How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger
A kitchen of any size can feel spacious if you incorporate some simple design tricks to make the most of the limited space available. So, if you’re currently staring aimlessly at your small kitchen wondering how you can make it appear bigger, you’re in the right place.
We have compiled a list of 6 top ways you can make your small kitchen look bigger. All it takes is the right organisation and decoration.
Here are 6 ways you can make a small kitchen look bigger:
Opt for sliding or pocket doors
Keep cupboards and cabinets organised
Opt for a minimalist design
Be clever with lighting
Choose integrated appliances
Hire a professional kitchen design company
1. Opt for Sliding or Pocket Doors
If you’re pretty limited on floor space, the last thing you want are swinging cabinet doors taking up valuable space, especially if there are more than one of you in the kitchen. Things can get a bit crowded! So, one of the best ways to tackle this problem is opting for sliding or pocket doors instead of traditional swinging doors.
Sliding doors are great as they won’t need the same amount of clearance as swinging cabinet doors and will create a much more seamless and unobtrusive look. In a small kitchen, every inch of floor space counts, and having drawers that slide or tuck away into the cabinet allows for a much more efficient use of available space.
Sliding or pocket drawers are usually sleek with a modern design, which can visually expand the kitchen's appearance, making it look more aesthetically pleasing.
On the topic of doors, another way to make a small kitchen look bigger is to remove some cabinet doors so they are completely open or replace the solid doors with glass. This draws the eye past the frames, straight into the depths of the cabinets, making the walls look further away than they actually are.
Of course, this little trick is only effective if you can keep what's in the cabinets organised and even colour-coordinated. Clutter will make a room feel crowded and messy, which brings us nicely onto our second point…
2. Keep Cupboards and Cabinets Organised
Keeping your storage spaces organised and clutter free will make the kitchen feel much more spacious and aesthetically pleasing, especially if the cabinets are open or covered by glass.
This is because disorganised, messy cabinets can make the area feel smaller and more confined. When items are aimlessly chucked into a cabinet, it can create a real sense of chaos and make the kitchen appear more cramped than it actually is.
This visual clutter can be eradicated just by taking 10 minutes to organise your cabinets, making sure everything is in its correct place. To help with organisation, it’s a good idea to get yourself some storage dividers that you can pop in each cupboard or cabinet. For example, one box might have your herbs in while the other might have tuna cans in.
When you’re working with a small space It’s also worth utilising vertical space efficiently by installing tall cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling. This will not only maximise storage space but also draw the eye upwards, making the kitchen look taller.
3. Opt for a Minimalist Design
When deciding on the actual design of the small kitchen, it’s best to go for a minimalist approach as too many colours and patterns can make the place feel cramped and full.
Some examples of a minimalist kitchen design include:
A light colour scheme - The best colour scheme to go for if you want to create a bright and airy feel is white with with light accents, such as light grey or beige.
Minimal decorations - Keep decorations (for example, photo frames) to a minimum and only choose a few aesthetic items such as a potted plant, a piece of artwork or a candle to add a touch of personality.
Natural materials - Choosing natural materials like wood or stone is great for adding warmth and texture to the space without overriding the minimalist design.
Light coloured cabinets, walls, and countertops can make the space appear more clean and more open.
What Tile Pattern Makes a Room Look Bigger?
While some large or bold tile patterns will typically make a room feel more confined, there are certain designs that will have the opposite effect. For example, opting for small, subtle patterns for your floor or backsplash will maintain the minimalist theme. And remember to stick with neutral colours. Learn more about the best flooring for a kitchen here.
4. Be Clever with Lighting
Another great trick for making your small kitchen appear bigger is to be tactical with lighting, both natural and artificial. If you can, try to maximise as much natural light as possible by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer or light-coloured blinds or curtains.
Natural light will make the kitchen feel more open and will brighten up every inch of the room.
What is the Best Lighting for a Small Kitchen?
Choosing the right lighting for a small kitchen space can completely transform the feel of the room. One common trick for adding depth to a kitchen is installing under-cabinet lighting. This will brighten each countertop and make the area feel more spacious. Slim hanging pendant lights are also a great way to add light and style to the room without overwhelming the space or obstructing sight
You might also want to consider layered lighting. By this we mean using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-balanced lighting structure. This versatility adds a sence of depth and dimension to the kitchen, while keeping the space bright.
Can You Put a Mirror in the Kitchen?
The simple answer to this question is - absolutely! While mirrors are well-known to make a bedroom or bathroom look larger, it’s incredible how many people don’t think to use them in the kitchen. A large wall mirror can make a kitchen look striking, especially when reflecting back a table or countertop.
Other reflective surfaces like glass tiles, shiny floors, glossy cabinets and stainless steel appliances can also be used to make a kitchen feel more spacious.
5. Choose Integrated Appliances
Integrated appliances are great for making a small kitchen feel less crowded as they simply blend in with the rest of your kitchen, usually with the same door as the rest of the cupboards.
While your guests might have to open a few different cupboards before finding your fridge and freezer, the overall look of your kitchen will be sleek and minimalist, appearing more spacious than a jumble of different designs.
A compact dishwasher is also ideal for smaller kitchens as they don’t take up much room. While standard dishwashers are generally 600mm in width, compact dishwashers measure 450mm, saving you 150mm of floor space. This makes a huge difference in a small kitchen.
6. Hire a Professional Kitchen Design Company
If you’re really struggling to optimise your kitchen space, or you simply haven’t got the time, why not hire a professional kitchen design company to help make the most out of the limited space you have. These professionals are skilled in maximising the available space efficiently and will make sure that each component is strategically placed to optimise functionality and flow, in turn making the kitchen feel bigger.
At Cwtch Haus, we specialise in the design, supply and installation of bespoke German and UK manufactured kitchens in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Learn more about why German kitchens are best here.
We dedicate time and attention to each and every one of our customers, ensuring that your kitchen space is carefully considered, resulting in a room that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is also extremely practical for your specific everyday usage.
And there we have it! After reading these tips I hope you now have a good idea of how to make your small kitchen look bigger. For more tips, tricks and design ideas please visit our kitchen design blog.
If you’re looking for some kitchen design inspiration or even some ideas for your bedroom or bathroom, be sure to check out our work gallery.
Written by Kate Jones for Cwtch Haus, kitchen designers in West Wales.
