Small Kitchens Don't Have to Be Half Baked

Do you have a small kitchen? Does your counter look like a shelf at a used appliance store? Do you bump into your fridge while removing something from the oven (the same oven you have to use as storage)?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be afflicted with a condition known as “Small Kitchen Syndrome.” The National Kitchen and Bath Association (yes, there is such a thing) defines a “small kitchen” to be 150 square feet or less. Bernhardt can show you how to overcome this syndrome and they’ll come up with a plan to maximize your smallish space into an efficient, uncluttered beehive of culinary activity.

Looks Can Be Deceiving…

…in a good way. Open cabinetry with translucent door panels or open shelving can add to the perceived size of your kitchen. Choosing lighter colors for cabinets, countertops and flooring can also expand the room visually. Conversely, darker colors can sometimes contribute to a “closed-in” feeling in an already-small space. Introduce natural light wherever possible; a skylight always provides an elegant and practical solution for this. Some ceramic or tile materials can be used to reflect and “bounce” light around the room to brighten things up—and make it seem larger.

Degrees of Separation

If there’s an existing wall, or a partial one separating your kitchen from the rest of the living space, maybe you can eliminate that wall. This will provide an open plan making the kitchen feel more spacious. You can replace the wall with a movable island with seating stored underneath. Another idea is “floating” shelves, reaching out into space, providing an uninterrupted line of sight from both sides.

Storage and Amenities

Making a small space work for you takes a bit of ingenuity, but will enhance your space’s efficiency. Make good use of hideaway storage solutions such as pull-out shelving, an appliance “garage” and rotating shelving where possible to maximize spaces which would otherwise be inaccessible. Storage up high should be saved for seldom-used items, along with a hidden step ladder to make this lofty storage more accessible. Space down low should also be used when possible. A movable butcher block—which can be slid over the sink— can take the place of one installed on an island and is a way of providing amenities usually seen in larger kitchens. In the same vein of thought, you can use a small island with a pull-out table which can be stowed underneath when not in use.

Decoration

A bit of décor is always nice, but be careful to keep clutter to a minimum. Your teapot or peppermill collection may need to live somewhere else for the time being. A few carefully-placed accents go a long way and don’t have to take up valuable counter space. Use wall space instead or consider open shelving above your cabinets—but don’t be afraid to leave some empty space also.

Bernhardt’s Remodeling Center is here to provide you with a plan and solutions to make your space work for you, all for the purpose of adding to the enjoyment of your home. Contact us for a consultation to get started.