I recently bought a 1930s-era bungalow-style house that I love. The one downside? A super-tiny kitchen. And while I do eat out some, I prefer to prepare most of my meals at home. Any ideas or advice?
Cramped kitchens can present challenges for those who can't enlarge or remodel them, but having a small kitchen doesn't mean the only solution for frustrated residents is dining out all the time. Designer Tobi Fairley of Little Rock shares these simple-to-execute tips, which will assist in making a cramped area appear and feel more spacious.
• Incorporate storage wherever and however possible.
Add any storage pieces that can comfortably fit in the space. Some possibilities include a rolling island, a hanging pot rack, a kitchen hutch, a set of drawers -- all good ways to make the most of available kitchen storage. If there is an area of wall that's currently open, think about adding open wall organizers or shelving to house smaller utensils. If cabinets don't extend all the way to the ceiling, consider storing items such as baskets and bins that can hold items atop the cabinets.
When there's no room to incorporate any extra storage pieces, consider storing baking sheets, pots and pans in the oven when it's not in use.
"I love a banquette in a smaller kitchen," says Fairley, who also has a studio in Dallas. "Not only does it add seating, but you can add storage under that bench seat to maximize space."
• Edit and continue to do so.
One very effective way to clear clutter and make room for the truly needed items is review them with a critical eye. Small kitchen appliances that are used fewer than three times a year are game to be cleared away. When shopping for kitchen items, consider those that are multipurpose, such as a blender, which can also be used as a food processor, or a colander that matches the kitchen decor and can do double-duty as a fruit basket.
"As much as you can, keep your counters as clutter free as possible. It fools the eye into thinking the room is bigger and more open than it is," she says.
• Color is essential.
To make a small space seem larger, use light, neutral colors. And give the room a monochrome appearance by keeping to slightly varying shades of one single color. Doing so will help a small kitchen appear larger by blurring distinctions between cabinet, wall and appliances. Camouflaging appliances (using those that have a front resembling a cabinet front) will also help.
• Direct the eyes upward.
Use ceiling treatments and statement lighting to help draw eyes upward, which will make the room appear bigger. Be sure to keep the ceiling the same color family as the walls and cabinets but consider adding a little texture or trim for added depth. Lighting fixtures should stay on a smaller scale and offer simple, clean designs.
"I call the ceiling the 'fifth wall' and I love to add paint or pattern to bring the eyes up," Fairley says.
• Convert the cabinets to glass-front ones or open up a wall.
Kitchen space can be extended by removing a non-load-bearing wall. For extra storage space and seating, replace the wall with an island. Creating a "window" in a wall that faces additional living space can also make the kitchen appear larger. If opening up a wall is not a viable option, install glass-front cabinets or replace a wall of cabinets with open shelving. The exposed look helps open the space and also offers a great way to display favorite kitchen items.
"Open cabinets or glass-fronted cabinets are perfect for making the room seem bigger," Fairley says. "And remember to take your cabinets all the way to the ceiling in a small kitchen -- you'll appreciate the extra storage."
-- Linda S. Haymes
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark., 72203 or email:
HomeStyle on 01/24/2015