Have a small kitchen that’s cluttered and cramped?
Kitchen envy is real for many homeowners, and small kitchens are at the top of the “wish for bigger” list. When you’ve only got a few square feet to work with, it can seem like a lost cause. Every drawer, cupboard, and inch of counter space is a battle.
But, we have great news for you:
It’s entirely possible to turn even the smallest kitchen into a highly functional space that works twice as well as its square footage would suggest. All you need is the right kitchen renovation services and smart design choices.
And we’re not talking about spending a fortune.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you exactly how to maximise space in small kitchen renovations. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. These are the same tricks and tips professional designers use to create amazing, efficient kitchens in small spaces.
Let’s get into it!
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why Small Kitchen Renovations Are Worth The Investment
- Smart Layout Strategies That Create More Space
- Storage Solutions That Actually Work
- Design Tricks To Make Your Kitchen Feel Bigger
Why Small Kitchen Renovations Are Worth The Investment
Small kitchen renovations are on the rise. Data shows median spending on small kitchens increased by 9% to $35,000.
Small kitchens don’t seem like they would be the target of big renovations. But the more homeowners invest in their compact kitchens, the more they realise a small kitchen renovation has massive returns if done right.
The secret is hiring professional designers who know how to work with limited space.
If you’re ready to get started, find a local kitchen fitter who specialises in small kitchen renovation services to make the most of every square foot.
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It doesn’t matter if your kitchen is 50sq ft or 500sq ft. It’s all about making it work for your lifestyle and feeling comfortable using it day after day.
Smart Layout Strategies That Create More Space
The most crucial thing to consider when doing small kitchen renovations is layout. This is where small kitchens make the leap from cramped and uncomfortable to streamlined and easy.
Here’s why: The wrong layout emphasises the lack of space. The right layout can make even a tiny kitchen feel roomy and efficient. Understanding the work triangle and traffic flow is the foundation of creating great small kitchen layouts.
The Galley Kitchen Layout
The galley kitchen layout is the magic bullet for small spaces. Galley kitchens put everything along two parallel walls, maximising workspace and minimising wasted floor area. The galley kitchen layout puts your sink, stove, and fridge all within arm’s reach of each other. There’s no more need for unnecessary steps across the room while cooking.
The L-Shaped Solution
The L-shaped kitchen is another popular layout for small kitchen renovations. It uses two adjacent walls with the remaining area left open. It’s a great choice if you want to accommodate a small dining area or open-plan look. The corner is your ally in L-shaped layouts with the right corner cabinet solutions.
Open Shelving Strategy
Open shelving is another classic design choice to maximise space in small kitchens. With open shelving, you can see all the way through to the walls. Visually, it makes the kitchen feel less enclosed. But you need to use open shelving carefully. Use open shelving for decorative items and things you use daily. Keep the rest in closed cabinets.
Storage Solutions That Actually Work
Storage is king when it comes to maximising space in small kitchen renovations. No matter how beautiful a small kitchen is, if it lacks enough storage, it will quickly become cluttered and chaotic.
Vertical Space Is Your Best Friend
Homeowners often make the mistake of ignoring vertical space in the kitchen. When floor space is at a premium, going upwards is a must.
Use cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. You’ll need a step ladder to reach the top shelves. But the extra storage capacity is worth it for those things you don’t use daily. Install hooks under cabinets for mugs and utensils. Use magnetic strips for knives.
Pull-Out Everything
Pull-out shelves, drawers, racks are a godsend in small kitchens. They allow you to access the back without having to remove everything in front. Corner cabinets with carousel-style pull-out storage turn previously dead space into highly functional storage. Drawer dividers help keep utensils organised and easy to find.
The Pantry Problem Solved
If there’s no room for a traditional pantry, slim pull-out pantries are the answer. These tall and narrow units are designed to slot between appliances and walls. A few feet of floor space can free up storage for dozens of items. Your local kitchen fitter will be able to come up with custom solutions that perfectly fit your dimensions.
Design Tricks To Make Your Kitchen Feel Bigger
Designing a small kitchen renovation can use a few tricks and techniques that create the illusion of more space without actually changing the kitchen’s footprint.
Light Colors Expand Space
The golden rule of Interior Design: light colours make rooms feel bigger; dark colours make them feel smaller.
Paint your cabinets white, cream, or light grey. Choose pale countertops. Keep backsplash tiles light and bright. The change will be immediate and dramatic. Accessories or a statement backsplash in a bold colour can add pops of interest.
Strategic Lighting Changes Everything
Dark corners and poor lighting make a small kitchen feel like a cave. But good lighting opens up the space and makes it feel inviting and airy. Layer different types of lighting: task lighting under cabinets, ambient lighting from ceiling fixtures, and accent lighting to highlight features. Pendant lights over an island draw the eye up and create vertical interest.
Reflective Surfaces Create Depth
Mirrors, glass and shiny surfaces bounce light around and create the illusion of more space. Glass cabinet doors let you see through to the back wall. Glossy backsplash tiles reflect light around the room. Stainless steel appliances add shine and depth to the overall design. A large mirror on one wall can almost double the visual size of a kitchen.
Keep Countertops Clear
Cluttered countertops are the biggest culprit in making small kitchens feel messy and cramped. Clear countertops have the same visual effect of spacious and organised. Store small appliances in cabinets when not in use. Keep only daily essentials like coffee makers out.
Choose The Right Appliances
Standard-sized appliances can overwhelm a small kitchen. Compact and integrated appliances maintain a sleek look without compromising on functionality. Look for a 24-inch range instead of a full 30-inch. Choose a counter-depth refrigerator. Microwave-convection oven combos save space.
Research shows 60% of renovating homeowners are increasing the size of their kitchens. But if you’re not able to, smart appliance choices can make a world of difference.
Flooring Matters More Than You Think
Large format tiles or wide plank flooring with minimal grout lines will create a more expansive look. Run flooring diagonally to make the room look wider. Tile the same flooring into adjacent rooms to remove visual barriers.
Common Small Kitchen Renovation Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t sacrifice storage for aesthetics. A beautiful open concept kitchen won’t be functional if there’s nowhere to put dishes.
Don’t forget the work triangle when planning your kitchen renovation services. Sink, stove and fridge should form an efficient triangle roughly 4-6 feet apart each side.
Don’t choose trendy designs you’ll be over in 2 years. Stick with classic choices for costly elements like cabinets and countertops.
Making It Happen
Kitchen envy is a real thing. But even the smallest kitchen can be turned into a highly functional space that works twice as well as its square footage would suggest.
All it takes is smart layout choices, clever storage solutions and some design tricks to maximise space in small kitchen renovations.
The secret? Focus on what you value most. Maybe it’s extra prep space, or room for two cooks, or simply having a place for everything with nothing on the counter.
Remember these key strategies:
- Choose layouts that maximise efficiency (galley or L-shaped)
- Aggressively use vertical space for storage
- Keep colours light and surfaces reflective to open up space
- Invest in pull-out storage solutions and compact appliances
