Best Of 77+ Alluring Kitchen Design For Area Not Big Enough For An Island With Many New Styles

Small kitchens pose a unique challenge in terms of storage efficiency, but this doesn't mean you have to sacrifice design for function. Wall cabinets are an effective way to make the most of limited space. Hang cabinets up to the ceiling to maximize available space and store all the kitchen tools, cookware and even food that would otherwise hog counter and floor space. Additionally, using tall cabinets with door fronts that mimic the rest of the kitchen's design will make the space feel less cluttered.

Increasingly popular in home renovation, open-plan kitchens play an essential role in the design of small kitchens. Removing the boundaries between the kitchen and living space can open up the entire area to create the illusion of a larger space. When not in use, the area can visually fit the living space, making the kitchen blend in rather than stand out. For this to work, bring in the necessary elements that match the rest of the home such as floor coverings and wall treatments.

When it comes to creating a kitchen in a small space, built-ins are a great way to maximize storage and make it feel more open. Think of an integrated, all-in-one feature such as a sink and built-in oven countertop that is seamlessly integrated into the room to look like part of the cabinetry and yet provide plenty of working surface and storage. This saves the kitchen from looking cluttered and narrow, by integrating useful elements into the design and making the most of available space.

Do you need extra seating, storage, and counter space in your kitchen? An all-in-one appliance can provide all three. One of the best pieces of furniture for small kitchens is an ‘all-in-one’ piece. This can be a table plus storage, a unit which acts as a cupboard, chairs and counter-top with storage all in one. Look for all-in-one solutions such as a combination of an island that doubles up as a dining table or a prep cart that also includes a drawers and shelves.

These days, there are many different storage solutions for countertops which won’t take up a lot of space. Counter height storage solutions are a great way to make the most of limited counter space. You can buy slim storage cabinets which fit onto your countertop, or you could opt for slim shelves that can hold items such as spices or appliances. By investing in slim storage solutions, you can make use of the counter-top and place items in easy reach, without taking up too much space.

One of the major concerns in an open-plan kitchen is creating enough space to both cook and eat. To achieve this, it’s important to designate different zones in your kitchen. For example, if you have a larger room, you could opt for a single long island as a breakfast bar which provides space for both cooking and eating at the same time. If space is an issue, then designate one part of the kitchen for prepping food and another area for dining.

Open shelves can act as an excellent way to make the most of vertical space in a small kitchen. You can use them to store items such as cookware, utensils, and crockery; or even use them as a stylish alternative to kitchen cabinets. Open shelving allows for easy access to all your essentials, while at the same time creating an airy, uncluttered look for your small kitchen. Plus, it's an inexpensive way to add more storage.

When trying to fit as much as possible into a small kitchen, it's important to choose the right appliances. It's advisable to stick to smaller appliances such as compact dishwashers, small ovens, and hobs. Alternatively, you could opt for integrated appliances such as an oven and hob, which would save space. This could be a good idea if you are restricted on space and want to prevent your kitchen from feeling too cluttered.

If you're lucky enough to have a nook in your kitchen, then use it to your advantage to make the most of the available space. Intelligent design is the key here so that you can create an area that is perfect for storage, to fit in all the items that you need but don't have space for elsewhere. This can be an ideal place to store cookbooks, pot plants, and extra shelving.

Portable solutions are an ideal way to make the most of a small kitchen. There are various products on the market which can be brought in to provide an additional surface to work on, extra storage, and more seating. For example, you can buy a kitchen cart which can double up as a storage surface and trolley; or a small kitchen island which can be placed in the middle of the kitchen. With portable solutions, you can make small adjustments to make a kitchen fit your unique needs.