How to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen

In order for a kitchen design to be successful, it should focus functionality, appearance, and "flow". No matter what the size of a kitchen it, utilizing the space in a smart and creative way help to create a comfortable and workable environment.

You'll want to make sure that your kitchen design is right for the way that you use your kitchen, but if you're kitchen is very small, you'll need to also put an emphasis on storage.

No matter what you end up doing with the space, it's important to remember that kitchens are often a central focus of a home. The kitchen is where you'll gather with your family, cook, eat, or even do homework. When the space is limited, it can take some smart planning to create a multi-functional and aesthetically appealing kitchen.

Here's how to make the most out of a kitchen with limited space.

Focus on the Important Details First

Think of how use your kitchen most, and design the space around that:

• If you cook frequently, you'll want to make that the focus of the small space. A food prep area with a chopping block and a stainless steel surface can be a great addition. You can also use that area to set hot pans or cooked food.
• If you're interested in baking, the most important part of your design will be a proper countertop. That might mean installing marble or granite countertop sections that will maintain the cold for proper dough rolling. Depending on the height of the home baker, the tasks of kneading and rolling dough can be made more comfortable by lowering the countertop from the standard 36-inch counter height.

Just be sure that you'll be able to do the things you do most in your kitchen.

Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is a must-have in any small space. Countertop space is prime real estate, and an island is the only opportunity you have to create more of it.

Plus, kitchen islands are extremely versatile, which makes them perfect for smaller spaces. You can use them for prepping food, storage, eating, or even as a workspace.

Use a kitchen island as a hangout space, a bar, or anything else. A few chairs can help you turn the space from a work area to a meal spot.

Open Up The Cupboards

Small kitchens can start to feel a little claustrophobic with the cabinets towering overhead. Many cooks won't be able to reach what's in them, and they'll make the entire space feel boxy and closed in. Taking the doors off of your overhead cupboards and creating an open storage space can liven up the design of your small kitchen remodel.

This is a great space for any dishes, pots, or pans that you might want on display, and it'll make your kitchen feel much more spacious.

Work with Your Lighting

A small kitchen can be made to feel much more expansive with some atmospheric lighting. Pendant lights in the eating area, incandescent lighting underneath upper cabinets, and spot lighting above counters can make your kitchen feel warmer, more open, and more comfortable. All of those things will have a tremendous effect on how well you work in the space, and how attractive it is.

Get the Job Done

Designing and remodeling on your own can be fun if you have the time and energy. Sometimes, though, your best option is to leave it to a professional kitchen remodeler.

Kitchen designers spend their lives planning kitchen, and they know exactly how to listen to your needs and offer you the products and designs that would best suit your home and your family. They'll be able to work with you directly and hone in on exactly how you use the space, then they'll offer creative design options that can transform the space into a comfortable, attractive, and functional kitchen.

As industry specialists, they'll also be the first to hear of new innovations and cutting- edge products. And, they can always do as much or as little as you wish, whether they're just drawing up the designs for you or they'll working on the project to its completion.