Designing a small kitchen can be challenging – but you’ll be surprised of how much you can get when planning it smart

We are used to think of the kitchen as a wide area, intended for both cooking, entertaining and family gathers. Reality is, a lot of us live in small apartments, town houses or cottages that has a small kitchen area. If that is your current life situation – don’t feel discouraged! Small kitchens hold magic to them, and can be functional, well designed and inviting.

Form Follows Function

The iconic phrase made by architect Louis Sullivan is your guide when planning a small kitchen.

Make sure your sink, refrigerator, and stovetop are all easily accessible, and leave as much space as you can for countertop space. Remember: items can be stored outside the kitchen, but you do not want to cut your salad in the living room!

Plan the cabinetry smart

Obviously, storage is a big deal in a small kitchen.

Building the upper cabinets all the way up to the ceiling, will provide more storage space AND make the kitchen look more spacious.

Another trick to make your kitchen feel grander is breaking the cabinetry with open shelfs, or installing glass doors on some of the cabinets. You’ll be surprised of how these small changes impact the overall feel of your kitchen. If there is no window above the kitchen sink, opt to implement those elements above it. It will feel a lot nicer while washing the dishes, and will create the illusion of an open space similar to a window view.

Focus on lighting

Another key element in a small kitchen is lightning.

Lightning has the ability to open up a space, and light fixtures hanged with thought will frame your space so it will look chic and put together. Use sconces above open shelving or a window.
Hang a pendant light over the sink, or a few of them above the kitchen island – if you have a space for one! Lighting will play a major role in helping your small kitchen feel larger.

Kitchen island is not a must

It’s time to say it out loud: Kitchen island is not a must! Sure, it’s nice, but in small spaces it can be an inconvenient obstacle.

If you really need the extra piece of furniture, a kitchen cart might be the answer for you. It is easy to around and can function both for storage and as a work surface.

Functional staging

Small kitchens best kept neat and free of clutter, but you can still add character to them – by choosing well designed everyday essentials. Your toaster, kettle and coffee machine can be both functional and decorative.

To avoid a messy appearance – put away items that doesn’t need to be out all the time. Your blender, mixer etc. better be stored when out of use.

To add warmth and personality, choose accessories that are beautiful and functional.