Kitchens have been getting smaller for many years now, with this key room within the home shrinking by as much as a third since the 1960s. Whilst this isn’t ideal if you love to cook and entertain, there are ways to maximise space in a small kitchen. Read on to find out more.
Slim down your cupboards and shelves
Narrow cupboards and shelves can help you to make the most of those awkward spaces in your kitchen. Install them in corners and on short walls to create extra storage space for anything from dishware to spices. Slim cupboards with pull-out shelves provide a versatile storage solution for small kitchens. They can be integrated into unused areas like the space around the sink or between the worktop and wall-hung cupboards.
Make the most of drawer space
If you’re looking to maximise space in your kitchen, start with your drawers. Kitchen drawers are very versatile, ideal for storing various items. Many people assume that they can only keep cutlery in them, but they can actually be used in many different ways. One good option is to use them for storing spice jars. As well as freeing up space in your cupboards, it also keeps the jars better organised and allows you to access them more easily during cooking.
Choose light colours
If your kitchen is on the small side, it’s a good idea to think carefully about the colour scheme. Neutral shades are ideal, with off-white, sand or buttermilk colours helping to bounce the light around and make a compact space feel bigger. These colours work well across a variety of themes, from vintage charm to ultra-modern. It may be best to steer clear of all-over white since this can make a smaller kitchen feel cold and unwelcoming.
We also recommend opting for a low-contrast colour scheme if you want to make the kitchen area appear bigger than it really is. This means ensuring there’s minimal difference between the colours of the walls, worktops, cabinets, and woodwork.
Connect the outdoors
A small kitchen can get more than a little cramped once you start adding guests. For this reason, many people choose to connect French doors that lead out to the back porch. This can open up a small galley-style kitchen where friends and family can gather. If your dining area is small, adding a small kitchen table or bistro set can help keep the layout more open.
Install a mini kitchen
When it comes to maximising space in a small kitchen, many people opt for a full redesign. Mini kitchens are a popular option for rooms of all sizes. Expertly designed, they combine cooking, storage and washing facilities in an incredibly convenient and stylish manner. At Elfin, we offer various mini kitchens at a range of price points, allowing you to find a solution to suit your needs and budget. Talk to our team today to find out more about our market-leading small kitchens.
