another solution could be a hanging pot and pan rack. This will free up more space in your cabinets. Just make sure to hang it high enough that no one hits their head!
Multi-Function Elements
One tip to maximizing your small kitchen is to find multi-functioning elements. For example, use an island or peninsula for both food prep as well as a place to eat or work. Using stools that can be easily stored or stacked out of the way can help make your kitchen more flexible and less cluttered.
Small Kitchen Design: Bright and Shiny
Don’t be afraid of color. With any space, using bright and shiny finishes will give the illusion of more space. Keep your colors bright and reflective and your small kitchen may not feel so small. For a modern look, try painted cabinets with a gloss finish or glass backsplash tiles. You can also utilize contrasting finishes to catch your eye and keep your kitchen exciting. If you have access, install a nice, big window to let in all that wonderful natural light. Adding cabinet lighting can also bring more shine to your space to make it pop.
Designing your kitchen involves a lot of planning. Make sure you know your budget and stick with it. Don’t take all your tips from TV shows. Some of them make things look unrealistically easy. There are many things that can go wrong from plumbing and electrical mishaps due to incorrect or unsafe installations. Hiring a professional will help prevent many of these issues.
When looking for a professional, do your homework! Look at industry professional organizations such as NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) or NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). They are a great resource to see who has established themselves and has put the time and effort in to be a legitimate member of the industry. Research who you will be working with. Read past reviews and check references if available. Make sure that they are licensed to work in your area. Working with a professional will make the process smoother and much less stressful.
Give us a call at (215) 675-5000 and speak with one of our representatives. They can answer any of your questions and we can come out to give you a free initial consultation.
Veronica Hansen – Interior Designer @ LBK