How to Turn a Small Kitchen from a Liability into an Asset
By Joyce Barnaby
Whether you are selling or living with a small kitchen, you are probably feeling quite frustrated with the lack of space you have.
True, small spaces have their advantages too, as they are easier to clean, maintain, and keep up with heating and lighting bills. Nonetheless, they are quite the nuisance when trying to rustle up even the simplest of meals.
Let us look at 7 ways you can take your small kitchen from a potential liability to an asset.
Make good use of the corners
The corner countertop spaces in small kitchens often appear to be completely useless. However, with a bit of clever maneuvering, you can turn even a dark and impractical corner into a well-used space.
For starters, many brands now do corner-specific appliances, so you can easily fit a corner microwave in there. Or, you can turn it into a storage space with spice racks or made-to-fit shelves.
You can also place a drying rack, kitchen roll, or a rack for the items you use most frequently. Not to mention that a couple of books, faux plants, or even a portable speaker will make the nook much more inviting.
Maximize your vertical space
While the cabinets right below ceiling level will be harder to reach, they are an excellent way of using as much of the space as is possible. A simple step ladder can solve the reach issue, and you can turn the upper shelves into a pantry.
Use the space above the fridge too, and choose lighter colors for the cabinetry. This will make the kitchen feel lighter and more airy. Make sure the cabinet space is actually usable. Sometimes you get shelves that are way too tall or way too low, where you can’t actually fit anything.
Choose multitasking appliances
One of the main issues with small kitchens is that you can’t fit a full-sized oven in without taking up too much prep space, or that there is no place for the microwave and toaster.
If you go for smaller appliances that can do an equally good job, you’ll be able to satisfy everyone’s taste, and still capitalize on the small space.
For instance, a compact mini oven can replace the full-size model easily, and all you need to do is throw in a hob - two rings will usually do. This will provide more storage space, and you can even place the oven in that corner space that you’ve been worried about.
Blenders that can also chop or dice are another good choice. They can save both time and effort, and an easy to disassemble model doesn't take up too much space either.
Use racks and inserts to create more space
Small kitchens tend to come with a lot of difficult to reach storage space. You find yourself in situations where you have to take everything out of a cabinet to reach the one thing you need in the back.
This issue can be solved with the clever use of racks and interior fittings that fold down and allow you to store your items more cleverly, and be able to reach them with a simple pull of a lever.
Add drawer inserts too, as they will keep the cutlery from spilling everywhere and maximize all that drawer space. No more digging in the back of the drawer for your bottle opener
Make the floor pop
The way you decorate a small kitchen can often make it look much more spacious and inviting than you’d think.
If you go for some bold flooring, such as an intricate tile pattern or even a pop of color in an otherwise neutral kitchen, you can draw the eye away from the lack of space.
Make sure you still preserve some sense of continuity with rooms the kitchen is connected to. You can even go for a wood floor in the kitchen to contrast with the adjacent living room, to provide a bit of an interesting clash and differentiate between the spaces.
But keep the walls simple
A crisp and neutral color scheme usually works best in small kitchens. You don’t have to go for white though. An off-white, oatmeal, or even a very light pastel can do wonders in a tiny space.
Another good idea is to paint the cabinets the same color as the walls. This will add another element of cohesion to the space, and you will also make it feel bigger, but at the same time compact and tidy.
Light it well
Finally, you also want to ensure there is plenty of light in your small kitchen. Consider the areas that need to be particularly lit: the sink, the prep area, and of course, the corners.
You can also use your lighting fixtures to add an extra element of style and elegance to the space. Copper and other metals are a great way to add a new level of sophistication to an otherwise dull room.
Go for white light, but not something overly bright. You want to find that ideal blend of natural and bright.
To sum it up
Instead of focusing on the disadvantages of your small kitchen, try to make it a stand-out element of the home. Ensure it’s tidy, functional, and easy to maintain. That way it will be easy to emphasize the benefits, and if it’s cheerful and vibrant, your potential buyers will have no trouble overlooking its size.
About the author: Joyce is the mother of two kids who have recently left the nest. She is using her newfound free time (and space) to redecorate the family home, and she has also started blogging at The Confused Nester
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