Introduction
Nestled in a historic Manhattan neighborhood, this week’s featured kitchen is a study in efficient use of space and creative problem solving. By erecting a partial wall to separate the kitchen from the rest of the studio apartment, the homeowner was able to create a sense of privacy and functionality that can be a challenge in open concept living. Thisseparation allows the kitchen to feel like its own peaceful sanctuary, providing respite from the bustle of the city outside.
History of the Building
This pre-war building was constructed in the 1920s during a time of rapid development and population growth in New York City. While the exterior retains the ornate architectural details of that era, the interiors have been updated over the years to accommodate modern urban living. The character of the original bones still shines through in elements like the hardwood floors and oversized windows that flood each unit with natural light. The building maintains much of its vintage charm while offering contemporary conveniences.
Layout and Floorplan
The cozy kitchen is intelligently laid out to make the most of its diminutive square footage. Upon entering through a cafe door, you immediately notice how the space is segmented into neat zones. To the left is an area dedicated to food prep and cooking, while the right side houses chilled storage and serveware. The farmhouse sink looks out a window facing a classic Manhattan air shaft, creating a quaint view while washing dishes.
Just beyond the prep area, the corner is maximized as a breakfast nook with a bistro table placed diagonally. This allows for a perfect perch to enjoy a cup of coffee and the morning light. Above the table, open shelving displays pretty dishes and every day dining ware. More extensive glass-front cabinetry provides concealed storage around the perimeter.
While compact, the kitchen offers all one needs to prepare meals and unwind after busy days spent exploring the city. Form and function beautifully coalesce thanks to smart space planning and utility.
Materials and Finishes
The materials palette focuses on classic elements with natural textures to keep the space feeling warm and inviting. The walls and ceiling are painted crisp white to reflect light and visually enlarge the room. Rich wood drawer fronts provide a mellow contrast to the bright white cabinetry.
The wood top on the peninsula adds organic beauty while also being practical for chopping, mixing, and serving. Hanging brass pendants illuminate the area with their soft glow. The window sill makes a perfect place to display tiny potted herbs.
Underfoot, the original oak floors were refinished to a warm honey hue that pairs nicely with the kitchen’s palette. Their patina tells the story of the building’s long history. Durable slate tile laid in a herringbone pattern adds visual interest behind the range and around the sink.
Appliances and Amenities
While the square footage may be pint-sized, this kitchen was designed to have all the elements of a larger chef’s kitchen. Stainless steel appliances provide an upscale look with professional performance. The range has a stove top with four gas burners and an electric oven below. Its chimney-style range hood effectively whisks away cooking fumes.
The refrigerator is full-sized yet streamlined in form to conserve space. Its bottom freezer drawer and French door upper compartment optimize organization. A compact dishwasher ensures effortless cleanup after meals.
The peninsula provides extra surface area for meal prep. Two bar stools tucked underneath extend the seating when entertaining. The ample cabinetry includes drawers for flatware and pots and pull-out shelves in the lower cabinets. Glass door uppers provide access to dishes while retaining the uncluttered look.
Achieving Separation
The homeowner desired a sense of separation between the kitchen and the rest of the open concept living space. However, the floorplan didn’t easily accommodate adding a full wall. The solution was to erect a half wall and change the flooring materials.
The partial wall begins at the outer wall of the kitchen and projects half-way across the space. This defines the cooking zone while still allowing light to permeate. The Variation in floor tiles also signals a transition from the dining area to the workspace.
In a small home, delineating different activity centers helps distinguish the functionality of each. The Café door completes the effect by providing a physical threshold to cross between zones. When closed, it becomes a barrier to cooking smells and noise escaping the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Ingenuity and resourcefulness are on display in this Manhattan studio kitchen. Constrained square footage required intelligent planning and multi-functional elements. Every inch was maximized for utility. Storage abounds despite the room’s modest size.
Separating the kitchen provided psychological as well as practical benefits. The part-wall and flooring change carved out functional niche that feels focused. This Manhattan kitchen may be tiny, but it provides everything needed for convenience, comfort and joy.
FAQs About Small Space Kitchens
What are some space-saving ideas for small kitchens?
Some tips for maximizing storage and efficiency in a small kitchen include using drawer organizers, shelf risers, and lazy susans. Stacking appliances, installing pull-out shelving, hanging pots and utensils, and choosing slimline or streamlined appliances are also helpful. Planning circulation to avoid bottlenecks aids multiple cooks.
How can I make my small kitchen feel more spacious?
Using light, neutral colors on walls, cabinets, and countertops helps reflect light and makes a small kitchen feel more open. Other solutions are to minimize upper cabinets, install glass door cabinets, use open shelving, mount mirrors strategically, and make sure the space is well-lit. Removing any clutter also visually expands the kitchen.
What are some good storage solutions for tiny kitchens?
Look for every opportunity to incorporate storage into a small kitchen’s design. Examples are drawer organizers for utensils, built-in corner cabinets, pull-out shelves in lower cabinets, and spice racks mounted inside cabinet doors. Multi-purpose carts provide extra surface area and storage. Hanging pots and pans from the ceiling is another option to free up space.
How can I get more counter space in a small kitchen?
Adding a kitchen cart, retractable table, or peninsula can provide more usable surface area. Other tips include installing shelf risers to raise wall cabinets and create space underneath for frequently used items. Choose wall-mounted faucets and stoves to save space on counters. Or look for countertops that cantilever or extend eating areas.
What kitchen layouts work best for small spaces?
The most efficient small kitchen layouts are one-wall or galley designs. A U-shaped design with peninsula also maximizes available space. Strategically place larger appliances on diagonals in corners to conserve room. Think about traffic flow and eliminate choke points between cabinets or appliances.
Should I get bar stools for my small kitchen?
Bar stools that tuck neatly underneath a counter or peninsula are great options for additional casual seating in small kitchens without sacrificing valuable square footage. Look for stools with a slim profile, materials to dampen noise, and either backless or low-back design. Added seating can make a tiny kitchen more livable.
Conclusion
Small kitchens may require creativity and functional solutions to feel comfortable, but they can definitely be peaceful sanctuaries. Strategic layout and storage along with the right dose of style allow tiny cookspaces to live large. This urban Manhattan kitchen proves form and function can beautifully coexist even in diminutive proportions through intelligent designing. The separation from the living space provides a sense of retreat that is key for apartment living. When space is limited, it simply takes planning and purposefulness to craft a kitchen that meets needs with tranquility.
