The Problem with Small Kitchens and Solutions to Improve Them (A How-To Design Guide)
The Problem with Small Kitchens and Solutions to Improve Them (A How-To Design Guide)
We’ve all worked in tight kitchens before. To be efficient for two or more people, a strange sort of dance must be used. While one chops the veggies, the other transfers to the oven, and we rotate carefully trying not to get in each other’s way.
This can not only be frustrating, but it’s messy in the best of times and potentially dangerous as well.
At Archant, we talk to many homeowners who want to redesign their kitchen without changing the structural design of the room. This can indeed be a major renovation, but it stops short of knocking down walls and building extensions.
Their question is usually something like, “how can I make my small kitchen more efficient without changing the size?”
Well, in this article we’re going to discuss the top ways to do just that. Some of the solutions are so simple, that you’ll wonder how you hadn’t thought of them yourself.
1) Flush Cabinet Handles
Have you ever ripped a pair of pants that were snagged by a cabinet handle? Worse yet, is the dreaded leg bruise from knocking your thigh into a metal protruding knob. These issues are typically unique to smaller kitchens, but they don’t need to hinder you forever.
In fact, many of our customers are finding flush and continuous cabinet handles to be a real game changer.
Flush handles are recessed in the cabinet doors with nothing jutting out into your working space. This gives you better access as the cabinets can be fully opened without the damaging walls behind them. We know it sounds like a minor detail, but you’ll be surprised at how valuable it is to gain back a few centimetres.
Not only are these super functional, and space-saving, but they look incredibly sleek with a modern appeal that’s on-trend these days. Consider this smart design option as a key element in a sophisticated and streamlined kitchen.
2) Kitchen Island with Overhang for Seating
For homes with smaller dining capacity, a kitchen island with available seating is a big win. To set this up, talk with your interior designer about including an overhang.
The exact measurements will vary, but essentially you want it to be deep enough to accommodate a few stools. When not in use, they can be tucked under the overhang for convenient, out-of-the-way storage.
This option is so popular that we prepared an entire article detailing everything you need to design an overhang. There’s a lot to consider to avoid making some of the common mistakes we’ve seen in the past.
Take a few minutes to read this, and you’ll be sure to save time and money in the long run.
3) Save Benchtop Space with a Sink and Drainer
A sink with an integrated drainer offers greater space-saving flexibility than most people realise. The traditional use of the drainer is to let the dishes dry while the runoff water flows into the bowl. If benchtop space is at a premium in your kitchen, the drainer can also offer some unique multitasking capability.
For example, when it’s not being used to dry dishes, the drainer doubles as a great place for a cutting board during meal prep. You can also use it as a safe place to put large, hot cookware down without the need for a trivet. This is convenient when you’re trying to drain a heavy pot of boiling pasta water. Later when you’re done cooking, this space can be reallocated for drying duty.
4) Choose a Light Colour Palette
Kitchens that are smaller in size can sometimes feel a bit dark. An easy way to make them feel larger is by leveraging a lighter colour palette. This can work in conjunction with any window light to bounce and reflect the sun throughout the space.
It’s not just the colour of the wall paint that matters here, but other key elements as well.
Benchtops and splashbacks that are lighter in tone will also be very effective at creating a larger, more open feel. Then, instead of chrome-coloured appliances, consider the simple and clean look of a white refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.
When paired with white cabinetry and handles, the whole space benefits from a more spacious appearance.
5) Opening Up Cabinetry with Wovenpanel™
Using architectural wire mesh as a cabinet front can be a clever and unique way to show the depth of what’s inside. It’s a visual trick that allows for more design layers to be utilised.
We’ve seen several award-winning designs with this feature and were quite impressed by the transformative quality it had on each space.
As an added benefit, cabinets that are not closed off can be paired with interior illumination. This coupled with the texture of the Wovenpanel™ brings a new sense of sophistication to an otherwise static part of the kitchen.
With the open quality of the mesh, air can pass through, making it a good choice for food storage and pantry areas too.
Small Kitchens Can Feature Big Designs
It’s time to rethink the negative perception of smaller kitchens. With the clever use of the above design tips, you can make the entire space look and feel much larger. The ability to add form and function without modifying the structural integrity of your home is a big deal. Not only does it save time, but it’s easier on the budget as well.
We Can Help with Your Project
Archant’s showrooms are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable design experts. Whether you want to see the products up close or find answers to your specific questions, we are happy to help.
Related Links
You may also find the articles below informative and inspirational as you research your kitchen design project. Whether you’re creating a new build, or just want to improve an existing design, there is a wealth of information to guide your decisions.
Top 5 Design Tips on How to Refresh Your Kitchen
How to Design a Durable Overhang for Your Porcelain Benchtop and Kitchen Island
The Ultimate Price Guide to Kitchen Splashbacks (Cost and Comparison)
How Much Should I Budget for My Kitchen Renovation in New Zealand? (Pricing Guide)
A Review of the Best Kitchen Cabinet Handle Trends of 2022
How to Choose the Right Handle Style and Shape for Your Kitchen
5 Creative Ways to Use Wovenpanel™ and Porcelain as Decorative Surfaces
