Kitchens and bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in a home, but with some strategic design decisions, they can feel much larger and more functional. Here are 7 big ideas to maximize space and create an efficient layout in a small kitchen or bathroom.
Optimize Storage
Lack of storage is one of the biggest complaints in compact kitchens and baths. Make every inch count by using these savvy storage solutions:
Use Wall Space
- Install hanging pots and pan racks, knife strips, and shelving on walls to clear precious counter space.
- Floor-to-ceiling pantries with pull-out drawers and roll-out shelves optimize vertical storage.
- Open shelving doubles as display space and storage. Use baskets, canisters, and bins to corral loose items.
Maximize Cabinets
- Full-extension drawers provide easy access to contents pushed to the back.
- Lazy susans in corner cabinets spin for convenient access.
- Vertical dividers, tiered shelving, and pull-out bins keep cabinet interiors organized.
- Swapping upper cabinets for open shelving saves visual space.
Rethink Sinks and Appliances
- A wall-mounted faucet clears space underneath for a roll-out drying rack or cutting board.
- Undermount sinks maximize counterspace.
- Drawers underneath the oven or sink provide hidden storage.
- Microwave drawers, counter-depth fridges, and compact appliances save precious room.
Multitask Furnishings
- Kitchen carts provide extra prep space, storage, and mobility.
- Kitchen islands double as dining tables with drop-leaf extensions.
- Bathroom vanities with storage cabinets reduce visual clutter.
- Freestanding towel racks with shelves add storage in tight bathrooms.
Embrace Hidden Storage
- Use extra space behind false cabinet fronts or matte-finish drawer fronts.
- Lift-up countertops reveal concealed storage for small appliances.
- Toekicks that hide cubbies optimize unused space.
- In bathrooms, access wasted space behind mirrors with hidden storage.
With a focus on dual-purpose furnishings and utilizing every possible nook, small kitchens and baths can accommodate plenty.
Select Space-Saving Appliances
Every square inch counts in a petite kitchen, so choose appliances that fit the compact space. Look for these downsized yet powerful options:
- Counter-depth refrigerators fit flush with cabinets for a built-in look.
- Mini fridges chill beverages and snacks without consuming precious floorspace.
- Small dishwashers (18 inches wide) have full-size capacity.
- Compact microwaves can mount underneath cabinets or shrink cabinet depth.
- Single wall ovens free up counterspace and storage below.
- Mini ranges with two burners cook efficiently.
- Multi-use appliances like air fryers and instant pots maximize functionality.
- Under-counter ice makers provide refreshing chilled drinks without crowding counters.
With a little creativity, small kitchens can accommodate full cooking capabilities. Focus on multi-tasking appliances and ones scaled to fit tight spaces.
Implement Flexible, Multi-Use Furnishings
Every piece of furniture and equipment in a small kitchen should earn its square footage by serving multiple purposes. Seek out these adaptable furnishings:
Islands That Multitask
- Islands on locking wheels easily relocate as a prep station, dining table, or buffet.
- Fold-down sides convert islands into counterspace when needed.
- Look for islands with storage, seating, and food/drink service capabilities.
Collapsible/Stowable Pieces
- Fold-up counter extensions or drop-leaf carts appear when extra space is needed.
- Tables on wheels stow against walls as space allows.
- Stools that fold up or hang on the wall reclaim floorspace when not in use.
Do-It-All Carts
- Mobile carts bring storage, extra counter space, and functionality anywhere.
- Carts customized with butcher block, hanging racks, electrical outlets, and storage adapt to a range of uses.
Multipurpose, flexible furnishings allow small kitchens to feel much larger than their footprint. Look for pieces that seamlessly shape-shift or stow away according to your needs.
Visually Enlarge With Mirrors and Lighting
Small kitchens and bathrooms inherently feel more spacious and open when flooded with light. Take advantage of these illuminating ideas:
Strategic Lighting
- Windows, skylights, and glass doors invite natural light. Sheer curtains softly filter sunlight.
- Pendant lights over islands add brightness without taking up counterspace.
- Undercabinet lighting illuminates workspaces.
- Sconces provide task lighting and visual interest on walls.
- Light colors and matte finishes amplify brightness.
Mirrored Magic
- Backsplashes with mirrored tiles visually double space.
- Strategically placed mirrors reflect light and views, making rooms feel larger.
- Mirrored cabinets and lighted medicine cabinets add brightness.
- In bathrooms, hanging a mirror perpendicular to a window reflects outdoor views.
Abundant light and reflective surfaces work magic, allowing small rooms to feel airy and expansive.
Raise Eye Lines With Glass Cabinets
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets in small kitchens can feel oppressive or closed in. But glass-front uppers expand the view, draw eyes up, and make spaces feel more open. Consider:
- Glass upper cabinets increase visibility, light, and give the illusion of higher ceilings.
- Glass door fronts soften hard cabinet lines and add depth.
