Make a Small Kitchen More Functional

By Bob DeGraff

Professional chefs have the luxury of ample freezers, generous cabinet space, and cavernous larders in which they can store ingredients and tools, ensuring that whatever they need to perfect a dish is right at hand.

But for most homeowners, especially those in older or modestly sized houses, kitchen space can feel tight. Even in sizable homes, kitchens can feel cramped and insufficient for storing essential dishes, utensils and food items. Working in such confined conditions can cause even the most dedicated amateur chef to lose some of their zest.

Thankfully, there are practical steps that can make smaller kitchens feel roomier than they really are, making use of every available inch to ensure decent storage. All that’s required is a little creativity—and a willingness to think vertically.

To Find More Space, Just Look Up

Leveraging vertical space can be the single best way to unlock new storage space within your kitchen, potentially boosting your capacity and usability by a wide margin, or simply allowing you to reduce countertop clutter.

Wall-mounted or “floating” shelves can be an ideal way to capitalize on vertical space, as can magnetic strips for stashing knives and utensils, or pegboards to keep pots and pans close by.

You can make better use of the vertical space inside existing cabinetry, too, installing risers or stacking shelves to maximize space and improve organization.

Vertical Shelves: Tips and Best Practices

When installing floating shelves and similar vertical storage solutions, it’s important to plan strategically. Consider a few guidelines for making vertical shelving maximally effective:

·        Be strategic with placement. Be judicious not only in where you place shelving, but also in what you store in each shelf location. For example, installing shelving above countertops can provide easy access for frequently used spices, small kitchen implements and other staples. Shelves added near appliances may be good areas to keep cooking oils and small pots or pans.

·        Stay organized. With strategy and care, you can prevent your shelves from appearing cluttered or chaotic—not only ensuring their usefulness but preserving the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. Store similar items—for instance, baking supplies or grilling tools—together. For smaller items, use labeled jars or containers. Invest in kitchen storage solutions, including cabinet organizers, to maximize space throughout the room.

·        Maximize every inch. You may be surprised at just how much available shelving space there is in your kitchen—make sure you look everywhere, taking advantage of any blank walls as well as corners. Also remember that the space under a shelf can potentially be put to use. For example, installing small hooks may provide a way to keep mugs or utensils readily accessible, all while conserving valuable drawer and cabinet space.

Don’t Overlook Aesthetics and Accessibility

Beyond basic organization, there are other ways in which vertical shelving can be optimized—both for a stylish appearance and for ease of access.

Vertical storage doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Mix practical items with décor—cookbooks, framed recipes or heirlooms can add personality, while a houseplant brings life and even helps with air quality.

Another tip for aesthetics: Remember that vertical shelves can be made from a range of materials, from wood to metal to marble. Choose a shelf material that complements the kitchen’s aesthetic—and stick with it for a cohesive look. Mixing and matching different shelf materials can appear haphazard or sloppy.

As for ensuring the contents of each shelf remain accessible, it never hurts to keep a small, foldable stool nearby, making it possible to reach out-of-reach shelves as needed. Of course, these higher, harder-to-access shelves are better used for items you use infrequently. Daily staples deserve space on lower shelves whenever possible.

One more tip: Consider adjustable shelving, which makes it possible to tweak the height of each shelf as your storage needs—or your accessibility concerns—change.

Small kitchens don’t have to mean limited function. With smart upgrades like floating shelves, risers, and hooks, you can turn tight quarters into a high-performing space that works for you.

A common cabinet upgrade is to replace kitchen wall cabinets with taller units which extend all the way to the ceiling and take full advantage of the vertical space.

About the author: Bob DeGraff is president of N-Hance, a nationwide leader in wood cabinet repair, refinishing and restoration. N-Hance provides home and business owners with comprehensive cabinet makeovers.