Simple Ways To Transform A Compact Kitchen

Are you constantly complaining that you don’t have enough surface space to cook up a storm, or do you struggle to host a dinner party without bringing out the emergency chairs or dining on laps in the lounge? Many of us dream of having a spacious, open kitchen, but sometimes, you have to make do with what you’ve got. The good news is that compact doesn’t have to be cramped. Here are some simple ways to turn a hellish kitchen into a heavenly space.

Colours

Colour plays a vital role in setting the tone of the room, but it can also make a huge difference to the perception of size and space. If you’ve got a bijou kitchen, avoid dark shades and bright colours, and opt for neutral tones instead. Colours like dove grey, white, and cream will open up the space, making the room look larger and lighter. It’s very easy to paint walls, and this is a really effective, inexpensive way to give your kitchen a brand new look. Before you apply any paint, wipe down the wall and sand it for a smooth finish. If you’re painting over a darker tone, you may need several coats. Wait for each layer to dry before you start with the next.

Flooring

The flooring you choose will have a dramatic impact on the overall aesthetic of your new kitchen. If you’ve got a compact area, it’s wise to opt for light colours and finishes and avoid anything too dark, such as polished wood. You can choose from tiles, vinyl or wood depending on your personal style and your budget. If you love the look of hardwood, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, there are some incredibly lifelike vinyl alternatives available.

Attention to detail

If you’re embracing a simple, understated approach when it comes to paint colours and flooring, you can sprinkle some magic and make the space unique and personal to you with the right accessories, decorative features, and details. You can add splashes of colour with tonal kettles, coffee makers and toasters or vases, candle holders and storage pots, or you could add an edgy vibe with marble plant holders, slate placemats and granite chopping boards. You could also channel the natural trend and add houseplants or go for a touch of luxe with rose gold cupboard handles and a copper bread bin. There are myriad accessories you can buy for your kitchen, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re browsing interior stores and look for inspiration in magazines and on sites like Pinterest.

Storage

Nothing makes a small kitchen more difficult to love than clutter. If you’re already short on space, adding piles of recipe books, pans, and plates isn’t going to help. Make storage your new best friend, and tidy away all your stuff to free up space and create a much bigger, airier kitchen. Make use of every drawer and cupboard you have, and consider options like mounting a unit on the wall to store spices, herbs or cooking utensils.

If you’ve got a small kitchen, you don’t have to resign yourself to clutter or give up on the dream of having a beautiful kitchen. There are lots of ways you can make compact spaces look larger and brighter, and if you stick to simple design concepts and subtle colourways, you can use details and accessories to add interest and celebrate your personal style.