Work with scale and proportion

When it comes to small kitchens, two of the most important design considerations are scale and proportion. Scale refers to the size of the elements in the room. You may want to consider smaller-scale furniture such as slimline cabinets and islands that will not make the room feel cramped, as well as appliances of smaller models such as a single sink, mini freezer, mini dishwasher, and mini microwave rather than the regular big sizes.

Proportion refers to the relationship between these elements. Carefully considering the proportion of different elements can help to create a sense of balance and openness in a small space. For example, placing slimline cabinets higher on the walls with a slimline countertop at the base of the same wall can make a small kitchen feel more airy and open. Likewise, you can combine barstools with your slimline breakfast table instead of regular chairs to create a balance between these pieces of furniture, while also maximizing space. A professional contractor would consider all these elements during the design stage of the remodeling process. They would measure out the entire space to be able to decide on the scale of furniture and appliances in proportion to each other and to the overall size of the space.

Get creative with every nook and cranny

Where you see are nooks and crannies, an expert designer sees opportunities for storage or befitting spaces for kitchen furniture. Rather than wasting such spaces, with little creativity, every corner can be utilized to its full potential and even become a focal point in the room. For example, the wall space usually between the counter and wall cabinet is often underutilized, it can be used to hang spoons, mugs, and pans from racks or pegboards. And if you are a lover of art, you may adorn the space with kitchen wall art.

If you have the space, consider hiding your fridge within the cabinetry for a streamlined look, and instead of worrying about space for a regular dishwasher, consider a small-scale dishwashing drawer that can be installed just beneath your sink to fit the little empty corner. Once you have it in the back of your mind that every nook and cranny counts, all you will see is how more functional and elegant your small kitchen can get.

Opt for multi-purpose appliances and furniture

You do not have to feel limited by a small kitchen. Having a small kitchen does not mean that you can not have all the furniture and appliances that can be found in a large kitchen. Multi-purpose appliances and furniture can make your kitchen equally as functional as any large kitchen, while also helping to save space. For example, a kitchen island can function as both a prep area, dining table, and storage space all in one, while also saving square footage. Similarly, instead of opting for a traditional oven and microwave and accepting that your counter space will be significantly minimized, you can get a combination microwave that can also bake. This way, you will not have to sacrifice functionality for space. And, you will appreciate having fewer kitchen devices to keep tidy and organized.

Invest in movable and folding furniture

Movable and folding furniture are some simple solutions that can help you make the most of your small kitchen. This way, you can easily create more space when you need it and tuck them away when you do not. For example, instead of having a permanent island, you can go for a mobile kitchen island that can be used as prep space, moved around to change the layout of the room as needed, or placed outside the kitchen to create more space for movement whenever you have more traffic flow in the kitchen. In addition, prep tables and kitchen breakfast chairs that can be easily folded to smaller scales when not in use can make a big difference in how spacious your small kitchen feels — freeing up valuable floor space.

Maximize storage with smart solutions

One of the biggest worries of homeowners with small kitchens is finding enough storage space. For you, it can just feel like there is not enough space, but a professional contractor on the other hand is familiar with this kind of problem during small kitchen remodels and can help solve your storage problem with a few smart storage solutions. For example, pull-out shelves and cabinet roll-outs can be incorporated into your design. They are great for storing spices, cookbooks, and small appliances and they provide easier access to bulky items like pots and pans whenever you need them. This will maximize your space and keep your kitchen from being cluttered.  If you are short on counter space, you may want to add an over-the-sink shelf to store frequently used items as well as get a multi-tiered spice rack to save counter space.

Furthermore, take advantage of vertical space. One of the best ways to do this in a small kitchen is to stretch cabinets up high. This can provide extra storage for seldom-used items, freeing up valuable counter space. Another option is to hang pots and pans from a fancy ceiling-mounted rack. This frees up space in your cabinets and also makes it easier to grab what you need when you are in the middle of cooking. Asides from keeping your pot within reach, a ceiling-mounted rack will also add an elegant touch to your kitchen. Having a small kitchen does not mean that you can not add some style while still prioritizing function.

Make the most of your Light

Light it up! Get creative with both natural light and artificial light. Natural sunlight can make a small space feel more open and airy, while with thoughtful planning, artificial light will not only brighten up the space but can create a personalized and inviting atmosphere.

Let in as much natural light as possible by including plenty of windows and a perfect skylight. This ensures that your kitchen is airy and well-lit during the day. Mirrors are another great way to reflect natural light and create the appearance of a larger room. By placing a mirror opposite or beside a window, you can bounce natural light around the room.

When it comes to artificial lighting, be sure to use a mix of task lighting, accent lighting, recessed ceiling lights, and general overhead lighting. For example, under-cabinet lights are ideal as task lighting because they provide focused light for activities such as chopping veggies on your countertop or reading recipes, recessed ceiling lights will generally brighten up the room and make it airy — these round LED lights are perfect for small kitchens because they are compact, while a unique pendant light above your island or some pretty sconces flanking your cabinets can add personality and interest to your small kitchen space. These lighting measures not only brighten your kitchen to enhance visibility but also creates an illusion of a large space.

Invest in built-in appliances

Built-in appliances take up less visual space than freestanding appliances, and they can be customized to fit your unique layout. For example, built-in dishwashers can be installed beneath your countertop, freeing up valuable floor space, built-in ovens and microwaves can be seamlessly integrated into your cabinetry creating a sleek and streamlined look, while your compact fridge can be tucked away behind a cabinet door. The right placement for these appliances would have been considered and incorporated into the kitchen design layout. This way, you can trust that the remodel is done right the first time.

Hire a trustworthy contractor to handle your small kitchen remodeling

Small kitchens can be a challenge to remodel. You want to create a space that is both functional and stylish, but you also have to be mindful of the limited square footage. Such undertaking needs a professional contractor who specializes in small kitchen remodeling and renovations that you can trust to have the experience and expertise to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. It is important that your decision is made based on proper vetting — they must be licensed and certified to ensure that you are protected in case of any accidents or damage during construction. In addition, look out for positive client reviews concerning their customer service and job delivery. This way you can trust that they will be able to provide you with expert advice and follow the standard approach throughout the remodeling process.

Getting a professional contractor guarantees that you will be getting a design and build service, which promises accountability from planning, layout designing, and material sourcing to construction and finishes. This means that in addition to working with kitchen designers, the team will also include certified and licensed architects, plumbers, electricians, and every other professional you need for a perfect job. By ensuring that you get a contractor that checks all these requirements, you can trust that your kitchen remodel will come out perfect in form and function.

A professional contractor will draw up a floorplan, get the layout right, help with budgeting, and balance form and functionality in the design while prioritizing your need. They will also help you carefully decide on the final look of your small kitchen space, get materials from tested and trusted suppliers, and follow the standard construction process and safety measures until they attain the standard precision at the end of the job.

Wrapping up

Here at RA Cooks Renovations, we specialize in all types of kitchen remodeling projects including small kitchen remodeling. Our services span across Dayton, OH area to Miami Valley. We value high-quality workmanship and we remain committed to building lasting working relations with our clients as we have been doing for over a decade. From our gallery and customer reviews, you will see that our jobs and milestones in the industry already speak for us. Most of our clients come from repeat customers and referrals, which is a testament to the quality of our work. From the start of your layout design all through construction to installation, we care about getting everything right “the first time.” We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your vision for your new kitchen becomes a reality. To get started on your project, please contact us to schedule a free consultation and inspection today!