Small kitchen
A large kitchen conjures up an idea of opulent luxury and delicious flavors and aromas. For the latter, however, you don't need a lot of space at all. In fact, a small kitchen can be incredibly practical if you design it cleverly. By thinking carefully about how to use the space, you can ensure that you have enough room to prepare complex meals. You can then eat them together and still have enough walking space. You don't even have to compromise on the quiet and tidy atmosphere, with these tips you can create the kitchen of your dreams in a small area.
Small kitchens need the right color
The first aspect that can easily create a spacious feeling is color. A small space becomes even more stuffy if it is dark. Therefore, it is wise to give your small kitchen light colors. If you do not like white, you can also choose pastel colors and other fresh shades such as yellow and light green. Light colors reflect more light which makes cooking easier and makes the space seem larger. In addition, they give a fresh impression that will make food taste better.
The best small kitchen design depends on the space available
Most small kitchens are not only small but also awkwardly shaped. Therefore, it is important to be creative with the space you have. For example, the optimal layout of a narrow enclosed kitchen space is very different from that of an open corner kitchen. Always carefully consider how much walking space you have left with a u-, l-, or corner kitchen. It is important to be able to move freely while cooking. You can use extra space by installing fold-out countertops.
A small u kitchen makes the most of a quadrangular space
If you only have a small space available for your kitchen, it is important to make the most of it. A u kitchen helps you do that by making the most of all the wall space. For example, you walk into a kitchen that has work and storage space on all sides. If you arrange this space well, you will have everything within easy reach. It is important to make smart use of the entire height of the room in doing so.
Small narrow l kitchen
If your kitchen gets a little cramped with cabinets on each wall (like in a u kitchen) then an l kitchen or a corner kitchen might be a better option. The difference between the two is that in an l kitchen, one of the sides is a bit longer than the other. With this shape, you keep more walking space between one side and the opposite wall. You can make narrow shelves or shelves on that wall.
A small corner kitchen with possibly a kitchen island
A small corner kitchen is the perfect solution for a narrow or open space. More and more homes have a kitchen that opens up to the living space. In that case, a u kitchen is not an option. A corner kitchen can take full advantage of a corner in this space. If you want to create more work surface then you can add a kitchen island, bar or a higher table to the space. This can then serve double duty as a dining table when you no longer need the surface for food preparation.
Creative kitchen inspiration for a tiny kitchen
If you've ever been in a houseboat, tiny-house or RV you know that it's very important to use as many spaces as possible for different purposes. The same goes for small kitchens. For example, you can create a bar under which stools can be slid. During cooking, this serves as an extra work surface that you can easily walk around. Any cooking helpers can sit on the other side and cut anything you hand to them. When it's time to eat, pull a cloth over it and slide out the stools or chairs to create a dining table for four to six people.
Small kitchen ideas
It is important to look carefully at the available space in your kitchen. Based on that, determine what fits best. You can solve a lot by installing open cabinets and shelving instead of deep closed cabinets. For example, it is super convenient to have a rack above the sink(s) where you can later dry and leave the dishes. Similarly, you can place racks above your cooktops for oil, spices, soy sauce and other things you use when cooking yourself.
The best layout for a kitchen in a small space
The walls of an average kitchen are more than two meters high. Often a good portion of this height is not used effectively. When designing, dividing and organizing your small kitchen, you can gain a lot by doing just that. For example, you can use the highest spots to store appliances, pans and other items that you rarely use. You can use a stepladder that also doubles as a stool for an extra person. That way you can still reach all the stuff that is just below the ceiling without much effort.
Inspiration for storage space in a small kitchen
Cabinets make the room seem smaller, especially if they are located at the top, at eye level. If you don't want too much cabinet space, it makes sense to opt for a few extra-long and tall cabinets. In them, you can use the easily accessible heights for built-in appliances such as a microwave and oven. Above them you have space for all sorts of things you don't use often and below them is room for things like pans, oven dishes, trash, etc. A tidy kitchen automatically looks bigger.
A small kitchen is best designed with built-in appliances
When decorating and shaping a small kitchen, it makes sense to spend some extra money on appliances that save space. For example, you can invest in a boiling water faucet. This eliminates the need for a kettle on your countertop. A good combi oven that doubles as a microwave will free up an entire shelf. You also have all sorts of different options for the dishwasher. This is usually on the floor, but you can also choose a small dishwasher that fits in one of your cabinets.
