Living in a snug home often means a cramped kitchen. However, even the smallest of extensions can work wonders, turning your kitchen into a functional and stylish space.
The secret? Smart design. By squeezing every drop of space and adding clever features, you can craft a kitchen that’s airy, organised, and tailored to your lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll dive into planning tips, space-saving tricks, and nifty storage ideas to bring your dream kitchen to life, no matter how small your space.
1. Optimising the layout
No matter the size of the space, an efficient layout allows you to maximise the usage of a room. To achieve this, consider the placement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator to form a functional work triangle that allows you to move seamlessly through the kitchen with minimal obstacles.
Depending on your specific requirements, you could also designate separate cooking, cleaning, and food prep areas to streamline workflow. Alternatively, you could opt for an open floor plan that integrates the kitchen with adjacent living or dining areas, allowing for a more spacious feel.
2. Integrating smart storage solutions
Storage is a universal challenge, especially in small spaces. You can eliminate this dilemma by installing smart storage solutions such as toe-kick drawers and pull-out pantries that use narrow spaces.
Similarly, vertical storage options such as tall cabinets, shelving units, and peg boards help utilise wall space effectively thereby freeing up floor space.
3. Incorporating built-in appliances
While the proper placement of fixtures and appliances is critical to the design and efficiency of the kitchen space, for a truly seamless look, consider integrating appliances into cabinetry to save space and create a streamlined appearance. This could include built-in ovens, microwaves, and fridges.
4. Making smart furniture choices
Using compact and multipurpose furniture is a sure-fire way to eliminate unnecessary clutter. Folding tables, stackable chairs, pull-out counters and cutting boards, and bench seating with storage underneath are just some of the ways by which you can ensure that each piece of furniture in your kitchen is deliberate and purposeful.
5. Maximising the corners
Every inch matters!
Install corner cabinets with carousel or pull-out shelves, or put in a corner sink to free up counter space thereby optimising the awkward corner spaces.
Similarly, sliding doors for cabinets and pantries should be opted for instead of traditional swing doors to save space.
6. Using efficient lighting
Install under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work areas without taking up counter space. This helps in both aesthetics and safety.
7. Considering the colours
As with any room, the colour scheme of the kitchen significantly impacts the space. Choosing a light palette with whites, light greys, or pastel hues on the walls, cabinets, and countertops allows you to create an airy, open feel while incorporating glass, mirrors, and glossy finishes to reflect light, which helps enhance the sense of space.
8. Maximising the natural light
Install large windows, glass doors, or even skylights to maximise the natural light while simultaneously creating a seamless connection to the outdoors and, as a result, visually extending the kitchen.
Small doesn’t have to mean cramped and uncomfortable. With the right design choices and strategies and the best kitchen extension experts, it is possible to make even the smallest kitchen extension functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, making it the perfect fit for your home.
Are you looking for the ultimate experts in kitchen extensions? Contact our team at Good Design and Build. we pride ourselves on offering a complete solution, from design to build. See our recently completed projects, get inspired, and start your journey with us.
