Does it always feel like your kitchen barely has enough storage space, despite there being many cabinets and drawers? It could be because of how you are storing things. If you lack organizational skills, no amount of storage will help you. Even if you are renovating or remodelling your kitchen, if the changes don’t offer smoother workflow between refrigerator, oven, sink and counter, getting things done remains difficult. For this reason, our experts have gathered some ideas to help make your small kitchen big on functionality. Read on to discover how to get your daily tasks done easier.
Make the Most of Your Small Kitchen with These Ideas
1. Change to an open floor plan
Changing your existing kitchen floor plan into an open one can create the illusion of there being more space than there actually is. However, this may require you to knock down a wall or two to open the kitchen to the living or dining room. It may also give you the opportunity to add a kitchen island if there wasn’t enough space before; this creates additional food prep space and storage opportunities. Many homeowners prefer open floor plans for their ease of access and the value they add to their property.
2. Consider a U-shaped island
A kitchen island is generally the dumping ground for groceries as well as a storage spot for items that don’t fit into cabinets. It is also where we prepare meals. But have you ever considered installing a U-shaped island? This type provides a larger usable workspace than a single square block and you can install seating along one arm of the U so people can sit while someone works. The centre gap ensures no space is wasted, and you can install storage drawers on all sides.
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3. Add an herb garden
Anyone who loves cooking knows how fresh herbs flavour your meals like nothing else. However, not every homeowner has a yard or garden. If you like to use fresh ingredients but don’t have space outside to grow them, don’t fret. You can have your own herb garden right in your kitchen. Use mounted planters on empty walls to grow organic basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley and the like, to use in your daily cooking.
4. Install cabinets all the way up
If your kitchen cabinets don’t already go right to the ceiling, consider installing them during your remodel. If your ceilings are high and you can’t easily reach the top cabinets, use those spaces to store things like kitchen appliance you don’t need frequently. This leaves you with more counter space to work on and store things you use daily.
5. Think about lighting
Most homeowners completely forget about lighting. If your kitchen doesn’t receive adequate natural light, make sure there are enough proper light sources near the stove and sink. You can also invest in under-cabinet lighting to create a fancy ambience.
6. Get rid of wasted steps
Think hard about how and where you use your appliances. For instance, it is a good idea to store bowls and breakfast foods near the breakfast table so you don’t waste time running around in the morning. Keep containers near the workspace to make wrapping leftovers easier. Place flatware and dishware close to the dishwasher to make unloading it easier too.
7. Organize the freezer and fridge
No one likes combing through their fridge or freezer to find that one elusive item. To save time and room, group certain products together, such as sauces, condiments and breakfast items. It will additionally help you keep track of what foodstuffs you have and what needs to be consumed first, ensuring less goes to waste.
8. Mount a cupboard pantry
Not every home has a pantry to store excess food, especially if your house is on the small side. However, that doesn’t mean you need to give up on the idea entirely. Instead, install a cupboard and convert it into a pantry to store bottles, jars and food items you can’t keep elsewhere.
9. Hang whatever you can
If space is at a premium in your home, use hooks, rods and magnets to hang utensils and cookware. This keeps kitchen cabinets and drawers clutter free and ensures everything you need is close at hand. Mount magnetic strips on kitchen walls for knives and suspend large pots on a ceiling rack. There are many ways to go about this, so do your research and choose one that serves your purpose.
10. Use the corners
Empty kitchen corners are often underutilized as people don’t know what to do with them. But, if you want to make every square inch count, transform those awkward corners with shelving to store small bowls, spice bottles and napkin rolls, among other smaller items.
For a homeowner, there is nothing worse than a cluttered kitchen that doesn’t have enough storage or space to move around comfortably. If you have a small kitchen, these ten tips will help you increase the functionality of your space and allow you to use every bit of surface. It’s time to make the most of your space and maximize the area you are working with.