We are often asked how we can make a small kitchen look bigger so, we have come up with the following tips and tricks to help you create the feel of a spacious kitchen even in the smallest room.
Lighting
Bringing light into a kitchen is one of the most important ways to make the space feel and look bigger. Dimly lit kitchens are cosy, but they enclose a room and limit the use of functional space.
Optimise all the natural light available by keeping your windows clear. Add artificial lighting to create interest, highlight areas and elongate your space.
Lighting can be implemented underneath wall cabinets to shine down on worksurfaces. Worktops can have feature strip lighting below or stoplights could be added in glass fronted cabinets to display your favourite cookware. Spotlights are often used in kitchens too, creating uniform and bright lighting that covers the whole space.
Reflective Surfaces
The use of reflective surfaces will help this light to be carried around the room. This works especially in corners, further away from natural light sources. Glossy cabinets will also bounce the light all through the space. But maybe the most practical way of employing this feature is through splashback. Glossy tiles, mirrored or glass splashback will be a perfect height to reflect light where you are working. They can easily be tailored to different design styles.
Light Colours
Opting for a light, neutral colour palette will also help bounce light across the room. Bright colours and light neutrals can make a kitchen appear more open and spacious. Should you wish to use a darker colour, opt of two toned cupboards with lighter units on the wall to bring your eye up. Using lighter work surfaces and flooring, whether this is paired with light or dark units, will also reflect more light and appear to increase space.
Clever Storage Solutions
Having too many things out on worktops will only make the space feel more cluttered and overcrowded. Use clever storage solutions such as pull out corner cupboards and integrated bin systems to maximise storage. This keeps the worktops as open and organised as possible. Using floor to ceiling units will also make use of otherwise useless space above units, and draw the eye upwards. If you want to make the most of wall space and use more cupboards, but you are worried about boxing the room in by doing so, glass fronted cabinets can make the cabinets seem less imposing, and let more light around the room. The use of open shelving is also a great way to add more storage, without blocking your eyeline, and can help create variation and texture in a design for a more visually interesting space.
Appliances
Appliances can make a big difference to the look and feel of your kitchen space. Choose appliances that are not too chunky and take up a lot of space. Integrated appliances can make a kitchen look more streamline and open. Freestanding American fridge/freezers for example are generally deeper than their integrated equivalent and become a dominating feature.
If you would like a free kitchen design consultation to help plan your idea space, speak to Tasha our qualified interior designer.