Maximizing Space in a Tiny Kitchen: My Personal Experience and Tips - August 2024

The Challenge of a Small Kitchen

Like many, I've faced the challenge of working with a small kitchen. My kitchen's dimensions are a mere 1.8m by 2.3m. To make the most of this limited space, I had to get creative with the layout and design. After much deliberation, I even decided to add two doorways to optimize the flow of movement within the kitchen. The usable space was minimal, but with some clever planning, I managed to not only fit a refrigerator but also create a functional and efficient kitchen area.

Six Design Tricks for Small Kitchens

1. Choosing a Four-Burner Stove Over a Standard Two-Burner

I opted for a four-burner stove that is narrower (only 57cm wide) than the standard two-burner models. This choice allowed for a more spacious countertop, which is essential in a small kitchen. Since I usually cook for one or two people and modern cookware tends to be smaller, a four-burner stove was a perfect fit for my needs.

2. A 60cm Single Sink, Offset by 15cm

I believe I might be the only person who has done this – I installed a 60cm single sink but shifted it 15cm to the left. This arrangement provides a wider area (a comfortable 80cm) for chopping and food preparation. The offset does not affect the usability, especially since most of the activity happens at the corner. Plus, there's still enough space on the left for draining.

3. Narrow Left Cabinets

Desiring a U-shaped kitchen but restricted by the room's width, I calculated and recalculated before deciding on a 35cm wide cabinet on the left, leaving an 85cm wide walkway. This depth is suitable for small appliances and provides ample passage space.

4. Slim Countertop and Water Barrier

My countertop is only 1.5cm thick, and the water barrier is just 3cm high, avoiding the need for an under-counter sink. Despite the barrier being narrower than usual, it creates a neat and simple effect, making the countertop appear more expensive than it actually is – it's just a standard quartz surface.

5. Cost-Effective Cabinet Color Change

Initially, the lower cabinets in my kitchen were a dusty pink color. However, after installation, I felt that white suited my kitchen better. To achieve this, I used adhesive color-changing stickers to transform all lower cabinet doors to white. The upper cabinets are in Egger W1000 color, and after the change, the color difference between the upper and lower cabinets is almost imperceptible. This transformation was not only effective but also budget-friendly.

6. Smart Storage Solutions

I firmly believe that effective storage doesn't necessarily mean having a lot of space. Even large spaces can become cluttered if not properly organized. Good storage means planning each space thoughtfully so that everything is accessible and useful. Despite its small size, my kitchen houses a refrigerator, dishwasher, water purifier, garbage disposal, and more, without compromising on efficiency.

Engaging

I hope my experience and tips provide some inspiration for those of you dealing with the challenge of a small kitchen. How have you maximized your kitchen space? What clever solutions have you found to make the most of every inch? Please share your experiences and ideas in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and create more efficient, enjoyable kitchen spaces together!