Introduction
A small kitchen can still make a big design statement, as this charming 88 square foot cottage kitchen demonstrates. With thoughtful layout and creative storage solutions, this space maximizes every inch to create a cozy and efficient workspace. From the classic white cabinetry to the vintage-inspired accents, this kitchen embodies modern cottage style.
Read on to learn how the homeowners transformed a tiny kitchen into a beautiful, functional heart of their home using smart design ideas like vertical storage, dual-purpose furniture, and visual tricks to make the space appear larger. Whether you’re remodeling an itty-bitty kitchen or looking for inspiration for your own small space, this lovely little cottage kitchen proves that size doesn’t have to limit style or function.
Choosing the Right Layout
One of the keys to maximizing a small kitchen is selecting the optimal layout. This cottage kitchen utilizes a galley layout, with cabinets lining each long side.
Benefits of a Galley Layout
A galley layout offers several advantages for a petite kitchen:
- Efficient workflow: The parallel counters allow for an assembly line approach to cooking and cleanup.
- Visual impact: The continuous lines draw the eye down the length of the kitchen, making it appear longer.
- Flexible traffic flow: People can easily move through the kitchen without bumping into one another.
- Lots of storage: With cabinets on both sides, there’s ample room for organization.
To prevent the galley from feeling too narrow, the designers maintained sufficient clearance between the counters – about 42 inches. This leaves enough space for multiple cooks to work comfortably.
Creating Vertical Storage
In a small kitchen, it’s essential to utilize all possible storage space, including going vertical. This cottage kitchen features several vertical storage solutions:
Upper Cabinets to the Ceiling
Many kitchens have a gap between the tops of the upper cabinets and the ceiling. However, this kitchen’s cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling, maximizing every inch. Glass-front cabinet doors prevent the tall cabinets from feeling too imposing.
Open Shelving
The open shelving along one wall provides a place to store frequently-used items within easy reach. It also allows the homeowners to put pretty dishware and decorative objects on display.
Hanging Pot Rack
Hanging a pot rack from the ceiling frees up valuable cabinet space while keeping pots and pans within arm’s reach. A pulley system allows the rack to slide back and forth over the center island.
Narrow Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinet
At the far end of the galley, a narrow utility cabinet houses cleaning supplies, small appliances, and other items. The floor-to-ceiling height lets you stack items vertically inside.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
When square footage is limited, it helps to choose furniture that serves double or triple duty. This kitchen includes several multi-tasking furnishings:
Storage Island
Rather than placing a table in the center, the homeowners opted for a storage island. In addition to providing a place for food prep, it offers a spot to stash kitchen tools and serving pieces. The distressed wood top and vintage-style legs complement the cottage aesthetic.
Banquette Seating
Under the windows, a cozy banquette provides a perfect perch for morning coffee. When mealtime arrives, the banquette becomes a space-saving dining nook. Built-in storage underneath the seat houses table linens and other dining accessories.
Kitchen Desk Area
One end of the banquette transitions into a small desk area – the perfect homework command center or office niche. When not in use as a desk, the surface doubles as extra food prep space for busy cooks.
Vintage Cottage Style Accents
Several well-chosen accents give this kitchen its charming vintage cottage flair. These include:
- Floral window valances in a small print fabric
- Ruffled curtains in gingham and floral patterns
- Vintage-look ceramic knobs on the cabinets
- Distressed wood islands with turned legs
- Cast iron teapots and other cottage-chic decorative objects
Accent lighting also enhances the cottage vibe. Pendant lights hang above the center island, while sconces flanking the window valances provide warm, ambient light for the dining nook.
Strategic Color Choices
Color can affect how small a space feels. To keep things airy and open, the designers used light, neutral hues on the walls, cabinetry, and ceilings. This helps reflect light around the room. Pops of darker color come from the:
- Navy blue banquette cushions
- Dark island base
- Black window frames and curtain rods
Using darker colors sparingly creates contrast without overwhelming the petite kitchen. For a cheerful touch, the window valances feature a small floral pattern in sunny yellow – like rays of sunshine streaming in.
