If you live in a small home or apartment, you know that having a small kitchen can be a bit of a challenge. There are ways to make the most of a small kitchen and still be able to cook and entertain. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a small kitchen.
8 Ways to make the most of a small kitchen
1. Get organized
If you have a small kitchen, it’s important to keep it organized so that you can make the most of the space. Keep things off the counter and use vertical storage to maximize space. Use shelves and cabinets to store dishes, pots and pans, and small appliances. Keep often-used items within easy reach so that you can quickly find what you need. With a little bit of planning, you can have a small kitchen that is both functional and stylish.
2. Keep it simple
When it comes to small kitchens, the best strategy is usually to keep it simple. That means fewer appliances, fewer countertop gadgets, and less clutter in general. A small kitchen can still be highly functional if you’re strategic about how you use the space.
One way to make the most of a small kitchen is to choose appliances that serve multiple purposes. For instance, a toaster oven can do double duty as a mini-oven for small casseroles and roasting vegetables. A blender can also be used to make soup, smoothies, and sauce. Another space-saving tip is to use your walls wisely by hanging pots and pans on a pot rack or using wall hooks to free up cabinet space.
3. Get rid of clutter
Clutter is often the enemy in a small kitchen because it can make the space feel cramped and cluttered. To make the most of your small kitchen, it’s important to keep things organized and free of clutter. If you haven’t used something in six months, chances are you don’t need it. Donate or sell items that you no longer use or need.
4. Maximize storage space
In a small kitchen, storage space is limited. There are a few things you can do to maximize the storage space you have.
- First, take advantage of vertical space. Install shelves on the walls to store pots and pans, spices, and other cooking supplies. Hang coffee mugs and other cups on hooks under cabinets. Use racks or hooks to hang towels and oven mitts.
- Second, use multifunctional furniture. A small table with drawers can be used as a prep space and for extra storage. An ottoman with built-in storage can be used as extra seating or for storing blankets and pillows.
- Third, use creative storage solutions. Hang pots and pans from a pot rack suspended from the ceiling. Store spices in mason jars on open shelves.
5. Utilizing Open Surfaces Effectively
Open surface design is a technique that maximizes the open surfaces in a given space. This technique can be applied to any type of room, but it is most commonly seen in kitchens where there are many appliances and tools that need to be stored. Open surfaces are not just attractive because they tend to look clean and modern, but also because they make it easier for people to find what they need and use them efficiently.
Remove Coverings: Upstairs and downstairs, remove any hanging coverings or curtains that are not needed. This will create more open space in the rooms. If you have an office with a window that is big enough to see out of, take down the blinds and drapes so that you can enjoy the view more fully.
6. “Let there be light”
One way to open up a small kitchen is to let in more light. If your kitchen doesn’t have much natural light, consider adding some skylights or windows. You can also use lighter colors on the walls and ceiling to reflect more light and make the space feel larger.
7. Utilize the Walls
Walls are an excellent way to make a small kitchen look bigger. You can add a splash of color with an accent wall, or use it as a space to display your favorite art pieces, photos, and other personal items.
Some creative ideas for walls:
- Use the wall behind your stove as a place to hang your pot and pans.
- Create a gallery wall on the side of your refrigerator with framed photos of friends and family.
- Hang wire shelving on the back of one of the walls in your kitchen to create more storage space.
8. Paint the Ceiling
Many people leave the ceiling white because it’s easy to clean and can be painted quickly. When you’re dealing with limited space, however, it’s best to use other colors or patterns. Even if you have a large home, there should always be a little bit of contrast in the room.
In a small apartment, using a pattern on the wall is an easy way to make the space feel cozier. If you’re trying to save money and can’t spend much on your paint job, repeating patterns are also a good option.
If you’re painting your walls yourself, I recommend looking for some other options online or from the store before you get started. If you’re uncomfortable with the process, a professional can do the job for you. There are a lot of different things that you can do to spruce up your walls and make them your own.
Conclusion
When it comes to small kitchens, it’s all about efficiency. By utilizing a few key design tricks, you can make your small kitchen feel cozy and inviting while also keeping it functional.
