Small Kitchen Design Tips

Designing a kitchen can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with limited space. When I set out to create my dream kitchen I had approximately 6.5 square meters to work with. Here are the most valuable tips I learned to get the utility and storage you need, while maintaining a sense of openness.

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Designing for Openness: To avoid a claustrophobic feel in my small kitchen, I made the decision to eliminate overhead cabinets. Instead, I carefully maximised storage elsewhere. This choice allowed me to maintain a sense of openness at eye level, making the room appear larger and more spacious. Additionally, I opted for a down-draught extractor hob, eliminating the need for an overhead extractor fan and contributing to the open atmosphere.

Layout Tips: Rather than settling for a traditional U-shaped kitchen layout, which would have felt tight and cramped, I sought an alternative approach. The key was incorporating a peninsula, which not only provided ample countertop space but also created a separation from the dining area. This layout allowed me to retain two sets of sliding doors out to the garden that flood the space with natural light and connect the indoors with the outdoors.

To optimise storage in a kitchen without overhead cabinets, I discovered some ingenious solutions:

1. Go floor to ceiling: Utilise the space traditionally left above kitchen cabinets by installing storage units that reach the ceiling. This is an ideal spot for storing lesser-used bulky items.
2. Use those corner spaces: Corner units, particularly pull-out Le Mans units, provide easy access to the often awkward and underutilised corners of the kitchen.
3. Embrace pocket doors: Pocket doors slide back into themselves, granting effortless access to shelves and additional countertop space.
4. Make use of narrow spaces: Don't ignore the small gaps left between standard-sized kitchen units. These spaces can be transformed into useful storage areas, such as a broom cupboard or a spice rack.
5. Opt for open shelves: Instead of hiding everything behind closed cabinet doors, incorporate open shelves for displaying glassware and cookbooks. Consider adding a rail above your hob to hang pots and pans, saving valuable space.