Having a small kitchen can be frustrating and inconvenient. But it’s not a hopeless situation! There are absolutely ways to increase your kitchen’s functionality and make it appear larger than it actually is. Looking to take on your own small kitchen remodeling process? Follow these quick tips and tricks to get started with your kitchen remodel!
Always, always determine what budget you’re working with before pursuing any sort of home remodeling project. You need to have a solid understanding of what resources you have to work with. Come up with a solid figure with some wiggle room for incidental expenses. From there you can try to piece together a kitchen remodeling project plan based on what you can afford.
Mirrors and reflective surfaces can make a space look much larger and more expansive. There are plenty of areas in the kitchen where you can experiment with these sorts of materials. For instance, mirrored backsplash, marble countertops, ceramic tiles, and stainless steel appliances can make a room appear more spacious. Just be sure you’re not highlighting or reflecting anything you wouldn’t want to draw attention to.
Light is an important element to pay attention to when redesigning any space. Use cabinet lights or pendant lights to create a more cohesive visual experience. You can also play with refracting light off reflective surfaces to maximize the space. Ambient lighting not only adds depth and style to a kitchen, but it can also increase overall functionality.
Cut down on the clutter. If you want to make the most of your small kitchen space, you’ll need to adopt a refined minimalist spirit. You don’t want too much overstimulation in a snug space. Ditch the visual noise and opt for a clean, subtle design to make your kitchen seem more spacious. You can do so by tucking away any unnecessary appliances taking up countertop space and selecting more subtle hardware for your kitchen.
Tall cabinets and high-reaching shelves can work to expand your storage capacity as well as draw the eyes up for a more expansive look and feel. This is especially true for those lucky enough to have tall ceilings. You can also opt for mug hangers under the cabinets, built-in cubbies to tuck away appliances, and more.
Cabinets are obviously a useful and necessary accessory in any kitchen. But they can also be quite bulky. When trying to open up more visual room, try going for a more untraditional cabinetry route. Both open and glass cabinets can be a great option for those attempting to make the most of their small kitchen.
Open cabinets can be a beautiful way to display your dishware and enhance the flow of your small kitchen. It’s a smart, easy way to free up space. Without bulky cabinets in the way, the space will look a lot lighter and brighter – especially during the day when the light from your windows can shine through unhindered. This is also a great budget-friendly project to take on.
Glass cabinets are another elegant option to open up a small kitchen. They offer yet another way to display beautiful dinnerware and appliances. The transparent panels give the eyes the opportunity to travel back which gives the illusion of a larger kitchen. It offers a modern, attractive look that will amplify the entire space.
If you go with either option we encourage cutting back on the clutter during this kitchen remodel. Messy exposed cabinets or glass cabinets aren’t going to do you any favors.
Paint may seem like a subtle design detail but it can actually make a huge impact on how spacious your kitchen looks. When you choose darker paint for a sunny room, you can actually make a room feel more closed off and small. But on the other hand, if you go with a bright white color in a north-facing room, it can look washed out. A good rule of thumb is to go with a darker color for north-facing rooms and a brighter color for south-facing rooms.
There are certain colors that will make any room look bigger. Light colors tend to make a room look most spacious in most cases. Neutrals, pastels, and creams are all showstoppers. But don’t be afraid to go for a dark color – especially if that caters to your home’s existing aesthetic. Some darker colors that look stunning in a kitchen are navy, forest green, charcoal, chocolate, and black. Ready to tackle your kitchen remodeling project? Go for it!