The kitchen doesn’t need to be overly big for it to successfully deliver as the heart of the home. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to make do with a room that performs the basic functions but looks and feels cramped. These kitchen remodeling tips will show you how to maximize the area you have and give this part of your house a sense of spaciousness.
Choose colors, patterns, and designs wisely
Low-contrast color schemes trick the eye into seeing more space than there is because the elements in the room aren’t chopped up by different hues. White is generally considered a small kitchen’s go-to color, but bold colors will also work as long as the palette is chosen with care.
Certain patterns, like big diamonds and horizontal stripes, make the room appear wider. Designs that complement an adjoining or adjacent room also create a ‘visual extension’ of your kitchen.
Be smart with storage
Storage in a small kitchen is a big challenge, but not an insurmountable one. A pull-out pantry or a corner cabinet is an excellent use of dead space. Instead of more cabinets and counters, racks and shelves can be mounted or carved into the walls. The more storage you can build, the less clutter you will have and the less crowded your kitchen will seem.
Some optical maneuvering also comes in handy. Camouflaging bulky appliances into the aesthetic improves the room’s flow and frees up visual space. Replacing wooden cabinet doors with glass does this as well.
Maximize lighting and reflections
Using natural and artificial light wisely is another tip to take to heart. A big window with simple treatments that invites a lot of natural light into the room allows you to ‘expand’ your kitchen without increasing floor area. In addition to the room’s main lighting, strategically placed lights that brighten up dark nooks also boost the illusion of space, as well as increase the functionality of your kitchen.
The use of reflective surfaces for backsplashes and countertops will supplement your lighting scheme beautifully. Mirrors, ceramic tiles, marble, and stainless steel are some of the materials you can experiment with.
It’s always a good idea to seek professional consultation, especially if you want to explore more extensive kitchen expansion options. Whether it’s maximizing the space you have or creating more space as needed, a dependable contractor will provide excellent guidance and service for the project. Remember that expert advice goes a long way, especially if the goal is decluttering an otherwise limited and congested space.
Sources:
Make a Small Kitchen Look Larger, BHG.com
Making a Small Kitchen Appear Larger, SouthernLiving.com
11 Small Kitchen Ideas That Make a Big Difference, Improvenet.com
