Big Kitchen Design in a Small Space
Don’t let a small space keep you from having the kitchen of your dreams. We have some tips and tricks to put big kitchen design in a small space.
Massive islands, separate dining rooms, twin Sub-Zero refrigerators, walk-in pantries. These things come to mind when we think of planning our dream kitchen. Unfortunately, for many of us, we just don’t have the space to incorporate such things in our new kitchen design. Removing walls, or combining rooms might just not be an option for us.
Don’t let this discourage you! A small kitchen doesn't mean that you have to settle for one lacking style and function. Kitchen Associates would be happy to work with you in creating your dream kitchen, no matter the size of your project or budget.
Clever Planning
Of course, smaller spaces have their own set of challenges. Clever planning and smart decisions are essential. You need a realistic view of what to include in your new kitchen. There is a good chance that you don’t need all of the items currently taking up valuable space in your cabinets and drawers. The famous rule applies here, if you have not used it in over 1 year, you probably never will. Get rid of it! Set aside the most space to your most used items.
By placing more visually dominant items, such as large refrigerators and cabinets, on the furthest wall, when you enter the room it will appear larger. Tall cabinets are a great way to maximize your wall space for storage. Place your least frequently used items on the top shelves.
Give serious thought to your color choices as well. Lighter colors will tend to make a room look bigger. If you have your heart set on darker colors, use this for the base cabinets, and choose a lighter color for the wall cabinets or other elements at eye level.
For a greater sense of space you might want to consider using open shelving for some areas instead of wall cabinets. Deeper than standard base cabinets can make up for the loss of storage. The deeper countertop will also provide more space for small appliances and other items while still leaving room for meal preparation. Don’t forget about the storage potential of the open cabinet ends. In these areas can be place shallow cabinets or shelves to store, glasses, mugs, jars, or spices.
Give serious thought to your color choices as well. Lighter colors will tend to make a room look bigger. If you have your heart set on darker colors, use this for the base cabinets, and choose a lighter color for the wall cabinets or other elements at eye level.
Smart Storage
Internal Storage options have come a long way in recent years. According to Beautiful Kitchens magazine, “Compared to 15 years ago, kitchen cabinets now offer 25% more usable storage.” This is possible due to ingenious new internal storage solutions, glides, carousels, racks, and specialty mechanisms. Feel free to view and play around with a number of these offerings in Kitchen Associates’ beautiful showroom.
Choosing adjustable systems will allow you to customize your storage options, maximizing valuable space. Keep your eye out for hidden storage potential. Why add a panel, when that space can be used to store a few items? Even seemingly small areas can be the perfect place for sheet pans, trays, or other narrow items.
Choose the Right Appliances
An 8 burner Wolf range will probably not be the smartest option for a small space. Most appliance makers offer compact versions of their products.
“Sometimes a well designed smaller appliance can actually hold more than a larger model. The latest fridge freezers offer more interior space within a standard footprint by incorporating thin wall insulation technology.” - Gino Grossi, Refrigeration Product Manager - Samsung.
Some appliances can also be used to store various items when not in use. Look for ways to make them work double duty in both storage and function.
We hope these tips have helped open your eyes to the potential that your small space has in being transformed into a stylish and functional kitchen space. Feel free to browse our beautiful 2 floor showroom to get some more ideas, or contact us for a free design consultation.