Final Thoughts
This lovely modern cottage kitchen demonstrates that a small space needn’t limit your design dreams. With smart layout and storage solutions, plus creative multi-purpose furnishings, even a mini kitchen can be highly functional and full of style. Vintage-inspired accents and colors keep the look light and bright.
While 88 square feet may seem tiny, this kitchen’s design maximizes every inch for a workspace that belies its petite proportions. For those remodeling or decorating their own pint-sized kitchen, this charming cottage offers inspiration to think creatively. With careful planning and purposeful design choices, you can craft a small kitchen that feels just right.
FAQ about Designing a Small Kitchen
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about maximizing a petite kitchen:
What are the best appliances for a small kitchen?
- Compact appliances like mini fridge, compact microwave or oven, and apartment-sized dishwasher help save precious space.
- Multi-use appliances like toaster ovens with air fryer capability allow you to consolidate.
- Under-counter ice maker frees up room on your counters.
- Small portable island with burners gives you extra cooking space.
How can I add more storage to a small kitchen?
- Use wall space for open shelving, hanging pots/pans, and vertical storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.
- Add a storage island or cart on wheels. Use baskets to corral items.
- Opt for cabinets with deep drawers to hold more items neatly.
- Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets and full extension drawers.
What countertop material is best for small kitchens?
- Lighter colored countertops like white marble, butcher block, or concrete can help reflect light and make the space appear larger.
- Solid surface options like quartz are seamless and easy to clean.
- Tile or laminate countertops provide a budget-friendly option.
How do you arrange a small galley kitchen efficiently?
- Allow at least 42 inches between counters for comfortable workflow.
- Place appliances used most often at the beginning of the galley.
- Use an island or cart to add more workspace at the center of the galley.
- Include open shelving or hanging racks over the island for handy storage.
- Position the sink in the middle of the galley for equal access from both sides.
What small kitchen layout is most space efficient?
- Galley style kitchens make good use of wall space for ample storage.
- L-shaped kitchens can conform to fit odd corners or small spaces.
- U-shaped kitchens offer storage and counters on three walls.
- One-walled layouts combine all storage and appliances along one wall.
How do you decorate a small kitchen to make it look bigger?
- Use light, reflective paint colors on walls, cabinets, and ceilings.
- Minimize upper cabinets to draw the eye up.
- Incorporate mirrored surfaces like a backsplash.
- Ensure sufficient lighting, like pendant and under-cabinet lights.
- Use glass cabinet doors to prevent a closed-in feeling.
- Limit darker accent colors to avoid overwhelming the space.
What flooring helps make a small kitchen appear larger?
- Light colored woods, luxury vinyl plank, or vinyl tiles help reflect light.
- Smaller tiles or patterns create the illusion of more square footage.
- Minimize grout lines by staggering tiles or choosing stone slabs.
- Glossy finishes like polished concrete amplify light.
How do you create guest seating in a tiny kitchen?
- Use counter height stools that tuck under islands or counters.
- Install a space-saving banquette with storage underneath.
- Opt for a small bistro table and two chairs.
- Use a drop-leaf table against the wall that folds down when not in use.
- Buy retractable stools or folding chairs that can be tucked away.
Conclusion
This charming modern cottage kitchen packs loads of style and function into just 88 square feet. Smart design choices, from the galley layout to the multi-purpose furniture, maximize every inch without sacrificing aesthetics. Vintage accents like floral valances and ceramic knobs pair beautifully with the clean white cabinetry for a light and bright look.
With a little creativity and careful planning, you can craft an efficient, highly usable kitchen no matter how small the square footage. Keep these tips in mind as you remodel or decorate your own petite space. Focus on elevating vertical storage, selecting space-saving multi-tasking furnishings, and choosing finishes and colors that reflect light and add visual appeal. Before you know it, you’ll be cooking and entertaining in a beautifully tiny kitchen tailored to your needs. It’s possible to love living large in even the most pint-sized of cooking spaces!
