A kitchen is one of the most important areas of the house. It is where you get to make delicious meals for your family. Even though everyone would like to have a big kitchen but that is sadly not the case. People living in tiny apartments or homes need to work with smaller kitchens.
The area might look something as if you can’t do anything much about it but if you are clever, creative, and resourceful, you can utilize the available space more effectively and efficiently. Another significant aspect that you should master in your kitchen is learning how to use different types of knives to make sure you’re always safe and productive.
So, let’s take a look at some important tips to make the most of your kitchen space.
Play Both Sides of an Island
An island is a great storage space and perhaps the best way to maximize kitchen space. Typically installed in the middle of the room, you should opt for the one that can be accessed from both sides. This way, you do not have to walk to the other side each time to access or store food items.
The size and type of the island totally depends on the size of your kitchen. If you have a big kitchen space, you can order a custom island with several cabinets or storage areas of your choice. However, if you are limited in terms of space, then opting for a ready-made island will be a perfect choice.
Another benefit of installing cabinets that open from both sides is that sometimes products and items get buried or lost in shallow cabinets. This can be frustrating as you are not able to reach them. Therefore, to prevent the burying of items, the cabinet needs to be easily accessible from every angle.
Try an Open Island Cart
Rather than using a typical cabinet-based island, you should opt for a cart-style island with open sides. Such open island carts give a barely-there look and make the kitchen appear more open. In addition to that, you still get ample storage space and easy access.
If you have a moveable island, you can simply push it away when not needed or roll it over to another area where it can serve as a buffet station to the guests.
Get Tuck In Seats
You might have come across several apartments or homes with tucked- in seats in the kitchen. While they help increase the appeal of the kitchen on one hand but are also quite practical on the other. Tuck-in seats help maximize the kitchen space. Coming up with and installing a serve station that serves as a dining table will make the best use of small kitchen space.
Otherwise, choosing bulky stools or chairs will eat up space. Additionally, the bulky chairs can also come in the way while dinner is being served hot, leading to stumbles and slippages. If you have a small kitchen, you need to keep it clear from any obstructions or hindrances.
Tuck in seats in that respect will play a huge role to fill up kitchen space. When it is time to eat, you can simply pull them out and push them back in under the serve station once you are done eating.
Since the space is limited, adding even a tiny item can make it look congested. Therefore, you have to think everything through.
Consider a Central Range and Range Hood
Having a serve station not only serves as an eating area but also a place where you can prepare your dinner. You can position and install your range on the island and free up the wall but do not expect to free up a huge amount of space. However, you can use a central hood fan, which leaves your cabinet wall without a large obstacle.
This type of setup still leaves the center of the room quite open to not block the sightlines and conversations. Plus, allowing uninterrupted upper cabinets for plenty of storage on your main walls.
Float Some Open Shelves
You don’t see open shelves floating in kitchens too often but it is a great way to make the most of your kitchen space. If you have an island positioned in the center, you can float some shelves directly above it so that storing and accessing everyday items is easy. In addition to that, you also get to keep them away from the curious little hands in the house.
Open shelves can be used to store cutlery, glasses, and other dining items. You can simply pick them up and place them back after cleaning and washing without blocking the central area of the kitchen. As a result, you get to save some space on the kitchen counters, if you have any.
Float an Island
If installing an island in the center is not an option, you can float one as well. This is a great practical solution to a very tiny kitchen space. You can install some drawers and mini cabinets for books and small kitchen items. A floating island will help make the kitchen appear a bit more relaxed and not congested.
Although you are not saving a considerable amount of space but such tiny details can make a huge difference to small kitchens. However, since floating islands are usually smaller, you might not be able to install a stove. The island will only serve as a place to eat, reading the newspaper while preparing meals or sipping coffee first thing in the morning.
Install Hanging Storage
An easy-to-use kitchen space means that you free the floors and occupy the walls as much as you can. This also means that the cabinets used for storing kitchen items are removed and hanging trays are installed. As a result, you achieve some floor space and make a small kitchen appear big.
Instead of using separate cabinets for mugs, cups, and jars, you can simply hang them on the wall, which will aid the drying process too during the winters.
Work With Light Colors
Many people are not aware that colors have a huge role to play when it comes to making kitchen space look relatively bigger. While dark colors make the rooms look smaller, light colors offer an energized vibe. If using light colors all the way is not something you prefer, you can mix some dark colors.
For instance, you can paint the walls white or light grey and use dark-colored chairs to form a perfect match. Using light colors will make the walls look a bit farther away. This way, you will only notice them by choice instead of feeling constantly being surrounded by huge walls.
Final Word
Making the most of your kitchen space is easy if you follow the tips mentioned above. The key is to keep the area practical yet comfortable and appear open and big. The only way to ensure this is by carefully planning out the important areas of the kitchen and minimizing the use of typical storage spaces that not only block your way but also make the kitchen look smaller.