Few things are more frustrating than cooking meals in a tiny kitchen. You may feel as though you don’t have anywhere to put things when you return home from the grocery store. And you may find it challenging to prep meals with limited counter space. But fortunately, with the right tips and tricks, you can turn your cramped kitchen into an efficient and practical workspace. After reading our comprehensive guide on how to easily maximize small kitchen spaces, you will be ready to reorganize and make the most of your current kitchen situation.
Eliminate Unnecessary Clutter
The first step to maximizing space in a small kitchen is eliminating unnecessary clutter. This process can include removing any items that are not essential for cooking, preparing meals, or cleaning up afterward. Consider all nonessential items like unused appliances, decorations, and extra utensils when deciding what needs to go. If the item is bulky or takes up valuable countertop space but isn’t used often enough to warrant keeping it in your kitchen, consider donating it.
When deciding what is necessary for your kitchen, take stock of how frequently each item gets used weekly and prioritize accordingly. The goal is that anything not regularly utilized should either get removed from the area entirely or placed elsewhere, which won’t impede access or consume too much precious real estate within your limited work area.
Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are an ideal solution to maximize space in a small kitchen. They provide accessible storage without taking up valuable floor or countertop space and can get used for anything from storing cookbooks to displaying decorative items. There are several types available, including wood and metal options. You will also want to select the ideal location for your shelves to maximize your existing space. Consider installing the shelves in easy-to-access areas like above the sink or below the upper cabinets.
Once installed, floating shelves can help create an organized yet stylish look in any kitchen by providing additional room for items like cookware, spices, dinnerware sets, appliances, and more without taking away from countertop space. They also come in various colors and finishes, so it’s easy to find one that will fit seamlessly within your current decor while allowing you to mix and match different materials depending on what best suits your needs.
Utilize Storage Organizers
Storage organizers are also incredibly helpful when making the most of a small kitchen area. They are one of the most effective ways to keep everything neat and organized. Many different types of storage organizers are available for drawers and cabinets that can help maximize limited spaces while keeping items within easy reach. These include drawer dividers, cabinet inserts, shelf risers, and racks hanging from under-sink doors or over-the-cabinet bars.
Drawer dividers are especially useful in kitchens with multiple drawers because they allow you to separate utensils or cookware into individual compartments while keeping them together in one place. Cabinet inserts work similarly by enabling you to store things like pots and pans in their designated slots instead of stacking them on top of each other. Shelf risers provide easy access to spices, cooking supplies, and ingredients.
Consider Hanging Storage
One of the most convenient ways to increase storage space in a small kitchen is by utilizing hanging storage solutions. Several types of hanging storage are available, such as wall racks, hooks, and baskets that you can use for items like cooking utensils, pots, and pans. Wall racks can hang from the ceiling or mount on walls depending on where they’re most needed. Hooks are ideal for holding larger cookware sets such as cast-iron skillets since their size makes them difficult to store anywhere else. Simply attach them to an unused wall space near the stovetop so they remain readily accessible. And baskets are a great option if you need more room but lack drawer space.
Get a Rolling Island
A rolling island is an incredibly versatile piece of furniture in any kitchen, allowing you to create extra countertop space wherever needed. Not only can they provide a place to prepare meals and store ingredients, but they also offer additional storage solutions such as drawers and shelves, which are perfect for storing cookware or small appliances. Plus, thanks to their wheels, you can easily move these islands from one area of the kitchen to another, so if you need more room for entertaining guests or throwing dinner parties, then all that’s required is a quick push.
Use an Over-the-Sink Dish Rack
An over-the-sink dish rack is another effective way to make the most of limited kitchen space. Not only does it provide an easy and convenient way to store dishes, but it also helps keep countertops clear of clutter. This type of rack typically has legs that get positioned on both sides of the sink and can hold up to two dozen plates or bowls, depending on its size. To maximize its usage, consider investing in a multiple-level model to organize dishes into categories such as plates, cups, and utensils, making them easier to find when needed.
Avoid Overcrowding the Space
If you want to increase the space in your kitchen, it’s essential to avoid overcrowding. Large furniture, unnecessary appliances, and clutter can take up more room than necessary. Therefore, making strategic choices is crucial so you don’t waste valuable space. One way to avoid overcrowding a small kitchen is by using multipurpose furniture. This type of furniture offers several advantages, such as providing extra storage while acting as countertop space and seating when needed. For example, you can fold an extendable dining table against the wall to provide additional workspace whenever you need it while keeping something out of sight when not in use.
Now that you have this complete guide on maximizing small kitchen spaces, you can implement these strategies and solutions into your home. As you work to make the most of your kitchen, consider installing new cabinets for additional storage, like the Masterbrand semi-custom cabinets available online from iCabinetry. These cabinets will make your kitchen more efficient while adding style and sophistication to elevate the room.
