Are you happy with the size of your current kitchen? Wondering how you can get creative with what you have? The National Kitchen and Bath Association defines the average small kitchen as 70+ square feet. And that much space can feel restrictive, especially for an avid home cook. In fact, the most limiting problem small kitchens face is space, from layout to storage solutions. Especially for entertainers, guests will always find themselves gathering at the source of the food, turning your next gathering into a stage from the circus; The headline shows how many people can fit in the kitchen while it is still operational. Legitimate space concerns aside, limited storage solutions will have you returning home from your weekly shopping trips to play a box-inspired game of Tetris in your closet. And at this point, you might be wondering…
What can you expect when remodeling a smaller living space?
Designing a smaller living space means getting creative and making the most of less. Common concerns that arise from a small kitchen often stem from a lack of functionality. Cooking a big meal? Less counter space means less ability to multitask. You’ll probably feel cramped. Do you enjoy stocking up on your favorite foods? The lack of cabinetry or other storage solutions often means it will always be out in the open, creating a cluttered space. But as a homeowner, that doesn’t mean you have to settle. Ever-evolving kitchen trends have taught us that the next best solution to your problem is just around the corner. So let’s start by addressing some of the bigger concerns you can expect when designing a small kitchen.
When designing a smaller living space like your kitchen, there are a few key factors to consider first: Layout, Storage, Flooring, and Lighting. That’s because these four most easily affect how spacious your kitchen feels, not how large it actually is. Some examples of these factors in action, your layout will definitely be the most evident in the overall feel of your kitchen.
Residential
Especially in small spaces, designers will recommend remodeling your kitchen with a suitable work triangle in mind. For those who don’t know, a kitchen work triangle means placing your stove, refrigerator, and sink at equal distances from each other to contribute to a more efficient workflow and provide better comfort. But the kitchen layout really only starts with the triangle. Depending on your personal wants and needs, there is a wide variety of unique kitchen layouts that can fit any mold you desire. Often, homeowners will find themselves with less space than they imagined by simply choosing the wrong layout. Most designers or contractors will recommend one of the 6 most common kitchen layouts: L-Shaped, U-Shaped, G-Shaped, single-wall, galley, or kitchen island. Choosing the right layout along with a work triangle will ensure optimal workflow and make cooking your next meal easier.
Storage
Storage is something we all wish we had more of. But you can be creative with what you have now. From hanging trunk sets to vertical cabinet solutions and open shelving, getting the most out of fewer starts with taking some design risks that will benefit you in the long run. Many homeowners find themselves in the same boat… the same cramped boat where your countertops become secondary storage until they become a cluttered mess. Remodeling is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Ground
The world of kitchen flooring can be confusing and often overlooked. However, using the right materials and proper placement can create the illusion of more space. For this reason, it is often recommended to lay plank flooring horizontally rather than vertically as it makes your home space more spacious and less like a bowling alley.
Lighting
And what better way to highlight all those kitchen elements than with lots of lighting? Improper placement or inadequate lighting can make your space appear darker and less spacious. Go for bright whites or warm color tones that fill every part of your kitchen. Plenty of natural light will also do wonders in reducing your energy bill. You can also click on the backlinks for granite, marble, and quartz countertops suitable for your kitchen.
