Small But Mighty Kitchen Design
Image Credit - Pinterest
We all dream of a large kitchen with sky-high ceilings and natural light flooding through huge windows. While small apartments and homes offer plenty of charm, they tend to be lacking when it comes to kitchen space - the reality is, most of us who reside in the city make do with small, oddly shaped kitchen spaces. But it doesn't have to be so bad! Being short on square footage should never inhibit your kitchen's design potential. In fact, with the right small-space solutions and stylish design ideas, it doesn't matter what size your kitchen is - It’s all about working with the layout of your space, whether your kitchen is confined to a single wall, U-shaped, or tucked in a corner. Getting your cooking space into tip-top shape, both aesthetically and functionally, is just a few creative ideas away from being a reality. There are plenty of tricks and clever DIY solutions (open shelves! rolling kitchen islands! overhead pot-and-pan storage! persian vintage runner!) which will help save space and turn a small galley kitchen into the cooking space of your dreams. Whether you’re renovating and starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your existing space, you’ll want to give these a try!ADD A PREP AREA
Image Credit (left to right) - Pinterest
Dealing with a narrow space? Just because you have a small cooking space doesn't mean you have to de-prioritise the decor in your kitchen to make it functional. If your kitchen is small, you likely won't have room for an island or breakfast nook. Think about creative and functional ways you can bring in a table that can do double duty as a spot for prep and dining. Even a narrow console can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook. If you have an L-shaped kitchen which faces a blank wall, why not make use of it? Install a floating table for extra counter or dining space - it can fold down to be flush with the wall when not in use.
REMOVE UPPER CABINETS
Image Credit (left to right) - Pinterest
Do you really need all those extra bowls? When space is at a premium, you need to make sure every inch counts. Think creatively when it comes to storage to maximise your kitchen space and efficiency. Decluttering your kitchen, keeping only what you need, is the first space-saving design hack to utilise. In a small kitchen, open shelves are both aesthetically pleasing and extremely functional. The prettiest items are displayed on the exposed wall-to-wall shelves, and the less attractive essentials can be tucked away in the cabinets. Plus, open shelving makes it so much easier to access dishes and glassware.
KEEP YOUR MATERIALS COHESIVE
Image Credit (left to right) - Cutler Kitchen & Bath, Pinterest
Even a small space can look sleek and put-together. Create the illusion of more space in a small kitchen by painting the cupboards in the same colour as the walls - it’ll help your kitchen look more streamlined. Skip bulky hardware on your cabinets and drawers and instead go for panel-ready appliances and match them to the cabinetry and countertops for a minimalist kitchen. Going monochrome will make it feel like a jewel box. But if you prefer your kitchen to feel light and airy, opt for a neutral colour scheme that will bounce light around, making the kitchen feel spacious.
BOLD TILING
Image Credit (left to right) - Architectual Digest, The Spruce
Are your wild aspirations in check? You can still be a master chef in a little space - small kitchens just need some smart design ideas to make them stylish yet practical. In a small kitchen, you may not be able to go all-out with appliances, but you can definitely incorporate bold tiling. A striking pattern on the floor distracts the eye, making the room feel bigger, and an intricate monochrome wall tile draws you into the compact space without overcrowding the walls and surfaces.
ADD A RUNNER
Image Credit (left to right) - Home Desa, House and Home
One design-forward thing pretty much anyone can do in their kitchen is add a runner to the mix. Fun, colourful runners were practically made for long and narrow galley kitchens. Yes, your kitchen — as long as you approach it the right way, a rug can make a great addition to your space. And if your kitchen seems a little too much like a workspace, a soft, tactile rug can help it feel more like a welcoming part of the home. Kitchens come alive with vintage rugs, natural textures, and timber features. Persian-style runners are having a moment, and for good reason: when you can’t decide what colour you want for your space, a vintage Persian runner that features almost every shade of the rainbow is where it’s at. Whether dramatic or subtle, a dose of pattern adds energy and personality to a room, even without introducing any colour.
Will you be using any of these small kitchen ideas to create your dream space?
