10 Tips to Maximize Your Small Kitchen
Spacious kitchen renovations are always a sight to see, but unfortunately that’s not realistic for most Bostonians living in high-rise apartments and condos.
In an already busy city that continues to grow, developers and builders are building up instead of out, limiting space for consumers. So, what does this mean for your kitchen remodel? How do you maximize the small space you have to make it feel and look bigger?
Keep It Compact
Many manufacturers offer small appliances for areas with limited space, like 24-inch-deep refrigerators. Another pro tip to maximize your kitchen space is to hang small appliances such as microwaves to save counter space.
A Successful Center
A common misconception of small kitchen design is that you should leave the middle of your space open to make it feel more spacious. However, this is not the case—maximize the space you have by putting in a permanent or roll-away island for storage and prep space.
The Glass Illusion
Fun fact: glass cabinet fronts lighten the look of cabinets because of their transparency, making the kitchen seem more expansive. This can also act as an opportunity to display your pretty statement pieces such as wine glasses, bowls, or china.
Expand Your Storage
There are often storage issues for small kitchen appliances, utensils, and decorations in small kitchens. Minimize clutter and expand storage space by installing deep cabinets, drawers, and countertops. You can also get cabinet and drawer inserts to help with organization.
Merge & Maximize
If you have an open floorplan, an easy way to maximize your kitchen space is by overflowing your kitchen into a bigger space like your living room or combining the two. A great way to do this is to put a small table and chairs in your kitchen to combine the kitchen and “dining room” or use your counter or island as a bar area.
Get Rid of Clutter
Messy and cluttered rooms often make a space look smaller—minimize overcrowded shelves and countertops to make the space look bigger. Choose which items you want to display in the open and hide the rest in the pantry, drawers, and cabinets.
Open It Up
Open shelving such as glass cabinets or floating shelves not only improve visuals and aesthetics, but they also reduce visual weight with a sleek look while acting as storage for kitchen accessories. You can also decorate your shelving with plants, photos, or other décor.
Consistent Colors
Matching the paint color of your cabinets and wall color will erase the visual boundary created by two different colors in a small space. If you’ve hopped on the two-tone cabinet bandwagon, it’s a good idea to choose two colors that are close in shade with only a subtle difference.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Usually, you’ll choose furnishings that will fill your space, but in the case of a small kitchen, don’t. The floorspace of small room is valuable, so don’t waste it with a big table or island. Instead, opt for sleek and thin pieces to limit physical and visual bulk.
Clean Is Key
If you’re a minimalist, designing a small kitchen is right in your wheelhouse. For those who prefer more decorations and details, try to keep these aspects limited and only show them off in a select few places—clean lines will create a roomier feel.
Design to Expand & Impress with New England Building Supply
In the wake of COVID-19, home renovations have never been more popular. When leaving in a high-rise apartment or condo in the heart of downtown Boston, it might seem like your options are limited—however, there are many ways to expand the feel of your space if you work with the right products.
At New England Building Supply, our experienced staff understands the challenges of working with small spaces. As Bostonians ourselves, we are prepared to offer you a variety of product and design options to help maximize your kitchen space for its full potential. To get started on your kitchen remodel or build, contact us today or stop by our showroom.
