A small kitchen can be a challenge for many reasons. From the limited counter space to the lack of storage, it's likely that you'll feel a bit cramped in a tiny kitchen.
For some people, this restrictive space may cause them to order takeout for every dinner instead of cooking. You may feel like you can't invite friends or family over, since you won't be able to cook in your home.
You may not be able to expand your kitchen in an instant without knocking down a wall or two, but that shouldn't stop you from using the space. Instead of writing off your kitchen entirely, you can make the most of the space you have.
You can also give the illusion that your kitchen is larger than it actually is. This will create a much more enjoyable (and useable) area for your family and your guests!
If you're ready to make the most of your limited kitchen space, this blog is for you! Keep reading to find out how to make your tiny kitchen look and feel bigger.
5 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Bigger
1. Reduce Clutter
When you clean any room in your home, you probably notice that it feels much bigger than before you cleaned it. This is because clutter makes a space feel more cramped and takes room away from your day-to-day activities.
This is especially true when it comes to your kitchen. Those dirty dishes, cook books, and spice racks take up valuable space. Everything on your counters makes your kitchen feel more cramped than it actually is.
When you're clearing out clutter from your kitchen, feel free to leave out a few essentials. For instance, it doesn't make sense to hide away your salt and pepper shakers. But try to hide away as much as you can, including small appliances like your blender or food processor.
Taking an hour or two to tackle this project will free up counter space for your cooking. It will also make your kitchen feel much larger and more open.
2. Switch to Glass Cabinets
If you have a small kitchen, your walls are likely full of upper cabinets. While eliminating these cabinets may be a simple way to open up the space, it isn't practical. But there is a way to make them feel less intrusive!
Consider changing the doors on your upper cabinets to glass panels. You can also install partial glass cabinets like the example pictured above to keep the expenses down.
According to Better Homes & Gardens, glass cabinets pull the eye past the cabinets and back to the wall. So while the shelves will still hold the same items, the glass doors will add some much-needed depth. Being able to see farther into the cabinets will make it look like there's more space in the kitchen.
Adding glass cabinet doors is also a great way to show off your favourite dishes and kitchen organizers. This trick is most effective when you keep your cabinets organized, though.
As with your counters, a lot of clutter will have the opposite effect than you intended. An all-while colour scheme will help your small kitchen space feel even bigger.
If you want to add some personality to the interiors of your cabinets, head out to the craft store to pick up some cabinet lining. You can install small pieces of wallpaper or paint the inside of your cabinets to make them stand out.
3. Stick to Light Colours
While dark colours may look great in many large kitchens, they don't suit small kitchen design as well. When you're choosing paint colours for your cabinets, it's best to stick to lighter neutral colours.
Apartment Therapy recommends using all white or light colours to give your kitchen an airy feel. This will make it appear larger, and will help you feel less restricted in your tiny space.
Whichever colour scheme you choose, try to limit the contrasting colours. Sticking with colours that are in the same family will help open up your space.
4. Maximize the Light
Open up every corner of your kitchen by maximizing the natural light that comes in. It may not be workable to add an extra window to the space, but you can make the most of what you have.
Your first step should involve looking at your window treatments. If your current curtains are keeping light out of your kitchen, swap them out for something lighter. Wooden blinds will let light pass through while preserving your privacy.
You should also think about your window sill. A potted plant or two is nice, but your mini garden could be blocking the light from coming through.
5. Include Reflective Surfaces
You've likely heard that mirrors can make a room feel larger. But that doesn't mean that you need to cover every surface with mirrors or chrome to create the illusion of space.
Metallic surfaces, from your fridge to your faucets, help give the illusion of extra space. Look for stainless steel, chrome, or other glossy surfaces.
By changing out your fixtures and the hardware on your cabinets, you can add in bits of reflection and make the space feel larger. We recommend using chrome or another reflective material if you want to embrace the reflective trend.
You should also consider using glass tiles on your backsplash to add depth to the space between your cabinets and counters.
To find the perfect faucet or accent for your kitchen, stop by one of our showrooms. The consultants at your local Vague & Vogue showroom can help you make decisions related to the design of your kitchen or bathroom.
