10 Tips to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger

Without the right design, small kitchens can feel cramped and cluttered. However, with the right approach toward aesthetics and accessibility, small kitchens can be very charming and efficient. Kitchen design expert Penelope Jacobs at MyJobQuote.co.uk suggests a few simple design tricks make your small kitchen feel more spacious.

1. Lighten The Space

One of the most effective ways to expand a small kitchen is to introduce light and bright colors. By strategically using light tones, you can create an illusion of space, making your kitchen feel more open and airy. Light-colored walls can dramatically transform the perception of a room's size. Go for soft, neutral shades such as creams, whites and light grays, which help to reflect light, making the space appear larger and brighter. Mirrors on the wall can also increase the natural light in the space through reflections and can also create the impression of a larger room. Consider installing a mirror backsplash or placing a large mirror on one of the walls.

The floor is another crucial element in creating a more spacious feel. Light-colored flooring, such as light hardwood, tile or laminate, can help to visually open up the room. Avoid dark colors that can make the space feel smaller and more enclosed.

 Light-colored cabinetry can significantly brighten up your kitchen. White or off-white cabinets are classic choices that can make a small kitchen appear larger. You can also consider using glass-front cabinets to showcase your favorite dishes and glassware. This will help to add a touch of elegance and create a sense of openness.

2. Keep It Minimal

Clutter can make even the largest kitchen feel cramped and disorganized, so it is an enemy of smaller kitchen spaces. By de-cluttering your kitchen, you can instantly create a more open and inviting atmosphere.

The power of minimalism lies in its simplicity. Take some time to go through your kitchen items and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This could include expired food, broken appliances, or unused gadgets.

Invest in some functional storage solutions to keep your kitchen organized. Utilize drawer organizers, spice racks, and under-cabinet storage to maximize space and minimize clutter. Keep your countertops as clear as possible. Only leave out essential items like a coffee machine, toaster, and a few decorative elements.

Use your cabinets and drawers to store things that you don’t need daily. Consider installing some pull-out shelves or lazy-susans to maximize the storage space.

Pull-out cabinet organizers can economize the storage space you already have.

3. Maximize Vertical Space

When designing a small kitchen, it is crucial that you utilize every inch of available space, including the vertical dimension. By maximizing vertical space, you can free up valuable counter and floor space, creating a more spacious and organized kitchen.

Wall-mounted storage solutions such as shelves and hooks can add some visual interest and provide additional storage for things like cookbooks, decorative items, or frequently use kitchenware. Pegboards are versatile storage solutions that can be customized to your specific needs.

Take advantage of the space above your countertops by installing upper cabinets. Also, utilize corner cabinets with rotating shelves or pull-out drawers to make the most of often-neglected space. Consider using drawer dividers, shelf organizers, and other storage accessories to keep your cabinets tidy and efficient.

4. Choose The Right Appliances

Selecting the right appliances is important for a small kitchen. Oversized appliances can dominate the space, making it feel even smaller than it is. Instead, prioritize compact, efficient appliances that fit seamlessly into your kitchen’s layout.

Consider built-in appliances like ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers. These appliances can be integrated into your cabinetry, creating a more streamlined and clutter-free look. Compact refrigerators and slim-profile dishwashers are also excellent choices for small kitchens.

If you have limited counter space, choose appliances with smaller footprints, such as countertop ovens or compact microwaves. Additionally, look for appliances with multiple functions, such as a stovetop that doubles as a griddle, or a refrigerator with a built-in water dispenser.

5. Illuminate Your Kitchen

Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating the ambience and functionality of your kitchen. A well-lit kitchen can make it appear larger, more inviting, and easier to work in.

Overhead lighting, such as recessed lights or pendant lights, provides general illumination. Under-cabinet lighting helps to illuminate your countertops, making food preparation and cleaning tasks easier. Task lighting, such as track lights or spotlights can be directed towards specific areas, like the stovetop or sink, to provide focused illumination.

To add flexibility and atmosphere, consider using dimmer switches. Dimmers allow you to adjust the intensity of your lights, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for dining or relaxing.

6. Make the Most of Natural Light

Natural light is a powerful tool for transforming a small kitchen. By maximizing natural light, you can create a brighter, more spacious and inviting atmosphere.

Begin by ensuring that your windows are clean and unobstructed. Dirty windows can significantly reduce the amount of natural light that enters your kitchen. Consider removing heavy curtains or blinds that block the sunlight.

Sheer curtains or blinds can be a stylish, practical solution for controlling the amount of light and privacy in your kitchen. These treatments allow natural light to filter through while still providing privacy.

If your kitchen lacks natural light, consider adding skylights. Skylights can significantly increase the amount of natural light in the kitchen, making it feel more open and airy.

7. Use Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces are a clever design trick to help visually expand a small kitchen. By incorporating some reflective elements in your kitchen design, you can create a sense of spaciousness and brightness.

Mirrored backsplashes are a popular choice for small kitchens. They reflect light, making the space appear larger and brighter. Additionally, mirrored backsplashes can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your kitchen.

Stainless steel appliances are not only stylish but also highly reflective. They can help to bounce light around the room, creating a more open and airy feel. Consider also using reflective tiles for your kitchen backsplash or floor. Tiles with a glossy finish can reflect light, making the space appear larger.

8. Create a Focal Point

A well-placed focal point can help to draw the eye away from the limitations of a smaller kitchen and can also add a sense of visual interest and drama. By focusing attention on a particular area, you can divert attention from the overall size of the room.

A colorful backsplash is a popular choice for creating a focal point. A bold, patterned, or brightly colored backsplash can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. Similarly, a unique piece of artwork, such as a painting or sculpture, can serve as a focal point. Choose a piece that complements the style of your kitchen and adds a personal touch.

Alternatively, a distinctive appliance, such as a vintage stove or high-end refrigerator, can also be used as a focal point. This can add a touch of character and elegance to your kitchen.

9. Embrace Open Shelving

Open shelving is a stylish and functional way to maximize storage in a small kitchen. By showcasing your favorite dishes, glassware, and cookbooks, you can add personality and warmth to your kitchen.

Open shelving can help to create a sense of openness and airiness. By removing cabinet doors, you can visually expand the space and allow light to flow freely.

When designing open shelving, it is important to maintain a sense of order and balance. Group similar items together and avoid overcrowding the shelves. Consider using decorative baskets or trays to organize your belongings and add a touch of style.

Organization is critical to a kitchen's uncluttered appearance and its convenience as a workspace.

10. Get Rid of Unnecessary Furniture

Consider removing any large dining tables or bulky kitchen islands that take up valuable floor space. If you need some extra seating, choose bar stools or a small breakfast nook. If you have a small kitchen, it’s best to keep the layout as simple and streamlined as possible. Avoid adding any unnecessary items that can create a cluttered and cramped atmosphere.

By implementing these ten design tips, you can transform your small kitchen into a functional, stylish, and surprisingly spacious haven. Remember, a small kitchen doesn’t have to feel limiting. With a little creativity and planning, you can create a kitchen that not only meets your needs but also feels bright, inviting, and full of character.