Making a small kitchen feel more spacious and functional can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With some clever design tricks and layout adjustments, you can give your compact kitchen a whole new look and feel. Here are three tips to make your kitchen appear larger and work better this week:

1. Add Mirrors to Reflect Light and Create Illusion of Space

Strategically placing mirrors is one of the easiest ways to instantly make your kitchen look and feel more expansive. Mirrors reflect light and create the optical illusion of a larger area.

Ways to Use Mirrors:

• Hang a large mirror near a window – This will maximize natural light from the window and bounce it around the room. Place the mirror across from the window so it reflects the view and light.
• Use mirrored backsplash tile – Installing mirrored tile as a backsplash doubles the feeling of depth. The mirroring effect makes the wall appear farther back. Stainless steel tile provides a similar brightening effect.
• Add a mirrored wall cabinet – Having a mirrored cabinet door on a prime wall space gives the impression of a bigger room. Place it where you want to enhance the sense of size.
• Attach small mirrors to the ceiling – Spot mirrors overhead make the room feel taller and airier. Keep them small (6-12 inches) and spaced out.
• Incorporate a mirrored dining table or island – This adds functional space as well as the reflective effect. A glass dining table or island topped with a mirrored surface enlarges the whole area.

Positioning Tips:

• Across from windows – Mirrors opposite windows maximize reflected light.
• On the backsplash – Backsplash mirrors make the counter area feel longer.
• Nearby to expand small walls – A mirror visually pushes back corners or small walls.
• By the sink – Reflects and expands the workspace.
• On the ceiling – Reflects light and adds height. Space small mirrors out rather than clustering.

2. Paint Cabinets, Walls, and Ceilings Light Colors

The colors used in a small kitchen can change the whole dynamic of the space. Lighter paint colors make rooms appear larger and brighter.

Helpful Tips for Colors:

• Stick to light, neutral shades – Whites, off-whites, and pale grays open up the space without overwhelming. Soft tan and beige work well too.
• Use lighter colors for upper cabinets – Painting upper cabinets a lighter shade than lowers tricks the eye upward.
• Choose lighter countertops – Light granite, butcher block, or laminate counters reflect more light than dark surfaces.
• Pick light floors – Hardwood or vinyl planks in light oak or birch brighten up the kitchen.
• Go for white or mirrored backsplashes – Use subway tile, glass mosaic, or mirrored stainless steel.
• Paint the ceiling light colors – An off-white or soft gray ceiling makes the room feel taller.
• Use the same color scheme throughout – Painting walls, cabinets, and trim the same light colors makes the space cohesive.

Colors to Avoid:

• Dark or bold colors – These make walls, cabinets, and counters feel closer and enclosing.
• Too many color variations – Stick to a light cohesive scheme for an airier look.
• Glossy surfaces – Glossy cabinetry and loud backsplashes close in space. Matte or satin finishes diffuse light.

3. Remove Upper Cabinets and Install Open Shelving

Removing bulky overhead cabinets is an instant way to make a kitchen feel larger and less boxed in. Open shelving provides a lighter, airier alternative.

Benefits of Removing Upper Cabinets:

• Allows more light – With less cabinetry, natural light reaches more of the space.
• Opens up sightlines – Removes visual barriers so the kitchen feels more open.
• Makes walls look taller – Draws the eye up to the ceiling by eliminating imposing cabinetry.
• Modernizes the look – Creates a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

Ideas for Open Shelving:

• Floating wall shelves – Staggered floating shelves provide display space without dominating.
• Glass shelving – Glass or acrylic shelves maintain an open look. LED strips can provide underlighting.
• Wooden ledges – Rustic wood planks make sturdy shelves with style.
• Metal racks – Sleek stainless steel wire racks offer airy storage.
• Niche shelving – Build out a niche with shelves recessed into the wall. Add lighting inside.
• Rail system – Install a wall rail system with movable hooks and baskets for versatile storage.
• Wood crates or boxes – Small vintage crates lined up provide compartmentalized storage with character.

