10 Top Tips on How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger

Mon, Dec 09, 2024 23:02 CET

Small kitchens can be very charming and efficient. However, without the right design, they can also feel quite cramped and cluttered. If you’re looking to make your small kitchen more spacious, there are a few simple design tricks that you can use.

A kitchen with white cabinets and a stainless steel stove

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Below, kitchen design expert Penelope Jacobs at MyJobQuote.co.uk explores some of the top tips on how to make a small kitchen look bigger. Take a look at the tips below…

Lighten The Space

One of the most effective ways to expand a small kitchen is to introduce light and bright colours. By strategically using light tones, you can create an illusion of space, making your kitchen feel more open and airy.

Light-coloured walls can dramatically transform the perception of a room's size. Go for soft, neutral shades such as creams, whites, and light greys. These colours help to reflect light, making the space appear larger and brighter. Mirrors on the wall can also increase the natural light in the space through reflections and can also create the impression of a larger room. Consider installing a mirror backsplash or placing a large mirror on one of the walls.

The floor is another crucial element in creating a more spacious feel. Light-coloured flooring, such as light hardwood, tile or laminate, can help to visually open up the room. Avoid dark colours that can make the space feel smaller and more enclosed.

Light-coloured cabinetry can significantly brighten up your kitchen. White or off-white cabinets are classic choices that can make a small kitchen appear larger. You can also consider using glass-front cabinets to showcase your favourite dishes and glassware. This will help to add a touch of elegance and create a sense of openness.

Keep It Minimal

Clutter can make even the largest kitchen feel cramped and disorganised, so it is an enemy of smaller kitchen spaces. By decluttering your kitchen, you can instantly create a more open and inviting atmosphere.

The power of minimalism lies in its simplicity. Take some time to go through your kitchen items and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This could include expired food, broken appliances, or unused gadgets.

Invest in some functional storage solutions to keep your kitchen organised. Utilise rawer organisers, spice racks, and under-cabinet storage to maximise space and minimise clutter. Keep your countertops as clear as possible. Only leave our essential items like a coffee machine, toaster, and a few decorative elements.

Use your cabinets and drawers to store things that you don’t need daily. Consider installing some pull-out shelves or lazy Susans to maximise the storage space.

Maximise Vertical Space

When designing a small kitchen, it is crucial that you utilise every inch of available space, including the vertical dimension. By maximising vertical space, you can free up valuable counter and floor space, creating a more spacious and organised kitchen.

Wall-mounted storage solutions such as shelves and hooks can add some visual interest and provide additional storage for things like cookbooks, decorative items, or frequently use kitchenware. Pegboards are versatile storage solutions that can be customised to your specific needs.

Take advantage of the space above your countertops by installing upper cabinets. Also, utilise corner cabinets with rotating shelves or pull-out drawers to make the most of often-neglected space. Consider using drawer dividers, shelf organisers, and other storage accessories to keep your cabinets tidy and efficient.

Choose The Right Appliances

Selecting the right appliances is important for a small kitchen. Oversized appliances can dominate the space, making it feel even smaller than it is. Instead, prioritise compact, efficient appliances that fit seamlessly into your kitchen’s layout.

Consider built-in appliances like ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers. These appliances can be integrated into your cabinetry, creating a more streamlined and clutter-free look. Compact refrigerators and slim-profile dishwashers are also excellent choices for small kitchens.

If you have limited counter space, choose appliances with smaller footprints, such as countertop ovens or compact microwaves. Additionally, look for appliances with multiple functions, such as a stovetop that doubles as a griddle, or a refrigerator with a built in water dispenser.

Illuminate Your Kitchen

Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating the ambience and functionality of your kitchen. A well-lit kitchen can make it appear larger, more inviting, and easier to work in.

Overhead lighting, such as recessed lights or pendant lights, provides general illumination. Under-cabinet lighting helps to illuminate your countertops, making food preparation and cleaning tasks easier. Task lighting, such as track lights or spot lights can be directed towards the specific areas, like the stovetop or sink, to provide focused illumination.

To add flexibility and atmosphere, consider using dimmer switches. Dimmers allow you to adjust the intensity of your lights, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere for dining or relaxing.

Make The Most of Natural Light

Natural light is a powerful tool for transforming a small kitchen. By maximising natural light, you can create a brighter, more spacious and inviting atmosphere.

Begin by ensuring that your windows are clean and unobstructed. Dirty windows can significantly reduce the amount of natural light that enters your kitchen. Consider removing heavy curtains or blinds that block the sunlight.

Sheer curtains or blinds can be a stylish, practical solution for controlling the amount of light and privacy in your kitchen. These treatments allow natural light to filter through while still providing privacy.

If your kitchen lacks natural light, consider adding skylights. Skylights can significantly increase the amount of natural light in the kitchen, making it feel more open and airy.

Use Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces are a clever design trick to help visually expand a small kitchen. By incorporating some reflective elements in your kitchen design, you can create a sense of spaciousness and brightness.

Mirrored backsplashes are a popular choice for small kitchens. They reflect light, making the space appear larger and brighter. Additionally, mirrored backsplashes can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your kitchen.

Stainless steel appliances are not only stylish but also highly reflective. They can help to bounce light around the room, creating a more open and airy feel. Consider also using reflective tiles for your kitchen backsplash or floor. Tiles with a glossy finish can reflect light, making the space appear larger.

Create a Focal Point

A well-placed focal point can help to draw the eye away from the limitations of a smaller kitchen and can also add a sense of visual interest and drama. By focusing the attention on a particular area, you can divert attention from the overall size of the room.

A colourful backsplash is a popular choice for creating a focal point. A bold, patterned, or brightly coloured backsplash can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. Similarly, a unique piece of artwork, such as a painting or sculpture, can serve as a focal point. Choose a piece that complements the style of your kitchen and adds a personal touch.

Alternatively, a distinctive appliance, such as a vintage stove or high-end refrigerator, can also be used as a focal point. This can add a touch of character and elegance to your kitchen.

Embrace Open Shelving

Open shelving is a stylish and functional way to maximise storage in a small kitchen. By showcasing your favourite dishes, glassware, and cookbooks, you can add personality and warmth to your kitchen.

Open shelving can help to create a sense of openness and airiness. By removing cabinet doors, you can visually expand the space and allow light to flow freely.

When designing open shelving, it is important to maintain a sense of order and balance. Group similar items together and avoid overcrowding the shelves. Consider using decorative baskets or trays to organise your belongings and add a touch of style.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Furniture

Unnecessary furniture can clutter a small kitchen and make it feel even smaller. By removing any furniture that doesn’t serve a practical purpose, you can create a more spacious and functional kitchen.

Consider removing any large dining tables or bulky kitchen islands that take up valuable floor space. If you need some extra seating, choose bar stools or a small breakfast nook.

If you have a small kitchen, it’s best to keep the layout as simple and streamlined as possible. Avoid adding any unnecessary furniture that can create a cluttered and cramped atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these ten design tips, you can transform your small kitchen into a functional, stylish, and surprisingly spacious haven. Remember, a small kitchen doesn’t have to feel limiting. With a little creativity and planning, you can create a kitchen that not only meets your needs but also feels bright, inviting, and full of character. So, embrace the charm of a compact space and get ready to enjoy the magic of a well-designed small kitchen.

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MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.