Have you got a small kitchen that’s desperately in need of brightening up? If you think a small kitchen limits your options when it comes to kitchen design – well, obviously there are a few restrictions. You do have to use creativity to make an impact in a tight space, but with a little imagination, practical advice from kitchen design experts, and realistic expectations, you can have a fabulous kitchen at any size.
Top tips from kitchen designers about maximising a smaller kitchen space include:
1. Plan the room carefully. It’s actually harder to design a smaller kitchen and fit everything in than it is to let your imagination run wild with a huge space. Think of maximising storage using clever solutions like the MultiMatic system from SieMatic which really makes the most of awkward cupboard spaces and restricted rooms – and is completely customisable to suit your room.
2. Make a wish list. Get busy on Pinterest and come up with ideas for everything you’d like in your dream small kitchen. You won’t be able to have it all, but from your dream list you can start slimming down your list and when you’re ready, present your designer with a list of must-haves to work with.
3. Don’t be afraid to spend on appliances: Good quality appliances like Gaggeneau, Miele and Wolf will add a touch of luxury along with reliability. So you can’t have a fabulous island kitchen just yet – you can still have a top of the range freezer, or a fabulous cooker. Many of the top European appliance brands are well known for their space-saving ability along with energy savings and oodles of style.
4. Keep your counters clutter free. Investing in great storage will give you the option to have some of your more stylish gadgets out on show, while hiding the everyday things away from sight.
5. Keep lighting compact too. Pendant lighting looks stunning but can take up a lot of space in a room and somehow make a small room look even more cramped. Go for recess and under cabinet lighting, spotlights and cleverly placed lighting that makes the kitchen look bigger rather than smaller.
6. Keep it simple: A minimalist style is what works best in a small kitchen, with simple lines, minimum fuss and nothing that takes up too much room. Clever cabinets that keep everything hidden away, coupled with efficient storage will give the illusion of more room that there actually is.
For more advice on making the most of any size kitchen, speak to the experts at Paul James Studios.
