In the realm of kitchen design, the adage “less is more” rings especially true for small spaces. Prioritising function over form ensures that a compact kitchen operates at its best, making the most of the available space while maintaining a seamless flow.
Kevin Buchanan, Sales Design Director at Kitchens International, advises against the temptation to overfill a small kitchen. “Less is definitely more,” he asserts. “Utilising ‘dead’ space, such as extending wall units to the ceiling or reducing plinth height, can create additional storage without compromising the feeling of spaciousness.”
When refurbishing any kitchen, and particularly a small one, compliance with regulations is crucial. Adequate turning and activity space must be maintained, ensuring the kitchen remains practical and functional, even for solo users.
To enhance the illusion of space, reflective surfaces like mirrored splashbacks or glossy cabinets can be highly effective. “The type of kitchen layout is often constrained in smaller spaces,” Buchanan explains, “but a galley design is typically the most common. U or L-shaped layouts also work well, particularly when you can reduce furniture depth.”
In homes where the kitchen blends into the living area, an L-shaped corner kitchen with a small island or peninsula can be ideal. “Small kitchen layouts are usually dictated by the available space and wall locations, but a skilled designer can maximise the area,” Buchanan notes.
Storage solutions are paramount in compact kitchens. Contemporary designs offer innovative options like 360-degree carousels in Le Mans corner units, door-mounted racks for dry goods, and fully extendable drawers with customised interiors for spices and utensils. “You can also utilise the space between wall cabinets and the worktop for knife holders and spice racks,” he adds.
Pocket doors provide a sleek solution for concealing appliances or cooking areas. These doors slide neatly beside the unit when open, and when closed, they offer a uniform, uncluttered appearance.
Colour and material choices play a significant role in small kitchen design. Opting for a single colour or material can prevent a visually busy look. Seamless Corian is recommended for worktops due to its lack of visible joints and its versatility, allowing it to be moulded for worktops, splashbacks, and sinks, creating a continuous run of material.
Slimline appliances are a practical choice in space-constrained kitchens. Multi-functional ovens are available in various heights, with the 450mm model being particularly suitable. Similarly, a 450mm slimline dishwasher can replace the standard 600mm version, saving precious space. Installing a boiling water tap can eliminate the need for a kettle, dispensing boiling, hot, cold, and even sparkling water from a single tap. Built-in multi-bin systems for recycling and composting can replace free-standing bins, further conserving space.
Lighting can transform the perception of space in a small kitchen. Layering lights or using different types and brightness levels for various areas can create a sense of depth. Even a simple dimmer switch can enhance lighting layers. It is crucial, however, to ensure work areas are well-lit to avoid shadows and dark corners. Similarly, simple, continuous flooring without fussy patterns can help maintain a spacious feel.
By embracing a clever, space-enhancing design, a small kitchen can be transformed into an impressive and functional area.