A kitchen is supposed to be a place where we gather our entire family and talk about how our day went, a place where we cook hearty meals after a long day of work, or a place where we unwind and re-warm that takeout from the day before. However, if the kitchen is too small and too cluttered, none of this will be possible. There is nothing worse than a pint-size kitchen – we can all agree about that. So, if your kitchen leaves you hungry for more space, too, do not worry! The good news is that even the smallest kitchens can be altered and transformed so that they serve their purpose to you. All you have to do is be creative and resourceful. But, if you lack inspiration, we present you with some tips and tricks on how to get the most of a small kitchen.
Use the Space Around Your Fridge
In most kitchens, the space around the fridge is underutilized. People do not like to use the area above it as it is too high to reach, and they do not want to use the space around it as it is too narrow. But, change your mindset, and your kitchen will change too. Move your fridge entirely to one side so that you can free up space on one of the sides. Then, add a hidden rolling pantry there. Rolling pantries are customized and easily installed, so there will be no need to prepare your home for a remodeling project or anything similar.
Moreover, make an effort to use the space above your fridge too! You can add shelves or another cabinet and store things you do not use daily. For instance, this is a good place for appliances you rarely use but do not want to get rid of, or cans and similar non-perishable foods. With these two newly installed areas, you will have a lot more space to work within your small kitchen.
A Stainless Steel Pegboard Backsplash is the Way to Go
Another great way to get the most out of your small kitchen is to use the space between your lower and upper cabinets. And, no, we are not talking about using the counter space; you need that to cook! We are talking about using the wall between the counters. If you install a stainless steel pegboard backsplash, that wall will not only be protected from spills and splatters, but you will also gain a lot more space. You can use that space to hang knives, kitchen utensils, or any other kind of cutlery. This also works great for hanging mugs, pans, chopping boards, etc.
But, unlike the previous project, this one will require some remodeling. And home renovations always need some preparation. Thus, make sure you clear out the clutter and prepare your kitchen for some work. You will need to remove everything from your counters and then cover them with some old blankets, so they do not get scratched and stained. If you are not great with DIYing, it would be best to hire the right people for this job. Do that, and your double-duty pegboard will be installed properly.
Install a Folding Kitchen Table to Get the Most of a Small Kitchen and Other Areas
Using folding tables in your kitchen can be a great way to save space. These folding kitchen tables can replace not only your kitchen island but also all the counters. You can use them as regular working areas for prepping the food and then fold them up when you have finished cooking. This will save you a lot of ‘walking’ space in your kitchen but not rob you of any ‘working space’. Is there more to ask for? Not really – this is all you need for a functional kitchen.
The best part is – you can use this helpful idea to organize your entire home too! Folding tables can be placed in any room and create more space for eating, working, studying, etc. But, do not stop only with the tables! Folding furniture comes in all shapes and sizes. It is perfectly designed to serve multiple purposes and to give each room more space. For instance, you can use a simple ottoman as a coffee table, as a sitting place, and as a place where you will store small knick-knacks when opened.
Make the Most of the Kitchen Corners
Like the previously mentioned space above and beside the fridge, the kitchen corners are also often underutilized. We agree, using that space can be tricky as not a lot of things can fit there. But, leaving it completely empty won’t help you either! You need to make use of every square inch in your small kitchen and give every awkward place a chance to be useful.
The same applies to the kitchen corners. One of the best ways to utilize them and get the most of a small kitchen is to add shelves. Of course, you should not add those regular shelves that tend to take up a lot of space. Instead, it would be best if you used corner shelves. Buying these can be tricky as not every corner in every kitchen is the same size. So, if you cannot find ones that can fit into your kitchen, consider having them custom-made by a professional. Doing that will not take up a lot of your time nor money. And because of that, this is one of the home decor trends everyone is trying currently. Moreover, try it out in other small rooms – you will be surprised at how much space you can save in your home.