Redesigning a small kitchen to be efficient and stylish can be challenging, but all you need are a few simple strategies to create a look and feel that suits your needs. Use these clever, space-saving kitchen ideas to maximize every square inch and fall back in love with your small kitchen.
Prioritize Vertical Storage
When square footage is at a premium, it’s time to look up. Install new wall-mounted cabinets, shelves, and hooks to keep your countertops uncluttered. Ceiling-height cabinets can hold lesser-used items on higher shelves, freeing the lower levels for daily essentials. A backsplash made of pegboards or magnetic strips is another excellent idea for hanging utensils, spice jars, and measuring cups. This keeps the basics within reach without taking up precious space in your cupboards and drawers.
Hang Pots and Pans Overhead
Hanging your pots and pans rather than storing them in a cabinet is a practical solution for small kitchens. Install a sturdy pot rack or ceiling hooks to keep your cookware within easy reach. This setup frees up an entire cupboard to store other items and, if done well, adds professional style to your kitchen. You’ll want a sleek rack that complements your kitchen’s aesthetic and beautiful cookware that doubles as decor when displayed prominently.
Opt for Multifunctional Appliances
In a small kitchen, it’s helpful to find appliances that do double duty. Look for ovens that also function as microwaves or cooktops with built-in grills. These clever combinations save space while providing the versatility you need to cook a variety of meals. Multifunctional appliances also save you money by avoiding the need to buy more devices to accomplish the same tasks.
Use Light Colors & Reflective Surfaces
Part of having an efficient tiny kitchen is creating the illusion of a larger space. Light colors are a must because they make small rooms feel more spacious. White, soft gray, and pastel open up the room and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Reflective surfaces like glass, mirrors, and glossy tiles further enhance this effect by bouncing light around, making the room appear larger than it is.
Install Open Shelving
Open shelving is an excellent space-saving kitchen idea. You’ll still want traditional cabinets in some places, but strategic open shelving eliminates the visual bulk of heavy cabinetry and gives your kitchen an airier feel. Plus, open shelves keep your most-used items within easy reach and present an opportunity to showcase stylish dishware or glass jars filled with pantry staples.
Incorporate Compact & Foldable Furniture
In small kitchen design, compact and foldable furniture can make all the difference. Rolling carts can be positioned for extra counter space when needed or tucked away when not in use. A folding dining table and chairs can also be stowed easily to free up floor space for other activities. Drop-leaf kitchen islands and folding stools also add flexible seating and functionality.
Maximize Corner Spaces
If you have an L- or U-shaped kitchen layout, the corners may be underutilized. Consider installing cabinets with pull-out shelves, corner drawers, or turntables that make these awkward spaces more accessible. You might store pots and pans, baking supplies, or recycling and trash cans in these unique corner spaces.
Use Clear Containers & Labels
Pantry organization is a big part of making your small kitchen more efficient. Organize your pantry with clear, airtight containers that look tidy and help you quickly identify what you need without rummaging through a cluttered pantry. Stackable containers make efficient use of each shelf and keep your ingredients fresh and accessible.
Utilize Under-Sink Storage
The space under your kitchen sink can be a valuable storage area if used wisely. Install drawer units or over-the-door organizers to hold cleaning supplies, trash bags, paper towels, and scrub brushes. This approach keeps items off the counter and prevents essentials from getting lost in the cavernous under-sink space.
Embrace Minimalism
In a small kitchen, less is more. Be selective about what you keep in your space, prioritizing only the essentials. Clear countertops of unnecessary items, and tuck away appliances you don’t use regularly. If you start running out of storage space, it might be time to donate or sell the things you don’t need or use anymore.
Remodel Your Tiny Kitchen with Re-Bath & Kitchens
Clearly, you don’t need a huge kitchen to have a beautiful, functional space that meets your needs. Re-Bath & Kitchens specializes in transforming small kitchens into highly efficient and beautiful spaces. With over 40 years of experience serving Maricopa County, we can take your project from design to completion faster than you thought possible. Our professional team will manage every detail with care to ensure we exceed your expectations every step of the way. Contact us today for a free kitchen remodeling consultation in Peoria, Scottsdale, or Prescott Valley, AZ.
