We can’t find statistics that give an idea of how many people consider themselves to have a small kitchen or one with awkward shapes, but we know from our extensive experience that there are a lot out there. Many homeowners live with these small kitchens, not realising that there are options available to them to maximise the space, and therefore the usability. This blog is dedicated to how to overcome the challenges of small kitchens and awkward spaces.
The Design
The starting point for any kitchen renovation is design. Looking at options for the space and how to fit in what you need and want into the space. A design concept that works brilliantly is an open plan design. This type of design, minimising the number of walls, will immediately make any space feel more spacious. It allows a better flow of natural light, making the kitchen appear larger and brighter.
Decor is the next layer of the design, and again one that you can use to your advantage. Light neutral tones in the colour palette add to that airy open feel. To add personality to the room, weave in colour accents through accessories and feature areas; this avoids the room feeling blank or bland but doesn’t overwhelm the design. When you match the colour throughout a room, through the cabinetry, walls and countertops, you create a cohesive look that lets the eye believe the room is larger than it is.
Within the design, there is scope to add mirrors and reflective surfaces which enhance space and light as they reflect light within a room, amplifying its brightness. Install mirrored splashbacks to create depth or use glass fronted cabinets and high-gloss worktops and cupboard fronts. You can even choose appliances to great effective; keep them light, match the colour to the rest of the kitchen, or choose a metallic or reflective finish.
The Challenge of Awkward Spaces
This isn’t just a challenge for small kitchens, but it’s when the space is limited that you’re more aware of the dead, unused space. There are options, however, to utilise the more unique nooks and niches.
Corners
Corner cabinets can be hard to access; you end up shoving things in and end up with no idea of what’s lurking in the back of the cupboard. To overcome this, you can install shelves that pull out, or that rotate. One of our favourites is a shaped shelf that rotates as you pull it out so that you can easily get to anything stored in there. With the addition of this smart storage, you could immediately increase your usuable kitchen storage space by a whole cupboard!
Above Cabinet Storage
A space will often be left above your kitchen cupboards, but in a lot of cases this space can be used. It’s ideal for the things you use infrequently, and by moving them out of the more accessible storage you’re making more useful room. You can install taller cupboards to reach to the ceiling, which is especially worthwhile if you have a high ceiling. Alternatively, you could use space above the lower cupboards to store cookbooks or hang utensils and saucepans. This is a great way to make full use of the vertical space in the kitchen.
Organisation and Storage
With careful organisation and clever storage ideas you can utilise all sorts of spaces in and around your kitchen cupboards and appliances. There are plenty of storage solutions on the market that will help you make the most of your under sink area, where the plumbing can prevent it from being a good storage option. There are racks, shelves and baskets which can be attached to cupboard doors, hooks that can be attached under a worktop and pull out bins. There are lots of options just waiting for you to discover them for your kitchen.
Multipurpose Furniture and Fixtures
Multipurpose anything is the friend of a small kitchen. 1 item taking up just 1 area, but doing the work of many. Or a space that will work for prep, home-working and dining. It’s a way of making a small space work hard for you.
A kitchen island is a great example of a multipurpose fixture, but it might not be the first thing that you’d consider in a small kitchen. Yes, they take up space, but islands can be fitted in a range of sizes to suit your kitchen, they offer space for so many functions that they are well worth considering. The obvious use for an island is the worktop and food prep space, but when you incorporate storage in the form of drawers, cabinets, shelving and wine racks you can start seeing how much functional space the one unit can give you. Add in chairs and stools and you have a dining space too, invaluable if you haven’t got space for a dining table.
Fold-down worktops and wall-mounted or fold-away furniture do what they say on the tin. They fold-out, ready to use, and when you’re done, they’re hidden away. A fold-out worktop will give you extra space when needed, and could be installed in a space where a permanent fixture would be in the way. Fold-away furniture, like wall-mounted tables or ironing boards, works in a very similar way. They are easy to get out and use but don’t take up precious space when they’re not needed.
These are some of the options available to you when you’re designing your kitchen, but before we go, we want to give you a few more tips and tricks.
Keep your kitchen clear and decluttered
Shop mindfully - consider what you buy and make sure it’s going to work in your kitchen
Remember custom-built solutions are available, and allow you to add bespoke storage to fit your kitchen.
Spend time designing your kitchen before making the changes
Invest in innovative kitchen gadgets that save you space and take on multiple tasks.
We hope that this highlights that there is more scope when it comes to creating an amazing kitchen in a small space. Of course, if you are in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas, we are on hand to help you with your renovation!
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