How to Design a 10X10 Kitchen

A "work triangle" is the area of the kitchen that contains the stove, refrigerator and sink.

Downsizing has become more popular since the recession in the United States. While this has had the positive effect of cutting costs and reducing environmental impact, it can be difficult to use small spaces effectively. You should take time to research small appliances and install built-in storage. If at all possible consider using an open floor plan with an island to divide the space to give the kitchen a roomier feel.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper

Instructions

1. Consider your available space. If it is a simple wall with an island, a galley-style design might be appropriate. A U-shaped space can be usable but you will have to pay extra attention to the corners so as not to lose space. An L-shaped design is ideal if the space opens onto another room.

2. Consider placement. A refrigerator and stove are essential appliances but you may also want a dishwasher. Other aspects to consider are small appliances if you enjoy cooking at home. These include microwaves, toaster, mixers and blenders. If you are a home gardener you may want to save space for a compost bin or a window planter.

3. Draw a square on graphing paper and mark outlets, windows and entrances on it. Create the box using 20 squares across and down. Each square represents half a foot. After measuring the kitchen area and the location of things like windows, mark them on the appropriate location on your graph. You may wish to make copies of this graph since it will be your design template.

4. Draw potential locations for appliances on your template. Consider how much counter space you need, if you are going to use built-in appliances and whether you wish to look out the window while washing dishes or cooking. Remember that if the room does not have ventilation you will need to install vents, which may take away potential cabinet space.

5. Research appliances. Small appliances are becoming more common and much easier to find. Look for appliances that do double duty, such as a sink built into a compost bin or dishwasher or a stove with storage space.

6. Study cabinetry from different companies. Besides style, look for things like size and shape. Mark out how much space the potential cabinets would take up on your template. A 2-foot deep cabinet is a standard size but in a 10-foot by 10-foot U-shaped kit it would leave a 6-foot square space to wash dishes, cook or have guests in. A 1-foot or even 11/2-foot option may be preferable.

References

• Remodeling my space: Small Kitchen Designs
• The Kitchn: Have You Seen This Tiny NYC Kitchen?