A small kitchen is often looked upon as being inconvenient and as a liability. Well, it needn’t be because, with a few tips and tricks, you can turn it around. There are many design hacks that can give your kitchen a face-lift lending it a distinct personality and making it more functional and appealing.
Kitchen Design Hacks 101
Here are some tips to revamp your old kitchen and turn it into a dream kitchen:
Detailed planning is a must
Planning is crucial before you begin the overhaul process. Look around. Make a list of inconvenient features you wish to correct. Also, decide what you want to keep and discard. The key here is to think sensibly and not emotionally. For example, you may love a cabinet, but if it is not very functional, say goodbye to it.
Look into every detail. Are you planning to change the plumbing and electrical outlets? If yes, it is going to incur an extra cost, but if the previous arrangement was causing inconvenience, it is better to overhaul it.
Getting expert help will make your job easier and help you with ideas you could have never imagined.
Minimalism gives maximum benefit
Be it the colours, storage, accessories or utensils, keeping it minimal and simple does help. Be ready for ‘sacrifices’ as you may not want to bid adieu to some things you do not need. Hoarding isn’t healthy for small kitchens. Minimalism not just makes your kitchen orderly but it also lends an illusion of space.
Smart space utilisation
Smart use of space matters in a small kitchen. And it is not just about storage. A well-planned strategy is needed to understand the space you have and then correlate it with the functions of your kitchen. As you plan, take into account every nook and corner, every wall, space behind the door, under the sink and more, so you do not leave any valuable space unutilised. Focusing on the function will help you optimise the area and give you ideas on better utilisation of the space.
Functional and appealing storage
If you can reuse your old cabinets and drawers, you should but only if they help revamp the space. Otherwise, it is best that you get new cabinets and shelves. When it comes to storage in a small kitchen, many think of adding as many cabinets as possible. But there are design experts who feel that adding too many cabinets make the kitchen look cramped and cluttered. A better idea would be to mix it up with open shelves and creative storage ideas.
Handle-less cabinets, a built-in cutting board, pullout drawers, drawer dividers, knife or spice holders, etc. fit in a small kitchen perfectly.
Think over appliance choices
Since space is limited in a small kitchen and appliances tend to take up much space, a middle path is essential. Here is the answer – slim appliances! If you can discard your old and large appliances and get in sleek ones, it would free up space and make your kitchen more organised and neat.
Choose smart appliances suitable for small spaces and opt for built-in style, so they fit in effortlessly and do not take up much space. You should also consider minimalism here. Getting too many appliances that you may never use, isn’t a good idea.
Flattering flooring is a must
Your petite kitchen may not have much floor space, but whatever little there is, let it shine and look vibrant. Ditch the old and boring plain tiles. Go bold with eye-catching floor tiles. You have many options in flooring tiles now. Choose a flooring option that amplifies the appeal of your kitchen.
A point to note here is to never go for tiny floor tiles in a small kitchen as it will make space look more cramped. The small area needs large tiles as it lends an optical illusion, so your kitchen looks larger. It will also be a good distraction for the eyes.
Add visual interest with backsplash
You don’t get to decorate a small kitchen as you may like. Here is what you can do. Get a breathtaking backsplash to liven up space. You could go for colourful mosaic tiles, patterned tiles, white tiles, or even glass mosaic. Subway tiles are also apt as they help lend an idea of space.
There is one more advantage of a backsplash for a small kitchen. You can go for the ornate and expensive backsplashes as you will need it for only a tiny space. Hence, you won’t have to spend much.
Bright or light, colours add spark
In a small kitchen, not often you get a wall to paint, but you can incorporate colours through cabinets and appliances. While neutral colours provide an illusion of space and are thus suitable for small spaces, you can opt for bright colours as well.
There are two ways you can work with bright colours in your small kitchen. One is to have bright pops of colour with a red cabinet or appliance in a beige or light-coloured space. The other option is to go with bold colours for cabinets and walls! If you aren’t sure about it, stick to the usual white, neutral or pastel colours, but ensure pops of colours in between to make your kitchen look more appealing. Add different elements in colours such as brass or golden knobs and handles, or even a pot of plant.
Add some sparkle with lighting
Just because the space is small doesn’t mean you should stick to boring lights. The right lighting is of much importance in a small kitchen because even lights can make space look larger and of course, brighter.
Pendant lights help make a statement in small spaces. They not only look stylish but are also practical and functional. You could install one above the work surface for better visibility while cooking. Sconces above open shelves not only add brightness but also look good. Recessed lighting also looks great in a small kitchen. Under-cabinet lights are also essential for better visibility.
Galley kitchens are popular for small spaces
A galley kitchen is one in which there are two parallel units. It is a popular design for small kitchens. A U-shaped kitchen is also a popular design for a small space. Such a design is more suitable for narrow spaces than wide. In a galley kitchen design, most often, the sink and stove will be placed on one side and cabinets and counters on the other.
The advantages of a galley kitchen are the optimal use of space, ample storage, and easy access to everything you need to cook. The disadvantage is that it can be too cramped. If there are only one or two people using the kitchen, then it is fine, but if you have guests over - or during get-togethers or festivals - space can be limiting and suffocating.
As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to design ideas for a small kitchen. These are some ideas you can work with to create a functional and attractive kitchen. Space may be a constraint in a small kitchen, but smart designing can make it purposeful and convenient. So, are you ready to transform your old kitchen into a spectacular kitchen?
To learn about more such trendy Kitchen Styles or to get your kitchen space renovated, get in touch with Team Hipcouch. Call/Whatsapp at +91 97698 91528 or contact us here.