Placement Tips:

• Near windows – Leaves window areas open and highlights natural light.
• Below eye level – Keeps display items visible without obstructing sightlines.
• Away from appliances – Don’t block refrigerator or stove access.
• Over prep areas – Handy for storage near food prep zones.
• Consider weight – Sturdy brackets needed for heavy platters or appliances. Glass jars better for lightweight items.

More Ways to Visually Enlarge a Small Kitchen

Beyond mirrors, paint, and open shelving, several other design strategies can make a compact kitchen feel airier and more expansive. Here are additional effective ideas to try:

Use Glass Cabinet Doors

• Glass-front cabinetry maintains storage while removing visual bulk.
• Glass door inserts can be added to existing cabinetry.
• Glass-front cabinets showcase decorative dishware in an open way.
• Glass reflects light, adding to the spacious effect.
• For privacy, use frosted glass or glass with trim.

Incorporate Glass Tile

• Glass mosaic backsplash tile refracts light around the room.
• Penny rounds create pattern and depth without encroaching.
• A mix of glass and stone tiles adds textural interest.
• Use glossy glass rather than matte finish for maximum reflectivity.
• Can also use glass tiles for backsplashes and shower surrounds beyond the kitchen.

Remove Doors and Drawers from Cabinets

• Eliminating cabinet fronts visually expands the space.
• Best for corner cabinets, base lazy susans, or narrow pull-out shelves.
• Maintains needed storage while removing bulky doors and fronts.
• Open shelves show off dishware and decor.
• Saves cabinet hardware costs.

Extend Countertops to Maximize Surface Area

• Making counters span entire walls optimizes usable space.
• Creates seamless preparation zones and visual flow.
• Use matching extended material or contrasting butcher block.
• Add outlets inside lower cabinetry to power counter appliances.
• Partner with open shelves rather than wall cabinets.

Install Pendant Lighting Over Islands and Sink Areas

• Draws eyes up and lends height to low-ceiling kitchens.
• Pendants aligned over prep zones target task lighting.
• Transparent or glass shades maintain visibility and brightness.
• Use several small globes rather than one large fixture.
• Spotlight accents like architectural beams or artwork with directional pendant lights.

Opt for Compact Appliances

• Slim, scaled-down appliances take up less visual space.
• Compact dishwashers, fridges, stoves, and microwaves integrate seamlessly.
• Small appliances can be tucked onto open shelving or in slide-out cabinetry.
• No need for bulky cabinets to house standard-sized appliances.
• Ensure smaller appliances meet your functional needs before purchasing.

Clever Layout Ideas and Solution for Small Kitchens

Rethinking the layout of a cramped kitchen can vastly improve spaciousness and ergonomics. Appliance rearrangement, walkway widening, and zone delineation keep tight quarters organized.

Work Triangle

The work triangle concept focuses on the efficient relationship between key kitchen work zones:

• The sink, refrigerator, and stove/oven should form a triangle shape with convenient access between each area.
• Pathways for the triangle should be 36-48 inches wide for comfortable navigation. Remove any furniture or decor inhibiting the work triangle.
• If possible, position these appliances on separate walls rather than clustering in one area.
• Minimize diagonal crossover paths which make the kitchen feel congested.

Clear Walkways

• Aim for at least 42-inch wide pathways throughout the kitchen for moving freely.
• Remove freestanding furniture like island carts or hutches blocking primary walkways.
• Tuck stools and seating underneath counters when not in use.
• Store rarely used bulky appliances to open up main traffic lanes.
• For galley kitchens, consider a single long counter rather than counters facing each other across a narrow walkway.

Multipurpose Islands

• Islands can provide extra prep space, casual dining, and storage while delineating work zones.
• Size appropriately – Allow 42-48 inches around all sides to prevent crowding walkways.
• Use an overhang or open shelving underneath rather than floor-length cabinetry which impedes flow.
• Wheels allow you to reposition mobile islands as needed.
• Stools can tuck under an overhang when not in use. Choose backless stools for compact storage.

