A small kitchen can sometimes feel like a curse. It seems like you never have enough room to properly prepare the meal, and you definitely don’t have enough space for all your kitchen appliances, big or small. These problems can lead to a lot of take-out and visits to your local restaurants.
There are ways to make a tight space functional and fun. A small kitchen remodel could be the answer to your problems! And ultimately save you a lot of money on all that eating out you’re doing.
Benefits of a Small Kitchen
While there are drawbacks to a smaller kitchen, there are plenty of benefits you might not have realized!
It’s Cheaper to Remodel
Kitchens tend to be one of the more expensive rooms in a home to remodel, but a smaller space means fewer things to change. Remodeling the room to better serve your needs will cost you less!
You Waste Less Food
With less storage space comes less food. You’ll buy less overall and will tend to only stock your cupboards with what you need. This means less food will go to waste, and most will be used up well before its expiration date.
It’s Easier to Clean
Large rooms can be a nightmare to clean, but a smaller kitchen is a blessing if you hate tidying up! With fewer kitchen counters and less floor space, you won’t dread wiping them down and mopping them up as much as you would in a larger kitchen.
Remodeling Tip #1: Color Is Everything
When remodeling a small kitchen, your mind probably immediately goes to the countertops you want to buy and the appliances you want to move, something much simpler can make a huge difference: Color. Color can set the mood of a room and also make it appear larger than it really is.
Light colors can make the room appear taller and larger, thanks to their ability to reflect light. Stay away from dark colors. They can make a room appear smaller and cave-like.
When it comes to color, think outside the box! Consider everything from the refrigerator to barstools, the ceiling, and the kitchen floor. Choose what makes you happy.
Remodeling Tip #2: Choose a Smaller Sink
While a large sink can come in handy for those holidays when family visit, you probably don’t need that large of a sink year-round. A smaller sink can free up countertop space and put the area to more practical use. Instead of a double sink, opt for a single.
And definitely give special care to the faucet you choose! You will use it regularly, and it will be a focal point of the room, so make sure it fits in with the rest of your small kitchen’s design. A pull-out hand sprayer is useful to have in both small and large kitchens!
8 Sink & Faucet Designs
For a Showstopping Kitchen
Remodeling Tip #3: Take Advantage of All Your Space
No space should be wasted in a small kitchen! During its remodel, you’ll definitely want to consider how you can optimize the space you have. Finding balance between prep areas and storage feels difficult, but it’s completely doable.
Look into:
- Filler kitchen cabinets with sliders – These are tall, sideways cabinets that slide out from under a countertop. They are perfect for baking pans, spices, oils, and more.
- Wall cabinets that reach up to the ceiling – This design choice can negatively affect how large the kitchen appears, but you may pine for that extra storage space if you skip out on it.
- A pegboard or hanging pot rack for your pots and pans
- A kitchen island that folds down when not being used
If you decide to use wall cabinets that don’t reach the ceiling, you can use the area above them for storage too!
Remodeling Tip #4: Don’t Ignore the Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle is a must for any kitchen, even a small one! When remodeling your small kitchen, remember that the refrigerator, stove, and sink should always be in the work triangle. The idea of the work triangle is that everything is within reach when cooking. You can get your ingredients out of the refrigerator, wash any vegetables or dishes, and put things right on the stove without missing a beat. This plan dates back to the early 20th century and is still a great design tip for today!
Remodeling Tip #5: Light It Up
Just like color, lighting has a huge impact on a room. How you light your small kitchen can affect how big or tiny it appears. You also want to consider lighting from a work perspective. Cooking with barely any light on dark winter evenings is no fun.
Pendant lights can maximize the space and the lighting in a room. They also use a more comfortable color than fluorescent lighting delivers. When choosing lights, be sure to take your available natural lighting, shadows, and contrast into account. Ambient lighting can add a unique, inviting look to a kitchen. It’s also an inexpensive solution to brightening up the room!
Don’t forget the importance of height when selecting light fixtures. You don’t want lights hanging too low that they can be easily knocked into, whether by a pan or by a tall family member.
Remodeling Tip #5: Use Smaller Appliances
Did you know different-sized appliances exist? And they can work perfectly for small kitchen remodels. Consider opting for a smaller-than-standard dishwasher or refrigerator. Refrigerators in particular have thin and tall options that give you the space you need inside without taking up too much room in the kitchen.
When it comes to your limited counter space, be smart about placement to save space. You don’t want to overcrowd your prep areas. Designated storage areas for your toaster oven, toaster, and other small appliances can help ensure your kitchen looks and feels spacious, something that will come in handy when you have a big meal to prep for!
You may also want to consider going without certain appliances if you’re really tight on space. If you just don’t have the room for an oven, for example, think about choosing a toaster oven instead.
Remodeling Tip #6: Remember the Details
When remodeling a small kitchen, don’t forget the details! Carefully consider what you’ll be placing on the walls, the handles you’ll use for your cabinets, and the other fine details. This can be a very fun part of the remodeling project as you explore your different options. They’re tiny but mighty and can really make a room pop!
A small kitchen doesn’t have to look and behave “small.” There are plenty of ways to make the most of this necessary space in your home, When deciding how to approach your small kitchen remodel, plan ahead. Research is essential for any remodel, as costs can add up. Create a budget, think about the materials, and carefully consider how you can maximize the space to get a room you’re happy with!
If you’re planning a small kitchen remodel this year, we’d love to help! We can assist with appliance installation, installing your sink and faucet, and moving gas lines. To get a quote, give us a call at 972-395-2597.
