Tiny living is the new luxury phenomenon. It’s no longer just an imposed lifestyle because of space or budget limitations. People are choosing to simplify their lives by creating spaces that are smart, innovative, energy efficient, easy to maintain, and even mobile. In these small spaces, the kitchen takes center stage. Small kitchens are even harder to plan than large ones. The challenge is how to make the aesthetics work while balancing the kitchen’s functionality and maximizing its purpose in the small environment.
MULTIPURPOSE
The kitchen in a small space needs to fulfill several functions. It will be primarily for cooking and eating, but it may also be used for serving, storage, laundry, working, and studying. Much creativity must be put into the kitchen planning. For instance, a drawer can double as a worktable extension or a chopping board area. The sink bowl can be covered with a wood or stone cut out so that it can serve as additional counter space when the sink is not in use. The back of the cabinet doors can have hanging tracks so small items can be stored there.
Elegant and functional, this backsplash doubles as an easy storage solution for kitchen utensils that need to be hung.
The open toe kick area can have drawers to maximize the storage space. Organizer accessories can be placed at the backsplash area or underneath the wall cabinets. Each component should have at least 2 different functions to make it worth its space.
SAFETY, CLEARANCES, AND EASE
The most common mistake in planning a small kitchen is neglecting to consider the measurements required for the components to be functional and safe. Cabinet doors need swing space to open, corner or end wall solutions need gap fillers for the drawers to be smoothly accessed, countertops should have prep space between cooking and washing, and overhead cabinets need to be positioned at the right height. It’s not just about packing every available inch with cabinets.
No need to cut corners. Corner cabinets can be tricky to deal with if you don’t have the right accessories. Maximize your space with a swing-out shelf so you can neatly keep all your pots, pans, and dishes within reach.
An ideal small kitchen is a space where you can make precise movements in the limited area with confidence and ease. Adding motion hardware in your cabinets can make hard to reach areas also useful. Corner pull out mechanisms can be installed so that even blind spots can be used for storage. Internal pull out drawers can be placed at the lowest area of the cabinet so you don’t have to bend and reach deep into the back. Just a few investment hardware pieces can go a long way.
OPEN OR HIDDEN
Clutter and dirt are the ultimate enemies of small spaces. Nobody wants to enter a home and see dirty dishes or splattered oily walls. Nowadays there are many ways to conceal the mess of the kitchen. There are full sliding doors that hide the cooking area, appliance garage cabinets that store small appliances, handle-less cabinets that blend seamlessly into the interiors, and even faucets and range hoods that disappear into the countertops.
Clear the clutter. These side slide doors can conceal kitchen appliances and cabinets to hide the extra clutter for a more sleek and minimalist look.
Another new trend is freestanding kitchen elements. These are designed to look like furniture and make it seem like it is just part of the living décor.
Standing tall. The Signature legs of SieMatic 29 and other cabinets pictured above lends the illusion of a contemporary freestanding furniture
Of course, keeping the kitchen organized and clean is still the best design solution. The key is to manage your choices of finishes to suit your living habits. Polished or glossy surfaces need to be wiped down often, but these finishes can create a very crisp and modern atmosphere. Dark-colored materials reveal dust and fingerprints more than light-colored ones. Although wood and stone absorb liquids and stains faster than their synthetic or engineered counterparts, they have grains and natural textures that have a warmth that can’t be matched.
It’s alright to have glass front or open cabinets, just make sure the contents are constantly arranged neatly. Try as much as possible to design the kitchen with materials that will make your life easier, and not just focus on the overall look.
These SLX Glass Cabs are a great way to display some of your favorite kitchen essentials. Arrange your glassware and ceramics neatly for an elegant and organized look.
ILLUSIONS OF SPACE
The mind can be tricked to make the space look bigger than it actually is. The usual technique is to use reflective finishes for the doors and material accents such as mirrors, colored glass, lacquer, and polished metals.
Cozy kitchens can look and feel bigger, especially in open-plan spaces.
Another very effective way is to raise the ceiling height of the room. When the vertical space is highlighted, the eyes are drawn upward and that gives the kitchen an open cathedral feel. Add to that proper lighting integrated inside glass cabinets, under open shelves, or above the kitchen island, and the small space becomes a vibrant visual treat. Limited space does not have to limit the function or design impact of the home kitchen.
Opting for high ceilings, sky roofs, or big windows can do wonders for small kitchens. This play on structures and light can make the kitchen look much more spacious than it is.
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