Having a small house or condo can feel satisfyingly quaint and cozy, just the right size in so many ways. But if the kitchen is too cramped, it gets frustrating fast.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many ways to make your small kitchen look and feel bigger than it really is. By applying some simple design ideas, you can make the most of your space—and fall in love with your kitchen all over again.
Work with Your Current Space, or Remodel: You Have Options
Thinking creatively is the key to making the most of your small kitchen floor plan. Using clever hacks that take advantage of limited countertop and wall space can transform even the tiniest kitchen into an area where you’ll love cooking, making memories and everything else you expect to experience in one of the most important rooms in a home.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your kitchen or completely redesign it, consider these tips on how to change its layout and design to maximize your available space.
1. Brighten It Up
Changing the color and lighting of a kitchen is a simple, low-cost solution that can immediately make a dark, small space feel roomier. Current kitchen remodeling trends for making it look more spacious include white paint and new lighting designs.
A white kitchen never goes out of style. It matches everything. You can achieve this look with wall paint, light-colored cabinets, and white floor tiles. Plus, when you add better light fixtures and keep windows free of clutter, you increase the room’s brightness, which automatically makes things look more spacious.
2. Bring in Some Art
Adding a piece of artwork to any room raises your interior design appeal a notch or two. Include a framed photograph or painting of the appropriate size in your kitchen.
Geometric patterns can also produce the illusion of a larger space. Look for ways to incorporate bright patterns in features such as backsplash, flooring, and dishware.
3. Add a Prep Cart
Although it’s convenient to have an island or butcher block for prepping meals, a lot of small kitchens simply don’t have room for one. But a rolling prep cart can be placed adjacent to the kitchen to add more workspace. Move it in and out of place as you need it, or use it as your coffee nook.
4. Get Rid of Clutter
Keeping countertops, cabinets and drawers free of clutter is another way to immediately create more space in a small kitchen. If you’re not using old plastic containers, recycle them. Toss out those half-used spice packets and outdated condiments. Give away or store appliances you rarely use. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable room that feels spacious and soothing.
5. Hang Your Coffee Mugs
A simple trick that adds more space and enhances decorative flair is hanging your coffee mugs. There are several ways to do this, such as installing a rack under the cabinets, purchasing an attractive mug tree for the countertop, or mounting a mug rack to a wall.
6. Add Mirrors
Mirrors are often used in bedrooms or bathrooms to create the illusion of a larger space. Why not do it in the kitchen? Create a roomy feel by hanging a large mirror or creating a mirrored wall. Reflective backsplash and cupboard designs can also generate that larger kitchen feel.
7. Switch to a Single Sink
If it fits into your budget, consider replacing a double sink with a single sink. This can give you much-needed counter space. Single butler sinks are currently trendy, and they’re perfect for small kitchens since they are deep enough to handle multiple pots and pans without taking up a lot of room.
8. Choose Smaller Appliances
Reducing the size of your refrigerator can give you more counter space and room to maneuver as you cook. Yes, you may need to visit the grocery store more often to accommodate the smaller storage space—but the food will be fresher and you’re likely to waste less too.
Another space-saving hack is to install a compact dishwasher. They run about 25% smaller than standard dishwashers, giving you several inches of added room that can make a huge difference in a small kitchen.
9. Remove a Wall, or Remodel
An open concept kitchen can completely transform your entire home. Consult with a remodeling company to see if you can safely remove internal kitchen walls to provide more space. Building a knock-out addition or finishing a basement or attic can also give your home more room, making it easier to expand the kitchen.
Turn Your Kitchen into Your Dream Space
Upgrading your Minnesota home is one of the best ways to make your lifestyle more enjoyable and practical. So, when you’re ready to upgrade your small kitchen, our team at Iron River Construction is here to make the process easy.
Our home remodeling projects are carefully planned and designed to give you the best outcome and ensure you love the results. Discover how our kitchen upgrades can create lasting value for you.
