Design Ideas for your Small Kitchen

Okay, so not everyone (correction... not many of us) has a large kitchen with ample storage, miles of counter space and king size appliances. So, how does one plan a kitchen to fit all the gadgets, tools, and appliances needed and still leave room to breathe? It comes down to creative storage and simplicity. Combining clutter-free storage solutions with a clean color palette will bring serenity to a potentially jumbled mess.

Europeans have been designing small spaces for a long time now; so I turned to Fagor, a Spanish manufacturer of appliances, for appliance solutions in a small space.

Three years ago, Fagor released their Design Cooking Centers which bundle ergonomics and storage to create an efficient, make-sense appliance unit. A great way to expand a small kitchen is by grouping large items together. The dishwasher storage center positions the dishwasher 18" above the floor and surrounds it with shelves and drawers for utensils, gadgets, dinnerware and cookware. The stainless steel finish is clean, simple, and goes with everything.

Fagor also carries 24" refrigerators (fridges are typically 30" wide and up) and handy little 12", drop in cooktops available in both induction and gas heat.

Keep the color scheme simple. I love this little kitchen with shelves that blend right into the walls, simple black cabinets, and a pop of pattern on the floor. The solid fields of color visually expand the space.

Cottage Living, Photo by Eric Roth

This sweet, mini kitchen feels larger with its clean white and wood tones palette. But, what I think is especially great (besides this most adorable hood) is the use of space under the stair way. They've squeezed in the refrigerator, wine storage, and a little pantry. The island is perfection... is that an old school drafting table? Love it! (Though, a word of warning, if you don't have room for an island, don't do it! You should have 42" between the edge of the island and the edge of any nearby counter top.)

Southern Living, Photo by Erik Johnson

Need flexible storage? I think roll away cart storage is a great idea. Pull it out exactly when and where you need it and tuck it away when you don't. I also enjoy this idea of hanging pans and other cooking tools in front of the window. Light still shines through, but this provides a quirky sort of privacy and is one less thing to be stored in your cabinets.

This Old House

Above, another fun and creative way to store cooking essentials, a pot rack made of copper pipes. Here's a link to instructions for this charming DIY project.

These are great ways to take a few bulky items off your counter tops. This built in spice shelf gives a nice custom look. Under cabinet lights highlight the varieties while illuminating the counter top. A magnetic, wall hung knife rack keeps your knives within arms reach but out of the way.

Cottage Living, Photo by J. Savage Gibson

Finally, I just had to throw this photo in here! Really, you can get pretty creative with storage. Give your kitchen some personality. No matter how small - you must always leave room for a piece of you. :)

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and live in or near North Carolina's Triangle area, check out out website or give us a call at 919-933-7855. No project is too small, let's see what we can do for you!