Introduction
Small kitchens can be challenging to design in a way that is both beautiful and highly functional. However, with clever layouts and space-saving ideas, even a tiny kitchen of 140 square feet or less can be stunning and meet all your cooking and storage needs. Our kitchen of the week demonstrates how to create a kitchen that perfectly blends beauty and functionality within a petite footprint.
Key Design Elements
Use of Light Colors
Painting the cabinets, walls, and ceiling a light, neutral color palette visually expands the small kitchen space. The soft white used here makes the kitchen feel airy and spacious. Accent walls in light blue or green could also work well.
Open Shelving
Installing open shelving along one wall saves space and displays beautiful cookware as decorative elements. Glass doors on the upper cabinets maintain a light, open look while keeping items dust-free.
Peninsula Countertop
Adding a peninsula with seating creates a space-efficient dining area without the need for a full-sized kitchen table. The wheat-colored quartz countertop and backsplash coordinate nicely with the white cabinetry.
Sunny Window Placement
Situating the sink and counters in front of a large window fills the tiny kitchen with natural light. A window over the sink provides views of the outdoors and fresh air.
Compact Appliances
Opting for smaller appliances like a 24-inch refrigerator, 20-inch oven range, and shallow depth dishwasher maximizes available space. The appliances contain the same functionality as full-sized models.
Space-Saving Layout Ideas
- Install drawers instead of bulky cabinets for storing pots, pans and kitchen tools. Drawers offer better visibility and access to contents.
- Choose furniture-style islands on wheels. They provide counter space and storage but can roll out of the way when not in use.
- Consider retractable curtains rather than doors on corner cabinets. They take up less space when opened.
- Opt for wall-mounted drop-leaf tables or fold-down work tables to save on floor space. They can be folded flush to the wall when not dining.
- Use multi-tiered narrow carts for spices, oils and other food items. They fit in unused vertical spaces.
Clever Storage Solutions
- Attach magnetic strips and hanging racks inside cabinet doors to store knives and small gadgets.
- Install pull-out vertical drawer organizers for spices, cans and other items. They maximize vertical storage space.
- Under-cabinet cookie sheet and pot lid racks free up drawer and cabinet space.
- Shelves set into the toe kicks make use of unused space for small appliance storage.
- Baskets or bins on open shelving corral smaller items like packets and food boxes.
FAQs
How many cabinets should a 140 square foot kitchen have?
For a 140 square foot kitchen, plan for 8-10 base cabinets and 6-8 upper cabinets to maximize storage while leaving room to navigate.
What size refrigerator fits in a small kitchen?
A 24-inch wide refrigerator provides ample fresh food and freezer capacity for a 1-2 person household in a petite kitchen. Top freezer and mini fridges are other options.
Should I get a peninsula or island for my small kitchen?
Peninsulas are often better suited for small kitchens as they take up less overall floor space. But a narrow, wheeled island can work if you have room for at least 32 inches of clearance around it.
What is the best way to light a small kitchen?
For maximum brightness, use recessed ceiling lights, pendants over a peninsula or island, undercabinet lighting and natural light from windows.
How wide can a galley kitchen be?
Galley kitchens work best in small spaces at 8 feet wide or less. Anything wider starts to obstruct natural workflow.
Conclusion
With clever use of space, lighting and storage, even the tiniest kitchens of 140 square feet or under can balance beauty and function. Key design strategies like light colors, open shelving, peninsulas, window placement and compact appliances open up the space. And space-saving layouts, multi-use furniture and clever built-in storage solutions maximize utility. With the right approach, you can have the stunning and highly functional tiny kitchen of your dreams!
