Bigger is not always better, especially when we’re talking kitchens. Small kitchens are usually more efficient work spaces than large ones. Space and good design aren’t exclusive to a large kitchen — all you need is some good small kitchen decorating ideas that keep your small space organized, functional and beautiful.
If you can organize your kitchen, you can organize your life. – Louis Parrish
We’ve put together small kitchen decorating ideas that tackle the following issues with good design solutions. The three most common small kitchen complaints are:
Clutter
Clutter is usually a side effect of not having enough storage. But often, more storage isn’t the solution — simplifying and decluttering your kitchen is. Go through your cabinets (especially in the back of the cabinet) and donate anything that you haven’t used for a while. Ask yourself if you really need a cherry pitting tool or an egg slicer. Once you’ve cleared the cabinets, clear the counters by storing away the items that cause the visual, countertop clutter.
Lack of Counter Space
You’ve reclaimed some counter space, but do you still feel like it’s not enough? That’s a common issue. We have ideas for maximizing (and adding) more counter space to your small kitchen in our kitchen decorating ideas below, including this trick of turning your sink into a cutting board.
A Dark Kitchen
Dark rooms feel smaller, so brighten your walls up with a fresh coat of paint in a light shade. If you love your rich, dark cabinets, add different types of lighting. Use under cabinet lighting to brighten up the work area and accent your cabinets. Good lighting makes a kitchen look bigger, regardless of color. Try some of the following lighting ideas:
–Add LED strip lights to shelves and under your cabinets to illuminate your counter space – they’re as easy to install as peel, stick and plug in
–Replace light bulbs with the latest energy efficient versions
–Choose hanging pendant lights that can be clipped on to existing track lighting systems to add some to layer your room’s lighting
–Replace outdated light fixtures with new ones
–Add a mirror to a kitchen wall to reflect light or consider adding a mirrored backsplash
Genius small kitchen decorating ideas that are easy to implement:
1. Pot Racks
While most small kitchens don’t have the space required for the large, rectangular pot racks, there are options for smaller spaces. Don’t think a pot rack has to hang from a ceiling — some can be wall mounted, like this peg board wall one below.
2. Cooking Tool Wall Storage
Get inspiration from some of the busiest restaurant kitchens with industrial wall hardware and racks for utensil storage. Some ways to store utensils and tools on the wall include:
–Painting and mounting a pegboard to a wall. Use the pegboard to hang your tools. To avoid visual color, keep the items organized by color or by use
–Use wall magnets for knife and spice jar storage
–Hang racks for utensils. A simple bar with some hooks can hold tools with a loop or hole in them. There are baskets that can be hung on the rack to hold smaller items
3. Hideaway Furniture
Try a creative approach to maximize your small kitchen’s function. Find ways to create a multi-purpose space with practical furniture items that are useful, but can store out of the way easily. Some ideas include:
–Backless bar stools that can tuck away
–Roll out kitchen cabinets or tables that tuck away when done
–Drop down, wall mounted tables or cutting boards
4. More Counter Space
If your goal is to create a contemporary kitchen space, one of the most important design elements is minimalist, uncluttered kitchen counters. It not only looks modern, but it increases counter area, making it easier to prep and cook. Put away all small appliances and countertop items. Some other ideas for increasing counter space include:
–A low profile ceramic cooktop. Electric cooktops nowadays are sleek and modern. They have the added benefit of being almost flush with the counters, so you can place a cutting board or other items on it when not in use
–A cooktop cover. If you have a gas range, you can purchase a cover for it so you can safely work on your stove when it’s not in use. Some covers come as wood butcher block surfaces
–A rolling butcher block or cart as additional counter space. Buy one with wheels, or add a set of wheels yourself to wheel out of the way when not in use. Add a couple of simple stools to your rolling butcher block for an instant morning breakfast bar
5. Additional Shelving
Find places to add shelving for additional storage. A row of narrow shelves, added to a kitchen island, can be perfect for cookbooks. Look for additional places including corners, or over a counter.
What’s your favorite small kitchen decorating idea you’d like to try?
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