Avoid These Common Design Mistakes You're Making in Your Small Kitchen

From blocking natural light to choosing oversized appliances.

Having a huge entertainer's kitchen for cooking elaborate meals and hosting guests is a lot of people's dream. Unfortunately, this isn't always the reality, and for those of us living in small homes such as an apartment, we're dealt the petite kitchen card.

Small kitchens can be frustrating when you're someone who loves cooking. But there are some mistakes to avoid to help maximise space and functionality so cooking in your kitchen is a dream, not a nightmare.

Mistake #1: Underutilising space

When you're working with a small footprint, maximising every inch of space is crucial. A big mistake we often make with small kitchens is forgetting the hidden storage potential.

Solution:

There are plenty of nooks, even in the tiniest of kitchens, that can be maximised. The top of your fridge is a great place for keeping alcohol and all your drinking essentials. An unused corner can be covered with hooks for hanging utensils. A little space between cabinets can be fitted with small shelves, which are perfect for storing spices. No matter how small, there’s always a way to use the space in a way that works for you.

Mistake #2: Blocking natural light

Natural light is crucial to making a small space feel less claustrophobic. The more light you can get into a small room, the bigger and airier it will feel.

Solution:

Have you got a window that is currently curtained over in your kitchen? Take that curtain down. Is storage blocking the only light source? Find a new place to store those boxes or utensils. Get as much light into the space as you can and see how much bigger it feels.

Mistake #3: Having an island

Sometimes, even though you may love one, when space is limited a kitchen island just isn't feasible. Bringing one into your kitchen will only make it more difficult to cook in and also make it look smaller than it already is.

Solution:

If your kitchen is open-plan with the dining space, pick a dining table that can also be used as a food prep area.

Mistake #4: Not extending cabinetry to the ceiling

When designing a kitchen is a small space, not utilising vertical height in the form of cabinetry that hits the ceiling is a missed opportunity. You will miss out on a significant amount of storage space, and the illusion that the room is bigger than it is.

Solution:

When there isn't much floor space, it's time to look up! If your cabinetry is already installed, add baskets to the space above them for extra storage.

Mistake #5: Choosing oversized appliances

A wine fridge and commercial-sized oven might sound like a good idea, but big appliances will quickly take up a lot of space in a small kitchen.

Solution:

Be realistic about the appliances you bring into your space and measure and plan before making any purchases. A lot of manufacturers actually offer smaller appliances with small kitchens in mind!

Mistake #6: Overcrowding surfaces

Do you have lots of small appliances on your countertop, a herb garden, or too many utensils? Having cluttered surfaces in your kitchen will make it hard to cook and make your space look chaotic – not what you want in a small space!

Solution:

Be strict with what you actually do and don't use. Go through and think about when you last used something or if you have doubles. If you have too many utensils, consider donating some. Can your herb garden go on your balcony? If yes, put it there. Find storage space for extra items or give them away to avoid cluttered counter space.