Designing a kitchen is tricky whatever the size of the room, but designing a kitchen for a particularly small space is an even bigger challenge. These design ideas should make your task a whole lot easier and ensure that your finished little kitchen looks bigger and functions better as a result.
Small kitchens can be colourful, Flamingo roller blind, English Blinds
Be clear about what you need in your kitchen
Firstly, you need to work out exactly what you want in the kitchen - a hob, oven, sink, fridge, freezer, storage and worktop and eating space will likely be your main requirements. Then look at which of these areas you can double up. In the photo above, the kitchen table serves as extra prep and serving space, for example. To minimise your appliance space, opt for a combo fridge/freezer and an oven that doubles up as a microwave too.
Wimbledon Modern Shaker Kitchen by Brayer Design
Take kitchen units right up to the ceiling
When you're thinking about how to design a small kitchen, it makes sense to take the units right up to the ceiling to maximise storage, yet this is something very few people think about doing. Largely because most off-the-shelf units don't extend that far, that's why in a small kitchen it can pay in the long-term to spend a little bit more and buy bespoke. You might need a ladder to reach them, but those three or four extra storage cupboards will be worth climbing for.
MosaiQ Storage System, Rational
Turn your kitchen walls into extra storage space
Incorporate shelving, hooks, rails or magnetic fixings to any bare kitchen walls to create additional storage space. Here, the otherwise redundant wall is used to hang utensils, condiments and cloths.
Kitchen featuring Karoo Bar chair and Niku pendant light by Brabbu Design Forces
Be reflective
Use reflective surfaces such as glossy unit fronts, stainless-steel appliances and mirrored splashbacks to bounce light around your little kitchen and make it feel brighter and more spacious.
Mahlzeit Stone Grey Kitchen, Rational
Integrate appliances and consider slimline versions
To make your small kitchen feel sleeker and more spacious opt for integrated appliances. Fridge/freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and tumble driers can all be hidden behind unit doors. If you're struggling to get all your large appliances in, some white goods now come in slimline versions too and you can now even get dishwasher drawers, which take up much less space than traditional versions.
GoodHome Datil Door Shelf pan lid holder, B&Q
Make use of the inside of unit doors
Use the inside of kitchen unit doors for spice racks, dish cloth storage or even saucepan lids, as seen here.
You asked how to design a small kitchen, we hope that these design tips will make your little kitchen look great and work brilliantly. Add your tips in the comments.
You asked how to design a small kitchen, we hope that these design tips will make your little kitchen look great and work brilliantly. Add your tips in the comments.
