Design Ideas for a Small Kitchen
Although a small kitchen provides space challenges, with good design the most critical features can be incorporated. On the plus side, the luxuries, such as granite counter tops, cost less than they would in a large kitchen. Flooring will also be less.
One thing that is critical in a small kitchen is the elimination of clutter. In your design, find a place for everything.
Does this Spark an idea?
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Prioritize
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A small kitchen makes it necessary to prioritize and reduce. Determine what dishes and pans you really need and use regularly. Donate, sell or store seldom-used tableware, appliances or baking dishes.
Cabinets
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Make use of all available space. Build cabinets to the ceiling. Depending upon the ceiling height and cabinet style, you may be able able to stack cabinets. Or purchase tall cabinets or top cabinets with baskets for extra storage.
Some companies make drawers that are installed under cabinets. With this cabinet style, hang your upper cabinets higher, then put the drawers underneath. Some appliances can also be mounted under a cabinet. Also, consider using the wall space under the upper cabinets for hanging utensils.
Maximize the space in your cabinets with organizing devices. Use pull-out shelves, where possible, so that you don't miss that last item on a shelf. Consider the numerous ways of making use of the space in corner cabinets. Some base cabinets have cutting boards that you can pull out. Others allow you to make use of the small area under the sink.
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Appliances
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What appliances and items do you absolutely need and which can you live without? Can some of these be mounted under the upper cabinets? Make appliances do double duty. An excellent example is combining an exhaust fan for the stove with the microwave oven. Do you need a double sink if you have a dishwasher? Consider the size of the appliances that you purchase. Can you get by with smaller appliances? Dishwashers come as small as 18 inches wide. Stoves are available with only two burners.
Paint and light
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The more light that is in a kitchen, the bigger it appears. The light can come from windows, skylights or artificial lights. If you don't have much natural light, add sufficient artificial light. Recessed ceiling lights are often used in small kitchens, and rope lights can be installed on top of cabinets for inexpensive up lighting.
Light colors of cabinets, glass doors or frosted glass doors also give the illusion of more space. The back splash can serve to reflect light. Glass tiles reflect light as does stainless steel or mirror.
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