Small Kitchen Design

In a small kitchen design it is still important to incorporate the different functions of the kitchen, and though it may be a little more difficult to do so, it is definitely not impossible. This is where a well designed plan can make all the difference. With a little imagination and organization you can turn your small kitchen remodeling project into a success. Use these small kitchen design ideas to create a fully functioning and appealing space.

According to The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), a kitchen is considered small if it is less than 150 square feet or smaller. The two most common small kitchen design layouts are the Gallery and the L-Shaped Layout. In really small kitchen, like many apartments or condos, the One Wall layout is also quite common.

To make the most of your new or existing kitchen here are some small kitchen design ideas...

Vertical Space. With a limited amount of floor space why not take advantage of the vertical space available. By incorporating a pantry into your design you can maximize your storage by taking up little floor space.

Reduce Clutter. Keep you kitchen organized to give your small space a bigger feel. If you simply don't have enough storage space for all your kitchen supplies, think about storing items you don't use as often in furniture pieces outside the kitchen. A portable kitchen island can be a great solution to consider when trying to reduce clutter.

Appliance Size. These days appliances can come in many different sizes and combination's. By keeping your cooktop and oven in the same area and incorporating a built in microwave you can increase your counter space and reduce the square footage of your appliances.

Pull-Outs. Some cupboards and drawers can be difficult to use efficiently. When remodeling small kitchen spaces, consider installing pull-out shelves, rotating inserts and tilt-out bins to increase accessibility and storage.

Breakfast bar. Consider incorporating a raised bar area to an existing peninsula or integrate a breakfast bar into the planning stage of your small kitchen design. It is a perfect way to add extra counter space for prep work and creates a more social and interactive interior.

Open Displays. Incorporate some open shelves/cabinets into your kitchen to give the illusion of a larger space. Too many closed cabinets, especially in dark materials, will make the room feel a lot smaller. If you're concerned about your kitchen looking messy with open shelving, use frosted glass or light colored cabinet doors instead.

Lighting. A well balanced kitchen includes a combination of natural and artificial lighting. A great way to make any small kitchen feel more spacious is to incorporate a skylight. This can visually expand the space and create a warm atmosphere during the day. If a skylight is not an option for your interior you can still create that inviting atmosphere by providing various lighting types and levels.

Materials & Finishes. In a small kitchen design the materials you choose to incorporate can make a space feel larger or smaller than it is in reality. When remodeling small kitchens, light tones as well as earth colors are a good choice. You can also incorporate frosted cabinet door fronts or add a mirrored backsplash to help make the room feel larger. Using a dark colored cabinet finish can be quite stylish in a small kitchen but remember to balance the rest of the space by keeping the walls, counter tops and flooring on the lighter side.

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