Avoiding Designs Mistakes During a Small Kitchen Renovation
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
A small kitchen renovation requires a special eye for detail. You want to maximize your space, yet avoid some common cabinet design mistakes. Here's a primer on how to approach this tricky situation.
Adding Too Much With Kitchen Renovations
Many people try to cram in as much as possible in a small kitchen. They'll use very imaginable square inch for kitchen cabinets, countertops and storage. In theory, this is a good idea, but it should be tempered with a little common sense.
People need to walk around in the kitchen, particularly if you entertain frequently or spend a lot of time preparing meals. As you discuss your kitchen cabinet layout with the contractor, ask yourself whether you need the cabinets to:
Using Dark Cabinets
While many contractors will tell you that dark cabinets are in vogue, it's safer to use light woods in a small space. Cabinets made from maple, birch, or pine will help make the space appear larger.
Forgetting the Details
Cabinetry details often are the window dressing that makes the room. A small space can handle some decorative crown molding, although it should be proportional to the ceiling height and the space. Use a two-inch molding instead of a five-inch molding, for example.
Hardware is another great way to dress up cabinets. In a small space, look for knobs and pulls that have some scrolling or other details, but are not too big or bulky.
While small kitchens can be a challenge, there are many ways to use cabinetry to enhance the space. The key is to consider whether the room has the right balance and proportion.
Adding Too Much With Kitchen Renovations
Many people try to cram in as much as possible in a small kitchen. They'll use very imaginable square inch for kitchen cabinets, countertops and storage. In theory, this is a good idea, but it should be tempered with a little common sense.
People need to walk around in the kitchen, particularly if you entertain frequently or spend a lot of time preparing meals. As you discuss your kitchen cabinet layout with the contractor, ask yourself whether you need the cabinets to:
- Go all the way to the ceiling. 42-inch cabinets are great, but they can create a cavernous look, particularly in a galley kitchen. Try replacing a few with 36-inch cabinets to vary the heights.
- Be all solid. Try taking the doors off of one and using it for storing knick-knacks. Add glass panels on a few kitchen cabinets to bring in more light.
- Come right to the edge of the back door ? by taking a few inches off the cabinet run, you can give the door more room to open.
Using Dark Cabinets
While many contractors will tell you that dark cabinets are in vogue, it's safer to use light woods in a small space. Cabinets made from maple, birch, or pine will help make the space appear larger.
Forgetting the Details
Cabinetry details often are the window dressing that makes the room. A small space can handle some decorative crown molding, although it should be proportional to the ceiling height and the space. Use a two-inch molding instead of a five-inch molding, for example.
Hardware is another great way to dress up cabinets. In a small space, look for knobs and pulls that have some scrolling or other details, but are not too big or bulky.
While small kitchens can be a challenge, there are many ways to use cabinetry to enhance the space. The key is to consider whether the room has the right balance and proportion.
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