Living in a home with a small kitchen can be a challenge, but with a few smart strategies and a touch of creativity, you can transform your cramped cooking quarters into a functional and stylish space. Most of these space-saving ideas are quick, affordable and easy to utilise right away.
Small Kitchen Design Tips
We all love storage and having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to compromise, it just means you need to be a bit smarter with your storage solutions.
When you start thinking about redesigning your space there are a few design guidelines to keep in mind:
- Use compact appliances
- Do your research and work out which style will give you most functional design for your smaller space
- Don’t be afraid to go for smaller accessories and fixtures, this will help to make your space look larger
- Talk to your Kitchen Craftsmen designer, they have experience in making the most of your kitchen space
Make the most of your cupboard space
If you’ve ever tried to squeeze pots, pans or containers into an overcrowded drawer or cupboard in your kitchen, you’ll be able to appreciate the power of added space. Luckily, enjoying a little added room in your kitchen cupboards can be easier than you think.
For corner cupboards, consider installing a carousel unit that will help you maximise the available space, such as Hafele’s Carousel 270* corner unit or their LeMans II corner unit, which allows all stored contents to swing out in front of the unit.
Consider installing tall cupboards in awkward spaces or overhead cupboards to give you even more room and keep your work areas clutter free.
Pull out pantries have become a serious game changer in smaller spaces. These great space saving ideas work well in small spaces where a full pantry isn’t possible or necessary. You’ll save a ton of space and have everything in one neat little space.
Swap cupboards for drawers
At Kitchen Craftsmen, we’re big believers in functionality and convenience. With this in mind, we choose to work with partners such as Blum, who offer superior drawer and cupboard technologies.
So, why are drawers a good choice for maximising space in your kitchen? There are a few reasons:
– Easy access: no more lost objects languishing in the dark recesses of your cupboards. Instead, everything is at hand and accessible.
– Organisation is key: drawers make it easy for you to organise the contents within, with a range of dividers available.
– Secret storage: shallow drawers make for great storage solutions for baking trays, linen, chopping boards and other flat items. Shallow drawers are a great way to utilise otherwise wasted space.
If you opt for overhead cupboards in your design, innovative kitchen storage technologies such as Hafele’s iMove Single Tray can help you keep everything within easy reach, and effortlessly access cupboard contents with one smooth action.
Rethink the sink
Is your double sink really worth the loss of bench space, or could you live quite easily with a single sink? This will afford you more workspace within your kitchen, or allow you to enjoy a little more countertop storage for appliances.
At Kitchen Craftsmen, we offer hundreds of kitchen sinks for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your kitchen, regardless of size!
Or, get a cover for your sink so it can be used as additional work space. Talk to our designers about getting a removable piece of your benchtop cut to size for this purpose. We also love Franke All-In Accessories, that turn your sink into a food prep station.
Take advantage of wall space
Your kitchen might lack cupboard space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some free wall space instead!
Don’t forget to look up; vertical space is a goldmine for storage. Open shelves or stackable storage can house less frequently used or fragile items up high, while hanging baskets can store produce beautifully.
Another trick to enhance the sense of space is using mirrors. A mirrored backsplash or wall feature can create the illusion of depth and space in your kitchen.
Clear the clutter
When was the last time you took a good hard look at the everything stored within your kitchen cupboards and drawers? If you’re struggling to find space, perhaps it’s time to purge some of the clutter. Whether it’s chipped crockery, display plates you never use, or appliances you can do without, it’s time to say goodbye! You’ll be amazed at how much space this can give you.
Looking for more ways to maximise the space in your kitchen? Make sure to view our photo gallery for some inspiration, or visit us in person for a chat at one of our five showrooms. Our designers can help you get the best result from the renovation process, maximising space and style.