Re-designing your kitchen space can be one of the most exciting times in a home renovation. We spend so much time in our kitchens that the kitchen must be inviting, warm, and a place where we want to spend time with family and friends. But with so many decisions to make on countertops, flooring, backsplash, and appliances, a kitchen re-design can be stressful. What if you could make use of extra kitchen space hidden away somewhere?
Today’s design trends call for a minimalist approach, letting countertops speak for themselves without the added clutter of appliances. As a bonus, hidden kitchen appliances also free up counter space, perfect for smaller homes and apartments. Especially because bigger isn’t always better, you can make priceless memories in a kitchen of any size! But how do you squeeze all of the functions you need into the form that you have?
Of course, it is possible to maximize smaller spaces, and we have some ideas that may help! Let’s create the kitchen of your dreams without the clutter.
Invest in Small Appliances
It is becoming quite common to see down-sized kitchens in newer homes. We recommend investing in smaller countertop appliances and built-ins to maximize your space without sacrificing any functionality.
The Sharp Superheated Steam Countertop Oven is a perfect addition to small kitchens. It is both easy to store and clean, plus it eliminates the need for a traditional toaster oven. You’ll use it every day. You may even consider downsizing your slide-in range. It combines superheated steam and conventional, radiant heat in all cooking modes ensuring that your food is crispy and browned on the outside, moist, and delicious on the inside.
While investing in small appliances is a must, we all have those gadgets that sit in the corners of our cabinets collecting dust. Choose accessories that are beautiful and functional multi-taskers and clear the clutter. Yes, all kitchens attract clutter, but in a small kitchen, clutter creates stress. Add color to the walls, back-splash, and drawer liners, and donate gadgets and tools that you haven’t reached for in a year.
Big Vision, Big Design
While your kitchen may be small, your design does not have to be. Give your kitchen a more extensive look with bright tiles for a backsplash behind your sink or in-between the cabinets and counter space. Small tiles will give your kitchen a more condensed and crowded feel. We recommend choosing large and plain floor tiles with simple designs, if any, to avoid creating a busy look to the room.
We all know that the lighting in a room can set the mood, but it can set the scene as well. It is essential to strategically plan out where you will hang light fixtures and project light in your small kitchen. Bad lighting will ALWAYS contribute to a space feeling small. We recommend utilizing windows and doors for natural light and starting with fewer light fixtures. You can always add later!
Save Countertop Space
Space is of the utmost importance for an active cook in the kitchen. Start your small kitchen design by making sure your sink and stovetop are easily accessible and that you have a suitable amount of countertop space.
Despite what you may have heard, it is possible to have all the appliances you need without sacrificing all of your countertop space. You will want to research appliances that can be built into your countertop space, such as a Sharp Microwave Drawer OvenThis appliance will give your kitchen both a modern feel and more cooking space. Innovation is a significant factor in creating a functional small kitchen design.
We like to incorporate this same approach with other small appliances in our kitchens. When re-designing your kitchen space, consider setting aside a special hidden shelf or cabinet to tuck away other appliances that take up counter space like a toaster oven, blender, or mixer. You’ll be amazed at how this small fix can free up significant space in your kitchen. Space savers come in all shapes and sizes, so why not save countertop space by investing in a wall-hanging utensil holder or additional shelving too?
Please share with us your space-saving designs on Instagram by using the hashtag #SharpHome and tagging @SharpHomeUSA!