- Open shelving achieves a light, airy look while storing necessities.
- Glass pendants illuminate counters and accentuate vertical space.
- Mirrored backsplashes expand views and light.
Take advantage of glass and mirrored materials to direct sight lines up and out, optimizing the perception of space. displays.
Create Zones With Color
Using color strategically helps carve out separate functional zones within a compact kitchen or bath. Consider these ideas:
Monochromatic Palettes
- Sticking to one unified color palette (different shades of one hue) makes spaces appear larger.
- Paler tints visually recede, while bolder accent shades attract attention to focal points.
Varying Tones
- Paint upper and lower cabinets in one zone a different tone to define its boundaries.
- Use a deeper wall color in one area to distinguish its purpose.
- Painting an accent wall or island a bold tone designates it as a separate space.
Directing Color Flow
- Color can guide the eye and direct traffic flow around zones.
- Place bolder hues on boundaries to contain spaces. Softer tones in thoroughfares encourage movement.
Strategic use of color encourages the eye to parse compact rooms into organized zones, improving flow and functionality.
Maximize Light With Wall Adjustments
While knocking down full walls may not be feasible, small tweaks can make a big difference in opening up sight lines and drawing in light:
Window Modifications
- Widen existing windows to bring in more daylight.
- Swap out solid walls for glass doors to fuse indoor/outdoor views.
- Add skylights or sun tunnels to brighten inner rooms.
Open Shelving
- Swap some upper cabinets for open shelving to expand views and access light.
- Glass-front cabinets also allow light penetration.
Half Walls/Railings
- Half walls delineate zones while allowing light and views through.
- Railings or balustrades open up spaces instead of full walls.
Even without major structural changes, strategic window, lighting, and wall adjustments can significantly brighten a space. Seek out small ways to invite in natural light.
FAQs About Maximizing Small Kitchens and Baths
What are some key features to look for when choosing appliances for a small kitchen?
For a small kitchen, good appliances to look for include counter-depth or apartment-sized refrigerators, over-the-range microwaves, compact dishwashers (18-inches wide), mini ranges with just 1 or 2 burners, and portable cooktops or induction burners that can be easily stowed away. Multi-use appliances like Instant Pots are also great space-savers.
How can I add more storage to my small kitchen without more cabinets?
Some creative ways to add storage without more cabinetry are utilizing wall space with hanging racks and open shelving, adding a kitchen island or cart with storage drawers and shelves, repurposing closet space adjacent to the kitchen, using lift-up counter tops to reveal hidden storage, and maximizing vertical space with floor-to-ceiling pantries.
What are some ways to make a small bathroom feel more spacious?
Some good strategies for small bathrooms include using wall-mounted faucets and toilets to save floor space, installing corner shelving and tall narrow cabinets, choosing pedestal sinks or floating vanities to open up floor space, using pocket doors, maximizing natural light with windows/skylights, and placing mirrors strategically to give the illusion of more space.
How can I get more prep and dining space in my small kitchen?
To add functional space to a small kitchen, rolling carts with counter extensions, drop-leaf tables, and islands with seating and storage can multi-task as extra prep and dining space. Look for pieces with wheels, fold-down sides, or other features to collapse when not in use. Extending counter space over cabinetry can also add usable square footage.
What are some clever storage solutions for small bathrooms?
Some smart storage ideas for small bathrooms include using tall, narrow shelving units in corners to hold folded towels and toiletries, choosing a vanity with built-in storage cabinets, utilizing space under pedestal sinks for rolling baskets, installing overhead cabinets or shelves, using freestanding racks near the shower or door, and replacing the bathroom door with a pocket door to reclaim wall space.
Which architectural changes can help open up a small kitchen?
Some architectural changes that can make a small kitchen feel more spacious include removing top cabinets for open shelving, replacing a solid wall with a breakfast bar or half wall, swapping out closed upper cabinet doors for glass fronts, bumping out into an adjacent room or porch to gain space, upgrading windows/adding skylights for more natural light, and opening sight lines by removing interior doors and walls when possible.
Should I use light or dark colors in a small kitchen or bathroom?
Both light and dark colors can work well in small spaces. Light, neutral colors like whites and pale tints help rooms feel bright and airy. However, dark colors can add cozy warmth and beautiful contrast. To keep dark hues from feeling too heavy, use them sparingly on accent walls or pair them with brighter tones. Large rooms can handle deeper, bolder colors while small rooms are best served by lighter palettes.
Conclusion
While small in square footage, petite kitchens and bathrooms can still feel open, gracious, and highly functional. Space-enhancing touches like glass cabinetry, mirrors, streamlined storage, and slide-away furnishings are key. Strategic color schemes lend visual organization. And prudent appliance selection yields full utility. With clever furnishings and a few smart architectural tweaks, even the most pint-sized kitchens and bathrooms can be made efficient, inviting, and downright luxurious. The difference is in the thoughtful details.
