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17 Space-Saving Solutions for Small Kitchens
Clever storage and smart design details do wonders for tiny kitchens
The tiny home trend is tops on my list of loves, but a tiny kitchen? So less desirable. They pretty much go hand-in-hand, though. For urbanites, apartment dwellers and small-home owners, the heart of the home can become the bane of your existence when space is at a premium. But maximize every inch of precious space, and you and your kitchen will be able to work wonders together. Here's how to do it:
| Tip: Roll with it
A rolling cart is the small kitchen's bff. Wheel it out when you need some more counter space, slide it to the side when you don't. |
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Tip: Work the walls
Once the cabinets are filled, where to next? Your counter space is a precious commodity, but your walls, not so much. Instead of storing items on your work area, use hooks and shelves to hang them.
Once the cabinets are filled, where to next? Your counter space is a precious commodity, but your walls, not so much. Instead of storing items on your work area, use hooks and shelves to hang them.
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Knife blocks are space suckers. A mounted knife rack, on the other hand, keeps your tools within reach — while at the same time tucked out of the way.
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| Tip: Procure a pot rack
Whether on the wall or hung from the ceiling, they're space-saving titans for all manner of cookware. See more pot rack ideas |
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| Tip: Store seating
If there's enough room for an island, go for it. Not only do they provide plenty of much-needed workspace, they also work as a place to eat, should you need one. If you do, go for an island with room underneath for stools to be stashed when not in use. See more ideas for kitchen islands |
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| Tip: Rethink design details
If your kitchen is not quite wide enough for an island, rethink your counter. Just a little jut away from the walls — as in this kitchen — ups the available workspace by a lot. |
| For sinks that are on the small side, consider an articulated faucet. It can bend out of the way to accommodate large pots and dishes. Mount on the wall to take up even less space on your counter. |
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Tip: Conquer corners
This usable space often goes to waste. Aside from a lazy Susan solution like the one here, there are plenty of other ways to utilize the area.
This usable space often goes to waste. Aside from a lazy Susan solution like the one here, there are plenty of other ways to utilize the area.
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Unlike a lazy Susan, where you have to open it up then turn to find what you're after, these drawers keep kitchen supplies more easily accessible.
A built-in like this encroaches on square footage by mere inches and provides ample previously unused storage in return.
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Rethink the sink. Again, a corner's unused space is expertly tamed here.
Same goes with this stove's placement. Plus, a shelf built into the usually-bare backsplash can hold cooking items that might otherwise take up room on shelves or counters.
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Tip: Opt for pint-size appliances
If you're not regularly cooking for a crowd, a small dishwasher or stove might suit you just fine.
If you're not regularly cooking for a crowd, a small dishwasher or stove might suit you just fine.
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| Tip: Find forgotten space
Any other forgotten areas of your kitchen, besides the corners? Make 'em earn their keep by squeaking out some storage space. Here, a warming drawer finds a spot on the side of this island. |
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A piece of an island can also transform into wine storage.
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And you can slip a spice rack into almost any available sliver.
What are your space-saving tips for around the kitchen?
More:
Clever Ways to Maximize Space
6 Ways to Magically Enhance Your Small Space
What are your space-saving tips for around the kitchen?
More:
Clever Ways to Maximize Space
6 Ways to Magically Enhance Your Small Space
Ideabook updated on May 7, 2012.
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@akristine: That does sound small! Way to work the space though.
@keoleri: That sounds like a great idea for storage. Let us know how it turns out. :)
I am definitely liking the idea of a built-in---I could see it as a way to potentially streamline the storage of things I might want to use regularly without putting them away---microwave, toaster, coffee maker, etc.
While I like the look of open shelving, in my kitchen, everything on open shelves has to be taken down and washed regularly to remove the greasy dust buildup.
I like the idea of a micro-convection hood - who makes these? I use my micro-convec all the time, but it takes up previous counter space. And using shallower cabinets for the base with cantilevered counters -wow! So many good ideas in this article. Thanks!