Nine ideas for clever small kitchen design
Small never means bad when it comes to kitchen space, it just means you’ve got to get a little bit more creative with your design and use of space. Even the most awkward kitchen shape can be turned into the culinary hub of your dreams when designed in the right way, and that’s what we’re here to help with.
From clever storage solutions to stylish lighting options, there are so many ways to turn a small kitchen into somewhere you love to spend time cooking and relaxing. Things such as finding the right kitchen designer and selecting your appliances, all have an impact on the final look and feel of your space. All you need is clever design, attention to detail and an open mind.
To help you get started with your small kitchen design project, we’ve compiled our nine essential tips for small kitchen design right here.
Tip 1: Find the perfect small kitchen designer
You might assume that hiring a kitchen designer is only something you do for a large space, in actual fact it’s even more important when you’re working with smaller areas. Whether you’re choosing to go design-only with your new kitchen or are looking for the whole package, finding the perfect designer should be first on your list. They are the person who will help you realise your vision and tease out your desires to get the most out of your space. We recommend working with someone who you feel understands your vision and who has worked with small spaces before.
Tip 2: Focus on your small kitchen layout
When it comes to small kitchen spaces, your layout will be largely governed by what’s there structurally, but if you have the chance to change the layout of your space completely will it work best as a galley; U-shape; L-shape? Will you need an area for seating? Is it better to have more shelves or more cabinets? Getting the blueprint for your new kitchen established early on will help you make better, more informed decisions further down the line. Once you’re happy with the blueprint of your space, you’ll be able to start thinking about materials, appliances and accessories in a more practical sense, making sure you’re maximizing space wherever possible.
Tip 3: Consider the impact of certain kitchen styles
What’s your vision: modern or traditional? Whilst there are no rules when it comes to designing your kitchen, there are a few things to bear in mind for smaller kitchen spaces. More ornate kitchens can often feel busy while more minimal styles can help to make a kitchen feel less crowded. You may have a preference in mind already, but it’s important to consider your options and think about the best choices for the space you have. Whilst many kitchen styles can work in small spaces when designed with careful consideration, it always makes sense to consider how a certain style might impact the look and feel of your space.
Tip 4: Opt for smart storage and cabinetry
Kitchen zoning is of utmost importance when it comes to the storage and functionality of a small kitchen. Don’t focus on the number of cabinets you want but do focus on the amount and type of storage you’ll need. To many, it comes as a surprise that drawers can be more useful than cupboards. Ultimately, smart storage is all about making the most of the space you have. Figure out what you need to store and how you use it on a day-to-day basis, then work backwards.
Tip 5: Be clever with lighting and other choices when using dark colours in small spaces
It’s a common misconception that choosing darker colours can make a kitchen space feel smaller than it is. Dark colours can work in smaller spaces but only in tandem with clever lighting design and practical choices for things like worktops/flooring. If you’re keen to have rich colours in your kitchen, there are a few fundamental things to consider: painting the ceiling white so that it reflects light down into the space, choosing light coloured worktops/floors that reflect light back up, taking a minimal approach to the materials you use e.g. using the same material for your worktop and splashback, considering architectural changes such as window placement where possible and, perhaps most importantly, lighting designed cleverly for your space and the way you wish to use it. Rich colours can work beautifully in small spaces but it’s all about what you pair them with. We would also recommend sticking to one colour rather than going for a two-tone effect on cabinets.
Tip 6: Carefully consider your worktop choice
Worktop choice for smaller kitchens is very similar to the choice for larger kitchens, only there are a few extra considerations to be taken, such as the light in the space and the ease of getting materials into the kitchen in the first place. As we mentioned in Tip 5, light coloured worktops will naturally reflect more light into the room which is always beneficial in smaller spaces, and it’s advisable to opt for a splashback in the same material as your worktop to avoid a cluttered feeling from having too many materials in play in a small area. The layout of your kitchen is also something to take into account as different materials are more affordable for different circumstances. For example, man-made materials can be moulded into seamless wrap-around surfaces more easily which can help to make a small space feel bigger.
Tip 7: Focus on lighting design
Bespoke lighting design might sound like overkill for a small kitchen but actually it’s even more important than it is for larger spaces. It’s important for illumination to be at the heart of your kitchen design, especially as shadows are more likely. Highlight important work areas, draw focus to elements you want to feature within your kitchen and make sure any pendant lighting is in proportion to the space and draws the eye in a positive direction. Large extravagant lighting can feel overbearing and out of place, keep it simple but effective when it comes to lighting in small kitchen spaces.
Tip 8: Hide or decrease the size of your appliances
Hidden appliances, where they sit behind a cabinet door, are often the way forward in smaller kitchens as they help to stop the kitchen feeling too busy. There are also fantastic smaller versions of most appliances, the slim dishwasher is a perfect example of this. Some great options for small kitchen appliances include: the dish-drawer from Fisher & Paykel (we recommend this to many of our clients), a Quooker tap that has all-in-one hot, cold and boiling water in one (sparkling too if budget permits), an oven with a built in microwave and an induction hob that doubles as worktop space when not in use.
Tip 9: Trust the following insights from our founder and kitchen design expert Selena Quick
“The design of small kitchens is challenging yet hugely rewarding, they’re certainly more of a puzzle than larger kitchens, but we do love a challenge here at PAD. When we’re working with clients with smaller spaces, we always maximize practicality, helping them to create a space that works well and looks better than they’d imagined.
Kitchen zoning is imperative in smaller spaces. It’s crucial to think about layout and everyday use more than the number of cabinets you’d like; functionality is key and putting it first will ultimately help you create a space that feels beautiful and just works really well.
Lastly, you can use rich colours in small spaces but do so with good lighting and smart decisions about worktops and cabinet style. Keeping the number of different materials to a minimum is important, the more you have in your space the smaller it will feel. Make choices that feel right for you and your space but always keep everyday practicality in mind.”
Selena Quick, Founder of PAD
A small kitchen can be a triumph when cleverly designed to suit your needs, style and required functionality — just ensure you find the right designer prior to starting your kitchen project, setting you on the right path from day one and bringing your kitchen design ideas to life.
To see how PAD can help you design the small kitchen of your dreams, book a short consultation and start making plans for your small kitchen to become the powerhouse of your home.