Style Tips For Small Kitchens

A tight kitchen may have some limitations, but a well-designed space--no matter how small--can be efficient, elegant, and inviting. Here are some helpful tips for making the most out of the minimum!

Utilize Space

Function is first. Every kitchen requires room for food preparation, while some may also serve as dining areas. Whatever your needs may be, these tips can help.

Fill your space with mobile furniture that won't interfere with cooking. A folding drop table and wheeled serving cart will stay out of the way until you choose to use them.

Take advantage of vertical space by installing wall cabinets that extend towards the ceiling. Using consistent colors will prevent you from a closed-in look.

Keep pots and pans on a hanging rack instead of inside cabinets. You'll open storage for other items while creating a professional restaurant look.

Store less commonly used appliances (such as fondue pots and bread makers) outside of the kitchen, when possible. If you only use an item twice a year, there’s no reason to have it take up valuable storage real estate in a high traffic spot.

Create an Illusion

Now that you've made the most of your space, the next step is to make it seem like you have more.

Recessed lighting will make a space appear larger than it is. Many find it to be a more pleasant alternative to harsh overhead lighting.

Keep the floor color similar to cabinets and appliances to make space seem wider.

Make sure the flooring and wall design smoothly transition into the next room to avoid a choppy look that boxes off each area.

Choose sleek furniture that lets light shine through and brighten the kitchen.

Celebrate Your Style

There's no place like home, and no place that feels more like home than your kitchen. No matter how tight your space may be, there's always room for personal refinement.

Match your oven mitts and towels to your kitchen design for a clean, simple style that serves a purpose.

Hang decorative mugs on a rack for a display that frees cabinet space for other items. This lets you play around with your display (everybody has a collection of gifted coffee cups!) while keeping commonly used items in easy reach.

Use matching utensils for a cleaner look that doesn't feel cluttered.

Your home might be smaller than you’d like, but with some smart planning, the design possibilities have no limits. Take a step back from your space and make sure you’re getting the most out of it. You’ll be surprised by just how much you can do.