Small Kitchen Design Ideas Custom Search "Ideas to help you create the best kitchen workspace in your home!" Small kitchen design doesn't have to mean cramped working space if you take the time to plan well and utilize the following kitchen design ideas! As you plan your kitchen layout, the goal is to create a space that will function smoothly for you within the limited area. It's hard enough to work in a small space without constantly turning in circles! Plan for as much cabinet space as the area will allow, making the drawers as deep as you can, with pull out shelving. That way you are using all, or almost all of the depth of the cabinets but can still reach everything.
If you are going to utilize a corner area for cabinets, make sure you have the 'lazy susan' type interior so you can use all of the space to its fullest advantage. And, use the space above the refrigerator for an upper cabinet.Consider having the upper cabinets made to accommodate an extra shelf. This will mean they are higher and closer to the ceiling, but you will gain some storage. I have had cabinets made like this and just had to keep a step stool handy for those higher shelves. I stored the things that were not used as often on the top shelves. Glass fronts for some of the upper cabinets will keep the area from appearing too 'closed in' and provide a lovely area for displaying china and collectables. Some kitchens are designed with all of the upper cabinets having glass fronts. It's a great look as long as you are willing to keep things tidy!
However, don't clutter up this newly found counter space with all kinds of small appliances and other things you may not use very often. If it's something that you don't use almost daily, store it in a cabinet!. Keep your counter tops clean and neat, and your kitchen will appear larger. One of our small home designs with our building company in Michigan was a 1,000 sq.ft. ranch with a Great Room type floor plan for the living, dining and kitchen area. We added a small island with enough depth and width for two barstools and a lower cabinet. It was a great look, very functional and used the space efficiently, even though it was not large. Small kitchen design ideas include planning ahead for appliances. Consider a smaller size refrigerator and dishwasher, and a built-in microwave (keep that counter space available for smaller appliances).
When it comes to the kitchen sink, however, don't skimp on that size. It's too important to most people (unless you never cook and don't really use the kitchen!) to try and prepare food, cook and clean up using a tiny sink. So go ahead and select the sink you really want based on function, not size.When it comes to the decorative side of small kitchen design, keep the colors on the lighter side overall, but feel free to use bright colors as accents. Small doesn't have to be dull! Have fun with this aspect of your kitchen design and use colors that you really enjoy having around you. Furnishings that are in the area should be functional - leave the decorative pieces to other, larger spaces in your home. Maintain as much open area as you can in this space because it is small to begin with. If your space is structured appropriately consider built in bench seating. Our nook area is constructed this way and we can seat 6 people comfortably in a small space, plus have a great view out of the window that's in the area! Don't clutter your small kitchen space with unnecessary 'fluff' on the walls, either. Choose your favorite wall accessories and keep them at a minimum. A small kitchen design that is well thought out and color coordinated will provide the most useable, functional and beautiful area for you!
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Here is another small kitchen design idea. Add a couple of inches (or more) of depth to your counter tops if you have enough width in your space. Make sure to maintain a three foot path between counter areas.
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