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5 Small-Space Kitchen Ideas That Anyone Can Use
Whip up delectable design using these space-saving tips from an interior designer
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Most homeowners daydream about meticulously clean kitchen counters and perfectly organized cabinets. In fact, Houzz’s 2018 Kitchen Trends Study showed that a full 75 percent of homeowners obsess over decluttering kitchen surfaces and 66 percent about putting things away. To help provide solutions, designer Toni Sabatino teamed up with appliance brand Fisher & Paykel to give some space-saving advice, whether you live in a compact home or have square footage to spare.
1. Skinny Island
Don’t feel restricted by size or shape for your island. “A slim island creates workspace and adds a communal feeling to a small kitchen,” says Sabatino, who owns her eponymous design firm in Long Island, New York. The island seen here provides an elegant focal point while leaving plenty of aisle space where cooks can maneuver. A trim butcher block table on wheels is another handy island idea — the table can be tucked away when extra floor space is needed. Just be sure to choose wheels that lock to avoid accidents.
Consider putting cabinets or shelves in your island for additional storage. A tidy island sink helps with prepping tasks, and the faucet can be placed on the side instead of at the top for further space economy. Compact appliances can also be installed in a fixed island, such as a microwave or cooktop (as long as it’s vented).
Don’t feel restricted by size or shape for your island. “A slim island creates workspace and adds a communal feeling to a small kitchen,” says Sabatino, who owns her eponymous design firm in Long Island, New York. The island seen here provides an elegant focal point while leaving plenty of aisle space where cooks can maneuver. A trim butcher block table on wheels is another handy island idea — the table can be tucked away when extra floor space is needed. Just be sure to choose wheels that lock to avoid accidents.
Consider putting cabinets or shelves in your island for additional storage. A tidy island sink helps with prepping tasks, and the faucet can be placed on the side instead of at the top for further space economy. Compact appliances can also be installed in a fixed island, such as a microwave or cooktop (as long as it’s vented).
2. Multitasking Elements
Think about the aspects of your kitchen that can do double duty. Induction cooktops like the one seen here can be used as counter space when a bubbling pot isn’t on top. A compact kitchen island can act as both prep space and a dining table if you slip a few stools underneath.
Some appliances cleverly nudge the need for others out of the way. “A cool drawer with multitemperature options is a great small-kitchen space saver,” Sabatino says. “The ability to change from storage for an ice cream cake to farmers market produce to wine for a party makes this a versatile choice.” It shrinks your need for three larger appliances into one compact package. Likewise, ovens that include functions such as proofing, warming and broiling can clear toasters and bread machines off your counters.
Think about the aspects of your kitchen that can do double duty. Induction cooktops like the one seen here can be used as counter space when a bubbling pot isn’t on top. A compact kitchen island can act as both prep space and a dining table if you slip a few stools underneath.
Some appliances cleverly nudge the need for others out of the way. “A cool drawer with multitemperature options is a great small-kitchen space saver,” Sabatino says. “The ability to change from storage for an ice cream cake to farmers market produce to wine for a party makes this a versatile choice.” It shrinks your need for three larger appliances into one compact package. Likewise, ovens that include functions such as proofing, warming and broiling can clear toasters and bread machines off your counters.
3. Compact Appliances
Many new smaller appliances rival their larger counterparts in functionality. “You don’t need the world’s biggest oven most of the time,” Sabatino says. “A 22-pound turkey or several trays of lasagna or cookies will fit into a 24-inch wall oven.” And despite their scaled-down size, many of these smaller ovens offer the same array of cooking options as bigger models.
Also ask yourself if you need a full-size dishwasher. Smaller dishwashers, such as dishwasher drawers, can easily handle a load of dinner dishes and fit into tight spaces, all without skimping on wash cycles or hushed operation. Narrower counter-depth fridges shave a few inches off in width and their faces sit flush with the cabinetry — no sticking their noses into your kitchen business.
