To expand the size of a compact kitchen without a major refurbishment, take a look at the following small kitchen ideas that use cabinets, colour combinations, countertops and other elements to create the illusion of a larger, more open kitchen.
1. Create Room for Storage
To enhance storage in a compact kitchen renovation without taking up significant floor space, consider installing shelving units in the wall space between the studs. Built-in shelving is trimmed and finished to complement the woodwork and blend in with the overall architecture. If kitchen space is limited, consider finding a nearby spot, such as a breakfast area or hallway, for built-in shelving.
2. White Paint
In a small kitchen, white can be your greatest ally. It reflects light, gives the illusion of a larger space, and makes walls seem farther apart. By incorporating white into your cabinets, countertops, walls and ceiling, you can create a seamless, borderless environment. To add depth and dimension, consider using multiple shades of white and mixing different textures to prevent an all-white room from feeling too stark. Adding built-in panel cabinetry and crown moulding can also create subtle shadows that add visual interest.
3. Open Back Door
Using a small kitchen for one person isn’t a problem, but it can become crowded when guests come over. To create more space, you can install access to a back porch in your small kitchen. If the dining area is limited, you can opt for a set of small wine coolers or a small dining table with benches to maintain an open layout.
4. Food Pantry
Don’t have a designated pantry? Don’t worry. You can maximize storage space in your small kitchen pantry with clever cabinet accessories. The upper cabinets do not have ordinary doors, but French doors. When opened, you can see the built-in spice rack, and use the deep cabinet to store snacks and staple foods. Plus, convenient countertop drawers keep everyday cooking essentials within easy reach.
5. Combined Surface
A cohesive aesthetic can be achieved by connecting the backsplash and countertops in a small kitchen. For a seamless look, the walls are covered with black and white granite countertops. To avoid a cluttered look, a grey and white color scheme was adopted, taking inspiration from natural stone.
6. Color Schemes With Low Contrast
A kitchen colour scheme with minimal colour variation in the walls, countertops, cabinets and woodwork will give the illusion of a larger space. For example, the cabinets, finishes and backsplash have similar colour values – all in subtle shades of grey-green – which avoids the visual impact of dramatic changes from dark to light. As a result, the small kitchen gives an overall feeling of calm and spaciousness.
7. Embrace The Natural Light
One way to make a small kitchen appear larger is to take advantage of natural light. While the number and location of windows may be limited, you can enhance the available light with simple window treatments. For example, using blinds can provide privacy without blocking out light. Or, choose opaque curtains for privacy and light.
8. Upgrading Cabinet Doors with Glass
To create the illusion of a larger kitchen, consider removing a few cabinet doors or replacing them with glass doors, as suggested in this guide to remodelling cabinets with glass doors. This method draws attention away from the cabinet frames and into the recesses of the cabinets, making the walls look more distant. For best results, the interior of the cabinets must maintain an organised, coordinated look, as clutter can make the space feel cramped.
9. Smaller Sized Furniture
When designing a small kitchen, it is important to consider using smaller furniture. Take this a step further by choosing visually lightweight furniture such as narrow kitchen islands, bar stools or stools. These pieces of furniture have clean lines that don’t draw attention to themselves and create a sense of spaciousness by allowing people to see beyond them.
10. Simplify Storage
For small kitchens, dealing with limited storage space can be a challenge. A common problem is having too many appliances cluttered on the countertop. However, decluttering can create the illusion of a larger space. To maximize storage space, consider a corner appliance garage in the kitchen. This type of cabinet allows you to hide appliances like your coffee maker and toaster while still keeping them within easy reach for meal prep.
11. Use A Striped Pattern
Similar to how wearing horizontal stripes can give the illusion of a wider appearance, using striped flooring from side to side in a room can visually expand the floor space in a small kitchen. This effect can be achieved by alternating light and medium-toned laminate floor tiles. Alternatively, you can create a similar effect by painting over existing wood or vinyl flooring or placing a large striped rug on the floor.
12. Keep It Bright
Efficient use of light is key to creating the best small kitchen ideas. By incorporating reflective surfaces such as ceramic tiles, marble countertops or stainless steel, you can enhance the impact of natural and artificial light, giving the illusion of a larger space. Additionally, proper lighting not only enhances functionality but also adds to the overall ambience. Under-cabinet lights aid in cooking, while pendant lights can create a cosy atmosphere for dining on an island or peninsula.
