Small Kitchen Design

From LoveToKnow Interior Design

Small kitchen design can be a challenge. Traditional wisdom calls for a triangle layout in a kitchen where the stove, sink and refrigerator are placed in a triangle. This allows for maximize efficiency when preparing meals. Food preparation naturally flows from the refrigerator to the stove and then to the sink. However small kitchens don't always allow for the space to create a food prep triangle.

The good news for people struggling with how to design a small kitchen is that the galley kitchen is back in fashion. The galley kitchen is one where all of the appliances are connected and placed in a row. Galley kitchens are found on ships and airplanes because they are ideal for conserving space. Since all of the appliances are so close together, it makes cooking very efficient and it leaves room in the kitchen for a small seating area.

Tips for Small Kitchen Design

Sometimes you don't have a choice in the layout of your small kitchen so triangles and galleys aren't options. If that is the case, there are some other things you can do to maximize space.

Furniture

Think less is more when it comes to furnishing a small kitchen. Choose sleek, simple lines for the table and chairs. Lucite or ladder backed chairs will make the room seem more open and allow light to shine through the room. Stores like Ikea and Crate and Barrel make great butcher block and stainless steel work stations that can double as tables, prep areas and storage. The light wood and metal combos aren't too visually heavy for a cramped kitchen.

Minimalist and sleek industrial looks work really well in small kitchens. However if ultra modern décor isn’t your style, you can still pull it off. Just add soft wall colors and fabrics.

Paint

Use light colors in a small space, especially a kitchen. White and pale yellow walls can make a room seem larger. Dark colors will make the space seem smaller. Contrast the light walls with a few dark wood or bright colored accents. This gives the room some visual interest. Plus, just because a kitchen is small doesn't mean it needs to be light on luxurious touches. If your budget allows, add high end appliances in stainless steel and copper, small touches of dark, exotic woods and bright accents. These details bring drama to a small space.

Lighting

Bright lighting is key to small kitchen design. Avoid shadows and dark corners with high wattage bulbs. A brightly lit space will appear larger than it actually is. It will also aid in preparing food and cleaning up after meals. To make ceilings appear taller than they are, avoid hanging pendant lights and opt for recessed lighting instead.

Storage

The most important consideration in designing a small kitchen is storage. No kitchen ever seems to have enough storage regardless of square footage. So organization and planning are key in cramped spaces.

Hang pots, pans and utensils from the ceiling. To avoid a cluttered look, try to purchase all of your utensils in the same material. All stainless or all copper looks neater than a mix of metals.

When it comes to cabinets, glass front cabinets make a small space seem bigger where as wood cabinets make the space seem smaller. Again, if you are going to expose your dishes, aim to stock dinnerware in matching colors.

Other space saving tips include