Small kitchens can be tricky to decorate, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of your space and transform it into a place you enjoy spending time in. Here are some great ideas for getting started:
Start by decluttering. Eliminating items you no longer use or need can free up space in your kitchen, creating a more organized atmosphere.
Make the most of your space.
If your kitchen is small, there are several ways to make it appear larger than it actually is. Start by decluttering, then add extra storage space and organize your appliances so everything is easy to locate when needed.
When possible, opt for cabinets that open from both sides instead of deep single-sided ones. This helps keep things within easy reach and prevents items from getting misplaced in the back of the cabinet.
You could also choose a breakfast cupboard with bi-fold or tambour doors to conceal countertop appliances like the coffee machine and toaster. These types of cabinets are great for storing nonperishables as well as other supplies.
Glossy cabinet finishes can give a small space the illusion of being larger by reflecting light around the room and adding vibrant hues.
One of the best ways to make a small kitchen appear larger is by including plenty of windows. Doing this allows for natural light and also makes the room feel less cramped.
Another way to make a small kitchen appear larger is by painting the walls an even color. This will create an open and airy vibe while keeping cabinets looking tidy and organized.
Though you might feel compelled to go all-out and paint an entire wall a vibrant hue, it’s usually best to pick shades that blend in rather than stand out. This is especially relevant for renters who don’t want their security deposit taken away.
Give your kitchen a polished appearance by painting all of the cabinets the same shade of white. Doing so will create an airy and bright space that feels less cluttered than having painted backsplash on the walls.
If you don’t have a lot of counter space, corner shelving can provide extra storage. This will free up valuable square footage by keeping your products organized and close to where you work.
In addition to a pantry, you can also increase your storage by adding wicker baskets or ceiling-high shelves and cubbies. These are perfect for stowing away items that aren’t typically kept in the main kitchen such as cookbooks and less frequently used tools.
Declutter.
The kitchen is the heart of most households – it’s where we cook, store food, eat and socialize. Unfortunately, it can become a hub of clutter quickly.
To keep your kitchen organized, begin by decluttering. This is the quickest and simplest way to make space more manageable and avoid getting stuck with kitchen organization issues.
First, toss any duplicate gadgets (a garlic press, for instance) that you no longer use or tupperware that has damage, missing lids or doesn’t fit in cupboards. Keeping everything in your cupboards or pantry that you don’t use is not only wasteful but unhealthy as it could serve as a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
Once you’ve taken inventory of all of your tableware and cookware, consider whether anything hasn’t been used in six months or if it hasn’t been used for over a year. Either way, it could be time to donate it or give it away.
It’s essential to be realistic about how much food you can actually fit into a small kitchen. In many cases, it makes more sense to simply throw away some items that no longer serve you, such as expired condiments and leftovers.
Once you’ve determined what needs to stay in your kitchen, prioritize what items need to be kept there and find a home for them. This could include storing silverware, dishes and utensils separately in an organized drawer or cabinet.
If you don’t have enough storage space, investing in smart solutions that take advantage of what you have can make meal planning and preparation much smoother. For instance, if your upper cabinets are limited, consider trading some for open shelves or opting for glass doors instead.
When selecting colors, opt for natural tones like wood or earthy neutrals. This will add a freshness to the room and give it an inviting vibe.
For a brightening effect in the kitchen, add under-cabinet lighting or recessed lighting in the wall. This will enable you to see ingredients better while prepping and cooking.
Add storage.
Enhancing storage in your kitchen is the ideal way to make it more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re remodeling or just rearrange existing space, there are numerous ways to increase the capacity of a small kitchen.
One of the best ways to maximize storage in a small kitchen is by taking advantage of vertical space. This could involve hanging racks and shelves from the ceiling, installing floating shelves on walls, or installing cabinets and drawers high up along one wall.
In addition to vertical space, you can also utilize the area under your cabinet doors. This could be used for storing spices, canisters or other items that you need frequently but don’t have enough room for.
You can also utilize dividers to organize the space inside your cabinets. Doing so will help keep things tidy and prevent them from becoming a disorganized jumble.
Another way to add storage is by installing hooks or baskets on the walls. This can be especially useful for storing utensils and other lightweight items that may not fit in your kitchen cabinets.
A magnetic knife bar can be an ideal solution for increasing storage in a small kitchen, as it accommodates cooking utensils of all sizes. This stainless steel bar can easily be mounted on the inside of your cabinet door for convenient access to pots and pans as well as knives and cutting boards.
Anita Far Above Rubies used the ends of her cabinets to store cutting boards and colander, but you could also hang a shelving unit from the end of your refrigerator for an easy yet cost-effective extra storage solution in small kitchens.
Finally, you can maximize the storage options in your small kitchen by investing in a multi-purpose island or cart. These can be tailored to meet individual needs and provide extra room for items like spices.
When it comes to increasing storage in a small kitchen, creativity is key. Utilize vertical space for creative storage solutions that look and function great together! The more organized and functional your kitchen storage, the better it will look and function overall.
Organize your appliances.
Appliances are essential components of a kitchen, from blenders to toasters and coffee makers. But keeping them organized can be daunting if your space is limited. Though it may seem like an extra step, organizing your appliances will pay off in the end by creating an organized and efficient space that’s user friendly.
First, decide where the major kitchen appliances will go. This gives you a good idea of their optimal placement in your space and makes it simpler to decide where smaller appliances should go.
Next, organize your small appliances according to how often you use them and discard any that aren’t essential. Items like rice cookers, juicers and egg poachers can take up valuable kitchen space when not in use.
If your refrigerator cabinet has a deep compartment, consider storing less-used appliances there to free up counter space and keep clutter out of your kitchen. If there’s no extra cabinet near the sink, consider placing these items behind the counter for better utilization of that valuable counter area.
Stacking baskets on top of your fridge can help with storage. Here, you can store extra dish towels, dried goods and fresh fruit to free up countertop space.
Another excellent way to organize your small appliances is to store them in closed compartments such as drawers or closets. This will reduce clutter in your kitchen and give it a sleek and modern appearance.
Rolling island carts can provide extra counter and storage space in small kitchens. Being on wheels makes it convenient to move away when not needed.
When organizing your appliances, apply the same principle you would when organizing clothing and linens: functionality must come before aesthetics. Sort silverware, plates, bowls and cups by category then move on to pots and pans as well as cooking tools like spatulas and whisks. Finally, prioritize go-to appliances like coffee makers or toaster ovens according to priority. Once all your essentials are organized in an efficient way, you’ll have a well-organized kitchen in no time!