Designing A Small Kitchen To Create More Space
Small kitchens pose problems when cooking large meals, entertaining guests or attempting to put your pots and pans away after washing. Some simple tips and changes can help your kitchen design best utilize a small space.
Maximize Storage Space with a Kitchen Cart
Spacious kitchens can have a permanent center island for prep work and bar-style seating. Small kitchens need to utilize the center of the room a bit differently. Rolling kitchen carts offer a prep surface, interior storage and the ability to move the cart out of the way. Look for carts with a heat-safe tile on the surface that allows you to sit a hot pot there while you finish other projects on the stove.
The inside of the kitchen cart can be used for mixing bowls or specialty pans you use often but not daily, such as loaf pans or tube pans. Some carts include side racks for hanging towels and storing some basic spices. If you plan to wheel the cart into a different room or closet, make sure the contents aren't items you use frequently when cooking.
Eliminate Cabinets with Hanging Pot Racks
Small spaces seem to call for as many cabinets as possible. But squishing in a number of tall cabinets can make the room appear more boxy and crowded. You can eliminate a cabinet or two while adding visual interest by using hanging pot racks. Choose wall-mounted versions to keep the pots and pans flush to the wall, which will save space and prevent you from hitting your head on pots hanging from the center ceiling.
Use a maximum of two pot racks with five or six hooks a piece. Unless you have a family of 12, that should provide ample space for the amount of pots and pans you really need. Eliminate the additional pots and pans to save space. Use the drawer under your stove to store lids. Choose pot racks with an upper shelf, or install one above the racks, to store utensils like ladles and wooden spoons.
Size Down Appliances
If your kitchen is truly tiny, consider downsizing your appliances. Stores sell appliance-sized items including microwaves, refrigerators and dishwashers. Talk to a sales representative to find the best products to suit the size of your room. Note that downsizing might not prove the best option for larger families and that smaller products are sometimes less efficient.
Another tip is to move the appliances further out of the way. If you have an entry room or butler's pantry adjoining the kitchen, place the microwave and/or refrigerator in that room to free up space in the main kitchen. Microwaves can also be mounted underneath cabinets to leave counters free for prep work, but this doesn't work as well if you already have low cabinets.
For more information, contact Stone Forest Kitchen & Bath Center or a similar company.