Design Challenge: the Small Kitchen

Let’s face it. Not everyone has the space for their dream kitchen. There are ways to add design and function in a small kitchen, however.

First, make the room layout as efficient as possible. Use every inch of space and:

• Add 42-inch cabinets instead of the standard 36-inch, if your ceiling height allows. Remove soffits if possible.
• Mix in a few glass or opaque doors. This allows more light to filter in, balances the heaviness of the extra cabinetry; avoids a cavernous look
• In old houses, remove a pantry and add cabinets instead
• If the room is next to a den-like room, consider creating a half wall between the two rooms to make it appear larger; add a breakfast bar for additional functionality
• Add a skylight -- it will add more light without taking valuable cabinet space, as a window would
• Use other decorating touches  -- light colored paint and countertops; window valances instead of full curtains to allow more light in

Also think about the products you buy:

• Shop around for appliances -- try ones that are built into the cabinetry or installed as "counter depth." This eliminates the varying visual lines from appliances jutting out from the countertop. Also check out different sizes -- saving a few inches on your refrigerator width can make a huge difference in your overall layout.
• Consider organizational features such as built-in Lazy Susans, spice racks, etc. The extra efficiency will be worth the cost.
• Use large, light colored ceramic or vinyl floor tiles to open the space
• Add lighting above the cabinetry to draw attention upward