Kitchens are always bustling with activity, no matter their size. Even the tiniest kitchens serve as the heart of the home. However, for those in small apartments with compact kitchenettes or narrow galley kitchens, cooking can often feel like a tricky task.
No need to stress! With some smart space-saving strategies, even the narrowest galley kitchens or compact studio kitchenettes can become functional and stylish areas you’ll enjoy cooking in. Here are some expert tips to help you maximize your small kitchen and create a more open feel.
1. Opt for White and Neutral Shades
To give a small kitchen a more spacious feel, incorporate plenty of white and off-white elements, as these shades create an airy and open look. Not only do these tones promote a sense of balance, calm, and brightness, but they also enhance negative space, especially when paired with bulkier features like cabinets, appliances, and shelves.
To brighten up your kitchen, consider white walls alongside complementary elements like cream rugs, white cabinetry, light-colored tiles, and stone countertops.
2. Use Rugs to Bring Warmth and Dimension
Adding a kitchen rug is a simple yet effective way to create depth in your space. A runner rug is ideal for narrow kitchens, as it adds dimension and visually elongates the area. For larger kitchens, a 3’x5’ rug can provide warmth and balance.
With all the activity in a kitchen, it's essential to select a rug that enhances your decor without crowding the space with complex patterns. For kitchens with marble counters, the Princess Marble Cream Rug, featuring delicate cream and gold swirls, is an elegant choice. If you prefer a more neutral style, the Deha Marble Rug works beautifully, or opt for the Hailey Geometric Rug to create the illusion of a wider room.
3. Choose Standout Lighting Fixtures for the Ceiling
Sconces and traditional lighting are ideal for larger kitchens in older homes, but modern kitchens, especially those in smaller, urban spaces, require lighting that enhances a light, open, and simple atmosphere.
To create this effect, Meggan Fadden Wynja, Interior Designer & Co-Founder of Color Cord Company, recommends choosing distinctive overhead plug-in light fixtures. "These are adaptable and customizable designs that fit seamlessly into any space," she explains. "If you're a renter who moves frequently, opt for plug-in lights that are easy to pack and reinstall in your next kitchen."
4. Get Innovative with Your Storage Solutions
Traditional cabinets tend to be bulky and take up a lot of space. Jenna Shaffer, Senior Marketing Communications Associate for Sugatsune America, suggests replacing them with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for a more efficient storage solution.
"Incorporating space-saving lateral opening hardware and foldable table brackets can expand your workspace when necessary," she explains. "Additionally, cabinet pulls or touch latches help maintain a clean, minimal aesthetic, perfect for homes that need to be efficient and multifunctional."
"Your cabinetry might seem limited at first, but there's much more that can be done with it," says Henry Hernandez, Marketing Director of Builders Surplus Kitchen & Bath Cabinets. "Look for drawer dividers, roll-out trays, and lazy susans to reduce the need for additional storage pieces in your small kitchen."
5. Think About Using Modular Furniture
This tip is often overlooked, but if you're working with a small kitchen and limited counter space, consider a rolling or modular island. It not only provides extra storage but can also be moved around to suit your needs and maximize space.
Ready to get started? Whether you’re in a small apartment kitchen or simply looking to economize on storage and counter space, these tips can help you maximize your kitchen’s potential.
