Making Small Kitchens Work

Small kitchens can be challenging, but, it is incredible the ways in which you can open it up more to make it seem larger or how you can pack the space with storage and appliances and still have a great looking kitchen!

Think about taking down a wall to open up the kitchen to the dining room or family room.  There is no need to push the kitchen out into the adjoining room, just simply taking the wall down and putting in a peninsula of base cabinets and countertop will make the kitchen seem much larger.  Maybe adding some floating shelves above this peninsula where dishes, serving bowls and platters can be stored would be a good idea to make up for the wall cabinet space that is lost by taking down the wall.  Use of a pot rack can conserve precious storage space in large base cabinets.  Also, consider reducing the depth of cabinets so that they can fit in lighter spaces, like behind doors or next to windows.  You can also explore sinking cabinets into walls where it's possible in order to get some additional storage.  Make sure that the cabinets have layered storage such as spice racks or canned storage on the backs of the doors.  Order extra shelves which allow for more storage since typically there is much wasted space in cabinets due to too much space between shelves.  To get more ideas visit KDOL's portfolio.

Using smaller, European appliances can help, for instance, a 24" under counter oven that has a rotisserie in it from corner to corner for cooking a large turkey will save a lot of room.  Any size cook top can go above this oven with a little design innovation with the cabinets.  For the hood, you can use a combination microwave and hood which doesn't always look the best, but certainly conserves space.  Smaller built in refrigerators are a great idea too, and, you can separate the refrigerator from the freezer by using under counter freezer drawers.  This will allow enough refrigeration space without taking up too much counter space.  Dishwashers can also be found in 18" wide and based on the design of the racks, they can accommodate a lot of dishes and glasses. 

A good designer enjoys the challenge of designing in smaller spaces.  Seek the help of a kitchen designer in your local area, or, work with a designer from the comfort of your own home at www.kitchendesignonline.net.

Comments

[Home theater installations]

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[Kitchen Worktops]

A good design in a small kitchen can be the difference between a room feeling "cramped and tight" and a room feeling "cosy and intimate".