Do you have a small kitchen and dream of making it look organized, elegant, and comfortable? Well, this is for you! Today, I’ll share easy-to-implement ideas to make a small kitchen look stylish and functional. If you are new here, I’m Houssem, the developer of this site and passionate about architecture, interior, and lighting design. Welcome to our New design community! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter because you can’t miss the upcoming design lessons.
Go for Light Colors
In small spaces, it’s essential to opt for light colors. These tones reflect more light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. If you have very dark and old wood cabinets, consider painting them in light tones. This will not only lighten the space but also modernize and stylishly enhance their appearance. Cover your walls with tiles in soft light tones, and paint the ceiling white to emphasize the height of the area, creating a fresher ambiance and amplifying the natural light. This sense of height contributes to a more spacious and airy feel in the room.
If you love color, feel free to use it! Just opt for soft tones to create uniformity throughout the space. Choose colors with a high light reflective value on a scale from zero (which absorbs all light) to 100 (which reflects all light). The higher the number, the more light your walls will reflect, helping you maximize natural light in your kitchen. When selecting your kitchen color, consider this reflective value to choose the brighter version of the color you love. You can find this information easily on the paint swatch.
Have a Kitchen Island That You Can Move
Versatility and multifunctional elements are essential in small spaces. In your kitchen, ensure you have enough surfaces for food preparation. Consider adding a mobile island that can be positioned according to your needs; it’s a practical addition, particularly in kitchens with minimal counter space. Not only does a mobile island provide additional surface area, but it also offers valuable storage for your kitchen utensils. Use it as an informal dining table or a serving table when entertaining guests in your home.
For inspiration, observe this example of a mobile island and how it has been styled. You can attach it to the wall to free up space, and its wheels allow for easy positioning, facilitating better workflow in the kitchen. Take note of how functional elements, such as cutting boards, pots, books, and baskets, have been used to enhance the island’s decor. Choose an appropriate size that allows you to move the island around easily and navigate through the space comfortably. Be sure to measure your kitchen and the intended position for the island to select the right size, ensuring that you don’t overcrowd the area.
Cabinets with Invisible Handles
Modern handles are beautiful accessories that can elevate your kitchen’s aesthetics. However, in a small kitchen, it might be best to forgo traditional handles altogether. Handles can take up valuable space and may become obstacles to maneuver around. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, look for designs that incorporate handles directly into the cabinetry, such as eat-in pulls or push-to-open mechanisms. This choice will give your kitchen a modern, clean, uniform, and airy feel.
If you’re working with an existing kitchen and can’t change the design entirely, consider swapping out large, outdated handles for a more minimalist style. This simple update can instantly enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen, making it feel lighter and more contemporary.
Don’t Overdo It with Upper Cabinets – Try Open Shelving
To create a more inviting kitchen space, avoid overcrowding by limiting the number of upper cabinets. If you’re working with a small kitchen, think about incorporating open shelves. These not only enhance the lightness of the area but also give a sense of spaciousness. This trend works particularly well in open-concept designs, where the kitchen flows into the dining or living room. Just remember, if you choose this route, it’s important to embrace order and simplicity to maintain a harmonious look.
Take a look at this kitchen that seamlessly integrates into its surrounding space. The open shelving provides a modern touch, setting it apart from traditional kitchens while beautifully complementing the room’s decor. Consider illuminating the shelves; this not only draws attention but also brightens up your workspace. Plus, this design can be a more budget-friendly option than installing upper cabinets across the kitchen. If you already have upper cabinets that you can’t change, why not try painting them white? This simple trick can lighten the space significantly, creating a cohesive look with the ceiling.
Use Vertical Space
In small kitchens, it’s essential to utilize vertical surfaces effectively to organize and make kitchen utensils easily accessible. Consider choosing accessories that can be mounted on the wall to help free up counter space.
For instance, you might install a magnetic wall knife holder, a magnetic spice rack, a paper towel holder, or any other space-saving accessory. However, be mindful not to overcrowd your walls with these items; doing so may lead to a disorganized and cluttered kitchen appearance.