Many new smaller appliances rival their larger counterparts in functionality. “You don’t need the world’s biggest oven most of the time,” Sabatino says. “A 22-pound turkey or several trays of lasagna or cookies will fit into a 24-inch wall oven.” And despite their scaled-down size, many of these smaller ovens offer the same array of cooking options as bigger models.
Also ask yourself if you need a full-size dishwasher. Smaller dishwashers, such as dishwasher drawers, can easily handle a load of dinner dishes and fit into tight spaces, all without skimping on wash cycles or hushed operation. Narrower counter-depth fridges shave a few inches off in width and their faces sit flush with the cabinetry — no sticking their noses into your kitchen business.
4. Clever Cabinetry
Cabinetry is where all your kitchen goods and gadgets hide — maximize that space. Extend your cabinets up to the ceiling, as seen here, so spare inches don’t collect dust. “Having a tall pantry is beneficial,” Sabatino says. “You lose some counter space, but the pantry can be used for pots, food and dishes.” Experiment with cabinet sizes too. A shallow 12-inch set of cabinets can store paper goods, small appliances and other extra items. Even underutilized toe kick space can house a step stool or roasting pans.
More smart space options can be found behind cabinet doors and drawers. Appliances like dishwasher drawers and small fridges easily integrate into cabinetry. Accessories such as door racks and rollout trays make more efficient use of cabinet interiors. Full-depth vertical storage with tray and roasting pan dividers can be tucked above your fridge.
Cabinetry is where all your kitchen goods and gadgets hide — maximize that space. Extend your cabinets up to the ceiling, as seen here, so spare inches don’t collect dust. “Having a tall pantry is beneficial,” Sabatino says. “You lose some counter space, but the pantry can be used for pots, food and dishes.” Experiment with cabinet sizes too. A shallow 12-inch set of cabinets can store paper goods, small appliances and other extra items. Even underutilized toe kick space can house a step stool or roasting pans.
More smart space options can be found behind cabinet doors and drawers. Appliances like dishwasher drawers and small fridges easily integrate into cabinetry. Accessories such as door racks and rollout trays make more efficient use of cabinet interiors. Full-depth vertical storage with tray and roasting pan dividers can be tucked above your fridge.
5. Streamlined Look
“Simple lines, an uncomplicated backsplash and soothing tones make a kitchen look larger,” Sabatino says. A white kitchen is always classic and crisp. Details like drawer pulls and knobs can be kept to a minimum to further reduce visual clutter. Appliances can hide behind cabinetry or integrate sleekly into countertops, such as the induction cooktop seen in this modernist kitchen.
Natural light also makes a kitchen look larger. Sabatino recommends adding reflective surfaces such as glossy backsplashes and translucent glass on cabinet fronts. Taking out walls, whenever possible, also opens up a kitchen and welcomes in natural light.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
“Simple lines, an uncomplicated backsplash and soothing tones make a kitchen look larger,” Sabatino says. A white kitchen is always classic and crisp. Details like drawer pulls and knobs can be kept to a minimum to further reduce visual clutter. Appliances can hide behind cabinetry or integrate sleekly into countertops, such as the induction cooktop seen in this modernist kitchen.
Natural light also makes a kitchen look larger. Sabatino recommends adding reflective surfaces such as glossy backsplashes and translucent glass on cabinet fronts. Taking out walls, whenever possible, also opens up a kitchen and welcomes in natural light.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Fisher & Paykel have been designing products since 1934 and have grown into a global company operating in 50... Read More
Fisher & Paykel have been designing products since 1934 and have grown into a global company operating in 50... Read More
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@manxkat2: Great minds think alike! ;-D
Amy Locke
for 2 people an 18in is fine. I actually had 4 of us using an 18in and we recently broke down and bought the 24in. Kids are growing.
We have a 18 inch dishwasher for a family of 4. It's great-easy to load and easy to put dishes away. We opted for a deep sink to clean the big pots- think about it!