How to Design a Small Kitchen

Eliminate clutter from a small kitchen to give the illusion of more space.

You need not sacrifice function or style simply because you have a small kitchen. With careful planning, you can set up a room in a way that makes it easy to carry out all kitchen tasks even in a tight space. You may find that when you are designing your small kitchen, you make the space more efficient as you make sure every square foot is used in the best possible way.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Ruler
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Plot your kitchen measurements on graph paper. Make one square on the paper equal 1 square foot of your kitchen. Mark doors, windows, pipes, power outlets and other immovable fixtures on your plan.

2. Allocate space for your cabinets, which are the dominant feature of any kitchen. Ensure that you have areas for preparing food, cooking, serving and washing up. Make a list of your appliances -- as a minimum you will need a cooker, sink and refrigerator -- and decide where they will go. Keep appliances away from the door.

3. Get rid of unnecessary appliances and other items to save space and reduce clutter. Replace full-size appliances with smaller models, such as a slim dishwasher. Install underfloor heating if your budget stretches to it, which frees the floor space a radiator takes up. A wall-mounted radiator is a cheaper option.

4. Install tall cabinets if you have high ceilings in the room. Light-colored cabinets will make the room look more spacious. Store seasonal or seldom-used items up high.

5. Push a fold-down table against one wall, with stools tucked beneath it. Prepare food on cutting boards on the table if counter space is extremely limited.

6. Install a goose-necked faucet over a small sink to make it easier to fill large pots.

7. Attach mirrored tiles to the backsplash to give the illusion of more space.

References

• RemodellingMySpace: Small Kitchen Designs
• Kitchens.com: Design Tips for Small Kitchens