Illuminate Your Space
One important aspect to consider is proper kitchen lighting. Light serves as a valuable ally in any small space. To enhance your kitchen, it’s essential to incorporate different layers of lighting. This not only ensures functional use of the space but also creates a comfortable and safe environment while you cook. Here are some helpful ideas to effectively illuminate your small kitchen:
To enhance your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics, consider incorporating task lighting under your cabinets. Options like individual under-cabinet lights or LED strips can create a uniform lighting effect that fits within your budget, making food preparation easier and more enjoyable.
If your kitchen flows into the living room or dining room and features an island, take full advantage of this space. Hang one or more stylish lamps above the island, ensuring they are positioned thoughtfully to avoid obstructing sightlines and allowing for easy movement around the area.
Don’t forget about the potential for decorative lamps above the sink or food preparation zone. This not only maximizes your wall space but also adds a touch of elegance to your small kitchen, helping it look both functional and stylish.
Functional and Decorative Pieces
Another essential trick in small kitchens is decorative pieces that are also functional. For example, invest in wooden cutting boards so you can decorate the countertop. If you need a basket to put fruits and vegetables, choose pieces that are functional but also contribute to the aesthetics of the kitchen. If you have liquid soap, try incorporating dispensers that provide visual order and beauty.
In small spaces, we must be much more careful with the details. It is better to have few elements but of better quality and aesthetics.
Organize Inside the Cabinets
When discussing kitchens, it’s important to prioritize organization and order, especially in smaller spaces. To make the most of your cabinets, consider incorporating these helpful organizational tools:
-Pot and lid organizers
-Shelf risers
-Drawer organizers
When it comes to choosing accessories for your kitchen, an ideal place to shop is IKEA. This store offers a wide array of accessories and details that can dramatically enhance the functionality of your kitchen while helping to declutter visible areas. Additionally, Amazon is a fantastic option for practical items like trash bins that can conveniently be hidden under the sink. I personally have one of these bins at home, and I find it very practical.
Cabinets to the Ceiling
Consider bringing the upper cabinets up to the ceiling as a clever visual trick in small spaces. This design choice emphasizes the vertical lines of the room, while eliminating the dust-collecting gap that often appears between the top of cabinets and the ceiling. Not only does raising the cabinets create a more integrated look, but it also enhances the kitchen’s overall architectural feel. If you’re in the process of building your home or planning a major kitchen renovation, this design tip is worth considering.
For those who already have extra space above their cabinets, make the most of that area! One alternative is to utilize decorative baskets or boxes, which can draw attention and add a stylish touch. This storage area is perfect for placing items that you don’t use on a daily basis, allowing you to keep your kitchen looking organized and inviting.
Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors and reflective surfaces give a feeling of spaciousness because they reflect the space and amplify natural light. If your kitchen is tiny, you can use this trick by hanging a mirror over the sink to create the effect of a window or use it as a backsplash. It’s an out-of-the-ordinary idea, but it can work very well to give the feeling that your kitchen is more spacious than it is and can provide a sophisticated and formal look.
Look at this example here: they use mirrors as a backsplash. Notice how it reflects the outside space and natural light. It looks as if the room has a window in that area. It also gives a sense of depth. Best of all, mirrors are inexpensive and easy to clean, and they come in various finishes and colors. Even antique mirrors can give any small kitchen a romantic and chic look. If you are going to opt for this idea, don’t overdo it. Choose a specific area where there is more natural light and make it the focal point.
It should be noted that, like mirrors, glossy surfaces reflect light, helping to create a visual sensation of more space. So, in small kitchens, it can be convenient to use liquid polished or metallic finishes.
This has a second part where I’ll be sharing 10 more ideas to maximize your small kitchen design. So, don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletter so you don’t miss it. Also, if you want to learn about other small areas, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or other general tips, here is the link to all my content about this topic. If you like this, share it with your friends and family. This is a great way to let me know if you like this kind of topic and to help AmazingPandph grow. I’ll appreciate it a lot. This is all for today. Have a beautiful week and for the next one! Let me know if you need further adjustments!