Vertical Storage Solutions

• Floor-to-ceiling shelving doubles storage capacity without claiming floor space.
• Mountedspice racks, knife blocks, and rails keep essentials handy but out of the way.
• Incorporate height with stacked wall ovens or tall pantry cabinets.
• Mount microwave shelving over the stove area.
• Expand storage upward with wall-mounted pot racks and extra shelves.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

• Furniture that serves more than one function maximizes efficiency.
• An adjustable table can act as prep space, casual dining, or extended counter area as needed.
• Storage ottomans provide extra seating with compartmentalized storage inside. Lift-top coffee tables work similarly.
• A rolling butcher block or cart acts as movable island, beverage station, or serving area.

Built-In Appliances

• Recessing appliances into specially sized nooks and crannies builds them seamlessly into the design.
• A refrigerator column fitted between cabinetry appears built-in.
• Install a wall oven where base cabinetry would usually go.
• Cooktops can install directly into counters via cut-out inserts.
• Dishwashers can fit in corners or small gaps between other appliances.

FAQs About Maximizing Small Kitchens

What are some quick fixes to make a small kitchen more functional?

Some easy ways to quickly improve functionality in a small kitchen include:

• Organizing cabinets and drawers so essentials are easily accessible.
• Adding pull-out shelves in corner cabinets or lower cabinets to optimize space.
• Attaching extra racks or hooks on interior cabinet walls for vertically stacking items.
• Hanging commonly used tools like ladles and whisks on the wall near the stove.
• Installing an over-the-door paper towel holder nearby the cooking area.
• Securing a magnetic strip on the wall to hold knives and metal utensils up and out of the way.

What small appliances are space-saving options?

Helpful small appliances for compact kitchens include:

• Small-capacity refrigerators, like undercounter models or 10-15 cubic foot units.
• Compact microwaves that can mount over the stovetop or on open shelves.
• Single-serve coffee makers that take up minimal counter space.
• Toaster ovens or convection ovens rather than traditional ovens.
• Electric hot plates, induction burners, or electric griddles for stove-top cooking.
• Slow cookers, Instant Pots, or pressure cookers that maximize vertical space.
• Mini blenders, food processors, and mixers that stash in lower cabinets when not in use.

How much space should be allowed for traffic flow in a small kitchen?

Ideally 42-48 inches of space should remain open for traffic flow in the main kitchen walkways. Removing any furniture or decor that constricts the central work triangle area will allow maximum ease of movement throughout a compact kitchen.

What are some recommended storage solutions for small kitchens?

Smart storage solutions for small kitchens include:

• Wall-mounted rails or shelving systems over the counter.
• Pull-out drawers with built-in organizers and dividers.
• Tiered countertop display racks for fruits and vegetables.
• Under-cabinet hooks to hang utensils.
• Spice racks mounted inside cabinet doors.
• Shelves inside existing cabinets to double storage capacity.
• Freestanding metal utility carts to stash appliances and tools.

How can lighting help make a small kitchen seem larger?

Proper lighting can brighten up a small kitchen and make it feel more spacious. Useful tips include:

• Using soft white rather than yellow lightbulbs to prevent a cramped feeling.
• Installing recessed can lighting in the ceiling to eliminate shadows.
• Positioning adjustable pendant lights over prep areas to spotlight tasks.
• Attaching puck lights under cabinets to illuminate countertops and work zones.
• Adding mirrors near windows to maximize natural light distribution.

Conclusion

While a compact kitchen presents storage and spacing challenges, numerous clever design ideas can help transform the space into an airy, efficient environment. Strategically placed mirrors, light colors, open shelving, and multipurpose furniture allow small areas to feel more expansive and functional. Paying attention to layout details like the work triangle and walkways also improves ergonomics. With some creativity and careful planning, it’s possible to make even the most modest kitchen feel open, organized, and inviting. Always keep accessibility and ease of movement in mind when re-envisioning a small kitchen. The right adjustments can yield a fresh, spacious look and a workspace designed for efficiency.