Whether you consider the kitchen the heart of the home or simply a space to prepare meals, there are few rooms where space is at more of a premium. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, a kitchen under 150 square feet is considered small. But whether the heart of your home is technically small or just feels small, this post can help you make the most of the space.

Get Creative with Storage

There are loads of unique – and even common – storage solutions. Don’t have a lot of cabinet space? Consider going for height instead of width. You can also install pullout shelves, tilt-out bins, wire organizers, and lazy Susans within the cabinets themselves. This is a great way to make the most of every inch of cabinet space.

While cabinets seem like a natural way to make the most of storage space, too many cabinets make the room feel and look even smaller. You can make the room look bigger by using light-colored cabinets. Glass doors and open fronts also create the illusion of more space.

You can also look outside the cabinets for storage. Hanging pots from the ceiling is both visually appealing and saves valuable storage space – win, win! You can also use hooks on walls and inside doors to store aprons, towels, potholders, and more.

Be Smart About Appliances to Maximize Counter Space

No, we aren’t talking about a fridge with a Wi-Fi connection (although you can do that – just be sure to use a solid password). Instead, look for appliances with a smaller footprint, like a French door refrigerator.

You’ll save counter space if you keep your cooktop and stove together. And a microwave built into the cabinetry gives you even more room on the counter. Finally, storing smaller appliances maximizes the workspace on counters.

Lighten Up

Ideally, your kitchen has a good mix of natural, ambient, and task lighting. If the room doesn’t already have a lot of natural light, you can create some by installing a window or skylight. Both options go a long way toward making a small space appear larger.

Ambient lighting, like pendant light fixtures, brighten the entire space. Task lighting installed over common work areas, such as the stove, sink, and food prep areas, helps alleviate shadows. This makes the area both brighter and safer.

Mind the Clutter

There’s nothing wrong with personalizing your space, but exercising a bit of discretion keeps it from looking too cluttered – and therefore too small. A few wall hangings go a long way toward making the space feel more like you. You can also coordinate rugs, towels, and curtains. A handmade vase, quirky cookie jar, vintage pots hanging from the ceiling – there are loads of ways to personalize your kitchen without overloading a small space.

Work with a Design Team

The design pros at Stradlings can help you design your dream kitchen. Schedule your complimentary estimate today.